Also known as Frankfurt am Main, this city is in the centre of Germany, near the river Main. It is one of the 5 largest cities of the country. For this reason, you will find many things to see during your stay in Frankfurt, since this city stands out for its great commerce, culture, education, tourism and transportation.
In addition, it is of great interest due to its history, and its relevance during the Roman-Germanic Empire. To see the evolution of this highly developed and avant-garde city is magnificent; that is why we will show you all the places you should visit based on their popularity among travellers.
Things to do in Frankfurt
Visit Römer
In the historical part of the city of Frankfurt we can find Römer square. There are also many restaurants, ice cream parlours and a great variety of stores in the area. You can walk and enjoy the architecture on show in the streets surrounding the Römer.
The Romer is a small but picturesque square. It is a place that you will be excited to see the first time, and every other time you see it, as the variety of stores and restaurants that are around it make Römer a new experience every time you walk through it.
To get to this place, walking through narrow streets seems almost magical. The town hall, in the old square, is a jewel of medieval architecture. It almost looks like a toy, compared to the size of the buildings in Frankfurt.
Iron Bridge
It is a small but very romantic bridge. It is full of padlocks, as a symbol of love. At night it has stunning views, totally ideal for taking pictures. At the entrance you can find marks of the different floods that have existed throughout the history of the city. It has ramps for lowering and raising bicycles in the stairs.
From this bridge you can get the best views of the city. The skyline of Frankfurt’s buildings is something out of this world. It shows the potential of a very thriving city. Also, the Main River is a wonderful place to enjoy the views. An excellent place to stroll around and to get an idea of how impressive Frankfurt is.
Goethe’s House
If you are passionate about Goethe you have to visit the house. The cost of 7 euros is quite cheap for what it offers. It is a reconstructed building, as it was destroyed during the second World War. It is located in the centre of Frankfurt, so you can walk to it while visiting the city.
An amazing house to see in Frankfurt, it transports you to the 1700s to discover the history of Goethe’s family, the most important writer of Germany, who was born in this city. The furniture you will find here is original. Besides learning about the life of the writer, you can also find out how the bourgeoisie of the 19th century lived.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do around Frankfurt
Around Frankfurt, you will also find places to your liking, especially green areas and museums that will catch your attention. Here is a list of what you can see on the outskirts of the city if you want to spread your wings.
Explore the Palmengarten
Let yourself be enchanted by this wonderful garden, as its different areas have diverse flora from all around the world. You can also see different animals playing around the garden, well cared sculptures, and the most remarkable thing, the thematic greenhouses, where you will find a variety of tropical plants and not to mention the collection of carnivorous plants.
You can also learn how to do home experiments with lemons. If that weren’t enough, there is a lake where you can take canoe rides, sounds fun right? Outside this wonderful garden, you can find a fountain, a large green area, and a rest area. Everything is very well kept. The entrance fee is only 7 euros.
Walk around Hessenpark
The Hessenpark is a very interesting park/museum where you can see the different ways of living over time in Germany. It has original buildings and collections of common utensils used throughout the last two centuries. This place is not just beautiful but also very interesting, and you have to see when in Frankfurt. Although it is not an imposing skyscraper or a luxurious museum, this park will capture your attention all the same.
In the Hessenpark, there are many small old German houses and inside each of them there are museums. You need to buy a ticket and then you can stay as long as you want. This park has a cafeteria, bakery, small stores, etc. Where you can rest and eat. There is also a small lake.
The interesting thing is that all the houses are also built like in different parts of Hessen. You can see tillage roofs in the northern part and thatched roofs in the southern part.
Things to do in Frankfurt with kids
If you are visiting Frankfurt with your little ones, and want to spend a nice day or afternoon, don’t worry, we will show you the ideal places to share with the little ones.
Frankfurt Zoo
Zoos are a must-see when visiting a city. In the case of Frankurt, it is no exception. This is one of those zoos, which may not amaze you with its size, or by the number of exotic species it has, but rather, with its incomparable simplicity.
In this magnificent zoo, with well-kept facilities, a large animal collection, and to top it off, fairly inexpensive entry, is a must if you visit Frankfurt. It also has a great animal sponsorship system and good breeding programs for endangered species.
Have fun at Rebstockbad
A spectacular activity, not to be missed if you are looking for a fun afternoon in Frankfurt. This water park is certainly very promising; here cleanliness and order prevail. In addition, you can try different activities for the little ones as well as for the older ones. You can swim in the different pools, with or without slides, and you can find sand, chairs, lounge chairs and play areas.
As if that were not enough, it also has a relaxation area, which consists of a pool with hot water and massage service. If you think it’s perfect, the price will seem even better. At only 8 Euros you can access these services, go and have fun!
Things to do in Franfkurt during Christmas
If you decide to visit Frankfurt at Christmas time, you can’t miss the following places, which are great during this season. Don’t forget that this German city has a lot to offer you, whatever the season you visit it.
Go shopping at Frankfurt’s Christmas Market
Do you love the Christmas atmosphere? If so, you can’t miss this place; its wide streets, decorated stores and lanterns and the huge Christmas tree will captivate you immediately. But its decoration is not everything. Here, you will find different activities and events, such as carolling, stalls selling Christmas decorations and especially toys, as well as food stalls. You can buy wine, grapes and bread. During your stroll, you can buy hot chocolate, which is the most common thing you will find.
You can enjoy this Christmas market and fair from November 26 to December 22. It takes place at the Römer square.
Visit the Museumsufer
It is one of the most beautiful places you can see in Frankfurt on the side of Sachsenhausen, which makes it also possible to combine it with a visit to the museum in bad weather. The film museum or the Städel for art lovers would also be great for this.
Museumsufer is a tree-lined avenue by the river and on the museum street. You can cycle, skateboard, jog along the river or just sit by the river, as well as take in the view of the old city on the opposite bank.
The museums are lined up like pearls on a string on the Schaumainkai in Frankfurt am Main. To name just a few; the Giersch University Museum with interesting special exhibitions, like all museums here, the Liebighaus with wonderful sculptures and also its beautiful café, the Städel.
Things to do in Frankfurt in a weekend
Reach the Main Tower
It’s a 200 metre-high tower, with 56 floors, where you can get a wonderful view of the city. Don’t forget to take a good camera with you, so you can capture the contrast between the modern area with the old part of Frankfurt. I also recommend going at night, the night scenery is unbeatable. You can get to this viewpoint by paying 7 euros. If you want to visit another luxurious tower we recommend the Commerzbank Tower.
Visit the Städel Museum
A must-see museum if you go to Frankfurt; they have a very large exhibition with quite relevant paintings. They also have a great presentation of religious art. So if you have at least 3 hours to see the site quietly, you should not miss it. Tickets cost 14.50 euros.
Keep in mind that it is one of the best art galleries in Germany, covering several centuries of European art history, from Gothic to the present day. We definitely recommend visiting if you like art and you pass through Frankfurt.
The permanent exhibition has very famous artists, but the temporary exhibitions are also very worthwhile. Recommended for those who love both classical and modern art. It has a floor dedicated only to painting, sculpture and different works of modern style by different artists.
Museum für Moderne Kunst
Without a doubt one of the great museums of modern art. The Candy Nolan exhibit is particularly powerful: the barriers erected in massive spaces allowed both the artwork and the construction to speak, and provide space for reflection. The staff is helpful and courteous – even the central staircase is truly incredible and in itself a work of art!
The Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art is always worth a visit. Not only will the architecture will amaze you; but also the individual rooms that are used by the curators with sensitive installations, along with the paintings that rest in front of an intimidating wall. They make this a must-see museum in Frankfurt.
The architecture of this museum, as already said, is somehow even more interesting than the works it houses. The contrast between the huge white rooms and the very small painting, has forced a kind of interaction with the art itself.
Contemplate the Liebieghaus Statues
Learning about art and history is always a good plan, you can go as a couple or with friends and enjoy this vast museum of sculptures. The exhibitions of sculptures from different periods made of ivory. They are beautiful; the detail of realism with which they are made is impressive. Here, you will also find exhibitions of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art.
Besides the art collections, you will also find a well-kept garden, library, and cafeteria where you can rest after your exploration of this museum. The coffee and cake they sell is exquisite. You can access the Liebieghaus for only 10 euros. It does not include audio guide, which is an additional 4 euros.
Historisches Museum in Frankfurt
Before leaving Frankfurt, you must learn its history, and what better place than the Frankfurt Historical Museum. Here you will find 15 collections in which cultural and historical objects are exhibited, such as everyday home culture since 1880, photographs, objects of science and research, sculptures and technologies, among others.
It also has a store inside the museum where they sell books, catalogues and amazing details to buy as a souvenir of your stay. Watch the growth of Frankfurt throughout history, for only 10 euros. And if you are under 18 years old, admission is totally free!
Things to do in Frankfurt for free
Don’t miss out on the different things that you can do, either in company or alone. Don’t let budget be an excuse not to explore Frankfurt. Below you will find the places where you can spend an amazing day without spending a penny.
Walk around Nizza
It is an extensive riverside park, located near the Main River, which is surrounded by Mediterranean-looking walls. Here, you will find diverse vegetation such as citrus trees, palm trees, cedars and ginkgo trees. Because of the size of the park, you can do different activities, such as hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking or simply go to the Nizza and admire the view of Frankfurt. This park has public restrooms and a pedestrian bridge with a wonderful architecture.
Chill at Grüneburgpark
Frankfurt’s Grüneburgpark is something like New York’s Central Park. A bit smaller, but no less important for outdoor exercise. With its obelisk and Russian Orthodox Church, the various oriental buildings and the adjacent university, it’s all quite unique!
Spacious, with great parking and close to Palmengarten; Frankfurt’s green lung has transportation, restaurants and more. There also are playgrounds for children, and training area for adults as well. The best days are the weekends, as the people visiting the park on those days creates a lively environment.
It is probably the largest and most beautiful park in Frankfurt, and one of the parks you can’t miss during your stay.
Goethestraße
Frankfurt is known for being the headquarters of several international companies. That is why in this street you can shop or visit the most famous fashion stores, such as Chanel, Gucci and Hermès. There are also world-class jewellery stores such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier, among others. Also, you can find independent stores, restaurants and cafes, which are wonderful to rest after a long shopping in this prestigious street of Frankfurt.
Itineraries for your trip to Frankfurt
Because it is one of the most visited cities in Germany, the range of things to see is quite wide and quite limited by the length of your stay. But you don’t have to worry about missing out on everything this city has to offer. We have provided below the places you should see in the days of your stay.
Things to do in Frankfurt in 1 day
As you start your first day in Frankfurt, we have the best tourist sites that will certainly make your first impression of this city unforgettable. From a square that connects all the beauty of this city, to a park/museum that will show you the life of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century. Start your adventure in Frankfurt without missing these places.
- Römer
- Main Tower
- Hessenpark
- Goethestraße
- Museum für Moderne Kunst
Things to do in Frankfurt in 2 days
On your second day, once you have been enchanted by the city, you can not miss the following sites. Perhaps not as popular, but certainly worth visiting, such as the gardens and museums that you can find in every corner of this city.
- Iron Bridge
- Goethe House
- Städel Museum
- Nizza
- Palmengarten
Things to do in Frankfurt in 3 days
Saving the best till last, these places will guarantee you a great day. You can start the morning by visiting one of the most beautiful zoos in Germany, or travel through the history of Frankfurt in the museum. In the afternoon, when the sun sets and paints the sky orange, going up to the Liebieghaus viewpoint is an experience you cannot miss. This and much more to see on your third day.
- Frankfurt Zoo
- Grüneburgpark
- Rebstockbad
- Liebieghaus
- Historisches Museum Frankfurt
- Museumsufer
How to create your itinerary of the places you want to see in Frankfurt?
Download the Passporter app so you can plan your trip in the most organised way, according to the days and places you want to see in Frankfurt.
With this app you will be able to:
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Save valuable information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps having your accommodation as a starting point, or any other point that you indicate.
- Know the best travel option for each place.
Finally, save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go, so when someone asks you “How was your trip in Frankfurt?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frankfurt am Main is the most important city in the federal state of Hesse in Germany. This wonderful city is located in a valley below the Taunus Hills in the north. You can easily find this city by heading to the centre of the Rhine-Main region.
One of the best times to enjoy what this city has to offer is in summer, since the warm weather is is ideal for the most beautiful and touristic places in this city. Whether parks or museums, the warm weather offered by the summer will allow you to travel throughout the city without worries, besides being able to enjoy the fresh air in its parks. Even so, any time is the right time to travel!
In Frankfurt, we can find all kinds of transportation, the main one, which you will surely use to come to this city, are the airports, diverse and immense, this city has two different main airports:
– Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA)
– Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)
Once inside the city, the Frankfurt metro, together with the S-Bahn train and the different streetcars in the city, will be your main means of transportation, and the fastest and most efficient.
As you will see, public transportation is so efficient that you will almost forget about cabs, which are also available. Even so, going alone is not recommended, since the cost of these is usually high.
To eat, the gastronomic variety of Frankfurt will delight you. Along with the cuisine, the multiple restaurants that bring together the best of a place, the food, the atmosphere, and the people in it. Below I will describe one of the best restaurants to make your visit to Frankfurt a delicious experience.
– Ebbelwoi Unser
If you are looking for something traditional, worthy of being visited with nostalgic eyes, this restaurant, whose appearance simulates that of a traditional tavern, has good food and better yet, a good atmosphere. Here you can find the typical sausage, the giant meatball, or the escalope, and you can’t miss an exquisite dessert.
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