Frankfurt is a major city in Germany with a mix of modern towers and historic streets. The glass skyscrapers rise near old timber houses, and the Main River runs through the center of the city. The things to do in Frankfurt include visiting museums, walking along the river, and spending time in traditional apple wine taverns.
This guide lists the main places to visit with clear details on timings, entry fees, and locations. You can plan your time around historic buildings, museums, river walks, and city viewpoints, based on how you prefer to travel.
- 1. Römerberg (Old Town Center)
- 2. Main Tower
- 3. Goethe House and Museum
- 4. Städel Museum
- 5. Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)
- 6. Palmengarten (Botanical Garden)
- 7. Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom)
- 8. Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
- 9. Kleinmarkthalle
- 10. Sachsenhausen District
- 11. Alte Oper (Old Opera House)
- FAQs
1. Römerberg (Old Town Center)
Römerberg forms the historic center of Frankfurt and remains its most recognizable square. The Römer complex, made up of three medieval buildings, has served as the city hall for more than 600 years.
The Fountain of Justice stands at the center and often acts as a meeting point. This square holds a clear place among the must see places in Frankfurt for visitors interested in the city’s older side.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Römerberg 26, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Open 24/7 hours
- Price: Free entry; Set aside 1 hour for exploring the square
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2. Main Tower
The Main Tower ranks among the tallest buildings in Germany and remains the only skyscraper in the city with a public viewing platform. A high-speed elevator takes visitors to the top, and this vantage point explains why Frankfurt often carries the nickname “Mainhattan.”
The observation deck sits about 200 meters above ground and offers skyline photos in clear weather. This stop fits naturally into the things to do in Frankfurt for visitors interested in modern city views.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, Friday to Saturday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Price: Fees €9/ INR 959 for adults and €6/ INR 639 reduced rate for kids; Set aside 1 hour for visiting the observation deck
3. Goethe House and Museum
Goethe House marks the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most well-known literary figure. Born here in 1749, Goethe spent his early years in this family home and wrote some of his first works within these walls.
Next door, the museum displays paintings, manuscripts, and personal objects from Goethe’s time. This site remains one of the top things to do in Frankfurt for visitors interested in literature and cultural history.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Price: Fees €12/ INR 1278 for adults and €7/ INR 745 for students; Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for visiting the house and museum
4. Städel Museum
The Städel Museum ranks among Germany’s leading art museums and presents European art across seven centuries. Galleries display works by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Vermeer.
The museum stands along the riverbank and draws attention through its modern design and open spaces. This stop suits visitors searching for things to do in Frankfurt, Germany, that focus on art and culture.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (closed Monday)
- Price: Fee €18 for adults; Set aside 3 hours for visiting the museum
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5. Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)
The Eiserner Steg dates back to the 19th century and links the city center with the Sachsenhausen district. Iron railings along the bridge hold thousands of love locks left by couples over the years.
A walk here fits easily among the fun things to do in Frankfurt, especially between nearby attractions. Evening hours bring reflections of city lights across the water, which adds to the setting.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: Mainkai, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; Set aside 30 minutes for a walk and photos
6. Palmengarten (Botanical Garden)
The Palmengarten is one of the largest botanical gardens in Germany, covering 54 acres. It features numerous greenhouses that replicate various climates, from tropical rainforests to sub-antarctic landscapes. The Tropicarium is a highlight, housing exotic plants from across the globe.
The garden offers a peaceful escape with its ponds, rose gardens, and open-air concerts during the summer. It is a top choice for things to do in Frankfurt today if you want to enjoy nature within the city. There is also a small train that children love to ride.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Palmengartenstraße 11, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Price: Fess €9.00 for adults (Free for children and youth up to 17 years old); Set aside 2 to 3 hours for visiting the garden
7. Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom)
The Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is a Gothic structure that played a major role in German history. Between 1562 and 1792, it was the site where ten Holy Roman Emperors were crowned. The red sandstone tower is a dominant feature of the old town skyline.
The visitors can climb the 328 steps of the tower for a unique view of the surrounding rooftops. This church continues to rank among the must see places in Frankfurt for travelers interested in history and heritage.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Price: Cathedral entry is free; Set aside 1 hour for the visit
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8. Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
Museumsufer stretches along both sides of the Main River and brings together many of the city’s key museums. The area includes institutions focused on film, architecture, and world cultures, all within short walking distance.
Riverside paths connect the museums and create a pleasant route between stops. This area forms an important part of the things to do in Frankfurt for visitors who want variety in one location.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Brückenstraße 3-7, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, closed Monday
- Price: €21.00 for a 2-day Museumsufer Ticket; Set aside a half-day to a full day to explore the area.
9. Kleinmarkthalle
The Kleinmarkthalle is a bustling indoor market hall featuring over 150 stalls selling fresh food and regional specialties. It is the best place to find local “Green Sauce” (Grüne Soße) and various German sausages. The market offers a sensory experience with its vibrant colors and smells.
Many residents stop here on Saturdays to shop and enjoy a glass of wine on the upper level. This market ranks among the most fun things to do in Frankfurt for travelers who enjoy local food culture.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Sunday
- Price: Free entry; Set aside 1 hour for exploring the market and tasting local snacks
10. Sachsenhausen District
Sachsenhausen, located south of the river, is famous for its traditional cobblestone streets and “Ebbelwoi” (apple wine) taverns. This district has a much more relaxed and historic feel than the modern banking district. It is the cultural home of Frankfurt’s local beverage.
Wooden benches and shared tables define the taverns, where apple wine and regional dishes remain the focus. An evening here stands out among the things to do in Frankfurt, Germany for visitors who want local flavors.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Alt-Sachsenhausen, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Best visited in the afternoon or evening
- Price: Free to explore; Set aside 2 to 3 hours for wandering the district and dining
11. Alte Oper (Old Opera House)
Alte Oper stands as a restored Renaissance-style landmark near the city center. The original opera house suffered heavy damage during the war and later underwent careful reconstruction. Today, the building functions as a major concert venue rather than an opera stage.
The classical concerts, symphonies, and musical performances now fill the program. The structure reflects Frankfurt’s effort to preserve historic architecture while adapting it for modern use.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Opernplatz 1, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Timings: Open one hour before the performance starts
- Price: Free to view exterior; Set aside 30 minutes for viewing the exterior
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Frankfurt for first-time visitors?
Start your visit at the Römerberg, the historic square that represents the traditional heart of the city. The Main Tower offers panoramic views of the skyline from above. A walk across the Iron Bridge and an evening in the Sachsenhausen district for apple wine complete your first day.
What shouldn’t you miss in Frankfurt?
You must not miss the Städel Museum if you have an interest in art, as it is one of the finest in Europe. The Städel Museum ranks among Europe’s finest art collections and deserves a few hours of your time. Kleinmarkthalle is the place to taste local dishes like Grüne Soße, a cold herb sauce served with eggs.
What are the best things to do in Frankfurt during the day?
The Palmengarten botanical gardens offer a peaceful escape filled with tropical plants and quiet paths. A stroll along the Museumsufer riverbank connects you to a row of world-class museums. The shopping on the Zeil, the city’s main pedestrian street, keeps you busy until evening.
What are the best things to do in Frankfurt at night?
The Sachsenhausen district is the place to be at night for traditional apple wine taverns and a lively atmosphere. You can also enjoy a performance at the Alte Oper or visit one of the many rooftop bars in the banking district for a view of the illuminated skyline.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Frankfurt?
The Senckenberg Natural History Museum houses massive dinosaur skeletons that capture children’s attention instantly. Palmengarten features a miniature train and open green spaces for kids to run freely. The Experiminta ScienceCenter offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for younger visitors.
What are the best cultural things to do in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt Cathedral tells the story of imperial coronations that shaped German history. The Museumsufer riverbank holds treasures like the German Film Museum, making it one of the best things to do in Frankfurt today. A classical concert at the Alte Oper connects you to the city’s rich artistic traditions.
What are the top food experiences in Frankfurt?
Frankfurter Würstchen, the city’s famous smoked sausages, belong on every food lover’s list. Handkäse mit Musik, a tangy cheese dish with onions and vinegar, pairs perfectly with local apple wine. Save room for Frankfurter Kranz, a layered buttercream cake that locals have enjoyed for generations.
What are the best shopping areas in Frankfurt?
The Zeil is one of Germany’s busiest shopping streets, lined with department stores and global brands. Goethestraße caters to luxury shoppers with designer boutiques from Prada to Gucci. Berger Straße in the Bornheim district offers smaller shops and local designer finds.
What’s the best time of year to visit Frankfurt for sightseeing?
Late spring and early autumn bring mild temperatures that make walking the city a pleasure. May, June, September, and October are ideal for outdoor things to do in Frankfurt. However, visiting in December is also very popular due to the world-famous Christmas market at Römerberg.
