What to see in Frankfurt, Germany | Frankfurt travel guides

watch the skies

Frankfurt can have quite beautiful sunsets. Caused by the air pollution gathered in the valley it is situated in, they are a good photo opportunity, especially with Frankfurt's skyline. Good vantage points are the bridges, or of course the Maintower high-rise.

There are various fireworks displays throughout the year. Many major events - like the Museumsufer festival are ended with very well done fireworks. Check your local event schedule; if you are in the city these are always worth your time. The exception are the New Year fireworks, which are unorganized and less than spectacular. Good vantage points are the Main bridges, or the river banks.

main attractions

Römerberg

is a central, old place in downtown Frankfurt. It features various buildings and a church from the 14th and 15th century in theory; the buildings were mostly destroyed during World War II but completely rebuilt afterwards. The Römer itself is the town hall of Frankfurt. Cafés and shops can be found at the square itself and in the vicinity. A definite tourist attraction. Within walking distance of the Zeil shopping area and the Main river, it is located just north of the Eiserner Steg bridge. Next to the cathedral, at the Archäologische Garten, you can see the remains of the Roman settlements that gave this place its name. At the Römer, you can also visit the Alte Nikolaikirche 12th century church, current form since the 15th century. Walking towards the Main river, you can also see the Rententurm Wharfinger's Tower, an old 15th century fortified tower in late Gothic style, which is connected to the Saalhof, an old 12th century castle building that was later modernized but never completely destroyed.

Dom

Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral: the main cathedral, built in Gothic style in the 14th century. From 1562 to 1792, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned in the cathedral. Located right next to the Römerplatz U4 Dom/Römer.

The Eiserner Steg Iron bridge - Relatively well-known bridge for pedestrians, built in 1869. It is just a minute away from the Römer. Crossing the bridge leads you to Sachsenhausen and provides good views of the skyline.

Hauptwache

A public area officially called "An der Hauptwache" that is often considered the central hub of Frankfurt's modern downtown area due to its importance as a public transportation station and its central location, right between the main shopping street Zeil, the Rossmarkt another public square, and the Eschenheimer Tor. The place is named after a Baroque building "Hauptwache" located more or less in its centre. The building was constructed in 1730 to house the local city militia, as Frankfurt was an independent city at the time. When Frankfurt became part of Prussia, the building gradually lost its original function. Since 1905, it has instead been serving as a café "Café Hauptwache". Other attractions include the Katharinenkirche, and the Palais Thurn-und-Taxis.

Alte Oper

Old Opera - Renaissance Opera Building in the center of the city take U6 or U7 station Alte Oper, or any line to Hauptwache and walk a few minutes; a busy square with fountains can be found in front of it. Originally opened in 1880, it is not used for operas any more since the rebuilding after the war, but for concerts, congresses, and similar "fancy" events.

Börse

Frankfurt Stock Exchange: Frankfurt stock exchange building, still in use, see the bull and bear statues just outside. You cannot enter the building unless you have registered for a guided tour in advance.

Paulskirche

St. Paul's Church was the seat of the first democratically elected parliament in Germany in 1848. It is located just north of the Römer place.

Sachsenhausen

crossing one of the bridges from the city centre you reach the Sachsenhausen part of the city south of the Main river. The old town part, Alt-Sachsenhausen, at Affentorplatz is famous for its old cider bars see the "Drink" section for more information. You can also walk along the river bank or visit the Schweizer Straße see the "Buy" section.

skyline

Frankfurt has some of the tallest buildings in Europe the Commerzbank tower is the highest office building of Europe, and the tallest in Germany. Its skyline is unique for the country as the high-rises are concentrated in a relatively small downtown area, giving Frankfurt the looks of a metropolis. The skyline is the reason why Frankfurt is sometimes called by the nickname Mainhattan.

For a view of the skyline try the Main river bridges. The eastern bridges offer the best view. Also, when you approach the city from the airport via the subway, stay to the right side of the train. Just before the train approaches the Frankfurt central station it enters a big curve, and from here you will have a nice first glance of the skyline.

Take a walk from Schweizer Platz northwards for another good view of the skyscrapers.

The Main Tower (http://www.maintower.de/h...) Subway station Willy-Brandt-Platz or S-Bahn-station Taunusanlage building is special as it is the only Frankfurt high-rise that is open to the public. For 5.00 Euro, you can take the elevator to the viewing platform at a height of 200 meters. From here, you will have a good view of Frankfurt and the surrounding area. Make sure to go on a clear day, and if you're in Frankfurt in Fall or Spring you might wish to try to go up a short while before sunset. That way, you can witness how the city changes from day to nightlife. The Main Tower is something that you should not miss during your stay. The viewing platform will be closed during severe weather.

The European Central Bank in downtown Frankfurt Subway station Willy-Brandt-Platz - easily recognized by its hexagonal layout and the big neon color € statue in front of the entrance - might be of some special interest as this is the seat of European financial power and decisions. It's not open to the public, although a small gift shop downstairs will sell you all the Euro-related memorabilia you want.

The Henninger Turm , located in Sachsenhausen, is a 120m 330 ft tall grain storage silo tower. Inaugurated in 1961, it remained by far the highest silo tower in the world until 2005. The top part used to have rotating restaurants and observation decks, but unfortunately the tower has been closed to the public since 2002.