Frankfurt packs a lot into a small centre. Its attractions range from a reconstructed medieval square to glass towers with public viewing decks, with one of Europe's best clusters of museums in between. Here are the ones worth prioritising.
1. Römerberg and the Römer
The city's historic square, framed by the gabled Römer (city hall) and the half-timbered Ostzeile. It is the heart of the old town and the backdrop to the Christmas market each winter.
2. Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom)
The imperial cathedral where Holy Roman Emperors were elected and crowned. Climb the tower for a view over the New Old Town and the river.
3. The Museumsufer
A row of museums along the Main's south bank — the Städel (art), the German Film Museum, the Architecture Museum and more. One of the highest concentrations of museums anywhere in Europe.
4. Main Tower
The only banking-district skyscraper with a public observation deck — a roughly 200-metre panorama over the skyline and out to the Taunus hills.
5. Palmengarten and the Botanical Gardens
A grand 19th-century botanical garden with glasshouses and themed landscapes — a green escape minutes from the towers.
6. The Zeil and Kleinmarkthalle
The Zeil is the busy shopping boulevard; just off it, the Kleinmarkthalle indoor market is where locals eat. Pair them for an afternoon.
7. Sachsenhausen and Apple Wine
No Frankfurt list is complete without a ribbed glass of Apfelwein in a Sachsenhausen tavern.
Across the river, Alt-Sachsenhausen's cobbled lanes are the home of Frankfurt's apple-wine culture and a lively evening scene.
Getting Around the Sights
The core attractions are walkable; the Palmengarten and a few others are a short U-Bahn ride. Arriving from the airport, a private transfer drops you right at the old town — see our routes, or read how to get from the airport to the centre.
