Your Frankfurt travel guide

“Mainhattan” was once a scathing name for Frankfurt, but the German city has fully embraced its reputation as a bustling finance centre filled with towering buildings. It is said that culture follows money wherever it goes, and this certainly holds true for Frankfurt, whose unusual architecture, world-class museums and historic conservation projects prove it’s more than just a centre of commerce. Read on for the best things to do in Frankfurt.

1. Eat your way through Kleinmarkthalle

Rainbow fruit stands, cheese piled high and drying sausages hanging from shop ceilings: Kleinmarkthalle is your go-to if you want to try a little bit of everything. Dating back to the 1890s, the covered market was rebuilt following a heavy round of bombing in World War II and is now easily recognisable by its 1960s-style slanted structure. 

Produce spills out of cheesemongers, fruit stalls and butchers’ stores on the first floor, while the second is dominated by small restaurants including Daheim in der Kleinmarkthalle which offers traditional Hessen delights. The star of the show is Metzgerei Schreiber’s , where Frau Schreiber has been making traditional German sausages for decades, and whose queue extends all the way down the hall. In the summer, the atmosphere at the outdoor beer terrace is unbeatable.

2. Drink Apfelwein at a historic tavern

After nearby grape vineyards were hit with pests and cold damage over two centuries ago, Frankfurt’s residents began experimenting with fruit wines to supplement demand, leading to the city’s status as the Apfelwein (apple wine) capital of the world. Drier than cider with a refreshingly sour tang, you’ll find city-wide taverns serving it in ceramic blue bembel jugs alongside traditional Hessian food.

Cross the Main River along the picturesque Alte Brücke bridge and head to Sachsenhausen, an area teeming with historic Apfelwein (or ebbelwoi) pubs. Two of the oldest are Apfelwein Wagner and Zum Gemalten Haus , but if you want your brew on the go, jump on the Apple Wine Express – a tram tour that trundles you along through the city as you sip.

3. Hit up Frankfurt’s markets (or Christmas markets)

On the weekends, Frankfurt’s flea markets spring up around the city, with some favourites found along the Main riverbank. Schaumainkai is the best of them and runs every other Saturday, with peddlers selling everything from vintage clothing to second-hand furniture. If Kleinmarkthalle didn’t sate your farmer’s market bug, the Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache market will. Here, explore stalls selling culinary specialties such as refreshing grüne soße (green sauce) traditionally eaten with eggs, or the infamous Handkäse mit Musik – a pickled cheese served with onions and caraway seeds – whose name refers to the music your body makes afterwards.

When the cold sinks its teeth into the city, fairy light-strewn booths pop up across Frankfurt as the Christmas markets take over. While glühwein is a staple of any Christmas market, mulled Apfelwein is the drink of choice in Frankfurt so grab a steaming mug as you peruse the stalls. They begin in Römerburg’s stunning square and stretch all the way down to the Main River.

4. Explore Frankfurt’s historical and modern architecture

Frankfurt is a puzzling scrapbook of architectural styles, with reconstructions of historic buildings standing alongside skyscrapers designed by internationally renowned firms. Some of Germany’s tallest buildings are here – hence the city’s nickname, “Mainhattan” – though there’s been an effort in recent years to reclaim Frankfurt’s past after centuries of architecture was lost to bombing during World War II.

Around Römerberg, once a key site of the holy Roman empire, half-timbered houses and “creative replicas” of previously existing buildings have been built. Between 1950s apartment blocks, Frankfurt Cathedral and the postmodern Schirn Kunsthalle , a development called Neue Altstadt has seen architecture firms put their own spin on traditional gabled homes, from faithful reconstructions to modern interpretations. Architecture buffs should consider booking a guided tour with Guiding Architects ; expert architects will lead you around the city’s biggest landmarks.

5. Go on a museum binge

Frankfurt is stacked with world class museums specialising in everything from Old Masters to cartoon history. Being a well-off finance hub affords it access to culturally significant art, and the Museum Embankment (Museumsufer ) boasts internationally renowned institution after institution. If you stop at just one, make it the Städel , where you’ll find pieces by Botticelli, Rousseau and Renoir rubbing elbows on the top levels while Andy Warhol’s Goethe portrait rules over the contemporary art section in the basement.

Culture vultures should pick up a Museum Embankment ticket to enjoy unlimited access to 39 museums for two days.

6. Hike through a sprawling inner-city forest

While Frankfurt has its own green ribbon threaded throughout the city, those in search of a true natural escape won’t have to go far. About an hour’s train ride from the city centre, viridian forests spill over the edges of Stadtwald Frankfurt . Covering 5,000 hectares, the forest provides numerous hiking and cycling trails. Wildlife scurries between its trees and ponds as a stark metal structure with sweeping panoramas stands above it all: Goethe Tower.

7. Take to the heights

With so many towering buildings, Frankfurt takes full advantage of the panoramic views on offer. Main Tower , a major landmark of Frankfurt’s Innenstadt, has not one but two viewing platforms from which to soak in the views. Savvy travellers can also stop by the 53rd floor for a dinner cocktail at Main Restaurant and Lounge. 

You’ll find techie types at NFT Bar where digital artist David Zucker’s works and inspired cocktails are served up alongside views from the 47th floor. Lower down, City Beach does exactly what it says on the tin, offering a sandy rooftop space and pool for you to sip your worries away – just aim for a dry, sunny day, or you might end up slogging through mud.

Where to stay in Frankfurt

From renovated digs in historic mansions to chic business hotels, the city has it all. The artistic Lume Boutique Hotel is easily spotted by its bright stone facade. Featuring cosy jewel-toned rooms, one of Frankfurt’s best steakhouses and impeccable service, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway. 

Elsewhere, JW Marriott Frankfurt City opens up onto Zeil, a mammoth shopping district in the heart of Frankfurt. With unbeatable city views and calming plush interiors, it’s the height of luxury and designed to impress even the most discerning travellers.