Frankfurt See & Do
Explore reconstructed historic streets, imperial and democratic landmarks, Germany's unusual skyscraper skyline, major museums and first-rate performing arts.
OVERVIEW
Sights Worth Exploring
Start with the Römerberg, Neue Altstadt and Kaiserdom, then cross the Main for skyline views and the Museumsufer. A museum visit or an evening performance adds another side of Frankfurt to the historic center. These are the sights and cultural stops I would consider when planning a first visit.
LANDMARKS & SIGHTS
Attractions to Explore
Frankfurt lost much of its historic fabric during World War II, making today's center an intriguing combination of survivors, restorations and meticulous reconstructions. The Römer and Kaiserdom remain essential, but the city's modern skyline and contemporary architecture are equally important to understanding Frankfurt today.
Römerberg & Römer
The Römerberg is the symbolic heart of Frankfurt and one of the places I return to on almost every visit. The Römer's distinctive stepped facade anchors a square lined with reconstructed historic buildings. It is especially atmospheric during the Christmas season, when stalls, lights and decorations transform this part of the city.
Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus
Frankfurt's imposing cathedral is closely connected with the history of the Holy Roman Empire: German kings were elected here and emperors were later crowned in the church. Its tall red sandstone tower remains one of the historic center's defining landmarks and provides a dramatic counterpoint to Frankfurt's modern skyscrapers.
Römerberg and Kaiserdom in Frankfurt
Neue Altstadt
Between the Römer and cathedral, Frankfurt has reconstructed part of its prewar street pattern with a mixture of recreated historic houses and contemporary buildings. I especially enjoy this area around the Römer-Dom quarter. It creates intimate lanes and squares that contrast sharply with the modern city only a short walk away.
Paulskirche
The Paulskirche occupies an important place in German democratic history as the meeting place of the Frankfurt Parliament of 1848-49, Germany's first freely elected national assembly. The building was reconstructed after World War II and today functions primarily as a memorial and venue rather than a traditional parish church.
Neue Altstadt and Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage
Frankfurt Skyline & Financial District
Frankfurt's skyscrapers make it unlike any other major German city. Walking through the financial district reveals the modern side of "Mainhattan," while views from the river and bridges show how dramatically the towers rise behind older neighborhoods. The contrast between glass high-rises and reconstructed Altstadt defines modern Frankfurt. For a view from above, consider the MAIN TOWER observation platform. Check opening hours and access information before visiting, as weather can affect platform access.
Tip: Cross the Main for some of the best views back toward the skyline.
MyZeil
MyZeil is more than a shopping center from an architectural perspective. Its glass facade folds inward into a huge funnel-like opening that continues through the building, creating one of the most unusual contemporary interiors along the Zeil. I find the architecture more interesting than the shopping and usually look inside when passing.
Tip: Look upward from inside to appreciate how the glass structure twists.
Frankfurt financial district and MyZeil architecture
ART & CULTURE
Museums & Cultural Experiences
Frankfurt has a cultural scene that is easy to underestimate. Museums line both banks of the Main, while opera, theater and concerts give the city considerably more depth than its financial reputation suggests.
Städel Museum
The Städel is one of Frankfurt's most important museums and part of the Museumsufer along the Main. Its collection spans centuries of European art, from Old Masters through modern and contemporary works. I have visited the museum in the past, although I no longer remember the individual galleries well enough to recommend specific works.
Historisches Museum Frankfurt
Located near the Römer and Main, the Historical Museum traces Frankfurt's development and provides useful context for a city repeatedly transformed by trade, politics, war and reconstruction. I visited some years ago and remember it more as part of exploring Frankfurt than for particular exhibits, so I would approach it primarily for city history.
Städel Museum beside the Main
Oper Frankfurt
I attended an opera performance of Don Carlos in Frankfurt several years ago and was extremely impressed by the quality. Performances take place in the modern Opern- und Schauspielhaus rather than the historic Alte Oper, an important distinction that I nearly learned the hard way when I almost headed to the wrong building before the performance.
Tip: Double-check the venue on your ticket; the Alte Oper is a different building.
Alte Oper
The historic Alte Oper is one of Frankfurt's most beautiful monumental buildings. Despite its name, it is no longer the city's primary opera house; today it functions as a major concert and event venue. Even without attending a performance, the reconstructed facade and surrounding Opernplatz make it well worth seeing while exploring central Frankfurt.
Alte Oper monumental facade
Museumsufer
Frankfurt concentrates an impressive number of museums along and near both banks of the Main. The Städel is the best-known, but institutions devoted to film, architecture, communication and other subjects make this an excellent area for a museum day. The riverside setting also makes it easy to alternate indoor visits with walks outside.
Goethe House
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Frankfurt in 1749, and his reconstructed family home provides a connection to the city's literary history. The original house was destroyed during World War II and subsequently rebuilt. I have not personally visited, so I would consider this a researched addition for travelers interested in Goethe and German literature.
SCHIRN Kunsthalle
The SCHIRN presents exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. During renovation of its Römer building, it is based at the former Dondorf printing works in Bockenheim, at Gabriel-Riesser-Weg 3, with this temporary arrangement planned until 2028. Check the current location and exhibition program before setting out; it is a separate trip from the old-town sights.
David and Goliath sculpture by Richard Hess near Hauptwache in Frankfurt
Final Thoughts
Frankfurt's cultural value lies in its contrasts. Connect reconstructed streets and historic institutions with contemporary architecture, museums and performing arts. The Palmengarten and Main then keep the visit from becoming an entirely urban or indoor experience.