Frankfurt blends striking skyscrapers with a historic old town along the Main River. You will find a major financial hub that still feels intimate, with leafy neighbourhoods, museums, and riverside walks.
Discover Frankfurt
Discover Frankfurt
Why visit Frankfurt?
What to expect
Expect a compact, walkable centre, an efficient transport network, and a lively mix of business, culture, and student life. Distinct districts like the Altstadt, Sachsenhausen, and Westend each offer their own character.
Plan your trip
Frankfurt is a key gateway to Germany and wider Europe, with fast rail links to cities like Cologne, Heidelberg, and Munich. Use it as a base for day trips to the Rhine Valley, vineyards, and storybook towns.
Top sights in Frankfurt
Römerberg and the Old Town
Stroll across Römerberg square to admire the restored half-timbered houses and the historic city hall in Frankfurt's atmospheric old quarter.
Main Tower
Ride the lift to the Main Tower observation deck for wide city views, from the glass skyline and the Main River to the distant Taunus hills.
Museumsufer
Explore the string of museums along the riverbank, from world-class art at the Städel Museum to film, architecture, and applied arts collections.
Palmengarten
Escape to Palmengarten, a sprawling botanical garden with glasshouses, themed landscapes, and quiet paths perfect for a peaceful break.
Goethe House
Step into the restored family home of writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to see period interiors and learn about his life and work.
Eiserner Steg
Cross the iron Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge for classic skyline photos, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to glow.
Zeil and Hauptwache
Head to Zeil and the Hauptwache area for busy streets, cafés, and modern architecture, right in the commercial heart of the city.
Experience Frankfurt's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Frankfurt's U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams for fast journeys across the city, with regional trains from Hauptbahnhof for longer trips. Walking and cycling along the riverfront give a different perspective, while taxis and ride-hailing apps work well for late-night returns.
Local life & culture
You will feel the city's rhythm in neighbourhood cafés, riverside promenades, and weekend markets. Cultural life centres on the Museumsufer, theatres, and concert halls, with students and professionals mixing in lively districts like Bornheim and Nordend.
Where to unwind
Relax in green spaces such as the Palmengarten, Grüneburgpark, or the banks of the Main River, ideal for picnics and evening walks. Early mornings and late afternoons are the calmest times to enjoy these parks.
A taste of Frankfurt
Street food & local specialties
Try local favourites such as crisp schnitzel, hearty sausages, and dishes served with green herb sauce, often found in traditional taverns in Sachsenhausen and around the old town.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Look to areas like Bahnhofsviertel, Nordend, and shopping streets near Zeil for bistros and modern eateries offering German, Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern flavours, with portions that make sharing and sampling easy.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, choose riverfront restaurants along the Main or high-floor dining rooms in towers around the financial district, where large windows frame the skyline after dark.
Retail therapy in Frankfurt
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Spend time at MyZeil on Zeil and shopping centres near Hauptwache for international brands, local designers, and entertainment, all in bright, contemporary spaces popular with locals.
Markets & local crafts
Browse the Kleinmarkthalle for delicatessen products and seasonal treats, or explore side streets in Altstadt, Sachsenhausen, and Bornheim for independent boutiques and design shops.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets like Zeil and the riverfront glow with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores, and public transport makes it easy to reach these areas after a day of sightseeing.
Best time to visit Frankfurt
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season with mild weather, around 10–21°C (50–70°F), blooming parks, and outdoor café culture. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with warmer days around 18–27°C (64–81°F), busy festivals, and longer daylight hours. Autumn and winter (September to March) are a low season, with temperatures from about -1–15°C (30–59°F), crisp air, and cosy indoor attractions, including popular seasonal markets.