Frankfurt is Germanys financial hub and a historic river city in one, where glass towers rise beside timbered houses along the Main. You find museums, green riverbanks, and a compact centre that is easy to explore.
Discover Frankfurt
Discover Frankfurt
Why visit Frankfurt?
What to expect
Expect a modern skyline, a walkable old town, and lively business districts that give the city an international feel. Distinct neighbourhoods around the river, station quarter, and museum embankment each add their own character.
Plan your trip
Frankfurt works well as both a city break and a gateway to Germany and wider Europe thanks to its rail links and central airport. Use the city as a base for day trips to wine regions, riverside towns, and nearby cultural centres.
Top sights in Frankfurt
Römerberg
Stroll the cobbled square of Römerberg, where colourful half-timbered houses and the historic town hall frame one of Frankfurts most atmospheric spots.
Main Tower
Ride the lift to the viewing platform of Main Tower for open-air views of the skyline, river, and surrounding region, especially striking at sunset.
Museumsufer
Explore Museumsufer, the museum embankment along the south bank of the Main, home to major art, film, and cultural institutions set in leafy surroundings.
Palmengarten
Step into Palmengarten, a large botanical garden with glasshouses and themed landscapes that offer a quiet escape close to the city centre.
Städel Museum
Visit the Städel Museum to see one of Germanys leading art collections, from Old Masters to contemporary works, in a refined riverside setting.
Old Opera House (Alte Oper)
Admire the restored Alte Oper on its grand square, and, if time allows, attend a performance or simply enjoy the lively cafés nearby.
Eiserner Steg
Walk across the Eiserner Steg footbridge for classic postcard views of the old town and skyline, and easy access between both riverbanks.
Experience Frankfurts everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Frankfurts U-Bahn, trams, and S-Bahn trains for quick trips between the airport, city centre, and outer districts, then switch to buses or walking for the last stretch. Cycling is another pleasant option along the riverside paths.
Local life & culture
You feel the citys mix of business and leisure in its busy weekdays and relaxed weekends by the river. Neighbourhoods like Sachsenhausen, Nordend, and Bornheim blend traditional pubs, modern cafés, and cultural venues that show everyday Frankfurt life.
Where to unwind
Relax along the Main rivers green embankments, ideal for morning runs or evening strolls as the skyline lights up. For quieter time, head to city parks such as Grüneburgpark or the grounds around Palmengarten, best enjoyed on mild afternoons.
A taste of Frankfurt
Street food & local specialties
Look out for local favourites such as green herb sauce and hearty sausages in traditional taverns and casual eateries, especially in Sachsenhausen. Food stalls and smaller markets offer a quick taste of regional snacks on the go.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Central districts and shopping streets host laid-back bistros, international restaurants, and food courts where you can try everything from German classics to Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, often in portions that make sharing and sampling easy.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with skyline views, a terrace by the river, or a refined dining room in the old town. Evening settings with city lights or waterside outlooks turn dinner into part of the sightseeing.
Retail therapy in Frankfurt
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Explore central shopping centres and department stores around the main pedestrian streets, where international brands sit beside German labels, plus cafés and entertainment that make them lively meeting points.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out weekly markets and smaller streets in areas like Bornheim and Sachsenhausen for regional produce, design items, and independent boutiques that showcase local creativity and everyday city life.
Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets and riverside areas stay active with illuminated storefronts, late-opening shops on selected days, and nearby bars and cafés, all easy to reach using the citys trams and U-Bahn.
Best time to visit Frankfurt
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 10–20°C (50–68°F), blooming parks, and comfortable sightseeing before the main summer crowds. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with warmer weather of about 18–27°C (64–81°F), busy riverfronts, and many outdoor events. Autumn and winter (October to March) are generally a low season, with cooler temperatures from 0–10°C (32–50°F), crisp days, and a cosy atmosphere, especially around end-of-year markets.