A personal city guide · Germany

Frankfurt
am Main

Germany's financial capital, where medieval half-timbered houses meet glass skyscrapers. The only German city with a true American-style skyline – and at sunset it shows you its best side.

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A guide by Anhelina Chemerys @angelina_ch_

Frankfurt in 30 seconds

~800 k

residents, almost half of them with roots abroad

№1

Germany's financial hub: ECB, Bundesbank, stock exchange

TOP in Europe

one of the continent's largest airports

1 skyline

Germany's only Manhattan-style skyline

First impressions

A financial capital
with a medieval soul

Where Frankfurt is

In the heart of Germany, on the river Main, in the state of Hesse. Its location makes it one of the most important transport hubs in the country and all of Europe.

Why Frankfurt is the financial capital

Home to the European Central Bank, the Bundesbank and the country's largest stock exchange. It's also home to leading banks and investment firms – Germany's main financial center.

How Frankfurt compares

Berlin

The political capital – power, culture, startups.

Munich

Industry and tech, cars, a high quality of life.

Hamburg

The largest seaport – trade and logistics.

Frankfurt

Finance, skyscrapers and one of Europe's largest airports.

A short history

Frankfurt dates back to the early Middle Ages and was already an important political center by the 9th century. For centuries the Holy Roman Emperors were elected and then crowned here.

During World War II the historic center was almost completely destroyed, but many buildings – including Römerberg square – were carefully rebuilt after the war. Today medieval architecture stands side by side with modern skyscrapers.

Römerberg – half-timbered houses of the old town

Pros and cons

The honest take

Pros

+Easy public transport
+A compact center
+Plenty of parks
+Modern architecture + old town
+An international vibe

Cons

−High prices
−The area around the main station isn't the nicest
−Many shops are closed on Sundays

Must-see

What to see

History

Römerberg Square
Römer (Town Hall)
Frankfurt Cathedral
St. Paul's Church

Modern

Mainhattan skyscrapers
Main Tower
European Central Bank

Nature

Main riverside
Palm Garden
Grüneburgpark

Museums

Museum Embankment
Städel Museum
Film Museum

My places

Places with atmosphere
for walks and content

Spots I keep coming back to – for inspiration, beautiful shots and a bit of calm in the middle of a big city.

Palmengarten

Frankfurt's signature spot: exotic plants, greenhouses, palm pavilions. Perfect for quiet walks and shooting content.

Bethmannpark

A peaceful Chinese-style park. Famous for its Chinese garden – perfect for beautiful photos and an unhurried stroll.

Sachsenhausen

One of the prettiest and oldest districts: narrow lanes, historic buildings, cozy cafés and that unmistakable old-town feel.

The Iron Bridge and the Frankfurt skyline

Eiserner Steg

The famous pedestrian bridge over the Main with a stunning view of the skyline. Especially beautiful at sunset.

Römerberg

The historic center with half-timbered houses and an old-Europe feel. Nearby is Kleinmarkthalle, a well-known market the locals love.

Mainufer

The Main riverside – a perfect place for walks, runs and beautiful shots of the Frankfurt skyline.

Plan

A one-day route

MorningBreakfast

RömerbergThe heart of the old town, before the crowds

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral

Iron BridgeEiserner Steg – the best view of the skyline

Main riverside

AfternoonLunch

Main TowerObservation deck – a panorama of the whole city

Shopping on Zeil

Golden hourSunset on the riverside

For the shot

The most beautiful photo spots

01The Iron Bridge with a view of the skyline

02Römerberg in the early morning

03The riverside at sunset

04Alte Oper

05Main Tower – the panorama

06European Central Bank

07The streets of Sachsenhausen

Local food

What to try

Apfelwein

Apple wine – the city's culinary symbol

Grüne Soße

Green sauce made with seven herbs – a local classic

Sausages

Frankfurter sausages – the original ones

Pretzel

Fresh from a local bakery

Cakes

German pastries with coffee

Practical

Useful tips

When to go

The best time to go is the warmer months, when the riverside terraces are open.

How many days

1–2 days for the city itself, longer if you add day trips around the region.

Where to stay

The center and Sachsenhausen – convenient and atmospheric; better to avoid the station area.

Transport

Buy tickets at a machine or in the RMV app; the system is easy to navigate.

Sunday

Shops are closed – save the day for parks, museums and the river.

Safety

The city is calm; just be a bit more careful near the main station in the evening.

Good to know

Fun facts

The European Central Bank is headquartered here.

Frankfurt hosts the world's largest book fair.

Despite the skyscrapers, the old center was fully rebuilt after the war.

One of Germany's most international cities: almost half of residents have a migration background.

From Hanna

Personal notes

What makes a guide come alive: my favorite cafés, honest tips and the moment that's worth staying in the city until sunset.

Favorite cafés

Avocateur brunch

A stylish spot for a late breakfast, a “dopamine” interior and avocado everywhere.

Gresso coffee

My favorite spot for Italian coffee – a little Italy in Frankfurt.

Moka Roasters work

A modern space and quality beans – nice for working and meeting up.

Bunca Barista specialty

For specialty coffee lovers – cozy, central, with a relaxed vibe.

EntoSushi to go

Ukrainian sushi: modern plating, interesting flavors (takeaway only).

Amelie's Wohnzimmer cozy

A cozy café with the feel of a homey living room.

My recommendations

If you only have one day

Don't try to see everything. Wander through the old town, walk down to the Main, go up to the observation deck and end the day with dinner in Sachsenhausen.

For the best photos

Come to Römerberg before 9 a.m. – almost no tourists. Go to the Iron Bridge an hour before sunset. After rain the skyscrapers reflect especially beautifully in the river.

A break from the city

Grab a coffee to go and walk along the Main or through Palmengarten – some of the calmest spots in the city.

Shopping

All the popular shops are on Zeil. For something different, check the boutiques in Nordend or the Kleinmarkthalle market.

Beyond Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a great base for day trips: Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Köln and the Rhine Valley are all close.

What not to do

Don't plan to shop on a Sunday. Don't linger near the main station in the evening. In summer book restaurants ahead – especially terraces.

My favorite moment

If you ask me when Frankfurt looks its best, I'll say – at sunset. The skyscrapers turn golden, the Main riverside fills with people – and the city shows its best side.

– Hanna Dzhos

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