Frankfurt is a vibrant and dynamic city located in the heart of Germany. The city is known for its stunning skyline, rich cultural heritage, and thriving economy. Frankfurt is the fifth-largest city in Germany and is home to a diverse population from around the world.
The history of Frankfurt dates back over 1,200 years, and the city has played an important role in German history ever since. Visitors to Frankfurt can explore the city’s many historic sites and landmarks, including the Römerberg, which is the city’s historic central square and is home to a number of beautifully restored half-timbered buildings.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Frankfurt is the Museumsufer, which is a cluster of museums located on both sides of the Main River. Visitors can explore a variety of world-class museums, including the Städel Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of European art in the world. Another must-visit destination in Frankfurt is the Palmengarten, which is a stunning botanical garden that is home to a variety of exotic plants and flowers.
Visitors to Frankfurt can also enjoy the city’s famous culinary scene, which features a variety of traditional German dishes as well as international cuisine. The city is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and music venues offering visitors a taste of Frankfurt’s legendary party scene.
For those looking to explore Frankfurt’s natural beauty, a visit to the Taunus Mountains is a must. The mountain range is located just outside the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the Main River, which runs through the heart of the city and offers a unique perspective on Frankfurt’s stunning skyline.
With that said, Frankfurt is also a popular city, so below are some non-touristy things to do in Frankfurt to avoid the crowds
Walk along the river Main
A scenic stroll with views of the city skyline.
The River Main is the longest river in the state of Hesse and it flows through Frankfurt, Germany’s fifth-largest city. The river is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and providing opportunities for water activities such as boat tours, kayaking, and river cruises. Along the river, there are also several parks and recreational areas, making it an excellent spot for picnics or leisurely walks.
Visit the Kleinmarkthalle
A bustling indoor market selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.
The Kleinmarkthalle is a bustling indoor market located in the heart of Frankfurt’s city center. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, as well as a range of international specialty foods. Visitors can explore the many stalls and vendors, sampling local delicacies and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the market.
Explore the Old Sachsenhausen neighborhood
A lively area with traditional cider taverns and narrow streets.
The Old Sachsenhausen neighborhood is a historic area of Frankfurt known for its traditional taverns, or “apple wine bars,” serving Frankfurt’s famous apple wine. The neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique and authentic taste of Frankfurt’s culture and cuisine. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways, admiring the traditional half-timbered buildings and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Climb the Main Tower
A skyscraper with a public observation deck offering panoramic views.
The Main Tower is Frankfurt’s tallest building, standing at over 200 meters tall. The tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city, with observation decks located on the 54th and 56th floors. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink at the tower’s restaurant and bar, which offers excellent views of the city skyline.
Visit the Museum of Applied Arts
A museum with collections of design, fashion, and decorative arts.
The Museum of Applied Arts is located in Frankfurt’s city center and features a wide range of applied arts and design objects from around the world. The museum’s collection includes everything from furniture and textiles to ceramics and jewelry, showcasing the evolution of design and craftsmanship throughout history. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Attend a concert at the Alte Oper
A historic concert hall with a varied program of classical and contemporary music.
The Alte Oper is a historic opera house located in the city center of Frankfurt. The building was originally constructed in the late 1800s but was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Today, the Alte Oper is a cultural hub for the city, hosting a wide range of events and performances, including classical music, opera, and ballet. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the building or attend one of the many concerts or events held throughout the year.
Walk through the Palmengarten
A botanical garden with a large collection of exotic plants and greenhouses.
The Palmengarten is a large botanical garden located in the Westend district of Frankfurt. The garden features a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world, as well as several greenhouses housing tropical and subtropical plants. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens, admiring the various plants and sculptures, or attend one of the many events and exhibitions held throughout the year.
Visit the Dialogmuseum
A museum where visitors experience a sensory tour in complete darkness.
The Dialogmuseum is a unique museum that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the world without sight. Visitors are led through various exhibits and activities in complete darkness, relying on their other senses to navigate and understand the environment. The museum provides an immersive and thought-provoking experience that challenges visitors’ perceptions of the world.
Explore the Berger Strasse neighborhood
A trendy area with cafes, boutiques, and street art.
The Berger Strasse neighborhood is a trendy and eclectic area of Frankfurt, known for its diverse range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The neighborhood is particularly popular among young professionals and students, and it offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore the many boutiques, galleries, and cafes that line the neighborhood’s streets or relax in one of the many parks and green spaces.
Visit the Städel Museum
A museum with a large collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Städel Museum is one of the most important art museums in Germany, located in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district. The museum features a wide range of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day, including works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet. The collection also includes an extensive selection of contemporary art, with a focus on German and international artists.
Take a boat tour of the city
A relaxing way to see the city and learn about its history.
A boat tour is a popular way to see Frankfurt’s skyline and explore the city from a unique perspective. There are several different boat tour options available, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and party boats. Visitors can admire the city’s iconic architecture, including the Main Tower and the European Central Bank building, and learn about Frankfurt’s history and culture from an informative tour guide.
Visit the Goethe House
The former home of the famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The Goethe House is a historic building located in Frankfurt’s city center, and it is the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s most famous writers. The house has been preserved as a museum and features period furnishings and artwork, as well as exhibitions on Goethe’s life and work. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the house, including the writer’s study, and learn about Goethe’s literary legacy and his impact on German culture.
Check out the street art in the Ostend neighborhood
A colorful area with murals and graffiti.
The Ostend neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art scene, with numerous murals and graffiti adorning the walls and buildings throughout the area. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood, admiring the various artworks and learning about the artists behind them. The neighborhood also features several trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Go for a run in the Nidda Valley
A scenic route with a river and parkland.
The Nidda Valley is a scenic nature reserve located on the outskirts of Frankfurt, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. The valley is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds, deer, and foxes, and visitors can explore the various trails and paths that wind through the forested hills and meadows. The valley also features several historical sites, including medieval castles and ruins.
Attend a game at the Commerzbank-Arena
A large stadium and home to the Eintracht Frankfurt football team.
The Commerzbank-Arena is a sports stadium located in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district, and it is the home of the city’s professional football team, Eintracht Frankfurt. The stadium can accommodate over 50,000 spectators and hosts a range of sporting events and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the stadium, exploring the locker rooms, press areas, and VIP suites, and learning about the history of the team and the stadium itself.