Frankfurt is Germanys financial powerhouse, blending modern skyscrapers with a compact historic centre along the River Main. You find museums, green riverbanks, and a relaxed café culture side by side with buzzing business life.
Discover Frankfurt
Discover Frankfurt
Why visit Frankfurt?
What to expect
Expect a walkable city with efficient public transport, a striking skyline, and neighbourhoods that range from half-timbered old town streets to creative quarters filled with galleries and bars. The atmosphere is urban yet calm, with plenty of green spaces and riverside paths.
Plan your trip
Frankfurt works well for short breaks and longer stays, and it is one of Europes main gateways for exploring Germany and nearby countries by rail or air. Plan time both for the citys museums and markets, and for day trips to nearby Rhine Valley towns or wine regions.
Top sights in Frankfurt
Römerberg and the Old Town
Stroll the restored Römerberg square to see colourful half-timbered houses, the historic town hall, and cobbled lanes that capture Frankfurts medieval charm.
Main Tower observation deck
Ride the lift to the Main Tower viewing platform for sweeping views over Frankfurts skyline, the River Main, and the surrounding countryside.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
Explore a string of major museums along the south bank of the River Main, from art and film to architecture, all set within leafy riverside promenades.
Palmengarten
Wander through greenhouses and themed gardens at Palmengarten, a botanical garden offering quiet walking paths and seasonal floral displays.
Goethes House
Visit the childhood home of writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, now a museum showing period interiors and insights into Frankfurts literary heritage.
Zeil pedestrian street
Walk along Zeil, Frankfurts main shopping street, lined with department stores, malls, and cafés where you can pause and watch city life go by.
Eiserner Steg footbridge
Cross the Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge for classic skyline views and easy access between the city centre and Sachsenhausen district.
Experience Frankfurts everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Frankfurts U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses for quick journeys across the city and to the airport. For a different view, walk or cycle along the River Main paths, then rely on trams or short taxi rides for the last mile back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You feel local life in neighbourhoods like Sachsenhausen and Bornheim, where traditional taverns sit next to contemporary bars and galleries. Cultural events, theatre, and music festivals run year round, with many venues clustered close to the river and old town.
Where to unwind
Relax along the riverbank lawns of the Main, where locals picnic and jog, especially on warm evenings. City parks such as Grüneburgpark and the Palmengarten offer shady walking paths and quiet corners, best enjoyed in the soft light of morning or late afternoon.
A taste of Frankfurt
Street food & local specialties
Try local favourites such as green herb sauce, pretzels, and sausages in traditional taverns and market halls, especially around Kleinmarkthalle and the old town. Sachsenhausen is known for apple wine houses serving hearty regional plates.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to areas around Zeil, Berger Strasse, and the Bahnhofsviertel for casual cafés, bakeries, and modern bistros serving German, Mediterranean, and global flavours. Portions are often moderate, so you can share plates and sample a variety of dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out restaurants and bars with river views or skyline panoramas, especially atop high-rise towers or along the Main. A sunset drink or dinner overlooking the city lights turns an ordinary evening into a memorable part of your stay.
Retail therapy in Frankfurt
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse large malls such as MyZeil and nearby department stores along Zeil for international brands, German labels, and plenty of cafés. These centres double as social spaces, with food courts and rooftop terraces for a break between shops.
Markets & local crafts
Visit Kleinmarkthalle for food stalls and regional products, or explore Sachsenhausen and Alt-Sachsenhausen for small boutiques and local makers. Berger Strasse in Bornheim offers independent shops with fashion, design pieces, and everyday essentials.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, Zeil and nearby streets stay lively with illuminated storefronts, while seasonal markets create a festive feel at certain times of year. Central tram and U-Bahn lines make it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel after dark.
Best time to visit Frankfurt
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), blooming parks, and increasing outdoor events. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with warmer days of 18–27°C (64–81°F), longer daylight, and busier attractions. Autumn and winter (October to March) form the low season, with cooler temperatures from 0–10°C (32–50°F), quieter streets, and crisp days that suit museum visits and cosy indoor cafés.