A financial powerhouse and home to the European Central Bank, Frankfurt am Main is one of the most visited cities in Germany. With medieval churches, Gothic cathedrals and renowned museums, it’s no wonder that travellers connecting to Europe through Frankfurt’s busy airport often choose to layover for a few days.
Things to do in Frankfurt am Main
Romerberg Square is the centrepiece of Frankfurt, housing iconic structures such as the medieval church of Alte Nikolaikirche and the Fountain of Justice Fountain whose original version ran with wine for the coronation of Emperor Matthias in 1612. Take some time to explore other historical structures in the Old Town area, including Saalhof, a 12th-century castle and tower, and the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Bartholomeus, known as the Kaiserdom.
A favourite tourist destination in Frankfurt is the museum and former home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the beloved German writer and statesman.Dating from 1815, the Stadel Museum is actually an art gallery where you can view European masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Renoir and Rembrandt. If you have a science aficionado in your group, don’t miss Senckenberg Museum with its palaeontology exhibits and fossils.
Neighbourhoods such as Bockenheim and Nordend serve as miniature villages, harbouring the best cafes, boutiques, galleries and parks. Don’t miss sampling apple wine in the taverns of Sachsenhausen. The squares and pubs near Goethe University offer a lively indie-culture that contrasts the modern skyscrapers of the financial district.
Getting around Frankfurt am Main
The U-Bahn system provides underground and overground trains that traverse the city day and night, connecting to all the major attractions as well as the suburbs and airport. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in the Old Town area, plan to do some walking, or pick up a bicycle from one of many bikehire stations throughout Frankfurt.