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Famous Landmarks in Frankfurt Am Main

Famous Landmarks in Frankfurt Am Main

Frankfurt Am Main Hesse, Germany Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Frankfurt's iconic landmarks blend its rich historical roots with its modern financial prominence. The Römerberg, the city's historic heart, features the Römer (the seat of city government) and meticulously reconstructed half-timbered houses, echoing Frankfurt's medieval impressiveness and its role as a site for imperial coronations.

The Main Tower and Eiserner Steg showcase the city's modern identity, offering stunning panoramic views and a roman-eratic pedestrian connection across the Main River. St. Paul's Church is a symbol of German democracy, hosting the first freely elected German parliament in 1848.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Römerberg: The historic heart with the Römer (city hall) and half-timbered houses.
  • Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus): Site of imperial elections and coronations.
  • Goethe House & Museum: Birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, offering an 18th-century glimpse.
  • Main Tower: Skyscraper with an observation deck for panoramic city views.

Visitor Information & Tips

Visitor Details

  • Römerberg: Open public square, free access 24/7.
  • Frankfurt Cathedral: Free entry to nave, tower climb small fee (approx. €3-€5). Check website for hours.
  • Goethe House & Museum: Entry approx. €10. Closed Mondays, check hours.
  • Main Tower: Entry approx. €9. Open daily, review seasonal hours.
  • Eiserner Steg: Open ALL day and night, free.
  • St. Paul's Church: Free entry, check website for event closures.

Insider Tips for Photography

  • Römerberg: Go in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal light.
  • Main Tower: Go at sunset to capture stunning day-to-night city views.
  • Eiserner Steg: Has superb skyline photo opportunities, especially at dusk.
  • Cathedral Tower: The best elevated views of the Altstadt and Römerberg.

Explore small side streets in the Altstadt for unique architectural angles and fewer people.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Städel Museum: European art from Old Masters to Contemporary works.
  • Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt: Hosts major temporary art exhibitions across various periods.
  • Naturmuseum Senckenberg: One of Germany's largest natural history museums, famous for dinosaurs.
  • Deutsches Filmmuseum: Explores the history and art of cinema with engaging exhibits.

Specialized Museums & Venues

  • Historisches Museum Frankfurt:

    Covers Frankfurt's history from its origins to the present day.

  • Jewish Museum Frankfurt:

    Focuses on the history and culture of Jewish life in Frankfurt.

  • Caricatura Museum Frankfurt:

    A unique museum dedicated to comic art and satire.

  • Alte Oper (Old Performance Hall):

    Hosts concerts, ballets, and operas in a stunning neo-renaissance building.

  • Oper Frankfurt:

    One of Germany's leading opera companies, known for high-quality productions.

Historical Sites

Frankfurt's history unfolds through its ancient ruins, preserved districts, and significant monuments.

Archaeological & Religious Sites

  • Frankfurt Roman City (Dom-Römer-Areal)

    Archaeological garden displaying Roman and Carolingian ruins, including imperial palace foundations.

  • Altstadt (Old Town)

    Reconstructed half-timbered houses, specifically the Ostzeile on Römerberg, show Frankfurt's medieval appearance.

  • Modern Skyscrapers

    The financial district showcases striking contemporary architecture, a testament to Frankfurt's modern identity.

  • Frankfurt Cathedral

    The Imperial Cathedral, where Holy Roman Emperors were elected and crowned for centuries.

  • St. Justinuthe Cathedral of, Höchst

    One of Germany's oldest churches, dating back to the 9th century, located in the Höchst district.

  • Old St. Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche)

    A small, charming church on the Römerberg.

Memorial Sites

Holocaust Memorial at Grossmarkthalle: A poignant memorial for Jews deported from Frankfurt.

Significant Monuments

St. Paul'the Church of (Paulskirche): Symbol of German democracy, site of the first freely elected parliament.

Industrial Heritage

Grossmarkthalle: Former wholesale market hall, its facade now part of the European Central Bank building.

Cultural Institutions Overview

Frankfurt's Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) is a cultural destination, offering a concentration of world-class museums. This area is easily accessible and a must-visit for art and history lovers. For special exhibits, check museum websites directly.

  • Alte Oper (Old Opera House): Hosts concerts, ballets, and operas.
  • Oper Frankfurt (Frankfurt Opera): One of Germany's leading opera companies.
  • Jazzkeller: A historic and close jazz club, a Frankfurt institution.

Natural Attractions

Frankfurt offers green escapes within and around its urban landscape, providing opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature. From extensive botanical gardens to peaceful city parks, visitors find plenty of natural beauty.

The surrounding region also has scenic viewpoints and lakes for summer enjoyment, making it easy to balance urban exploration with natural tranquility.

Parks & Gardens

Discover Frankfurt's green spaces and botanical wonders.

Highlights

  • Palmengarten: One of Germany's largest botanical gardens (an admission fee applies).
  • Grüneburgpark: Large public park in Westend for strolls and picnics.
  • Bethmannpark: Known for its peaceful and beautiful Chinese Garden.

Scenic Viewpoints

Enjoy panoramic vistas of the city and its surroundings.

Best Views

  • Lohrberg: Hill on the outskirts with vineyards and panoramic city skyline views, especially at sunset.
  • Main River Banks: Scenic walks and continuous views along the river, bridges, and city architecture.
  • Main Tower Observation Deck: Iconic elevated views of Frankfurt's skyscrapers.

Wildlife & Waterways

Opportunities for wildlife observation and water-based relaxation.

Highlights

  • Frankfurt Zoo: One of Germany's oldest zoos with a wide range of species.
  • Naturmuseum Senckenberg: Extensive natural history exhibits for an encounter with past and present wildlife.
  • Main River: Used for recreational boating and river cruises; swimming not permitted in city center.
  • Lakes (Badeseen): Several lakes in the wider area are popular for swimming and sunbathing in summer (e.g., Langener Waldsee).

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the main tourist routes for unique experiences.

Discoveries

  • Höchst Old Town: A historic district resembling a charming medieval town with old buildings and churches.
  • Chinese Garden (in Bethmannpark): A tranquil, authentic traditional Chinese garden, often overlooked.
  • Dialogmuseum: A unique museum offering a sensory experience in complete darkness, guided by visually impaired staff.

Local Favorites & Photo Opportunities

Local Favorites

  • Berger Straße (Bornheim): Lively street with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a local feel.
  • Adolf-Wagner-Strasse (Sachsenhausen): Explore less touristy parts for authentic Apfelwein taverns.
  • Hafenpark and Ostend: Revitalized area showing modern architecture and the European Central Bank.

Unique Photo Opportunities

  • Love locks on Eiserner Steg: Capture the romantic tradition with the city skyline.
  • Skyline views from Museumsufer or Main Tower: Classic and stunning perspectives at dawn or dusk.
  • Reflections of skyscrapers in the Main River: Especially beautiful at dawn or dusk.

Explore Frankfurt

Frankfurt presents a combination of historical depth, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy. Whether exploring ancient ruins, admiring world-class art, or enjoying green spaces, there is something for every visitor.

Historical Depth

From Roman archaeological sites to medieval Altstadt and significant sites like St. Paul'the Cathedral of, Frankfurt's past is always present.

Cultural Richness

The Museumsufer boasts world-class art and natural history, complemented by opera and theater scenes.

Modern Vibrancy

A striking skyline, bustling financial district, and contemporary growth of the citys define modern Frankfurt.

Online Resources for Attractions

Museum Tickets

Find and book tickets for many of Frankfurt's top museums and cultural sites.

GetYourGuide

City Tours & Experiences

Explore various guided tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line options.

GetYourGuide

Cultural Event Calendars

Check individual museum and venue websites for current temporary exhibitions and performance schedules.

Public Transport Information

Organize your routes to attractions using Frankfurt's efficient public transport system.

Tourist Information Centers

Visit local tourist information points for maps, brochures, and personalized advice.

Museumsufer Overview

The Museum Embankment is a cultural destination along the Main River, offering a concentration of world-class museums. This cluster makes it easy to explore diverse collections within walking distance.

Museums

  • Städel Museum: Important European art from Old Masters to Contemporary.
  • Schirn Kunsthalle: Renowned for major temporary art exhibitions.
  • Naturmuseum Senckenberg: One of Germany's largest natural history museums.

Historical Architecture

Frankfurt''s building design landscape spans centuries, from meticulously reconstructed medieval houses to elegant Gründerzeit buildings and striking modern skyscrapers.

Architectural Styles

  • Altstadt: Reconstructed half-timbered houses, specifically the Ostzeile on Römerberg.
  • Gründerzeit: Elegant late 19th-century building design in Westend and Bornheim.
  • Modern Skyscrapers: Contemporary structures defining the financial district.
  • Dom-Römer-Areal: A blend of reconstructed medieval and contemporary styles.

Traveler's Tip

Consider purchasing a Frankfurt Card for unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on museums and attractions.

This provides cost savings and causes exploring the city more handy.

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

Explore beyond the main tourist routes to discover Frankfurt's lesser-known treasures and local favorites. These hidden gems offer unique insights into the city's character and culture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Discover unique spots commonly overlooked by typical visitors.

Unexpected Finds

  • Höchst Old Town: Historic district with medieval buildings and St. Justinus Church.
  • Chinese Garden (in Bethmannpark): Tranquil and authentic classic Chinese garden.
  • Dialogmuseum: Unique museum where visitors experience the world in complete darkness.

Local Favorites

Explore areas cherished by locals for their authentic ambiance.

Insider Spots

  • Berger Straße (Bornheim): Lively street with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Adolf-Wagner-Strasse (Sachsenhausen): Less touristy parts for authentic Apfelwein taverns.
  • Hafenpark and Ostend: Revitalized area showing modern architecture and new green spaces.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture memorable images from distinctive perspectives.

Iconic Shots

  • Love locks on Eiserner Steg with the city skyline.
  • Skyline views from Museumsufer or Main Tower.
  • Reflections of skyscrapers in the Main River at dawn or dusk.

The eclectic architecture of the Altstadt/Dom-Römer area provides interesting visual contrasts.

Emerging Destinations

Discover the evolving urban landscape and new areas of interest.

Urban Development

  • Gallus: Formerly industrial, now significant residential and commercial redevelopment.
  • Ostend: Home to the European Central Bank building and revitalized Hafenpark.

These areas represent Frankfurt's contemporary urban development and modern identity.

Local Markets & Shopping

Experience local life and find unique items beyond major tourist spots.

Authentic Experiences

  • Kleinmarkthalle: Indoor market with fresh produce and food stalls.
  • Farmers' Markets: Weekly markets in various neighborhoods for local cuisine.
  • Flea Markets: On Main River banks on Saturdays for antiques and second-hand goods.

These markets offer a local and authentic shopping experience.

Historical & Cultural Context

Römerberg

The historic heart of Frankfurt, where imperial coronations and from the middle ages markets took place for centuries, representing medieval grandeur.

Frankfurt Cathedral

The Imperial Cathedral, where Holy Roman Emperors were elected and crowned, its Medieval gothic architecture dominating the Historic city center skyline.

Goethe House

The birthplace of Germany'its most renowned writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, offering a glimpse into 18th-century bourgeois life.

Further Exploration

From its towering skyscrapers to its peaceful gardens, every corner is a story waiting to be discovered.