What to Do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a vibrant and historic city in central Germany, offering a wealth of activities for travelers and tourists alike. A major financial and transportation hub, Frankfurt is home to many of Germany’s largest corporations, banks, and institutions. With its rich cultural heritage, quaint neighborhoods, and dozens of attractions, Frankfurt is a city that has something for everyone.

History

Frankfurt has a long and rich history. Founded in 794 AD by Charlemagne, the city has been an important political, economic, and cultural center for centuries. Its strategic location at the intersection of the Main River and various major trade routes made it an attractive destination for merchants and travelers from all over Europe. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by both the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia.

During the Middle Ages, Frankfurt was a major hub for publishing and printing. It was also home to the Frankfurt Parliament, which in 1848 became the first democratically elected parliament in German history. After World War II, Frankfurt became a major center for the German banking industry, and today it is home to several of the country’s largest financial institutions.

Facts and Figures

Frankfurt is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany. It is home to approximately 750,000 residents in its metropolitan area, making it one of the largest agglomerations in Europe. The city is known for its high quality of life, with a high percentage of educated residents and excellent infrastructure.

The city is divided into different neighborhoods or “Stadtteile”. Among the most popular are Innenstadt (the city center), Sachsenhausen (the “old town”), Nordend (the “north end”), and Bornheim (a popular residential neighborhood). Frankfurt also has an extensive public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city.

Things to Do

Frankfurt offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or entertainment, there’s something here for everyone. Here are just a few of the many things to do in Frankfurt:

Explore the Old Town

The perfect place to start any visit to Frankfurt is the city’s beautiful Old Town district. Here visitors can explore some of Frankfurt’s oldest buildings and streets, including Römerberg Square, St. Paul’s Church, and the Goethe House Museum. Stroll down cobblestone streets lined with shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, or take a leisurely boat tour down the Main River.

Visit the Museums

Frankfurt is home to dozens of world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. The Städel Museum is one of Germany’s most important art museums, with a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to modern times. The Museum Embankment along the Main River is home to several popular museums including the Museum of Modern Art (MMK) and the Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection. For science and technology enthusiasts, there’s the Deutsches Museum or the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Shop at Zeil

Zeil is Frankfurt’s main shopping street, located in the heart of downtown. The street is lined with hundreds of shops selling everything from clothing to electronics to souvenirs. For a unique shopping experience, visit one of the many independent boutiques or browse through the local flea markets.

Experience City Park

City Park is one of Frankfurt’s most popular spots for outdoor recreation. This expansive green space is located in the heart of downtown and features a large lake, fountains, playgrounds, gardens, and much more. During the summer months, visitors can take a leisurely boat ride through the park or rent bicycles to explore the area.

Tours

Frankfurt offers many tours for visitors who want to explore the city in greater detail. Here are two popular tours that are great for first-time visitors:

Historic City Center Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour takes visitors on a journey through Frankfurt’s historic city center. Along the way, visitors will learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture as they explore some of its most iconic landmarks including Römerberg Square, St. Paul’s Church, and Goethe House Museum. The tour also includes stops at several local restaurants where visitors can sample traditional German dishes such as schnitzel and bratwurst. To book this tour, click here.

Frankfurt Sightseeing Tour

This three-hour tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through Frankfurt’s most iconic sights and attractions. The tour begins in Old Town with a visit to Römerberg Square followed by stops at St. Paul’s Church and Goethe House Museum. From there, visitors will explore Frankfurt’s modern skyline from atop one of its tallest towers before heading over to City Park for a leisurely stroll through its gardens and lakefront promenade. The tour also includes stops at some of Frankfurt’s most popular shopping districts including Zeil Street and Main Street. To book this tour, click here.