Frankfurt is not just a stopover but a destination. This beautiful city is often overlooked, but give it a chance, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised! I’m so glad we chose to stay here and explore a bit before going further with our Germany vacation. And now I can show you the best of Frankfurt through my eyes!
Welcome to the vibrant city of Frankfurt, where medieval charm meets modern skyscrapers! With just two days to soak up the city’s rich history and contemporary allure, it’s essential to prioritize the top attractions in this bustling metropolis.
Frankfurt has something for every traveller’s taste, from soaring cathedrals to architectural marvels and picturesque bridges. It’s time to embark on a captivating journey through the TOP 7 must-see attractions that will leave you enchanted with the spirit of this cosmopolitan gem:
- Domturm (Frankfurt Cathedral Tower)
- Frankfurt Cathedral and Museum
- New Old Town
- Eurotower
- Iron Footbridge
- Alte Oper
- Eschenheimer Turm
Let’s get a closer look at each one of them.
Domturm
Our adventure begins with the magnificent Domturm, also known as Frankfurt Cathedral. Spectacular panoramic views open up from the viewing platform 66 meters (216 feet) high.
The access could be challenging for a lot of people. The only way up and down is to climb a narrow spiral staircase. You’ll have to squeeze through people going in the opposite direction.
Even though this staircase is a “dream” of a sociopath and claustrophobic person (and I’m a little bit of both), Domturm was my favourite attraction in Frankfurt!
Picturesque views are definitely worth the climb, so if you can handle it physically, go ahead! I don’t know if we got lucky or if it’s usual for this place, but there weren’t many people, and we were mostly alone at the observation deck, which is fantastic! It’s an amazing experience to stand at such heights and witness the beauty of Frankfurt from above.
The entrance isn’t free, but very close to that! At the time of our visit, the cost was only 3 euros per person.
Frankfurt Cathedral and Dommuseum
The Frankfurt Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece that has witnessed centuries of history. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get inside due to services in the sanctuary, but we explored the attached museum.
The museum showcased around 40 captivating artifacts from the Roman Catholic Church. The low admission cost of just 2 euros was a small price for the remarkable historical collection, making it a quick yet enriching 15-minute experience.
I wouldn’t consider the Dommuseum as a separate destination, though. But it’s a great added bonus to the Frankfurt Cathedral visit.
New Old Town
Frankfurt’s New Old Town, or Altstadt, is a masterful reconstruction of the city’s historic center, which was destroyed by the heavy bombing of Frankfurt am Main in World War II.
The meticulously restored buildings and cobblestone streets exude an old-world charm that seamlessly blends with modern amenities. Old Town’s streets are adorned with timber-framed houses, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Exploring the charming shops, cafes, and the vibrant market square transported us back in time. And here are some landmarks of Frankfurt New Old Town you wouldn’t want to miss:
- Römerberg (picturesque square surrounded by charming half-timbered houses).
- Frankfurter Römer (a prominent landmark in Frankfurt, serving as the city’s iconic town hall).
- The Fountain of Justice.
- The Minervabrunnen (monument to the goddess of wisdom and warfare).
- Alte Nikolaikirche (old church).
- The Saalhof mit Rententurm (a historic complex with its medieval tower).
You’ll find more information about each of these magnificent attractions in my next post about the main landmarks of Frankfurt’s New Old Town.
Eurotower
The Eurotower is a prominent skyscraper that has played a significant role in the city’s financial landscape. Completed in 1977, it initially served as the European Central Bank (ECB) seat.
While the ECB has since moved its headquarters to a new building, the Eurotower remains a symbolic structure of Frankfurt’s status as a major financial hub in Europe. Today, the building houses various offices and is a notable part of Frankfurt’s skyline.
There is a green space by the tower (Gallusanlage) to relax and enjoy the modern landscape mixed with nature.
Iron Footbridge
The Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge) is a must-visit spot for capturing stunning photos of Frankfurt’s skyline. It is a connecting link between Old Frankfurt Römerberg and Sachsenhausen and a beloved pathway for over 10,000 pedestrians daily.
It has had several changes since its initial design by Peter Schmick in 1968. It was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1946.
This 170-meter-long neo-Gothic beauty has a fascinating history and provides breathtaking views of the River Main Frankfurt skyline!
There are a lot of bridges in Frankfurt, and each provides a different but still gorgeous view. This one was one of my favourites, but I would like to encourage you to explore at least a few others!
Alte Oper
It’s a stunning concert hall that showcases Frankfurt’s love for the arts. The location is charming. It is the perfect mix of Alte Oper’s elegant exterior, fountain, green space and surrounding picturesque streets.
We got there late in the evening and enjoyed only its gorgeous neoclassical façade. But I’m sure attending a performance here would be an unforgettable experience.
Eschenheimer Turm
It’s a medieval tower that has stood since the 15th century. This well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into Frankfurt’s historic fortifications.
With its distinctive octagonal shape, this tower served various purposes over the centuries, including as a watchtower and a city gate. Today, it’s a unique blend of the old and the new, surrounded by modern buildings in the bustling Eschenheimer district.
Frankfurt’s top attractions offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity. It’s a beautiful city with much to explore beyond the TOP 7 Must-see attractions in Frankfurt you’ve just read about. I wish I had more time to see it all.
What are your TOP things to do in Frankfurt? Please let me know in the comments. Let’s discover more Frankfurt city highlights together!
Check out my reels from Frankfurt on Instagram
YANA'S WANDERLUST 
Leave a comment