It may be the financial center of Europe, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be glued to your laptop during a trip to Frankfurt, a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Set against a dramatic backdrop of skyscrapers, a tour of Frankfurt reveals a fascinating mix of old and new. Saint Bartholomew's Cathedral, Romer City Hall, and the Old Opera House exemplify classic building style; while the Squaire complex, MyZeil shopping center, and the brand-new Seat of the European Central Bank show off the cutting edge of architecture. Frankfurt's other main draw is its proximity to some of the most appealing destinations in Germany. You’ll definitely want to take a Rhine Valley cruise, making sure to sample the region’s wines and and visiting picturesque Heidelberg with its historic old town and castle. Further south, on the edge of the Black Forest, take a refreshing dip in one of Baden-Baden’s hot springs; or go all the way to the French border to visit charming Strasbourg. To the west, the fairy tale–worthy Eltz Castle awaits; while to the east, toward Munich, you’ll find the history-rich town of Nuremberg. When you return from your adventure, spend your final night in Frankfurt checking out its legendary electronic music scene.
Summer is the liveliest time to visit Frankfurt, when urban beaches spring up along the Main River and events include the Apple Wine Festival, Museum Embankment Festival, and the Main Festival. Alternatively, Frankfurt is bursting with holiday spirit over the festive season, hosting one of Germany’s largest Christmas markets.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +49 | Language(s) German | Attractions 32 | Tours 243 | Reviews 2,717 |
As the headquarters for the Central European Bank, Frankfurt is well-known as Germany’s business and finance hub. But for tourists, it’s most famous for towering skyscrapers, fantastic museums and architecture—and its beloved sausages.
...MoreVisit Römerberg in Old Town, a square with half-timbered houses and a gabled Town Hall. Scope out water views from Eiserner Steg bridge, or stop at a museum (try Städel Museum) near River Main at Frankfurt’s Museumsufer. St. Paul’s Church, the Kleinmarkthalle, and the Goethe House are popular too.
...MoreJohann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Hamburg in 1749. You can visit the three-story bourgeois-style home of his birth—and the desk where he penned Faust—and get a taste for how the gentry of the day lived. Next door, visit the Goethe Museum for a deeper look at his literary legacy.
...MoreFrankfurt’s incredible museums are usually open 10am–6pm on Sundays. Otherwise, grab a glass of apfelwein (apple wine), Frankfurt’s most famous drink, along the cobblestone streets of the Sachsenhausen neighborhood; walk around the Financial District, and peer from the public viewing platforms at the top of the 56-story Main Tower.
...MoreOn Sundays, tour Old Town; climb up 324 steps to the top of the Frankfurt Cathedral (dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries); wander the Kleinmarkthalle stalls; or book a free tour of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. City museums are free on the last Saturday of the month, too
...MoreYes. Frankfurt’s status as both modern—the city’s business district is nicknamed “Mainhattan,” a silver-clad skyline on the River Main—and medieval is not to be missed. There’s an array of museums, cultural attractions, and historical sites to keep discerning travelers busy.
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