Frankfurt is best known as an important financial centre, but there’s a lot more to discover beyond its banks and towering glass buildings. With its imposing gothic cathedrals, medieval architecture and picturesque squares – there are plenty of things to see in Frankfurt.
Plus, Frankfurt is also the home of the tasty Frankfurter Würstchen hot dog, and many other delicious dishes, all to be enjoyed with a refreshing glass of local Äppelwoi cider or a classic pitcher of good German beer. Perfect after a full day of sightseeing!
Ready to visit Frankfurt’s attractions? We’ve put together a list of top things to do in Frankfurt so you can get the best out of your trip.
Städel Museum
The Städel Museum is a Frankfurt attraction that definitely pulls in an international crowd. Crowned “Museum of the Year 2012” and visited by almost 500,000 visitors a year – this museum is a must for art lovers, historians or anyone looking to be mesmerised by beautiful paintings.
In its galleries you’ll find some of the world’s most famous artworks, ranging from Botticelli’s Portrait of a Young Woman to Rembrandt’s The Blinding of Samson amongst its 3,100 paintings, hundreds of sculptures and wide range of prints.
Once you’ve visited the Städel Museum, don’t forget to take a scenic walk along the Main River or even take a sunset river cruise for a romantic ending to your sightseeing day.
Römer Frankfurt
No visit to Frankfurt would be complete without visiting the Römer building. This building dates back to medieval times and overlooks the central Römerberg, a picturesque square where you can sit and enjoy a delicious meal or drink.
With its neo-Gothic façade and iconic gabled roof, this historic Frankfurt landmark is hard to miss. We recommend you visit its Emperor Hall, located on the second floor. This is where the coronation banquets used to take place during the Holy Roman Empire. Today, it houses a vast collection of 19th century portraits.
Whilst taking a snap of this postcard-perfect square, don’t forget to admire the statue of the Fountain of Justice situated right at the centre of the square. This bronze sculpture dates back to 1543 and depicts the Roman goddess Justitia.
Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
A 3-minute walk away from Römerberg square you’ll find another Frankfurt attraction, the imposing Gothic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, also known as Frankfurt Cathedral. Dating back to the 14th century, this medieval landmark dominates over Frankfurt’s skyline offering breath-taking views over the city from its 95 metre spire.
Inside, you can admire impressive stained glass windows and discover more about its history. Unearthed below its current grounds, archaeologists discovered the remains of four other antique churches, some dating back to 680AD. During WWII, the cathedral was severely damaged and then painstakingly reconstructed in the 1950’s restoring it back to its glorious self.
Whilst in the area, explore Neue Altstadt, meaning ‘new old town’, an area that was destroyed in WWII but later restored to look exactly as it once did. With its many cafes, it’s the perfect place to try the city’s famed Frankfurter Kranz a traditional German buttercream sponge cake.
Main Tower Frankfurt
A Frankfurt tourist attraction that’s easy to spot is the eye-catching 787ft Main Tower skyscraper in the financial and shopping district of Innenstadt. The tower was completed in 1999 becoming the 4th tallest building in Germany.
Inside the tower, you can view two art installations: a video by contemporary artist Bill Viola and a wall mosaic by the renowned German sculptor Stephan Huber. You can then take the lift up 56 storeys and enjoy the amazing views over the city.
Feeling peckish? On the 53rd floor you’ll find the Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge with direct views over the city. Wind down for an aperitif or treat yourself to a delicious meal of revisited German classics.
German Film Museum
Last on our list of best things to do in Frankfurt, is the German Film Museum. Whether you’re a film fanatic, a binge watcher or simply curious about the art of cinematography – this museum offers plenty of fascinating insights into this artform.
Learn about the origins of cinematography in the museum’s permanent exhibition, get lost in their film archives or simply sit back, relax and enjoy one of the classics of German cinematography like Fritz Lang’s Metropolis on their big screen.
At the end of your cinematic excursion, why not visit the nearby Metzler Park? This park is renowned for its rare trees and plants including ginkgoes, Canadian oaks and red beech trees.
Planning your trip to Frankfurt? Travel in the comfort of your own car. Book your P&O Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais Port and you’ll reach Frankfurt in about a 6.5 hour drive.
