Beyond the Skyline: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt am Main is a city of dizzying contradictions. To the business traveler, it is "Mainhattan"—a glittering grid of steel and glass skyscrapers housing Europe’s financial powerhouses. But step off the high-speed ICE train, look past the corporate towers, and you will find a city deeply rooted in history, rich in cultural heritage, and surprisingly laid-back.

Whether you are stopping over for 48 hours or embarking on a longer European adventure, Germany's transit heart has plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Let's dive into the best things to do in Frankfurt, from medieval squares to bohemian cider taverns.

1. Step Back in Time in the Neue Altstadt and Römerberg

For decades, Frankfurt lacked a cohesive historic core due to the devastating air raids of World War II. However, the completion of the Neue Altstadt (New Old Town) project has miraculously brought the city's medieval soul back to life. Spanning the area between the Cathedral (Dom) and the iconic Römerberg square, this meticulously reconstructed neighborhood features 35 buildings, including 15 exact historical replicas.

As you stroll through the cobblestone alleys, look out for the Römer, the distinctive triple-gabled city hall that has stood here since 1405.

Cultural Pro-Tip: Don't miss the Goldene Waage (Golden Scale), a stunningly ornate Renaissance town house. Stop by its ground-floor café for a slice of traditional Frankfurter Kranz (a crown-shaped buttercream cake) and a cup of coffee.

Highlights in the Historic Core:

• The Kaiserdom (St. Bartholomew's Cathedral): The Gothic coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors. Climb the 328 steps of the cathedral tower for a panoramic view of the old and new city.
• Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen): Standing proudly in the center of Römerberg, featuring Lady Justice holding her scales.

If you're planning a broader trip through Germany, you can easily integrate Frankfurt into a larger itinerary using our Germany Comprehensive Guide or map out your route with the interactive Voyage Roams Trip Planner.

2. Walk the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Frankfurt boasts one of the most impressive cultural landscapes in Europe, concentrated along the banks of the Main River. Known as the Museumsufer, this leafy embankment in the Sachsenhausen district is home to over a dozen world-class museums lined up side-by-side.

If you only have time for one, make it the Städel Museum. It houses an unparalleled collection spanning 700 years of European art history, featuring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Vermeer.

Other Must-Visit Museums Along the River:

1. 1Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum): An interactive journey through the history of cinematography.
2. 2Museum Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts): A sleek, Richard Meier-designed building hosting avant-garde design and fashion exhibits.
3. 3Liebieghaus: A beautiful 19th-century villa housing a world-class collection of sculptures from ancient Egypt to the Neoclassical era.

Money-Saving Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple cultural institutions, purchase the Museumsufer Ticket for €26, which grants entry to 39 museums over two consecutive days. Check out more budget hacks in our Budget Travel Guides.

3. Savor "Ebbelwei" in Sachsenhausen

To truly understand Frankfurt's local soul, you must cross the river to Alt-Sachsenhausen and partake in the city's favorite social ritual: drinking Apfelwein (affectionately called Ebbelwei or Schoppe by locals).

This tart, refreshing apple cider has been brewed in the region for over 250 years. It is traditionally served from a grey-and-blue stoneware jug called a Bembel and poured into a ribbed glass known as a Geripptes, which historically helped people grip the glass with greasy hands.

For an authentic culinary experience, head to Adolf Wagner or Zum Gemalten Haus. Sit at the long, communal wooden tables, strike up a conversation with your neighbors, and pair your cider with hearty local specialties.

What to Order:

• Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold, herb-infused sauce made from seven specific herbs (including borage, chervil, and sorrel), served with hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. It's a vegetarian masterpiece!
• Handkäs mit Musik: A pungent sour-milk cheese marinated in vinegar, oil, onions, and caraway seeds (the "music" refers to the flatulence-inducing properties of the raw onions).

For more culinary inspiration across Europe, explore our Food & Drink Highlights hub.

4. Touch the Sky at the Main Tower

While Frankfurt’s history is captivating, its modern skyline is equally impressive. To get the best bird's-eye view of the city, head to the Main Tower.

Standing at 200 meters (656 feet) tall, it is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public outdoor viewing platform. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Taunus, Odenwald, and Spessart mountain ranges.

• When to go: Time your visit for about 30 minutes before sunset. You'll get to witness the golden hour reflecting off the glass towers before the city lights flicker to life.
• Cost: Approximately €9 for adults, with discounts available for families and students.

5. Find Serenity in the Palmengarten

When the hustle of the city center becomes overwhelming, seek refuge in the Palmengarten, Germany’s largest botanical garden. Established in 1871, this 54-acre green oasis in the Westend district features historic greenhouses, manicured lawns, and quiet ponds.

The centerpiece is the Palmenhaus, a magnificent Victorian-era iron and glass structure housing a lush rainforest of giant palms, ferns, and exotic blooms. It's the perfect place to curl up with a book or simply enjoy a quiet stroll away from the urban rush.

If you love combining city trips with natural escapes, check out our curated Tested Itinerary Plan for inspiration on how to combine Frankfurt with the nearby Black Forest and Rhine Valley.

Traveler's FAQ & Practical Takeaways

How many days do I need in Frankfurt?

Two full days are usually sufficient to see the main highlights, including the Altstadt, the Museumsufer, and Sachsenhausen. If you want to take day trips to nearby historic towns like Heidelberg or Wiesbaden, budget 3 to 4 days.

What is the best way to get around?

Frankfurt has an incredibly efficient public transit system (RMV) consisting of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), and trams.

• Recommendation: Purchase a Frankfurt Card for 1 or 2 days. It offers unlimited travel on all public transport within the city limits (including Frankfurt Airport) and up to 50% discounts on museum admissions.

Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Day)

| Expense Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Accommodation | €35 (Hostel dorm) | €90 - €150 (3-star hotel) | €250+ (Boutique/5-star) |

| Food & Drink | €15 (Bakery & Döner) | €40 (Taverns & Cafés) | €100+ (Fine Dining) |

| Transport | €8 (Daily transit pass) | €8 (Transit) or €15 (Taxi) | €30 (Private transfer) |

| Activities | Free (Altstadt, parks) | €20 (Museums & Tower) | €60+ (Guided private tours) |

| Daily Total | ~€58 | ~€158 - €218 | ~€440+ |