Frankfurt might be best-known as a transportation hub, yet who ventures out of the airport discovers a hidden gem of a city that has a lot to offer. Go on a day trip while vacationing in Germany or explore at a slower pace during a long weekend.
We visited Frankfurt for a day while staying at and uncovering Germany’s Rhine Valley. As we took this trip during Summer, we had long hours of light and explored a lot in one day. However, if you’re visiting in another season or don’t want to cover too much ground in a day, consider staying overnight in this lovely city. Frankfurt definitely can keep you entertained for a nice weekend!
How to get there?
Frankfurt is a great transportation hub. With flights arriving from all over the world, you could consider flying to Frankfurt and start your Germany explorations in the city. If you’re already in Germany or come from one of the neighbouring countries, it’s worth considering taking the train. The Frankfurt train station is not that far from the city centre and has many good connections.
If you travel to Frankfurt by car, take into account that you need a green sticker to enter the city’s low emission zone. We didn’t think about this before heading out, but luckily our GPS app popped up a warning. Don’t have or don’t want to buy the sticker? No worries, we parked at Parkplatz Aussichtsplattform Zeppelinheim, outside of this zone, and took a train into town. Do note that this parking is in a forest, which might not be ideal if you’re travelling alone and come back after dark.
Without further ado, here are twelve things to see and do once you’re in the city.
1. Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral
The Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral dominates the skyline of the old part of town. It’s a beautiful building in a surprisingly quiet corner of Frankfurt. Take a look inside and imagine stepping back in time: this cathedral was once where emperors were coronated.
2. Römerberg
Römerberg is as pretty as squares come. Half-timbered, colourful houses face the iconic town hall dating from 1405. The Old Saint Nicholas Church completes this pretty picture. Make sure to also venture out further into the small streets of the Dom-Römer quarter, also known as Neue Frankfurter Altstadt.
3. Palmengarten
Have you ever been somewhere, thinking: if I ever marry, I would like to have my wedding pictures taken here? That was my exact feeling strolling through the marvellous Palmengarten. It’s not just a botanical garden, it’s a lovely green oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of hours … or even for a whole day.
Tickets cost 7 euros and are totally worth the money. Take your time when coming here, as there are many greenhouses, meadows and flower beds to discover. The pièce de resistance is the Palm House, showcasing exotic plants since 1869. Apart from lush plants and blossoming flowers galore, there are plenty of spots to sit back and relax. There’s even a pond where you can embark on a small boat trip! If you visit one place in Frankfurt, make it the Palmengarten (is it clear already that I’m really enthusiastic about this?).
4. Eiserner Steg
Cross this bridge over the river Main for views over Frankfurt’s old town on one side and the financial district on the other. And don’t forget to admire the bridge itself too.
5. Mainkai
Strolling a city’s waterfront is always pleasant, but in Frankfurt it has something extra. On both sides of the Main river is a walkway dressed in green. Perfect to take a stress-free stroll or have a take-away lunch.
6. Museumsufer
The Museumsufer is an area jam-packed with museums (what else?). From the outside the buildings aren’t all too impressive and as we had many other things planned for our day trip in Frankfurt, we didn’t visit any of the museums. We did pass by a lovely garden filled with art, though. And if you are eager to include a museum visit during your time in Frankfurt, this is the go-to spot. There’s a museum for everyone to be found here.
7. Saint Paul’s Church and Paulsplatz
Take a moment to admire the largest square of Frankfurt’s Old Town and the church that overlooks it all. Saint Paul’s Church was built at the end of the 18th century and while it might not be the most remarkable church at first glance, it has great historic significance. The National Assembly – the first elected parliament for the whole nation – gathered here to write the constitution for a unified Germany. However, it did not succeed (bummer, I know).
8. Hauptwache
This small building stands proud in the middle of a giant square. It’s been here since 1730 and has served as the seat of Frankfurt’s civilian army, a prison, and a police station. Nowadays it’s a café and the perfect place to start a shopping spree.
9. Grüneburgpark
This huge park is also frequented by locals and students and is one of many sure green corners in Frankfurt, where you can take a break from busy city life.
10. Financial district
Frankfurt has a big and important financial district. While the modern skyscrapers might not be as scenic as the old town or the city’s parks, this forest of glass trees is an important part of the city. The view on them from the Mainkai or the Eiserner Steg sure has something, in particular in contrast with the skyline of the Old Town. And walking through these tall buildings towering over you is quite impressive in its own way.
11. Hühnermarkt
This small but picturesque square at the heart of the Old Town stole my heart. The pastel-coloured building hugging the place, the terraces bustling with people and a small statue in the middle: this market is the definition of picture perfect.
12. Old Opera House and Opernplatz
Frankfurt is filled to the brim with amazing squares and the Opernplatz is another great example of it. The majestic Old Opera House is the main reason for that, with the fountain in front of the building being the cherry on top.
Where to eat?
Got hungry from all that walking around? I can’t blame you. We ended up having dinner at Buena Vista Frankfurt. It is a tapas bar and steak house that also serves delicious fajitas. What’s special is that you can bake your steak yourself on a hot stone. The filling of the fajita’s is brought to you on a hot stone too, accompanied by several sauces. You need to ‘construct’ your fajita yourself. A challenge to do that without spilling, I can tell!
Do you want to discover more of Germany? The Moselle Valley or Black Forest with lovely city Freiburg might be your cup of tea.