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Things to Do in Frankfurt Am Main

Things to Do in Frankfurt Am Main

Frankfurt Am Main Hesse, Germany Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Engage in active pursuits within Frankfurt's lush areas and the surrounding natural landscapes.

Hiking & Trekking

Frankfurter Grüngürtel

Offers easy walking and cycling paths suitable for all fitness levels, a pleasant escape into nature within the city's periphery.

Taunus Mountains

Easily accessible by S-Bahn or car, offering moderate hiking routes around Feldberg or the Saalburg Roman fort, with challenging terrain and scenic views.

Stadtwald City Forest

A large forest area south of the Main River, featuring numerous walking and jogging trails, ideal for a peaceful outdoor experience close to the city.

Water Sports & Cycling

  • Main River: Kayaking, canoeing, and Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tours are available.
  • Lakes (Badeseen): Several lakes in the broader area are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and SUP or pedal boat rentals in summer (e.g., Langener Waldsee).
  • Mainradweg (Main Cycle Path): A level, scenic path along the Main River for leisurely cycling.
  • Mountain Biking: Opportunities exist in the Taunus Mountains for challenging terrain.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Frankfurt Zoo: One of Germany's oldest zoos, where you can find a wide range of species.
  • Naturmuseum Senckenberg: Provides comprehensive natural history exhibits for an encounter featuring a range of wildlife.
  • No safaris operate in the region.

Adventure Sports

  • None directly within Frankfurt itself.
  • Adventure parks or high ropes courses might be found in the surrounding Taunus region.
  • These require a short trip outside the city.

Geological Features

  • No prominent geological features within the immediate city.
  • Nearby Taunus mountains to the north offer gentle hills and forests.
  • These are part of a larger geological formation.

Important Note for Water Sports

Swimming in the Main River within the city center is not permitted due to safety and water quality considerations.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your understanding of Frankfurt and German culture through interactive and traditional experiences.

Workshops & Learning

  • Local community centers (Volkshochschule) offer short courses in arts, crafts, music, dance, or German language.
  • Private studios and galleries offer workshops in pottery, painting, or other creative arts.
  • Goethe-Institut Frankfurt offers intensive German language lessons for various proficiency levels.
  • Volkshochschule Frankfurt provides a range of language courses, from beginner to advanced.

Cultural Performances

World-Class Venues

Attend performances at Oper Frankfurt, Schauspiel Frankfurt, or the Alte Oper for world-class opera, drama, and concerts.

Traditional Ceremonies

Seasonal festivals like Wäldchestag or Dippemess often feature traditional music, folk dances, and local performances, offering insight into Hessian customs.

Oper Frankfurt

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

Goethe-Institut

Offers intensive German language courses for various proficiency levels, fostering cultural exchange.

Frankfurt Book Fair

Annually during The month of october, the world's largest trade fair for books, with public days for literary enthusiasts.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate in Frankfurt's spas, parks, and nearby wellness towns.

Spas & Hot Springs

  • MeridianSpa Skyline Plaza: Large urban spa with pools, saunas, and city views.
  • Titus Thermen: Public indoor/outdoor swimming complex featuring pools and sauna areas.
  • Luxury hotels: Many offer high-end spa facilities (e.g., Frankfurter Hof, Jumeirah).
  • Bad Homburg vor der Höhe: Historic spa town north of Frankfurt with thermal baths.

Yoga, Retreats & Pools

Yoga & Meditation

Various yoga studios operate within the city. For dedicated retreats, options typically exist in the surrounding countryside or rural Hesse.

Traditional Healing

Standard Western medicine is prevalent. Alternative therapies (Naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture) are available from Heilpraktiker (non-medical practitioners).

Beach & Pool Clubs

Outdoor swimming pools (Freibäder) are popular in summer. Some lakes in the wider Frankfurt area have designated designated swimming spots with facilities, like Langener Waldsee.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

Venues like Brotfabrik, Zoom, and Jazzkeller host diverse music genres and artists.

Nightclubs & Bars

Gibson Club, Tanzhaus West, and Club Michel are popular for dancing. Sachsenhausen and Bahnhofsviertel offer numerous bars.

Theater & Cabaret

Oper Frankfurt, Schauspiel Frankfurt, Alte Oper, and Tigerpalast Varieté Theater offer diverse performances.

Shopping & Markets

Frankfurt caters to all shopping preferences, from traditional markets to luxury boutiques.

Traditional Markets

  • Kleinmarkthalle: Indoor market for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, and food stalls.
  • Farmers' Markets: Weekly in various neighborhoods, Konstablerwache on Thursdays and Saturdays.
  • Flea Markets: On Main River banks (Sachsenhausen side) on Saturdays for antiques and second-hand goods.
  • Craft workshops by artisans: Small shops in Altstadt or Sachsenhausen sell local crafts.

Luxury & Souvenirs

Luxury Shopping

Zeil: Primary shopping street with department stores and high-street brands. Goethestraße: Luxury shopping street with high-end international designer brands.

Souvenir Recommendations

Bembel (Apfelwein jug), Geripptes (ribbed Apfelwein glass), Apfelwein, Bethmännchen (seasonal), Green Sauce Herbs Mix, Goethe-themed items.

Ethical Shopping

Look for "Fair Trade" labels. Support local artisans and small businesses directly for local monetary benefits.

Affiliate Partners

Consider using GetYourGuide for booking various activities and experiences in Frankfurt.

Shipping & Customs

  • VAT Refund: Non-EU residents can claim VAT refund on purchases over €50.
  • Get forms stamped by customs at the airport before checking luggage.
  • Claim refund at a designated office.
  • Inquire about shipping options directly from stores for large items.

Shopping Zones

  • Zeil: Frankfurt's primary shopping street with large big stores and international brands.
  • Goethestraße: The city's luxury shopping street with high-end designer boutiques.
  • MyZeil: A modern shopping mall on the Zeil, offering a wide range of stores.

Customs Information

Be aware of customs regulations and duties in your home country when shipping purchases.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Frankfurt offers a nightlife with diverse entertainment options for every taste.

Live Music & Clubs

  • Live music venues: Brotfabrik, Zoom, Jazzkeller (historic jazz club), Gibson Club.
  • Nightclubs & dancing: Gibson Club, Tanzhaus West & Dora Brilliant (electronic music), Club Michel.
  • Bar districts: Sachsenhausen (Apfelwein taverns), Bahnhofsviertel (cocktail bars, pubs), Berger Straße (local pubs).
  • Late-night: Clubs close early morning (3 AM - 6 IN the morning), many bars stay open late.

Theater & Performance

Major Performance Spaces

Oper Frankfurt (leading opera company), Schauspiel Frankfurt (main drama theater), Alte Oper (concerts, ballets, operas).

Unique Shows

Tigerpalast Varieté Theater offers cabaret and variety shows in a stylish setting.

Cultural Festivals

Museumsuferfest, Dippemess, Wäldchestag, and Christmas Markets feature cultural performances and entertainment.

Bahnhofsviertel Nights

  • Offers a diverse range of bars, from trendy cocktail lounges to casual pubs.
  • Known for its lively and international atmosphere.
  • Consider for varied late-night options.

Sachsenhausen Charm

  • Famous for its traditional Apfelwein taverns and cozy pubs.
  • A pub crawl here provides an unique local experience.
  • Divided into Alt-Sachsenhausen (touristy) and Neu-Sachsenhausen (relaxed).

City Center Buzz

  • The Innenstadt has various bars and restaurants catering to a broader audience.
  • Close to major attractions, convenient for evening entertainment after sightseeing.
  • Can be bustling, especially on weekends and evenings.

Special Occasions & General Tips

Theater & Opera Tickets
  • Book tickets for Oper Frankfurt, Schauspiel Frankfurt, or Alte Oper in advance.
  • Check their main websites for performance schedules and availability.
  • Consider dress codes for upscale venues; smart casual is generally appropriate.
Nightlife Logistics
  • Public transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams) operates late, especially on weekends.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout the city.
  • Age restrictions for clubs are typically 18+, with ID often required.

Booking Experiences

For activities and tours, booking through GetYourGuide can streamline your plans and offer a wide selection of options.

Activity Planning Summary

Recommended Activities

  • Hike or bike in the Frankfurter Grüngürtel or Taunus Mountains.
  • Take a cooking class or a guided food tour of Kleinmarkthalle.
  • Relax at MeridianSpa or visit the thermal baths in nearby Bad Homburg.
  • Enjoy live music at Jazzkeller or a performance at Oper Frankfurt.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Summer (August): Frankfurt Apple Wine Festival, Museumsuferfest.
  • Autumn (October-December): Frankfurt Book Fair, Christmas Markets.
  • Spring (April-June): Spargelzeit (white asparagus season).
  • Check local event listings for current festivals and things to do during your visit.