What to Do in Frankfurt: A Complete Guide to Germany's Financial Hub

Frankfurt sits right in the heart of Germany, making it incredibly accessible whether you’re flying in or taking the train. The city center is compact enough to explore on foot, though the efficient public transport system makes getting around a breeze.

The Frankfurt Airport connects directly to the city center via S-Bahn trains – just hop on the S8 or S9 line and you’ll be downtown in about 15 minutes for under €5. Way cheaper than a taxi, and honestly just as quick during rush hour. The city center’s compact layout means most of the attractions covered in this guide, from the Main Tower to the old town, sit within a short walk or quick train ride of each other.

Useful links: RMV public transport (official site) · Städel Museum (official site)

Let’s start with the obvious one – the Main Tower. At 200 meters high, it’s the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public observation deck, and the views are genuinely spectacular. You’ll get a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire “Mainhattan” skyline (yes, that’s what locals call it).

The elevator ride costs around €9, but here’s a tip: go just before sunset. You’ll catch the city in golden hour light, then watch it transform into a glittering metropolis as the lights come on. The deck is open until 9 PM most days, so you’ve got time to soak it all in. The nickname ’Mainhattan’ reflects the cluster of skyscrapers you’re looking down on, a contrast that’s easy to appreciate again later from ground level around the Kleinmarkthalle and old town covered elsewhere in this guide.

The Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom) might look modest compared to other German cathedrals, but its history is anything but ordinary. This is where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned for over 300 years. You can climb the 328 steps to the top for another great city view – though I’ll warn you, it’s a workout.

Right next door is Römerberg, the reconstructed old town square that somehow survived (or was rebuilt after) World War II. The half-timbered houses look like something from a fairy tale, especially during the Christmas market season. It’s touristy, sure, but there’s a reason people flock here. The half-timbered Römerberg square looks especially atmospheric during the Christmas market season, mentioned later in this guide, when the whole area fills with stalls and lights.

This is where Frankfurt gets real. The Kleinmarkthalle has been feeding locals since 1879, and walking through feels like stepping into the city’s culinary soul. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to international specialties, but don’t miss the chance to try some local favorites.

Grab a Leberwurst sandwich from one of the butcher stalls, or if you’re feeling adventurous, sample some of the exotic fruits from the international vendors. The market runs Monday through Saturday, and it’s busiest (and most atmospheric) on Saturday mornings. It’s a short walk from both the Main Tower and Römerberg covered earlier, making it an easy lunch stop between the two main sightseeing routes through the city center.

No trip to Frankfurt is complete without trying Apfelwein – the local apple wine that’s been a Frankfurt tradition for centuries. Head to the Sachsenhausen district, specifically Alt-Sachsenhausen, where traditional taverns called “Apfelwein-Wirtschaften” line the cobblestone streets.

The drink itself is… well, it’s an acquired taste. Think dry, slightly sour apple cider served in distinctive blue-gray stoneware jugs called “Bembel.” Pair it with some Grüner Soße (green sauce) – a local herb sauce that’s practically a religion here – and you’ll understand why Frankfurters are so passionate about their culinary traditions.

My favorite spot is Zum Gemalten Haus, where the atmosphere feels authentically local rather than put-on for tourists. Sachsenhausen, where most of these taverns cluster, is also one of the neighborhoods worth considering for accommodation, covered later in the practical tips section of this guide.

Frankfurt’s museum district along the Main River (Museumsufer) houses some seriously impressive collections. The Städel Museum is the crown jewel, with works spanning 700 years of European art. Even if you’re not typically a museum person, the collection here is genuinely world-class.

For something different, check out the German Film Museum or the Museum of Communication. The latter sounds dry but actually has some fascinating interactive exhibits about how we’ve communicated throughout history. All of these sit along the Museumsufer stretch of the Main River, making it possible to combine two museums with a riverside walk in a single afternoon.

When you need a break from the urban hustle, the Palmengarten offers 54 acres of botanical bliss. The tropical greenhouses are particularly impressive during winter months, creating this surreal contrast with the cold German weather outside.

The gardens date back to 1868 and feel like a well-kept secret, even though they’re right in the city center. Entry is reasonable at around €7, and you could easily spend half a day here if you’re into plants and peaceful wandering. It’s a useful counterpart to the Stadtwald city forest covered next if you want a mix of a cultivated garden and a wilder green space during the same visit.

Here’s something most visitors miss entirely – the Stadtwald (City Forest) is one of the largest urban forests in Germany. It’s perfect for jogging, cycling, or just escaping the concrete for a few hours. There are marked trails, beer gardens scattered throughout, and even a small lake where locals go swimming in summer. Combined with the Palmengarten covered above, it gives Frankfurt considerably more green space than its business-district reputation might suggest.

If you’ve got extra time, Frankfurt makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. The Grube Messel UNESCO World Heritage site is about 45 minutes away and offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life through incredibly well-preserved fossils.

Wiesbaden, the elegant spa town, is just 30 minutes by train and feels like stepping into a different era entirely. The contrast with Frankfurt’s modernity is striking and refreshing. Both trips work well as a half-day or full-day add-on if you’re already using Frankfurt as your base for exploring the surrounding region.

Getting around: The public transport system is efficient and covers everything you’ll want to see. A day pass costs around €5.35 and includes buses, trams, and S-Bahn trains within the city.

When to visit: Spring through early fall offers the best weather, but Frankfurt’s indoor attractions make it a year-round destination. The Christmas market season (late November through December) adds special charm but also crowds.

Where to stay: the table below breaks down how the three main areas compare if you’re deciding where to base yourself.

Frankfurt transforms throughout the year in ways that might surprise you. Summer brings outdoor festivals along the Main River, including the popular Museumsuferfest in late August. Winter means Christmas markets – and Frankfurt’s is one of Germany’s oldest and most atmospheric.

Spring is actually my favorite time to visit. The weather’s mild, the Palmengarten is coming alive, and you can enjoy those riverside walks without the summer crowds or winter chill. The Christmas market season overlaps with the reconstructed old town covered earlier in this guide, so Römerberg is worth revisiting in December even if you’ve already seen it once.

Traveling with kids? The Frankfurt Zoo is genuinely excellent, with modern enclosures and a focus on conservation that makes it educational as well as entertaining. The Senckenberg Natural History Museum, with its impressive dinosaur collection, is another hit with younger visitors.

For something more active, the Main River offers boat tours that kids love – seeing the city from the water provides a completely different perspective and keeps restless little ones engaged. Both make good rainy-day alternatives to the outdoor sections of this guide, like the Stadtwald or Palmengarten, if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Frankfurt rewards visitors who look beyond the surface. Yes, it’s a business city with a serious demeanor, but scratch a little deeper and you’ll find genuine warmth, fascinating history, and some unexpected delights.

The key is managing expectations – this isn’t a postcard-pretty destination, but it’s authentic in ways that many tourist-focused cities aren’t. The locals are proud of their city’s unique character, and once you start seeing Frankfurt through their eyes, you might just fall for its understated charms too.

Whether you’re here for a layover, a business trip, or as part of a larger German adventure, give Frankfurt a real chance and know exactly what to do in Frankfurt to make your trip memorable. Walk the old town, sip some apple wine, climb that tower, and see what this financial capital has been quietly offering all along.