Welcome to Frankfurt am Main, a city of contrasts — where futuristic skyscrapers tower over cobblestone streets, and high finance blends seamlessly with world-class art and centuries-old tradition. Known as Germany’s financial hub, Frankfurt surprises visitors with its rich cultural scene, historic neighborhoods, and green riverbanks perfect for strolls and sightseeing.
As your guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting this fascinating city: from top attractions and hidden gems to food, festivals, and travel tips.
🗺️ Table of Contents
Why Visit Frankfurt?
Quick History of Frankfurt
How to Get to Frankfurt
Best Time to Visit
Top Attractions in Frankfurt
Museums and Cultural Highlights
Frankfurt’s Skyline and Modern Architecture
Old Town (Alt-Sachsenhausen & Römerberg)
Food and Drink in Frankfurt
Parks, Gardens, and the River Main
Day Trips from Frankfurt
Where to Stay
Annual Events and Festivals
Travel Tips
FAQs
🌟 1. Why Visit Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is more than just banks and business. It’s:
A cultural powerhouse with over 30 museums
Home to the European Central Bank and international trade fairs
Filled with green spaces and riverside paths
An easy transport hub for exploring all of Germany and Europe
A city of culinary diversity and international vibes
Whether you’re here for a layover, a business trip, or a full city break, Frankfurt has something to offer everyone.
📚 2. Quick History of Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s roots go back to Roman times. Over the centuries, it became a major trade center, the coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors, and later, a financial capital.
Highlights:
9th century: First mentioned as “Franconofurd”
1562–1792: Imperial coronations held at Frankfurt Cathedral
1800s: Birthplace of writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
1944: Heavily bombed in WWII; much of the Old Town rebuilt afterward
Today: A global business center with an exciting blend of old and new
🚆 3. How to Get to Frankfurt
✈️ By Air
Frankfurt Airport (FRA): One of Europe’s busiest hubs
15 minutes to the city center by S-Bahn (S8 or S9)
🚄 By Train
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main Station): Major rail junction
Direct trains from Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Zurich, and more
🚗 By Car
Well connected via Autobahns A3, A5, and A66
City driving is easy, but parking can be expensive
🌤️ 4. Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May): Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms, fewer crowds
Summer (June–August): Warm, great for festivals and outdoor dining
Autumn (September–October): Wine season and beautiful colors
Winter (November–December): Magical Christmas market in Römerberg
🏰 5. Top Attractions in Frankfurt
🏛️ Römerberg Square
The heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town
See the Römer (Town Hall), timber-framed houses, and historic charm
Perfect for photos and people-watching
⛪ Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom)
Gothic-style cathedral where emperors were crowned
Climb the tower for panoramic views
🖼️ Städel Museum
One of Germany’s top art museums
Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Picasso, and more
🌉 Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge)
Pedestrian bridge with love locks
Offers stunning views of the skyline and Main River
🏙️ Main Tower
Observation deck at 200 meters
Best place to admire Frankfurt’s unique blend of old and new
🖼️ 6. Museums and Cultural Highlights
Frankfurt is packed with museums, many along the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment).
Must-visit museums:
Städel Museum – European art from the 14th century to today
German Film Museum – Cinema history and interactive exhibits
Museum of Modern Art (MMK) – Avant-garde and contemporary art
Goethe House – Birthplace of Germany’s literary giant, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Senckenberg Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, fossils, and biodiversity
On Museum Embankment Festival (Museumsuferfest) in August, the entire area comes alive with open-air performances, food, and museum specials.
🌇 7. Frankfurt’s Skyline and Modern Architecture
Known as “Mainhattan,” Frankfurt’s skyline is unmatched in Germany.
Highlights:
Commerzbank Tower – Once the tallest building in Europe
Eurotower – Former seat of the European Central Bank
MyZeil – Futuristic shopping center with a spiraling glass atrium
Tip: For breathtaking views, go to the Main Tower or enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar like Bar TwentyTwo.
🏘️ 8. Old Town & Sachsenhausen
🏰 Römerberg
Rebuilt after WWII to resemble its original medieval style
Seasonal markets, festivals, and photo-worthy streets
🍻 Alt-Sachsenhausen
Famous for Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns
Historic pubs like Zum Gemalten Haus or Fichtekränzi
Cobblestone alleys, cheerful crowds, and authentic German vibe
This district offers a glimpse of traditional Frankfurt charm.
🍽️ 9. Food and Drink in Frankfurt
Frankfurt's food scene mixes Saxon-German cuisine with international flavors.
Must-try local dishes:
Frankfurter Würstchen – Iconic sausages served with mustard
Grüne Soße (Green Sauce) – A herb-based cold sauce, best with potatoes or eggs
Handkäse mit Musik – Sour milk cheese with onions and vinegar
Apfelwein – A tart cider, usually enjoyed in ceramic jugs
Where to eat:
Kleinmarkthalle – Indoor market with fresh produce and global eats
Mainkai Café – Riverside dining with skyline views
Restaurant Klosterhof – Traditional fare in a cozy setting
🌳 10. Parks and the River Main
Frankfurt may be a city of steel and glass, but it has lots of green space.
🌳 Palmengarten
Botanical gardens with tropical houses, rose gardens, and boat rides
🌲 Grüneburgpark
Popular with locals for picnics and jogging
🚴 Main River Promenade
Great for walking, cycling, or river cruises
Sunset views of the skyline are unforgettable
🚆 11. Day Trips from Frankfurt
Frankfurt is ideally located for easy getaways.
🏰 Heidelberg
Romantic castle, charming old town (1 hour by train)
🍇 Rüdesheim am Rhein
Vineyards, Rhine River cruises, and medieval streets (1.5 hours)
🏙️ Wiesbaden & Mainz
Twin cities offering Roman ruins, baroque palaces, and spa culture
🏞️ Taunus Mountains
Nature trails, quaint villages, and panoramic views
🏨 12. Where to Stay
🏢 Luxury
Jumeirah Frankfurt – 5-star hotel with skyline views
Roomers Frankfurt – Chic boutique with rooftop spa
🏙️ Mid-range
NH Collection Frankfurt City – Modern, central, great breakfast
Motel One Römer – Stylish, budget-friendly, great location
💰 Budget
a&o Hostel Frankfurt Galluswarte – Affordable and near transport
Five Elements Hostel – Friendly atmosphere, ideal for solo travelers
🎉 13. Events and Festivals
Frankfurt Book Fair (October) – Largest book trade fair in the world
Museumsuferfest (August) – Three-day cultural festival along the river
Frankfurt Christmas Market (Late Nov–Dec) – Historic setting, festive cheer
Spring Dippemess (April) – Traditional fair with rides and snacks
💡 14. Travel Tips
Frankfurt Card: Save on transport and museum entry
Tap water is drinkable — ask for “Leitungswasser”
Many businesses accept cards, but carry some euros for markets
The Bahnhofsviertel area is safe during the day, but use caution at night
Sundays = quiet: shops closed, but museums and restaurants remain open
❓ 15. FAQs
Q: Is Frankfurt good for tourists?
A: Yes — especially for art, history, food, and international culture.
Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Absolutely. Frankfurt is very international, and most people speak English well.
Q: How many days do I need in Frankfurt?
A: 2–3 days is ideal for the main sights and a day trip.
🧳 Final Thoughts
Frankfurt is a city that defies expectations. It's more than just a financial hub — it’s a place where skyscrapers and cathedrals coexist, where Goethe’s poetry meets cutting-edge art, and where tradition lives on in every sip of Apfelwein.