26 Epic Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany

The bustling transport hub and financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt is not just about business. In fact, it’s full of fun. Located on the River Main which runs through the city home to more than 700,000 people, Frankfurt is famous for being a business, financial and transport hub, but is also famous for its Christmas Market’s, it’s beer and its gorgeous buildings.

There’s good shopping, good food, good nightlife and so many things to do in Frankfurt. It’s the perfect place to start or end your time in Germany.

For me, I started my trip in Germany (which later saw me travel to Cologne, Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich) in Frankfurt, and spent several days in the bustling city. I loved it!

The best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

Ok, let’s get in to 26 amazing things to do in Frankfurt, including museums, architecture and amazing food.

Step back in time at Goethe House

Goethe House was the original family residence of the Goethe family, notably the writer and artist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The house is still authentic, with period furniture and art that resembles exactly how Johann Goethe spent his time growing up. Along with visiting the house, you can also opt to visit The Goethe Museum, which houses a collection of paintings from the Goethe Era.

• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-60pm, Sundays and Public holidays 10am-5:30pm.
• Cost: 7 Euro.

Chill out and explore Romerberg

Romerberg is a beautiful square in Frankfurt that you absolutely cannot miss. Central and home to many sights and sounds, you can admire the colourful medieval buildings, explore nearby markets, stop by for a drink or bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, bars and coffee shops, or simply just take in the beauty of this stunning post-card perfect German square.

Get some epic views from Main Tower

This 200m high, 56 storey skyscraper towers over the rest of Frankfurt. Main Tower offers the best vantage point of the city, and also offers some great dining options. Visit the observation deck for incredible views, or you can stop by at the restaurant and cocktail bar on the 53^rdfloor for amazing views as well. Save time queuing by buying your tickets online in advance.

• Opening hours:
• Summer: Sunday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm
• Winter: Sun-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm.
• Be aware that the observation deck often closes during bad weather.
• Cost: 7.50 Euro

Visit Eiserner Stag and add your own lock

A bridge only open to foot traffic spanning across the River Main which runs through Frankfurt. The bridge connects central Frankfurt to the Sachsenhausen district of the city. More recently, people have taken to adding locks to the bridge, as is common across Europe in the love locks trend. It’s a gorgeous walk across the bridge on a nice day.

Go shopping and relax at Hauptwauce

Hauptwache is one of the most central points of Frankfurt and is the place to go to get a feel for day-to-day life in the city. Lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, the area is relaxed and the perfect place to explore, stopping by at some of the huge chain stores such as Primark.

Take your pick of museums at MuseumSufer

MuseumSufer, an embankment of museums in Frankfurt, is one of Germany’s most important and impressive collections of museums, which are lined along the River Main which runs through the city. With everything from art, film and Jewish history, there is something for everyone, so take your pick! You’ll also find lovely places to sit and relax in the sun, and plenty of dining options.

• Opening hours: The area is home 24/7, however check with each individual museum for opening hours.
• Cost: Cost varies for each Museum.

Be impressed at the Stadel Museum

The Stadel Museum features one of Germany’s most impressive collections of art, with more than 3000 paintings, as well as large amounts of sculptures, photographs and prints. The impressive European Collection features work from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and classical modernism. Think Van Eyck, Monet, Botticelli and Picasso. It’s an impressive collection, and you’ll enjoy it even if you aren’t big on art.

• Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm, Thursday and Friday 10am-9pm, closed Mondays.
• Cost: 12 Euro

Admire the Frankfurt Cathedral

Located centrally in the main part of Frankfurt, it’s hard to miss Frankfurt Cathedral. This Roman Gothic Catholic Church is formally named the Imperial Cathedral of Bartholomew, and is the largest religious building in the city. You’ll find the Cathedral within walking distance of Hauptwache and Romerberg.

Visit St Pauls Church

Built in 1789, the Church was originally for Lutheran worshippers, and has since been used by Parliaments to draft constitutions, and the Church was eventually destroyed in the war. It was later rebuilt, although how it stands today differs from its original design. It now symbolizes the spirit of freedom in Frankfurt.

Relax and explore in Palmengarten

Frankfurt’s Palmengarten is an internationally renowned botanical exhibition, showcasing flora from a range of climate zones across 22 hectares and its conservatory. You’ll feel like you are in a jungle wandering through the gardens, which is the largest of its kind in Germany.

• Opening hours: 9am-6pm daily.
• Cost: 7 Euro, cash only.

Check for exhibitions at Schirn Kunsthalle

One of the top exhibition institutions in Europe, and the main spot where temporary exhibitions are held in Frankfurt, with everything from modern to contemporary art. It originally opened in 1986, and since then has been the home to many exhibitions. Make sure to check what exhibitions are on during your trip to Frankfurt here.

Relax by the river and walk along Mainkai Street

A peaceful walk in between the city and the River Main, you’ll appreciate the views of the Frankfurt Skyline ahead of you as you walk up Mainkai Street. You’ll be joined by joggers and cyclists, and there are plenty of food and beverage options along the way. It’s also the perfect spot for a picnic!

Have an authentic lunch at Café Hauptwache

Quite literally located in centre of Frankfurt, in the busy Hauptwache area, Café Hauptwache has been open for over 100 years. You won’t miss anything sitting in the outdoor terrace here, being located in the heart of everything.

The Café serves up delicious, authentic German meals, and it’s the perfect spot for either lunch or dinner, and the kind of place you can drag your meal out over drinks, just enjoying the atmosphere.

Admire the old town at Old Sachsenhausen

Frankfurt’s Old Town is everything you would expect from a typical German medieval town. With cobble-stoned streets, narrow laneways and authentic pubs, it’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon wandering.

Stop by at one of the many cafes or pubs for a German beer or wine, and enjoy the day go by around you. Don’t be afraid to wander the laneways lined with historic houses, you never know what hidden gems you might find.

Visit Frankfurt Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals, in over 450 species. The green oasis in the heart of the city, the zoo is all about conservation, and work closely with the animal welfare staff.

• Opening hours
• Summer: 9am-7pm
• Winter: 9am-5pm
• Cost: $12 Euro

See the hustle and bustle at Berger Strabe

Shopping, markets and café’s galore, you’ll find it all at Berger Strabe. Wednesdays and Sundays are the fabulous farmers markets, but it’s worth a visit any day of the week, whether you want to shop, eat, café hop or just take in Frankfurt life.

Explore Frankfurt by bike on a bike tour

A bike tour is an epic way to explore the city while getting some exercise in at the same time! See the highlights while biking along the River Main, Romerberg and so much more. 

Shop for fresh food at Kleinmarkthalle

Browse over 156 market stalls at Kleinmarkthalle with fresh food, flowers and prepared foods. It’s a fresh food lover’s dream, and you can shop for groceries or a fresh lunch in the same place.

• Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, closed Sundays.

Rooftop views with a cocktail at LugsInLand

A stylish restaurant and cocktail bar with incredible views over the city, this is the perfect place to splurge for a nice night out in Frankfurt. Enjoy a delicious meal and a cocktail (or 5), while overlooking Frankfurt’s impressive skyline. Reservations are recommended. Current details here.

Take a day trip to Cologne

Just an hour and 15 minutes on the train from Frankfurt, Cologne is a beautiful German city situated on the Rhine River, and makes for a perfect day trip (although, if you have the time, I recommend staying in Cologne a couple of days!). Visit the Cologne Cathedral, wander the old town and admire art at the numerous museums. Check out this post for all the best things to do in Cologne.

Enjoy a burger at Hans im Gluck

An extremely cool restaurant burger chain in Germany, you can’t pass up the opportunity for a burger at Hans im Gluck. With cool bamboo interiors with an impressive burger menu (with vegan options!), you can choose one of the deals to secure yourself a burger, side and cocktail for a great price.

An authentic beer garden experience at Main Tegernsee Biergarten

Did you go to Germany if you didn’t go to a Beer Garden? Nope! Although Frankfurt doesn’t boast as many huge and famous beer gardens like you will find in Munich, there is still plenty of choice. Sit back in the comfy chairs in the Beer Garden at Main Tegernsee Biergarten and enjoy a German Beer and sausage.

Take a day trip to Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a gorgeous historic German town with Baroque architecture, castles and so many beautiful spots. Just an hour and a half on the train from Frankfurt, it’s a perfect day trip. Visit the Old Town and Schloss Heidelberg in an amazing day of exploring. Check out day tours here.

Shop at Skyline plaza and visit Skyline Garden

A gorgeous shopping centre in Frankfurt, Skyline Plaza features a huge range of shops, a rooftop garden and a rooftop restaurants, with great views of the city. It’s the perfect spot to do all in one, shop, enjoy a create meal and admire the views.

Get a taste for the city on a food tour

Foodies can’t go past a food tour in Frankfurt, with endless delicious dishes to try at endless spots. Food tours are always so much fun, getting to try a huge range local dishes at a bunch of cool and authentic places. 

Enjoy a delicious meal at Panino

Located conveniently near Frankfurt Hauptbanhof station, Panino serves up delicious Italian, European and Mediterranean. Even better is the outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the vibe of Frankfurt around you.

So, it’s clear that you won’t get bored in Frankfurt. Seriously, there’s so much to do and something for everyone!

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Frankfurt

Getting to Frankfurt

Being one of the main airport hubs in Germany, you won’t have any trouble getting to Frankfurt. If you are flying internationally, Frankfurt International Airport is huge and you’ll find plenty of flight options. Search for flights on Skyscanner. If you are coming from within Germany, you can’t beat to German DB train line!

Getting around Frankfurt

Frankfurt boasts a great train system, connecting many of the major areas in Frankfurt with ease, and a cab or uber is never far away. Getting around Frankfurt on foot is also easy, with many of the main sights within walking distance.

Money Matters

The currency in Germany is the Euro. Most places will accept card and ATM’s are readily available. Always carry some cash for smaller purchases.

Travel Insurance

Never travel without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!  I recommend Travelex Travel Insurance. Travel insurance should be the first thing you book after your book your flights or accommodation. Get a quote now!

Where to stay in Frankfurt

• NH Collection Frankfurt City
  Located centrally in the main area of Frankfurt, NH Collection features a gym, onsite bar and restaurant and comfy rooms, for a reasonable price.
  
  
• Hotel Excelsior
  A lovely hotel located just across the road from Frankfurt Hauptbanhof station, you really can’t go wrong with Hotel Excelsior. For a more budget friendly price, you get a lovely stay in nice rooms with a buffet breakfast and on-site restaurant.
  
  
• Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt
  A stylish and quality hostel located centrally in Frankfurt, this is the perfect spot for backpackers. With a bar onsite, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk, this is one of Frankfurt’s top hostels.

Travel planning resources

Planning a trip? These are some of my favourite travel planning and booking resources!

• Skyscanner: the best place to book flights! Skyscanner scans the internet to find the best deals on flights.
• Booking.com: The only place I will ever book hotels and hostels. With a great system for checking reviews and facilities, Booking.com keeps all your bookings in one place.
• Get your guide: One of my favourites for booking day tours and tickets!
• Tour Radar: if group tours are more your thing, Tour Radar has got you covered! Search a huge range of group tours in one place.
• Trip Advisor: If you love reviews like me, Trip Advisor should be your go to!

Happy travelling,