Frankfurt has a history that spans more than 700 years and is one of the main economic and cultural centres of both Germany and Europe. Today it’s Germany’s fifth largest city with close to 750,000 residents and is a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism and transportation. For wine buffs it sits on the river Main, a tributary of the Rhine. The Frankfurt Airport is one of the world’s busiest and a gateway to many parts of Europe.
Things to see and do in Frankfurt
Whether you visit in summer or winter, there is something for everyone, you can visit historical sites and museums, shop on The Zeil, Frankfurt’s pedestrian promenade, attend one of the many festivals and events, or walk around the city discovering the hidden sides of the city. These are a few of our favourites.
Römerberg
Located in the centre of Frankfurt’s old town, the Römer is a collection of medieval buildings in the Altstadt, and one of the city’s most important landmarks. The Römer is located opposite the Old St. Nicholas church and has been the city hall of Frankfurt for over 600 years.
Römerberg is a public square and a great place to start exploring both in the summer months and for the annual Christmas market. It is located in front of the Römer building complex, seat of the Frankfurt city administration since the 15th century.
Goethe House
The Goethe House, named after one of Frankfurt’s, most famous sons, Johann Von Wolfgang Goethe, was the poet, novelist and dramatist. The original building was the family residence of the Goethe family, most notably Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, until 1795.
Frankfurt Cathedral
Frankfurt Cathedral, officially called the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is a Roman Catholic Gothic church located in the centre of Frankfurt. It is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and is the largest religious building in the city.
Eiserner Steg
The Eiserner Steg is a footbridge spanning the River Main, which connects the centre of Frankfurt with the district of Sachsenhausen. The first wrought iron bridge was built in 1868 and replaced in 1911-12 by a slightly larger cantilever bridge. Here you’ll find some wonderful views of the city and check out the padlocks attached by romantic couples.
Museum District: Museumsufer
Grouped together on both sides of the river Main is a collection of more than a dozen museums in an area known as the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). Most are on the left bank (south side) are a first-rate collection, many of them of international standing. The Städel Museum for example is considered one of Germany’s top cultural attractions and had been named German Museum of the Year. The grouping of museums includes world cultures, ancient sculpture, German architecture, film, applied art and communication, just to name a few.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Visiting Frankfurt in the winter months allows you to also take in their Christmas Market which in 2023 ran from November 27 – December 21. We first visited their market in 2008, again 2018, and in 2023 and were pleasantly surprised as to how it has developed. It’s a pretty large market now, estimated to have approximately 200 stalls or huts, sprawling across many blocks, from the Römerberg and St Paul’s Church, the banks of the Main, Stoltze Square and the Hauptwache, which is one of the most famous plazas in the city.
One of the things we noticed in 2023 was that they had larger crowds than on our last visit, but it didn’t feel overly crowded or that you couldn’t move around which was a delight. There was also a wonderful Christmas vibe and ambience throughout the Frankfurt market area. There were tons of vendors offering a plethora of food options along with different things like popcorn, chocolate treats, marzipan cookies, gingerbread cookies, roasted almonds, ornaments and of course Glühwein, that wonderful warm and spicy mulled wine. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll most likely find it there.
One other thing we noticed this year was how wonderfully the individual stalls were decorated in certain themes. There has been a significant increase in the number and quality since 2018. For more information on German Christmas Markets please read our post on “The German Christmas Market – Where New World and Old World take the yuletide spirit to the next level.”
More to see
As mentioned earlier, we love to explore and with Frankfurt you just need to get out there and explore whatever your interest is from its botanical gardens, the public viewing platform of the 56-storey Main Tower, or the abundant art galleries and museums.
There are many more interesting things to explore and experience; the above are merely some of our highlights.
Day Trips from Frankfurt
Heidelberg
The romantic university town of Heidelberg is a very popular day trip. There are frequent trains that make the journey from Frankfurt to Heidelberg in roughly an hour.
Baden-Baden
One of the most relaxing day trips from Frankfurt is to the old-fashioned spa resort town of Baden-Baden, which lies in Germany’s legendary Black Forest, near the border between France and Germany. There are regular trains from Frankfurt to Baden-Baden that take roughly an hour and a half.
Rhine Valley
It’s hard to resist the call of the Rhine Valley when you’re in Frankfurt. One option for wine lovers, like us, is to experience a trip down the Rhine by way of the River Main where you can enjoy views of castles and the region’s world-famous wine and the vineyards covering the hillsides along the river. Along the way you’ll past by the historic cities of Mainz, Wiesbaden and Eltville. We made Rüdesheim our destination spot which is packed with beautiful half-timbered houses is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. A visit to this famous wine town is highly recommended for any traveler on the Rhine. You can choose a round trip by boat or one way by boat and return by train.
Hanau
Hanau is one of the very interesting things to see in Germany just outside of Frankfurt, especially if you’re fans of the Brothers Grimm. This pretty town is where the Brothers Grimm, the world-famous fairy-tale authors, were born. Hanau is a quick 15-minute train ride from Frankfurt.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Probably the most famous stop along Germany’s Romantic Road, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a destination that you just can’t miss. Its well-preserved medieval center makes picturesque Rothenburg an absolute delight to explore on foot. While it requires several transfers, you can take the train from Frankfurt to Rothenburg in around three hours.
There are many more …
There are numerous other options for day trips or starting points from Frankfurt, the ones above are some of our suggestions to expand your experience while visiting Frankfurt.
When is a good time to Go to Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is great anytime of the year, however, some of the best weather can be found in late spring, April to May, and early autumn, August to September. If you want to beat some of the crowds, then the shoulder seasons from March through May and October through November are also great options. December will also bring the festive Christmas Markets making Frankfurt a delight to visit from the end of November through to the third week of December.
Dining
If you love food and who doesn’t, take full advantage of Frankfurt’s food scene. It should not come as a surprise that the city is traditionally known for its high-quality sausages (frankfurters). These are usually served with bread, potato salad, but also with sauerkraut.
In addition to the traditional Bratwurst, which you find all over Germany, and one of my favorites, you will spot some darker sausages on some grills. Those are the Frankfurter Rindswurst, a beef sausage that originated there in the late 1800s.
Grüne Soße, which translates to “green sauce”, and is made with seven herbs. We’re told that the name Frankfurter Grüne Soße is protected and if appears on a menu, it suggests that all herbs are grown locally in the Frankfurt area. Locals eat Grüne Soße (the ß is pronounced like s) with potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. It’s also popular to order Schnitzel with green sauce.
How many days do you need to visit Frankfurt
You’ll find varying options on the number of days you need to see everything to your satisfaction. Given that many people will fly into Frankfurt to begin or end their trips if may allow you to split up your exploring activities over several trips. We’ve visited Frankfurt numerous times over the years. A comfortable visit to Frankfurt can be achieved in about 3 days assuming that you’re reasonably active as there are many things to see and do.
Is Frankfurt Safe for Tourists?
Frankfurt is no more dangerous than other European cities, and like everywhere else, you should take reasonable precautions like you would at home. Don’t flash your wallet and money, don’t go with strangers, and stay out of areas that are less than desirable. Visitors just need to be aware and be particularly vigilant on the streets, stations and crowded public places at night. We recommend that you and pay special attention to some petty criminal acts around the train stations, where many drug dealers can be found, and avoid drunken, strange-looking or aggressive people, particularly at night. Generally, we feel safe while out later into the evening but we’re always aware of our surroundings.
Getting Around Frankfurt
Getting around Frankfurt is easy as you can walk, cab, Uber or take the train to most places quite easily.