Frankfurt Travel Guide: Explore Old Town, Museums & Fun Day Trips
When people think of Frankfurt, the first images that usually pop up are glass skyscrapers, bankers in suits, and maybe the airport you sprint through on your way somewhere else. But here’s the thing: Frankfurt isn’t just a business hub—it’s a city where medieval charm meets modern sparkle. Think of it as Germany’s mullet: business in the front (financial district), party in the back (cider taverns and festivals).
I’ve wandered through its cobblestone streets, sipped its apple wine (dangerously refreshing), and even climbed its cathedral tower without collapsing (a small miracle). So if you’re planning a trip, let me walk you through the best things to do in Frankfurt—with tips, laughs, and a few “don’t miss” gems.
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Stroll the Old Town (Altstadt & Römerberg)
First stop: the Old Town, because let’s be honest—half-timbered houses never go out of style. Römerberg Square is the postcard-perfect heart of Frankfurt, lined with storybook-style buildings and buzzing cafés.
The star of the show? The Römer, Frankfurt’s Town Hall, which has been hosting meetings for over 600 years. (Imagine arguing about budgets without Wi-Fi back then. Brutal.)
If you visit in December, brace yourself—the square transforms into one of Germany’s oldest and most magical Christmas Markets. Picture mulled wine, twinkling lights, and roasted almonds so good you’ll wonder why you ever ate plain ones.
Climb the Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom St. Bartholomäus)
A short walk away, you’ll spot the Frankfurt Cathedral. This Gothic giant was the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors, so basically, it’s seen more drama than a season of Game of Thrones.
Inside is gorgeous, but the real workout (and reward) is climbing its 328 steps. At the top, you get a killer panoramic view—medieval rooftops on one side, glass skyscrapers on the other. It’s like the city couldn’t decide if it wanted to be 14th century or 21st century, so it chose both.
Go Museum-Hopping at Museumsufer
Calling all culture lovers: Frankfurt has a “Museum Mile,” and yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds. Along the River Main, you’ll find more than a dozen museums packed into one area.
Some highlights:
- Städel Museum – Art from Rembrandt to Picasso. Basically, the Avengers of the art world.
- German Film Museum – A cool, interactive look at movie history. Spoiler: the early cameras were wild.
- Museum of Communication – From ancient letters to iPhones, it’ll make you appreciate your Wi-Fi a little more.
The best part? They’re all neighbors, so you can hop from one to another without even losing your steps count.
Get High (Legally) at the Main Tower
For unbeatable city views, head up the Main Tower, one of Frankfurt’s tallest buildings. The observation deck is 200 meters high, giving you a sweeping 360° view of the skyline, river, and beyond.
Go at sunset when the city glows golden and the river looks like it’s been dipped in glitter. It’s also the best place to spot the contrast between old churches and shiny skyscrapers—kind of like your grandma texting you on an iPhone.
Escape to Palmengarten & Grüneburgpark
Need a break from city buzz? The Palmengarten is your green oasis. With its exotic plants, tropical greenhouses, and—you guessed it—palm trees, it’s the kind of place where you forget you’re in Germany and start expecting someone to hand you a piña colada.
Next door, Grüneburgpark is a local favorite for joggers, dog-walkers, and picnic lovers. Pro tip: grab snacks from Kleinmarkthalle (coming up next!) and claim your spot on the grass. Instant travel bliss.
Say Hi to Goethe
Frankfurt is the birthplace of literary legend Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His childhood home, now the Goethe House, is a museum where you can see the desk where he probably cursed writer’s block centuries ago.
Even if you never finished Faust (no judgment—I didn’t either), it’s a fun glimpse into 18th-century life. And you can casually tell people back home you “visited Goethe’s house,” which sounds way fancier than “I drank cider for three nights straight.”
Feast at Kleinmarkthalle
If food is your love language (same here), Kleinmarkthalle is heaven. This indoor market is overflowing with fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and international bites.
Don’t miss:
- Frankfurter Rindswurst – a beef sausage that hits the spot.
- Handkäse mit Musik – a strong-smelling cheese with onions. (The “music” refers to what happens after eating it… I’ll let you connect the dots.)
Grab some goodies and head to the riverbank for a DIY picnic with a view.
Sip Apfelwein in Sachsenhausen
Forget beer—Frankfurt’s signature drink is Apfelwein (apple wine). Head to the neighborhood of Sachsenhausen, where cozy taverns serve it up in stone jugs called Bembel.
It’s crisp, tangy, and dangerously easy to keep refilling. Pair it with schnitzel or sausages, and you’ve got yourself a proper Frankfurt evening. Bonus: the long communal benches mean you’ll likely leave with a few new friends—or at least drinking buddies.
Shop on Zeil (or Skip It)
If shopping is your cardio, Zeil is Frankfurt’s main street. It’s packed with international brands and shiny malls. But if luxury labels are your vibe, head over to Goethestraße for designer heaven.
That said, I personally think souvenirs you can eat (sausages, local mustard, maybe a bottle of Apfelwein) are way more fun to pack than another Zara shirt. Just saying.
Join the Festivities
Frankfurt knows how to throw a party. Some highlights to pencil in:
- Frankfurt Book Fair (October): The biggest book fair in the world. Warning: luggage weight limits may apply.
- Dippemess (Spring & Autumn): A classic German fair with rides, food, and lots of beer.
- Christmas Market (December): Sparkly, cozy, and enough mulled wine to keep you warm all winter.
Walk or Cruise the River Main
When in doubt, follow the river. You can walk, bike, or just plop down on the grassy banks for people-watching. Feeling fancier? Hop on a river cruise and see Frankfurt’s skyline from the water—it’s especially dreamy at night.
Fun Mini-Adventures from Frankfurt
Need a break from skyscrapers and the “business city” vibe? Frankfurt is perfectly placed for quick escapes that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled the world without even unpacking your suitcase.
- Heidelberg: This storybook town has a romantic castle and a charming old town. Warning: you may find yourself saying, “Is this real life, or did I just step into a postcard?”
- Wiesbaden: A spa lover’s dream! Soak in thermal baths, sip coffee in cute cafés, and pretend that all your deadlines are far, far away.
- Rhine Valley: Vineyards, castles, and a river straight out of a fairy tale. Bonus: wine tasting is basically mandatory. Consider it cultural research.
These day trips are perfect for escaping the city hustle, stretching your legs, and pretending you live in a German travel brochure—at least for a few hours.
Quick Tips to Travel Like a Local
Before you dive into Frankfurt’s sights, here are a few tips to make your trip smoother, more fun, and less “lost tourist”:
- When to Visit: Spring and autumn are comfy and festival-friendly. Winter? Christmas markets galore. Summer? Sunscreen is your new best friend.
- Getting Around: Walking is ideal, but when your feet start filing complaints, hop on the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, or buses. The Frankfurt Card is your magic pass for unlimited rides and discounts—it’s like a VIP backstage pass to the city.
- Language: German is the main language, but English works almost everywhere. Sprinkle in a friendly “Danke,” and you’ll get bonus smiles.
- Money Matters: Euros are king. Most places take cards, but some cozy cafés might prefer cash—so keep a few bills handy, just in case.
Final Thoughts
Frankfurt often gets overlooked as “that airport city,” but spend a couple of days here and you’ll see how wrong that is. It’s a place where skyscrapers and cider taverns coexist, where you can museum-hop by day and clink glasses of Apfelwein by night.
So don’t just sprint through it on a layover—stick around. Who knows? You might leave humming “Frankfurt, I’ll be back,” cider jug in hand.
