11 exciting things to see and do in Frankfurt / Frankfurt Travel Guide

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Off to Mainhattan! When it comes to the skyline, Frankfurt can (almost) keep up with New York. Here we show you what else Frankfurt has to offer. Whether you’re in town for work, have a layover for a few hours, or are planning a weekend getaway, here are 11 exciting sights in Frankfurt that you shouldn’t miss.

1. The Frankfurt skyline from the Main Tower

With its 14 skyscrapers, Frankfurt am Main is the only city in Germany with a skyline of skyscrapers, like those seen in New York or Dubai. The tallest buildings in the impressive high-rise setting are the Europaturm (337.5 m), the Commerzbank Tower (259 m) and the Messeturm (256.5 m). Anyone coming to Frankfurt for the first time and wanting to orientate themselves in the unfamiliar city should first head for the Main Tower, which also towers high into the sky. The two viewing platforms of the skyscraper make it possible to get an overview of all parts of the city and the area around Frankfurt. But beware: the walk-in visitor terraces should only be climbed by those who describe themselves as absolutely free from giddiness. The viewing platforms of the Main Tower are in fact at a height of 198 meters!

2. Römer and Römerberg

The Römerberg and the city hall of Frankfurt located there, the Römer, are considered the most famous landmarks and most popular sights in Frankfurt. Countless tourists cavort on the historic town square just because of the stepped three-gable front of the Römer. Located right in the center of the old town, the Römerberg is the ideal starting point to explore Frankfurt on your own or on a guided tour. You won’t be disappointed, because with a successful mix of old and new houses, small shops and old cafés, Frankfurt’s old town is the best place to get to know Frankfurt’s flair. The first sights can be reached after just a few steps: the fountain of justice in the middle of the Römerberg and the old Nikolaikirche in the south of the town hall square.

3. A piece of German history: the Paulskirche / Frankfurt Travel Guide

Not far from the Römer, another piece of German history awaits you and undoubtedly one of the most famous churches in Germany. German and above all democratic history was written in Frankfurt’s Paulskirche: On May 18, 1848, in the course of the German Revolution, the first freely elected national assembly met in the Paulskirche. A cornerstone for democracy in Germany. Nowadays, a permanent exhibition provides interesting background information about the beginnings of democracy and the development of German unity. Changing special exhibitions and events take place here again and again. The 32 meter long mural by the Berlin artist Johannes Grützke, completed in 1991, is particularly impressive.

4. Frankfurt’s green oasis: the Palmengarten

With more than 760,000 inhabitants, Frankfurt is one of the top 5 largest cities in Germany. If you add the large number of travellers, there are huge crowds of people in Frankfurt every day. To escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours, a trip to the palm garden is a good idea. Everyone will find a quiet spot in Germany’s largest botanical garden. Surrounded by rare flowers and colorful plants, it is easy to find peace. So leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind you and explore the green oases of Frankfurt.

5. The Frankfurt night scene on the banks of the Main

The more than 50,000 students at the university and at the Frankfurt technical colleges ensure that night owls also feel at home in Frankfurt. Especially on warm summer evenings, young people meet in the meadows on the banks of the Main to enjoy a few cool drinks in a relaxed atmosphere and to talk to each other. The later it gets, the more crowded the surrounding bars and pubs get. Those who would rather go partying in the city’s best clubs afterwards are drawn to Sachsenhausen or Hanauer Landstrasse.

6. Artistic Frankfurt: the Museumsufer

There is not only lively nightlife on the banks of the Main, because during the day you will find one of the most important and multifaceted museum locations in Germany and worldwide: the Museumsufer. The Frankfurt Museumsufer grouping includes no fewer than 37 museums that offer visitors an extraordinary variety of cultural experiences in a very small area. An absolute highlight of the Museumsufer is the “Städel Museum”, an art institute that shows masterpieces from the 14th century to the present day. On the other hand, it gets particularly funny in the so-called “Caricatura”. The Museum of Comic Art is one of the youngest museums in Frankfurt and offers more than 4000 original caricatures of the New Frankfurt School for every sense of humour. No matter which museums you choose for your tour, there is something for everyone with the huge range of topics from art, photography and city history to architecture and design to nature and technology.

7. Shopping on the Zeil / Frankfurt Travel Guide

In our list of the most exciting sights in Frankfurt, the famous “Zeil” cannot be missing! Because let’s be honest: What would a city trip to Frankfurt be without an extensive shopping tour? In addition to Düsseldorf’s Königsallee and Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm, there is probably no more famous shopping street in Germany than the Zeil. Around half a million visitors flock here every day to stock up on exclusive designer pieces, among other things. But don’t worry: numerous inexpensive fashion houses and clothing chains have also settled here, so that even with a small budget you can get hold of one or the other bargain.

8. Clear the stage for the Alte Oper in Frankfurt

The cultural landmark of Frankfurt in the middle of the city center should not be missing from our list of top sights in Frankfurt: the Alte Oper. Behind the historic façade of the former Frankfurt Opera House lies an exciting mixture of classic and entertainment, which fascinates more than 100,000 guests from all over Germany and all over the world in more than 460 events every year. The magnificent building was ceremoniously reopened after four decades on August 28, 1981 after it fell victim to the Second World War and was almost completely destroyed.

9. The “Ebbelwoi” in Sachsenhausen

For more than 250 years, cider has been considered the national drink of Frankfurt and is drunk in numerous, rustic cider bars from a “ribbed” cider glass, also known as a cider or pint glass (see picture). During the cold season, the cider is also often served hot and spiced. If you want to try the delicious specialty, you should make your way to Sachsenhausen. In Alt-Sachsenhausen in particular, there are numerous restaurants and traditional cider bars lined up next to each other. Long-established Frankfurters usually order hearty food, such as ribs with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, with the cool “Ebbelwoi”.

10. Goethe and the Goethe Tower / Frankfurt Travel Guide

After you have strengthened yourself in the traditional inns in Sachsenhausen, it is only a short hop to the Goethe Tower on the edge of the Frankfurt city forest. After overcoming 196 steps, you have climbed the lookout tower, which is made entirely of wood. In addition to the view of the famous Frankfurt skyline from a height of 43 meters, an adjacent forest playground attracts families with children in particular to the Goethe Tower. While the giant slide and paddling pool invite you to romp around, the adults enjoy their coffee in the neighboring garden bar.

11. A boat tour on the Main

Experience Frankfurt from its most beautiful side on a boat tour on the Main. In a relaxed atmosphere, the ships sail past historical sights and pass remote landscapes or urban architecture. Even if you have already seen the sights on foot, you can discover the Main metropolis from a completely new perspective on the water. The boat drivers also offer sightseeing tours that primarily focus on unknown places. For example, tourists have the unique opportunity to visit the industrial and port facilities on the Main.

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