Destinations: Frankfurt Travel Guide & Flights 

Altstadt (Old Town): for sight-seeing 

A wander around this area reveals historic buildings, interesting museums and traditional restaurants. Much of Frankfurt’s Old Town had to be restored following World War II. You can visit Romerberg Square, surrounded by medieval timber buildings, Romer Rathaus and St Paul’s Church, then head down to Fressgasse for cafés, specialist food stores and jazz clubs.  

Sachsenhausen: for art lovers

Art-lovers should head to the Museumufer (Museum Riverbank), which is home to nine impressive museums. Which makes it tough to choose, but don’t miss the Stadel Art Institute & Municipal Gallery for paintings and sculptures dating back over 700 years. Treat yourself to some of Frankfurt’s famous apfelwein (apple wine) as you explore this old quarter’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.  

Bornheim: for indie atmosphere

This lively former red-light district is home to independent cafés, shops, bars and restaurants, including traditional cider houses. On weekends it’s a popular brunch location for locals, especially in good weather. Architecture fans should visit the Holy Cross Church, a striking Modernist structure. 

The Palmengarten

These 19th-century botanical gardens cover an impressive 54 acres, complete with a large palm house displaying plants from climates around the globe. Out in the formal gardens, you’re free to wander the paths to admire the varied species of trees, plants and flowers.  

Romerberg Square 

Most of the city’s medieval buildings are concentrated around Romerberg Square in the old town. There’s plenty here for history fans – enjoy browsing the various half-timbered buildings rebuilt following the devastation of World War II.  

Main Tower 

For the best views in the city, head to the city’s financial district to scale the dizzying heights of the Main Tower. The only skyscraper in the city with a public observation deck, it stands 656ft (200m) tall, offering panoramic views of the city and the distant Taunus Mountains. 

Museumsufer

You’ll find the highest concentration of museums and galleries in the city here in the Museumsufer on the banks of the River Main. They cover everything from Jewish history to architecture. Don’t miss the Stadel Art Institute and Municipal Gallery, home to one of Germany’s most extensive and important art collections. 

Traditional food and drink 

As well as its famous cider, other local specialities include Handäse mit Musik (sour milk cheese on brown bread with vinegar, onions and caraway seeds), Grune Sosse (green sauce made from quark soft cheese and herbs) and Bethmännchen (almond-studded marzipan biscuits).  

Cider taverns and market halls

Frankfurt is known for Apfelwein, an apple wine known as Ebbelwoi by locals. Be sure to visit one of the traditional cider taverns around the city, especially in Sachsenhausen, popular with locals and tourists alike.  

Kleinmarkthalle indoor market hall is the place to go for both grocery shopping and traditional street food. Try the hot wurst in a bun for a totally delicious weekend lunch, or head to the Rollanderhof wine bar for aperitifs. 

Restaurants 

Frankfurt’s restaurant scene is a melting pot of everything from Japanese to Spanish flavours. Michelin-starred restaurants offer gourmet experiences while traditional restaurants serve classic German food. Frankfurt’s Old Town is home to many of the city’s best restaurants, housed anywhere from modern glass buildings to traditional timber-framed structures.  

Dippemess Spring & Autumn

The Dippemess folk festivals celebrate the changing of the seasons with fairground rides and market stalls to entertain the whole family – perfect options for a fun-packed day out. 

Apple Wine Festival August

The Apple Wine Festival takes place every summer to celebrate the city’s famous Ebbelwei drink with a few days of theatre, music and – of course – drinking.  

Museum Embankment Festival August

This is one of Europe’s largest art and cultural festivals, transforming the banks of the River Main into a huge stage offering a banquet of visual art, plays, music, dance and more.  

Frankfurt Book Fair October

International publishing companies, authors, media experts and book fans descend on Frankfurt for a few days to network, learn and make deals at the world's largest trade fair for books. 

Christmas markets December

Like many German cities, Frankfurt is renowned for its magical Christmas markets – though seasoned marketgoers consider this city’s version a cut above the others!