10 Things To Do – Frankfurt Am Main

Radiating from the historic central square of Römerberg, Frankfurt Am Main is a charming city with a lot to offer. Located on an ancient ford (German: furt) of the river Main, its early inhabitants were the Franks of Franconia. Whether you’re here to discover history, food, architecture or art, Frankfurt Am Main has it all.

1. Römerberg

The city’s medieval square, Römerberg, is a good place to start exploring the city. With its charming half timber buildings, the Römer (City Hall), from which it takes its name and the Fountain of Justice, the monument gracing the center of the square, Frankfurt Am Main is delightful from the get go. It’s also a great place to end up, with restaurants and bars, it’s a perfectly instagrammable spot to stop and take a break.

2. The Frankfurt Cathedral

The Frankfurt Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus), is a significant landmark in the city. As one of the major historical buildings in the city it holds great cultural and architectural significance and is simply magnificent to behold. It can be seen from across the old town and it worth a visit, both to discover its history and to enjoy the views if you’re feeling energetic enough to climb the tower.

3. Saalhof

The building along the river known as Saalhof used to be the city’s Customs House. Significant due to the fact that it’s the oldest surviving building in the city, its beginnings dating to the end of the 12th Century, and because today it houses the Historical Museum.

4. Main River

Frankfurt’s Main River is part of a tributary that flows into the Rhine. Originally this thriving trade route was part of the reason for the city’s location and ongoing development. Frankfurt was a city state, an independent and free city for nearly five centuries, and then became of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire with Pope Leo III having crowned Frankish King Charlemagne as Roman Emperor in the year 800.  

It only lost its sovereignty upon the collapse of the empire in 1806, the Main having played a key role in it its success bringing fresh water to the early Frankish settlement, trade throughout the centuries and now, in addition to this, it is a key focus in the city’s social and recreational scene.

5. Bridges

Both the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) and the Eisener Steg (Iron Footbridge) are part of Frankfurt’s riverscape.

Amazingly, the Old Bridge is the oldest, and was the only stone bridge on the lower reaches of the Main River until the mid-19th century.  The first mention of it is in a document from 1222 and, inextricably linked to Frankfurt’s history, it has linked the old town with the Sachsenhausen district across the river since the Middle Ages. Having said that, given that it has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 18 times over the centuries, perhaps it’s unfair to give it so much weight. In fact, the bridge that stands here today was built in 1926 (known as the New Old Bridge) after the previous structure was destroyed and the current incarnation built due to it being insufficient for modern traffic demands.

The Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg) is, as its name suggests, a footbridge that spans the river Main. It also connects the centre of Frankfurt with the district of Sachsenhausen albeit for foot traffic only. A previous wrought iron bridge stood here from 1868 but was replaced in 1911/1912 by this slightly larger cantilever bridge. It’s the ideal vantage point to take in the Old Bridge, the river and the city, particularly towards dusk on a summer’s evening.

6. Städel Museum

The Städel Museum is an art museum located on the Sachsenhausen side of the Main River. It houses a vast collection of artworks from the Middle Ages through to contemporary art, showcasing paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, with works by artists such as Renoir, Vermeer, Monet, Degas and Picasso.

7. Old Opera House

Frankfurt’s old Opera House (Alte Oper) is a stunning 19th Century building that still hosts balls, international congresses and a host of musical and cultural events.

8. Main Tower

Main Tower, on the outskirts of the old town, has an observation deck on the 53rd floor of this 200m skyscraper. It offers great views of the Main River and wider Frankfurt metropolitan area. Unfortunately, however, the views of the Alt Stadt have been blocked by a new tower being built.

9. Paulsplatz

Paulsplatz is another picturesque old town square dominated by St. Paul’s Church, outdoor restaurants, the Unity Monument (Einheitsdenkmal) and the stunning Seufzerbrücke (Bridge of Sighs) linking two parts of the City Hall.

10. Eschenheimer Tower

Good To Know

Frankfurt Am Main is a charming city with old town and river linked by many cobbled streets and beautiful buildings. Although there is a lot to see, ensure you leave enough time to just have a wander around through all the little squares (platz) and in particular along the Main River. Afterall, it is part of the name.

Would I Return?

Yes.