Frankfurt is a major European financial hub that blends gleaming skyscrapers with atmospheric old quarters. You find lively riverfront paths, museums, and cafes within easy reach of business districts.
Discover Frankfurt
Discover Frankfurt
Why visit Frankfurt?
What to expect
Expect an efficient, compact city with a modern skyline, a well-preserved historic core, and a strong arts and museum scene. Neighbourhoods like Sachsenhausen and Nordend offer leafy streets, relaxed bars, and local charm.
Plan your trip
Frankfurt is an ideal entry point to Germany and central Europe, thanks to its major rail and air connections. Base yourself here to explore nearby Rhine wine towns, castles, and other German cities by high-speed train.
Top sights in Frankfurt
Römerberg and Old Town
Stroll through Römerberg square to see restored half-timbered houses, the historic town hall, and cobbled lanes that capture Frankfurt's medieval character.
Main Tower
Ride the lift to the observation deck of Main Tower for sweeping views over the skyline, river Main, and surrounding countryside, especially beautiful around sunset.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
Walk along the south bank of the river Main and explore a string of museums, from fine art and film to architecture, all within a pleasant riverside setting.
Palmengarten
Relax in Palmengarten, Frankfurt's botanical garden, where themed glasshouses and landscaped grounds offer a peaceful break from the busy city streets.
Zeil shopping street
Head to Zeil, Frankfurt's main shopping boulevard, lined with department stores, malls, and cafes, and enjoy the city buzz between purchases.
Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom)
Visit the red-sandstone Frankfurt Cathedral to admire its Gothic architecture and climb the tower for an impressive view of the old town and modern skyline.
Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)
Cross the Iron Bridge on foot for a classic panorama of Frankfurt's high-rises and historic riverfront, especially striking when the city lights come on.
Sachsenhausen riverside
Spend an evening along Sachsenhausen's riverside streets, where cosy taverns and bars offer a relaxed atmosphere close to the water.
Experience Frankfurt's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Frankfurt's U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams to move quickly between the airport, city centre, and outer districts. For a different view, walk or cycle along the river Main, then rely on buses or short taxi rides for the last stretch to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You feel a mix of international business energy and relaxed neighbourhood life, especially in quarters like Bornheim and Nordend. Cafes spill onto pavements, weekend markets fill local squares, and cultural festivals often take over riverfront promenades.
Where to unwind
Unwind in riverside parks along the Main, where locals picnic, jog, and sit on the grass in late afternoon light. For quieter moments, visit Palmengarten or the city forest, best enjoyed in the morning or early evening when paths are calm and shaded.
A taste of Frankfurt
Street food & local specialties
Try local favourites such as green herb sauce and hearty regional dishes in traditional taverns, especially around Sachsenhausen. Food stalls and markets near Konstablerwache also offer quick bites with a local flavour.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Explore casual dining inside central malls and around areas like the banking district and Bahnhofsviertel, where you find international flavours side by side. Smaller portions and shared plates make it easy to sample several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, choose restaurants with skyline panoramas or spots overlooking the river Main. Rooftop venues and higher floors in central towers turn dinner into a scenic experience, especially as the city lights up after dark.
Retail therapy in Frankfurt
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse large shopping centres along Zeil and in the city centre, where international brands sit alongside local labels, cafes, and cinemas. These hubs double as social spaces, ideal for combining errands with a relaxed afternoon.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out smaller streets in Sachsenhausen, Bornheim, and around Berger Strasse for boutiques, design stores, and occasional neighbourhood markets. Weekly produce markets also feature regional products and handmade items.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and central malls stay lively on late-opening days, with illuminated shopfronts and busy cafes. Well-connected public transport makes it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel in comfort.
Best time to visit Frankfurt
Peak season runs from June to August, with warm temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and long daylight hours ideal for outdoor cafes and river walks. Shoulder season covers April to May and September to October, when temperatures hover around 10–18°C (50–64°F), making sightseeing comfortable and parks especially attractive. Low season is from November to March, with colder weather between 0–8°C (32–46°F), quieter streets, and a cosy atmosphere, particularly during the festive markets.