Frankfurt blends a striking skyline with a charming old town, major museums, and riverside promenades. You experience both a modern financial hub and a relaxed, walkable city with plenty of green spaces.
Discover Frankfurt
Discover Frankfurt
Why visit Frankfurt?
What to expect
You find glass towers beside half-timbered houses, efficient public transport, and a lively café culture. The Main River, compact city centre, and cultural quarter around Museum Embankment shape most visits.
Plan your trip
Frankfurt works well as a short city break and as a gateway to wider Germany, including the Rhine Valley and nearby university towns. Its central rail connections make onward travel simple to arrange.
Top sights in Frankfurt
Römerberg
Stroll the historic Römerberg square, lined with reconstructed half-timbered houses and the iconic Römer city hall at the heart of Frankfurt Old Town.
Main Tower
Ride the lift to the Main Tower observation deck for wide views of the skyline, the Main River, and the surrounding region, especially striking at sunset.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
Explore the string of museums along the south bank of the Main, from art and film to architecture, all linked by a pleasant riverside walkway.
Palmengarten
Step into Palmengarten, a large botanical garden with glasshouses, themed landscapes, and quiet corners ideal for a peaceful break from the city.
Städel Museum
Visit the Städel Museum to see an extensive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works in a thoughtfully designed setting.
Kleinmarkthalle
Browse Kleinmarkthalle, an indoor market filled with fresh produce, deli counters, and snack stalls where you can sample local and regional flavours.
Eiserner Steg
Walk across the Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge for classic views of Frankfurt’s skyline and the river, especially atmospheric in the evening.
Sachsenhausen district
Wander through Sachsenhausen’s cobbled streets, known for traditional taverns, cosy bars, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel close to the river.
Experience Frankfurt’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move easily with Frankfurt’s U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses, which link the airport, main station, and key districts. For a different view, follow the Main River paths by bicycle or on foot, then use taxis or ride-hailing for late-night journeys back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
Daily life revolves around neighbourhood cafés, riverside walks, and cultural events in the theatre and museum districts. You will notice a mix of business energy on weekdays and a slower, relaxed pace in residential areas and along the river, especially on weekends.
Where to unwind
Unwind along the grassy banks of the Main or in parks such as Grüneburgpark and the grounds of Palmengarten. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for peaceful walks, gentle jogs, or simply sitting on a bench to watch the city move around you.
A taste of Frankfurt
Street food & local specialties
Seek out markets and traditional taverns for local classics, from hearty regional dishes to light snacks, particularly around the Old Town, Kleinmarkthalle, and Sachsenhausen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to central streets and shopping areas for bistros and contemporary eateries offering German favourites alongside international cuisines, with menus designed for sharing so you can sample a variety of dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table at restaurants with skyline or river views for a memorable evening, particularly in high-rise venues or along the Main, where large windows showcase the city’s lights while you dine.
Retail therapy in Frankfurt
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse central shopping centres and lifestyle complexes where international brands sit beside local labels, with cafés and entertainment that make these malls popular meeting points for an afternoon in the city.
Markets & local crafts
Explore neighbourhood streets and weekly markets for regional produce, design items, and handmade crafts, with areas near the Old Town, Sachsenhausen, and local plazas offering a more personal shopping experience.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, main shopping streets and selected malls stay lively with illuminated façades, late-opening stores, and nearby dining. Efficient trams, trains, and buses make it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel after dark.
Best time to visit Frankfurt
Spring (April to June, shoulder season) brings mild weather with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), blooming parks, and fewer crowds. Summer (July to August, peak season) is warm, averaging 18–26°C (64–79°F), with long days ideal for river walks and outdoor events. Autumn and winter (October to March, low season) are cooler at about 0–10°C (32–50°F), with crisp air, cosy interiors, and festive markets brightening the shorter days.