So, you’re thinking about visiting Frankfurt am Main? Well, buckle up, because this city is not your typical German town. When most people think of Germany, they picture fairytale castles, rolling hills, and half-timbered houses. But Frankfurt? Frankfurt is a whole different vibe – it’s modern, sleek, buzzing with energy... and yet, somehow, it still holds onto its old-world charm. Think glass skyscrapers towering over medieval squares, and you’ve got the basic idea.
Now, don’t confuse this Frankfurt with Frankfurt an der Oder – that’s a different city way over in the east. We’re talking about Frankfurt am Main, a bustling financial hub, home to the European Central Bank, one of Europe’s largest airports, and a city with a skyline that earned it the nickname "Mainhattan" (yes, you read that right – Main + Manhattan).
Frankfurt is more than just a stopover. A lot of travelers pass through thanks to its international airport, but if you have a chance to stay – even just for a couple of days – you’ll discover that this city packs a serious punch. Whether you’re into history, nature, science, or city views from the clouds, there’s something here for you.
In this blog post, we’re going to dig into five top attractions that you can’t miss when visiting Frankfurt. We’ll explore Römerberg (the historic heart of the city), the lush Palmengarten, the fascinating Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the soaring Main Tower, and of course, the mighty Frankfurt International Airport (yup, it’s a tourist spot too – more on that later!).
By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to plan your trip, book those tickets, and experience Frankfurt like a pro. Ready? Let’s go!
Römerberg, Frankfurt
Alright, let’s start with the soul of Frankfurt – Römerberg. This is the Old Town Square, and honestly, it’s the kind of place that’ll make your Instagram followers do a double take. Think cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a vibe that screams European charm. It’s basically a time machine to medieval Germany.
Why You Should Go:
Römerberg is where Frankfurt began – it’s been the center of life here since the 9th century. The Römer (the iconic town hall with the stepped gables) has been the city’s political HQ for over 600 years. It’s surrounded by gorgeous, rebuilt houses, because yep – WWII bombings destroyed most of the Old Town, but everything has been beautifully restored.
What to Do:
- Snap pics of the Justitia Fountain (statue of Lady Justice, sword and scales in hand).
- Pop into St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (just a short walk away) – kings and emperors were crowned here!
- Explore the Historical Museum Frankfurt nearby for cool exhibits on the city’s past.
- Grab a coffee or apple wine at a café and people-watch like a pro.
Pro Tip:
Go during Christmas time – Römerberg turns into a winter wonderland with one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets. Lights, stalls, mulled wine... absolute magic.
Useful Link:
Official info on Römerberg and the Römer:
👉 https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Frankfurt-from-A-to-Z/Roemerberg
Palmengarten Botanischer Garten, Frankfurt
Need a break from the city hustle? Say hello to Palmengarten, Frankfurt’s stunning botanical garden. It’s a green oasis where you can literally travel the world – from the African savannah to tropical rainforests, all in one afternoon.
Why You Should Go:
The Palmengarten is huge – we’re talking over 20 hectares of beautifully designed gardens, greenhouses, and open spaces. It’s perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone needing a chill day. Plus, it’s been around since 1871, so there’s some serious history here too.
What to See:
- The Palm House – a massive iron-and-glass structure filled with tropical plants.
- The Subantarctic House – ever wondered what grows in cold climates? Now you’ll know.
- Seasonal flower exhibitions, open-air concerts, and even boat rides in summer!
- The butterfly house (yep, it’s as magical as it sounds).
Pro Tip:
Bring a picnic and relax on the lawns. It’s a local favorite, especially on sunny days. Also – spring and summer are peak bloom seasons, but even in winter, the greenhouses are lush and warm.
Useful Link:
- Tickets, opening hours, events:
👉 https://www.palmengarten.de/#/en/home
Senckenberg Naturmuseum, Frankfurt
Science nerds and curious minds, this one’s for you. The Senckenberg Natural History Museum is one of the largest of its kind in Germany and – get this – it’s got DINOSAURS. Real fossils. Giant skeletons. You’re gonna love it.
Why You Should Go:
It’s family-friendly, interactive, and downright cool. Kids go wild for the dinosaur halls, but adults? You’ll be fascinated by mummies, minerals, human evolution exhibits, and biodiversity collections.
What to Explore:
- The T-Rex and Diplodocus skeletons (massive and super Instagrammable).
- Life-sized animal models – ever wanted to see how big a blue whale really is? Here’s your chance.
- Exhibits on climate change, geology, and space.
- The newly renovated dioramas that feel like you’ve stepped into nature scenes.
Pro Tip:
Plan about 2-3 hours here. There’s a café for breaks, and don’t skip the gift shop – it’s full of quirky science-themed souvenirs.
Useful Link:
- Visitor info, ticket booking:
👉 https://museumfrankfurt.senckenberg.de/en/
Main Tower, Frankfurt
Ready to see Frankfurt from the sky? The Main Tower is where you head for epic panoramic views of the city, the Main River, and even the distant Taunus mountains on clear days.
Why You Should Go:
This is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public observation deck. At 200 meters high, you’re literally on top of the city. It’s perfect for photos, sunsets, or just soaking in the urban energy.
What to Expect:
- A fast elevator ride to the 54th floor – your ears might pop!
- Indoor and outdoor platforms – so yes, you can feel the wind in your hair.
- On a clear day, you can see for miles.
- There’s also a restaurant and bar inside – drinks with a view, anyone?
Pro Tip:
Go just before sunset – you get daylight views, golden hour photos, and the city lights twinkling at night. Also – weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Useful Link:
- Tickets, opening times, observation deck info:
👉 https://www.maintower.de/en/
Frankfurt International Airport
Wait... the airport as a tourist attraction? Yup, trust me. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s busiest airports and surprisingly fun to explore, especially if you’re an aviation fan or have some time to kill.
Why You Should Go:
Besides being a travel hub, FRA offers airport tours, observation decks, shopping, and even mini-exhibits on aviation history. Plus, it’s huge – like a city of its own.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Visitors’ Terrace – great plane-spotting and photos.
- Take a behind-the-scenes airport tour – see runways, hangars, and fire stations.
- Go shopping – from luxury brands to souvenirs, you’ll find it all.
- Chill in a lounge (even economy passengers can buy a day pass).
Pro Tip:
Download the FRA App for maps, flight updates, and deals. If you have a long layover, the airport is directly connected to Frankfurt city via train – just 15 minutes to downtown.
Useful Link:
Official airport site, tours, and visitor info:
👉 https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en.html
---
Frankfurt might not be the first city you think of when planning a trip to Germany – but it should definitely be on your radar. It’s a city where old meets new, where nature meets science, and where urban life meets easygoing charm. Whether you’re wandering through Römerberg’s history, chilling in the Palmengarten, geeking out at the Senckenberg Museum, or getting sky-high views from the Main Tower, there’s never a dull moment.
And hey – even if you’re just passing through Frankfurt Airport, why not turn a layover into a mini adventure?
So – are you ready to explore Frankfurt? Let’s go!
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information