19 Amazing Sightseeing Places to Visit and Things to Do in Frankfurt

December 5, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 4928 Views

Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, is a city in the state of Hesse in Germany. The is named after the Franks, a group of Germanic people who resided in the Rhine-Main region. The city has been part of the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, the German Confederation, the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, West Germany, and finally the Federal Republic of Germany. You will get to see aspects of all these empires as you explore historical places to visit in Frankfurt. Today, the city is a major financial, cultural, and education hub in Germany as well as in Europe.

Among the best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany are exploring historical sites, castles, museums, art galleries, and cultural experiences. The city is home to at least one world-renowned attraction in each of these categories. If you are fascinated by history, royalty, and empires, you should definitely begin Frankfurt sightseeing with castles. The city is surrounded by several impressive castles and castle ruins including the Frankenstein Castle, Kronberg Castle, Heidelberg Palace, Eltz Castle, Johannisburg Castle, and many more. Another major historical Frankfurt tourist attraction is the Imperial Church which dominates the skyline of the city. This church served as coronation grounds for 10 emperors between 1562 and 1792.

The city is also home to great museums of history, science, and art. Some of the most fascinating things to see in Frankfurt can be found in these museums. For instance, the Natural History Museum in the city has the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in all of Europe. The city is also home to the birthhouse of the great German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe. In the section below we have listed several other historical museums you can explore when you visit Frankfurt. The list also contains renowned art galleries and art museums that are spread across the city like the famous Stadel Museum, Leibeig Sculpture Museum, and Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art. Owing to a thriving art scene in the city, there are numerous art galleries and art exhibitions to explore. You should check out the calendars of these places and see what events coincide with your Frankfurt travel.

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Table of Contents

The Best 19 Tourist Places to Visit Frankfurt in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Liebieg Sculpture Museum (Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung)

The Stadtische Galerie Leibeighaus Sculpture Museum is situated in a 19th-century house. The museum has a collection of more than 5,000 sculptures from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. It is among the best places to visit in Frankfurt for art and history admirers. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

2. Museum of Applied Arts (Museum Angewandte Kunst)

This museum is dedicated to European handicraft items and holds a collection of more than 60,000 objects. The collection features items from the 12th century to modern times. The museum has some of the most fascinating things to see in Frankfurt. It will take you an hour to explore this museum.

3. Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg)

This bridge is one of the best places to see when the sun sets in the city. Also known as Eiserner Steg, this bridge was built in 1868. It is an integral part of Frankfurt sightseeing and won’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

4. Historical Museum (Historisches Museum)

This museum is dedicated to the city and is one of the top Frankfurt tourist attractions. The museum also focuses on the history of Greater Germany. You get to see several photographs and artifacts that outline the chronology of the city. It will take about 2 hours to see the exhibits of this museum.

5. Romerberg Square (Römerberg)

This square is the center of the old town part of the city. Romerberg means Roman Mountain in German. The square is surrounded by several historical Frankfurt attractions including the famous Romer Town Hall. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this square.

6. St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral / Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus / Frankfurter Dom)

The church was built in 1356 and is the largest religious building in the city. This church is among the most beautiful places to see in Frankfurt and is renowned for its architecture. The 95-meter tower and dominating spire of this church can be seen from quite some distance. You will need an hour or so to explore this church.

7. St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche)

The church was first built in 1833 as a Lutheran Church. It later became the seat for the very first freely elected German parliament. It is a historically must see Frankfurt landmark as it is considered a symbol of the German democratic movement. You will need half an hour for this church.

Day 2

1. Palmengarten

This botanical garden is spread over 22 hectares and contains numerous species of plants and trees. It will take you about an hour to explore this garden when you visit Frankfurt.

2. Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg)

This is one of the largest history museum in the country. It focuses on the evolution of biodiversity and life. It is among the most popular Frankfurt tourist places for families. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

3. Old Opera House (Alte Oper)

This is one of the most architecturally opulent buildings in the city. It was originally built in 1880 but was heavily damaged in 1944. It was rebuilt by incorporating the existing facade and it has a wonderful presence. You will need about an hour to explore this landmark during Frankfurt travel.

4. Main Tower

This tower is the 4th tallest building in the country and rises to 240 m in height. The observation deck of the building is great for Frankfurt sightseeing. You will need an hour to spend at the Main Tower.

5. German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum)

The museum is dedicated to the history of German cinema. The museum highlights several moments and important figures who have contributed greatly to the evolution of films in the country. It is one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt for film enthusiasts. It will require an hour to explore this museum.

6. Staedel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie)

This museum highlights 700 years of art in Europe. You will find some of the most wonderful things to see in Frankfurt at this museum. The works of art in this museum range from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period. You will need about 2 hours for this art museum.

Day 3

1. Dialog in the Dark Museum (DialogMuseum)

This museum is an experience. It is pitch dark inside and allows people to experience life as a blind person would. It is one of the best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany. You will need about an hour for this experience.

2. Museum of Modern Art (Museum für Moderne Kunst)

Also known as MKK, this is one of the most prestigious contemporary art institutions in the world. It is famous among Frankfurt tourist attractions for artworks of renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Rolf Ricke, Carl Andre, Richard Serra, Thom Merrick, and many more. It will take about 2 hours to explore this museum.

3. Kleinmarkthalle

This marketplace is a hustling bustling hub of a lot of activities in Frankfurt. You can purchase fresh produce and wines at this market. It is also a great place to try out local and international cuisine. You can easily spend an hour or so at this market.

4. MyZeil

This shopping center is an architectural wonder designed by Massimiliano Fuksas. It is spread over 8 floors and is a great place for shopping, entertainment, dining and several other top things to do in Frankfurt, Germany. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

5. Hauptwache

This public plaza is surrounded by Frankfurt attractions. This place is known for the Frankfurter Wachensturm event in 1833 when students tried to storm the prison and free 3 inmates. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this place.

6. Goethe House (Goethehaus)

This baroque house belonged to the renowned German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe. The house museum delves into the life and work of this great writer. It is one of the most popular Frankfurt tourist places. You will need an hour or so to explore this place.

If you are looking to enjoy more places to see in Frankfurt, check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of attractions and things to do in and around the city for you to enjoy.

Things to do in Frankfurt

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Frankfurt

Stadel Museum
Heidelberg Castle
Eltz Castle
Schloss Johannisburg Castle
Saalburg Castle
Rheinfels Castle
Mespelbrunn Castle
Beibrich Palace
Runkel Castle
Munzenberg Castle
Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt
Goethe House
Museum fur Moderne Kunst
Frankfurt Cathedral
Alte Oper
Natur Museum Senckenberg
Historisches Museum Frankfurt
German Film Museum
St. Paul’s Church
Museum of Applied Art
Museum Sufer
Deutsches Architecture Museum
Jewish Museum Frankfurt
Liebieghaus Sculpture Museum
Museum of Communication
Frankfurter Kunstverein Art Association
Museum of World Culture
Hessenpark Open Air Museum
Caricature Museum of Comic Art
Frankfurt Archeological Museum
Kronberg Castle
Sinclair Haus Art Museum
Dialog in the Dark Museum
Museum Giersch
Deutsches Romantik Museum
Alte Nikolaikirche
Junges Museum Frankfurt
Struwwelpeter Museum
German Leather Museum
Zollamt MMK Museum
Geld Museum der Deutschen Bundesbank
Parc Thermal de Bad Homburg
Frankfurt Feldbahn Museum
Historic Railway Frankfurt E.V.
Klingspor Museum
Historisches Museum Hanau Schloss
Ikonen Museum
Fountain of Justice
Judengasse Museum
Castillo de Bad Homburg
Burgruine Konigstein Castle Ruins
Eintracht Frankfurt Museum
St. Catherine’s Church
Frankfurt Cathedral Museum
Museum in Gothic House
Burg Hayn Castle Ruins
Gold Kammer Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Frankfurt

Frankfurt City Forest
Langener Waldsee Lake
Altkonig Mountain
Aussichtstrum am Regional Park
Schwanheimer Dunen

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Frankfurt

Palmengarten
Zoo Frankfurt
Portikus Exhibition Hall
Opel Zoo
Gruneburg Park
State Park Hanau Wilhelmsbad
Lohrberg Vineyard
Rebstockbad Swimming Complex
Gunthersburg Park
Botanischer Garten
Kultur Region
Rothschild Park
Rhein Main Therme
Kobelt Zoo
Experiminta Science Center
Ost Park
Titus Thermen
Offenbacher Wald Zoo
Blickachsen Sculpture Park

Shopping in Frankfurt

Zeil Promenade Market
Berger Strasse
Hessen Center Frankfurt
MyZeil Shopping Center
Goethe Strasse
Skyline Plaza
East Harbour Market
Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse
Schiller Strasse
Wertheim Village

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Frankfurt

Hiking
Swimming
River Cruise

Sightseeing in Frankfurt

Main Tower
Romerberg Square
Romer Town Hall
Iron Footbridge
Hauptwache Square
Zeil Promenade
Hammering Man Sculptures
New Old Town
Bethmann Park
Berger Strasse
Europaturm Tower
Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse
Mainkai Road
MMK Tower
Nidda Park
Rebstock Park
Metzler Park
Nizza Riverfront Park
Waldspiel Heinrich Kraft Park
Adolph von Holzhausen Park
Alte Brucke Bridge
Trianon Tower

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Frankfurt

Emma Meltzer
Lucille Kaffeehaus
Chairs
Langosch am Main
Atschel
Metropol
Im Herzen Afrikas
Steinernes Haus
Cafe Maingold
Medici Restaurant
Seven Swans
Ariston
Bar Shuka
Margarete
Vevay
Zarges

Where to Stay in Frankfurt?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Frankfurt. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Frankfurt.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Frankfurt

How to Reach Frankfurt?

By Air

Frankfurt Airport is the 4th busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic in Europe. You can get direct flights to visit Frankfurt from several cities in Europe, Africa, North America and Asia like Athens, Dublin, Moscow, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Florence, Turin, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Malta, Riga, Belgrade, Tokyo, Charlotte, Istanbul, Vienna, Bucharest, London, Brussels, Sofia, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Dubrovnik, Prague, Atlanta, Cairo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Helsinki and many more.

You have the option of using buses and cabs to get to places in the city from the airport. If you are looking to reach the city center, you can also use sub-urban train called S-Bahn from the airport. You should check the train schedule and make inquires at the counter. You can even get the information online regarding daily train schedules. Trains S8 & S9 are most suitable to get to the city center from the airport.

By Road

You can get a direct or connecting train for Frankfurt travel from several major European cities. Aside from that, you can reach Frankfurt from many towns and cities within Germany through S-Bahn.

The bus network is definitely more widespread and covers many more places than trains, but is not convenient for long distances. You can get day trip buses of top things to do in Frankfurt, Germany from several nearby towns and cities. But, it is advisable to explore the city for more than a day because there is so much to see.

If you are planning for Frankfurt sightseeing by road, then you should drive your vehicle towards routes 66, 5, 3, or 45.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to reach Frankfurt. You can enjoy nice river boat rides and cruises while you are in the city if you fancy taking to the waters.

Image Reference

Liebieg Sculpture Museum (Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung) – Simsalabimbam / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Applied Arts (Museum Angewandte Kunst) – User:FA2010 / Wikimedia Commons
Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg) – Nochn Nordlicht / Flickr
Historical Museum (Historisches Museum) – W.D. Dreyer / Flickr
Roemerberg (Römerberg) – lapping / PixaBay
St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral / Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus / Frankfurter Dom) – Fred Romero / Flickr
St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche) – Patrick Müller / Flickr
Palmengarten – Brough Turner / Flickr
Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg) – Hannes Grobe/AWI / Wikimedia Commons
Old Opera House (Alte Oper) – MichaelM / PixaBay
Main Tower – FotoFantastico / PixaBay
German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum) – Burkhard Mücke / Wikimedia Commons
Staedel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie) – ACME / Flickr
Dialog in the Dark Museum (DialogMuseum) – Nicolas17 / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Modern Art (Museum für Moderne Kunst) – jaime.silva / Flickr
Kleinmarkthalle – GraphyArchy / Wikimedia Commons
MyZeil – Martin Bartosch / Flickr
Hauptwache – A. Krebs / PixaBay
Goethe House (Goethehaus) – maduarte / Flickr