Frankfurt
15 Frankfurt Highlights You Will Love
Like hardly any other German city, Frankfurt am Main combines tradition and modernity. Half-timbered gables and glass façades are often only a few minutes' walk apart – and that is exactly what makes the Main metropolis such an appealing destination. These 15 sights take you from the medieval Römerberg to the viewing platform in the banking district and show why the city has earned the nickname "Mainhattan". Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, here you will find the highlights with practical advice for planning.
Sights in the Historic Heart of the City
Frankfurt's historic centre is the best starting point for your tour of discovery. Here stand the most important sights, which tell of the city's long history.
The Römerberg – Frankfurt's Most Famous Square
The Römerberg is regarded as the heart of Frankfurt's old town and is one of its most important sights. This picturesque square with its characteristic half-timbered houses takes you straight back to the Middle Ages.
- The Römer town hall with its three Gothic gables
- The Alte Nikolaikirche from the 13th century
- The reconstructed half-timbered houses of the Ostzeile
- The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen, the fountain of justice, in the middle of the square
- Cosy restaurants and cafés with outdoor terraces
💡 Tip: Visit the Römerberg early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best photo opportunities without the crowds.
Frankfurt Cathedral – the Imperial Cathedral of St Bartholomew
Just a few steps from the Römerberg rises Frankfurt Cathedral, another of the city's most significant sights. German emperors were once crowned here.
- Climb the 95-metre cathedral tower for spectacular views
- Admire the Gothic architecture from the 14th/15th century
- Visit the cathedral treasury with its valuable exhibits
- Find out more about the imperial coronations in the cathedral museum
Sights along the Main
The Main shapes Frankfurt decisively and offers some of the loveliest perspectives on the city. The riverbank is superb for relaxed walks – and for views of the skyline, which changes with every step.
Eiserner Steg – the Famous Pedestrian Bridge
The Eiserner Steg is one of the most romantic spots in town and links the city centre with the district of Sachsenhausen. From the middle of the bridge you can take the classic skyline photo.
The Städel Museum
As one of the most renowned art museums in Germany, the Städel is among the cultural sights you should not miss.
- Masterpieces by Dürer, Rembrandt and Picasso
- An important collection of German Romanticism
- Modern and contemporary art
- Changing special exhibitions of world standing
💡 Tip: Find out beforehand about reduced-price admission days at the Städel – the arrangements change from time to time.
Top Attractions: the Impressive Skyline
Frankfurt's skyline is unique in Germany and offers spectacular views that take you up into dizzying heights.
Main Tower – Frankfurt's Viewing Platform
The Main Tower is the only publicly accessible viewing platform in Frankfurt's banking district, which makes it a sight you really should have seen.
- Take the lift to the 56th floor
- Enjoy the 360-degree panorama over Frankfurt
- Photograph the impressive skyline
- Visit the restaurant for fine dining
- Plan your visit for sunset
Commerzbank Tower and Other Skyscrapers
The bank towers are characteristic landmarks that shape the cityscape.
- Commerzbank Tower: Germany's tallest skyscraper
- Messeturm: recognisable by its pyramid-shaped top
- Deutsche Bank Twin Towers: twin towers in the banking district
- European Central Bank: a modern new building in the Ostend
Frankfurt Highlights: Culture and Museums
Frankfurt has an exceptional density of museums and counts as one of the culturally richest cities in Germany. Culture lovers should not miss these sights.
Museumsufer – a Unique Cultural Offering
Frankfurt's Museumsufer, or museum embankment, brings 16 museums together in a very small area and is one of the most important destinations for culture lovers. Because the buildings stand right next to each other, two or three visits combine easily in one day.
Senckenberg Natural History Museum
The Senckenberg Museum is one of the most popular sights, especially for families with children.
- The largest dinosaur collection in Europe
- Impressive fossils and minerals
- Interactive exhibitions on evolution
- Changing special exhibitions
- A planetarium for astronomical discoveries
💡 Tip: Buy tickets online to avoid waiting times, especially at weekends and during the holidays.
Sights for Nature Lovers
Despite its urban character, Frankfurt has beautiful green spaces and recreation areas, which are among its most relaxing attractions.
Palmengarten – a Botanical Paradise
The Palmengarten is one of the greenest spots in the city and invites you to linger and unwind.
- Tropical greenhouses with exotic plants
- A rose garden with over 200 varieties of rose
- A Japanese garden for meditative moments
- Concerts and events in summer
- Playgrounds for children
You can read how best to explore the extensive grounds and which greenhouses are particularly worthwhile in our guide to the Palmengarten in Frankfurt.
Bethmannpark and the Chinese Garden
The Bethmannpark is home to one of the most atmospheric attractions – the Chinese garden, the "Garden of Heavenly Peace".
Grüneburgpark
As one of the largest parks in Frankfurt, the Grüneburgpark offers a place to unwind in the middle of the city and is equally popular with walkers and joggers.
Worth Visiting: Modern Architecture and Districts
Frankfurt is not only traditional but also highly modern. These sights represent the contemporary side of the city.
Europaviertel – Frankfurt's New Face
The Europaviertel has developed into one of the most exciting districts and shows what modern urban planning looks like in Frankfurt.
Zeil – Germany's Highest-Grossing Shopping Street
The Zeil is not only there for shopping, but is also one of the liveliest places to visit.
- MyZeil shopping centre with a spectacular glass façade
- Quartier 206 for luxury shopping
- Kleinmarkthalle for regional specialities
- Street artists and musicians
For a break in between, a detour away from the big chains is worthwhile – our overview shows where to find good bubble tea in Frankfurt in the city centre.
📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Frankfurt on our city page.
Conclusion: Sights in Frankfurt for Memorable Experiences
Frankfurt am Main surprises with an impressive variety of sights that combine history, culture, nature and modernity. From the historic lanes of the Römerberg to the futuristic skyline, the Main metropolis offers experiences for every taste.
The key takeaways for your visit to Frankfurt:
- Allow at least 2–3 days to explore the main sights
- Use public transport – most attractions are well connected
- Visit both historic and modern sights
- Set aside time for the museums along the riverbank
- Enjoy the unique skyline from different viewpoints
If you are staying several days, pay attention to where your accommodation is: our article Was macht ein gutes Hotel in Frankfurt aus? sums up what matters.
Frankfurt proves impressively that a city can be a financial metropolis and a cultural centre at the same time. Discover this versatile city and let its sights win you over.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frankfurt's Sights
Which sights in Frankfurt should you definitely visit? The absolute must-sees include the Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, the Main Tower and the Städel Museum. These four give a well-rounded impression of Frankfurt's history and present.
How many days do you need for the main sights? For the main attractions you should allow at least 2–3 days. That gives you enough time for the historic old town, the skyline, a few museums and a relaxed walk through the parks.
Are the sights easy to reach by public transport? Yes, most destinations are easily reached by U-Bahn, S-Bahn and tram. The Frankfurt Card also offers free travel on local transport and discounts on many attractions.
Which sights are suitable for families with children? Particularly family-friendly are the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the Palmengarten, Frankfurt Zoo and the viewing platform of the Main Tower. These destinations offer exciting experiences for all age groups.
Are there free sights in Frankfurt? You can enjoy many highlights for free: walks through the old town, the riverbank, the parks and the view of the skyline from outside. Some museums also offer free admission on certain days.
Where is the best view of the Frankfurt skyline? The viewing platform of the Main Tower gives the all-round view, while the Eiserner Steg offers the classic postcard perspective from the water. If you prefer something more relaxed, find a spot on the Sachsenhausen bank of the Main.
Tim Schneider
