What to Do in Frankfurt: 11 Fun Ideas

You’ll find Frankfurt offers more than just banking towers and airport connections. This compact German city packs impressive cultural attractions, historic neighborhoods, and green spaces that won’t break your budget. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or have just a day between flights, there’s plenty to keep you busy. From medieval squares to world-class museums, Frankfurt’s surprises might just convince you to extend your stay longer than expected.

Stand in the Heart of Medieval Frankfurt at Römerberg Square

When you step into Römerberg Square, you’re standing where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned and medieval merchants hawked their wares for over a millennium. You’ll instantly recognize the iconic Römer building complex with its three distinctive gabled houses – it’s been Frankfurt’s city hall since the 15th century.

Don’t miss the Fountain of Justice at the square’s center, dating back to 1543.

The half-timbered houses surrounding you aren’t original – they’re careful reconstructions built after WWII bombing destroyed much of the area. But they perfectly capture the medieval atmosphere using historical plans.

Visit during winter for Germany’s oldest Christmas market, or explore year-round for free. The Gothic Alte Nikolaikirche and Historical Museum add cultural depth to your medieval time travel experience. If you encounter any technical difficulties accessing the official frankfurt.de website for additional information, the site uses Cloudflare security measures that may temporarily block certain users.

Ride Germany’s Fastest Elevator to Main Tower’s Observation Deck

For just the cost of an elevator ticket, you’ll rocket up Germany’s fastest elevators to the 54th floor of Main Tower in seconds, reaching speeds of 25 km/h that’ll make your ears pop.

After passing through airport-style security, climb the final 10 meters to reach Frankfurt’s only public skyscraper observatory.

You’ll spend 30-45 minutes taking in panoramic views of the Main River, historic Römerberg Square, and the German Stock Exchange below.

Visit during winter (10am-7pm) or summer (until 9pm weekdays, 11pm weekends) with typical 5-minute wait times.

The 200-meter tower offers unbeatable city views at budget-friendly prices. The building features step-free access and support staff for visitors with reduced mobility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacular views.

Don’t miss spotting nearby landmarks like Commerzbank Tower and the distinctive blue-glass circular section of this architectural marvel.

Wander Through 700 Years of Art at the Städel Museum

Since banker Johann Friedrich Städel established this civic foundation in 1815, you’ll find one of Germany’s most extensive art collections spanning seven centuries of European masterpieces.

You’ll explore 7,000 square meters of galleries showcasing works from Lucas Cranach and Dürer to Picasso and contemporary artists like Tillmans. The collection includes 3,100 paintings, 660 sculptures, and over 100,000 drawings and prints.

Don’t miss the underground contemporary galleries that opened in 2012, adding modern works to complement the old masters.

You can view the impressive graphic collection by appointment in the dedicated study room.

Located on Frankfurt’s Museumsufer along the River Main, you’ll easily combine this visit with other nearby museums for a full cultural day. The museum’s digital collection offers free access to over 22,000 artworks online, allowing you to preview pieces before your visit or explore works not currently on display.

Sample Local Specialties and Fresh Produce at Kleinmarkthalle

After exploring Frankfurt’s artistic treasures, you’ll want to experience the city’s culinary culture at Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling 1,500-square-meter indoor market that’s been feeding locals since 1954.

This free-to-enter food hall houses 150 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to regional specialties.

Don’t miss Frankfurt’s signature Handkäse mit Musik—sour milk cheese with onions that’s surprisingly delicious. Grab handmade sausages from Frau Schreiber and wash them down with local Apfelwein.

You’ll find excellent cheese selections, seasonal produce, and international spices at budget-friendly prices. Many vendors offer free samples to help you discover new flavors before making a purchase.

Visit Thursday or Friday to avoid weekend crowds, and bring reusable bags since vendors don’t provide free ones.

The upstairs wine bar offers seating where you can enjoy your market finds.

Escape to Tropical Paradise at Palmengarten Botanical Garden

When you need a break from Frankfurt’s urban hustle, Palmengarten offers 22 hectares of botanical bliss that’ll transport you from city streets to tropical rainforests in minutes.

You’ll discover 13,000 plant species across outdoor gardens and glass greenhouses, including the impressive 18-meter-high Palmenhaus from 1869.

Don’t miss the Tropicarium’s 14 modern greenhouses where you can explore everything from steamy rainforests to arid deserts.

The Butterfly House lets you walk among free-flying butterflies – kids love watching them emerge from pupae. The garden also features the Subantarctic House, which maintains temperatures 8°C below outside levels to showcase flora from regions near Antarctica like Patagonia and New Zealand’s South Island.

For around €7 admission, you’ll get access to carnivorous plants, century-old palms, and the Goethe Garden’s historic ginkgo trees.

Visit spring through fall (9am-6pm) for the best experience, and take public transit to save on parking costs.

Climb 300 Steps in St. Bartholomew’s Imperial Cathedral

If you’re ready for a workout with a reward, Frankfurt’s St. Bartholomew’s Imperial Cathedral offers an unforgettable climb up 328 steps to breathtaking city views. This 95-meter Gothic tower, dating from 1415, was Frankfurt’s original “skyscraper” and provides the perfect vantage point over the historic Altstadt.

You’ll tackle narrow stone steps winding up through medieval architecture—no elevators here. The self-guided climb lets you go at your own pace, though it’s not recommended if you have heart conditions or mobility issues.

At the top, you’ll capture stunning panoramic photos of Römerberg Square, the modern skyline, and the Main River. The tower ticket is budget-friendly and includes access to this former Holy Roman Empire coronation site. If you’re planning to research the cathedral online beforehand, note that some websites may have security measures that temporarily restrict access for protection purposes.

Best visited on clear days for ideal photography opportunities.

Explore Museum Embankment Along the Main River

While Frankfurt’s skyline dominates most tourist photos, you’ll discover the city’s true cultural heart along the Museum Embankment stretching beside the Main River. This cultural district houses 39 museums and exhibition venues along the scenic Schaumainkai promenade, making it one of Germany’s most impressive museum landscapes.

You can easily walk between world-class institutions like the Städel Museum for art spanning six centuries, the German Film Museum, and the quirky Struwwelpeter Museum dedicated to children’s literature. The tree-lined embankment offers affordable riverside dining between museum visits. The well-maintained paths are completely flat and wheelchair accessible, making cultural exploration comfortable for visitors of all mobility levels.

Visit during late August for Museumsuferfest, when millions gather for this free three-day cultural festival. Cross the Iron Footbridge for stunning skyline views while exploring this budget-friendly cultural treasure.

Hunt for Dinosaurs at Senckenberg Natural History Museum

Though Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment gets most of the attention, you’ll find one of Germany’s most impressive dinosaur collections just a short trip away at Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

You’ll encounter 18 reconstructed dinosaurs, including an 18-meter Diplodocus—one of the few original specimens outside the USA. The museum houses iconic species like T-rex, Supersaurus, and Triceratops across 6,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Don’t miss the rare Edmontosaurus “mummy” with fossilized skin impressions and the mobile Triceratops skull demonstrating specialized anatomy. Interactive exhibits keep kids engaged while covering all three Mesozoic eras. The museum also features the recently restored massive anaconda exhibit, a primary attraction for visitors of all ages.

Plan 2-3 hours for your visit. The museum’s connection to active research guarantees you’re seeing cutting-edge paleontological discoveries alongside classic displays.

Walk in Goethe’s Footsteps at His Reconstructed Birthhouse

When you’re ready to dive deeper into Frankfurt’s cultural heritage, head to Großer Hirschgraben to explore the faithfully reconstructed birthhouse of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most celebrated poet and thinker.

You’ll walk through the same rooms where Goethe spent his formative years, including his study with the standing desk where he began drafting early works like *Faust*. The museum showcases authentic 18th-century bourgeois life with original furniture and household items.

Don’t miss the compact attic rooms that sparked his imagination. The house’s elaborate facade features a prominent overhang typical of affluent Frankfurt residences from that era, reflecting the architectural style favored by wealthy merchants.

Located next to the Goethe Museum and German Romanticism Museum, you can easily combine visits for a panoramic cultural experience that won’t break the bank.

Experience Democracy’s Birthplace at St. Paul’s Church

Just a short walk from Goethe’s birthhouse, you’ll discover one of Germany’s most significant democratic landmarks at St. Paul’s Church. This neoclassical building earned the title “cradle of German democracy” when it hosted Germany’s first freely elected parliament in 1848.

You’ll explore the historic assembly hall where representatives drafted the country’s first constitution and adopted fundamental human rights.

The church’s digital history exhibition explains how this pivotal moment shaped modern German democracy. Don’t miss Johannes Grützke’s striking mural “The Procession of the Peoples Representatives,” which depicts the assembly marching toward the church in a powerful symbol of unity.

What makes this visit especially budget-friendly? Admission is completely free. Though the building was destroyed in WWII and reconstructed with a simpler interior, you’ll still feel the weight of history in this circular nave where democratic ideals took root in Germany.

Stroll the Main River Promenades for Skyline Views

After exploring Frankfurt’s historic sites, you’ll find the Main River promenades offer the city’s best free entertainment—stunning skyline views that rival any paid attraction. Walk between Holbeinsteg and Eiserner Steg bridges for the most scenic stretch, where modern skyscrapers contrast beautifully with historic buildings.

Cross the 210-meter Holbeinsteg Bridge for exceptional vantage points—it’s perfect for photography enthusiasts capturing Frankfurt’s architectural contrasts.

The promenades are easily accessible, just four minutes from Dom/Römer and six minutes from the European Central Bank.

You’ll discover cafés, restrooms, and playgrounds along the route, making it family-friendly. Visit during evening hours when skyline lighting creates dramatic visuals. For the most spectacular photos, time your visit during golden hour when the warm light transforms the cityscape into a photographer’s paradise.

The paved paths accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring everyone can enjoy this budget-friendly urban retreat.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty to explore in Frankfurt without breaking the bank. Many of these attractions won’t cost you much—strolling Römerberg Square and the Main River promenades is free, while museum tickets are reasonably priced. Pack snacks from Kleinmarkthalle to save on dining costs, and consider visiting during free museum hours. Whether you’re into history, nature, or simply soaking up the city’s unique blend of old and new, Frankfurt delivers memorable experiences on any budget.