Frankfurt skyline above the Main, with a green bridge and a boat

Photo: Christian Wolf (www.c-w-design.de), CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Frankfurt am Main - Skyline, museums and apple wine taverns

Explore Frankfurt's riverside skyline, world-class museums and traditional apple wine taverns on a city break, and plan a relaxed trip with Parkoni.

By the Parkoni editorial team ·

Frankfurt am Main surprises many visitors. Beyond its impressive skyline of glass towers, the city has a historic old quarter, a riverside full of museums and a local culture that is warm and down to earth. It is a rewarding choice for a short city break, for museum lovers who want a rich programme of art and history, and for anyone curious about the traditions of the region.

The city is easy to enjoy with a partner, friends or the family. Mornings can be spent in galleries, afternoons along the river or in the parks, and evenings in a traditional tavern, where the local food and drinks are served in a lively atmosphere.

Highlights of Frankfurt am Main

  • The Römerberg: The historic town square, lined with reconstructed half-timbered houses, is the traditional heart of the old city.
  • The Kaiserdom: The imperial cathedral, where German kings were once crowned, is a striking Gothic church with a rich interior.
  • The Museumsufer: The museum embankment on the River Main, home to many of the city's best museums, from fine art to applied arts and film.
  • The Städel Museum: One of Germany's most important art museums, with a collection that spans many centuries of European painting.
  • Sachsenhausen: The lively district across the river, famous for its traditional apple wine taverns and cobbled lanes.
  • The skyline: The modern towers of the financial district are impressive seen from the river or from one of the city's viewpoints.
  • The Palmengarten: A large botanical garden with greenhouses, lakes and seasonal flowers, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
Städel Museum courtyard with a grass mound and mirror pools
Photo: Fred Romero from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0

When to visit Frankfurt am Main

Spring and early autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit. The parks are green and in bloom, the riverside is lovely for walking, and the terraces are open for outdoor meals. These seasons are ideal for combining sightseeing with time outdoors.

Summer is warm and lively, with many events and open-air concerts. Winter is cool and often grey, but the city is very atmospheric in the darker months, and the festive markets bring a cosy charm to the centre.

Practical tips for Frankfurt am Main

  • Currency: The euro is used. Cards are widely accepted, although some traditional taverns may prefer cash.
  • Language: German is the main language, and English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, museums and shops.
  • Getting around: The centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Trams, underground trains and buses connect the districts efficiently, and the city is well served by rail.
  • Local customs: In the apple wine taverns, drinks are often served in a traditional glass, and it is polite to greet people when you sit down at a shared table.
  • What to pack: A light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for walking and a warm layer for the evenings in cooler months.
Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus with its Gothic tower in the old town
Photo: Leonhard Lenz, CC0

A stress-free start at your departure airport

Plan your trip to your departure airport early, compare car parks with Parkoni and book a space in advance, then start the holiday relaxed. Once the parking is sorted, you can focus on the views from the river and the first glass of apple wine in the old town.

Nonstop to Frankfurt am Main

Nonstop flights there leave from these airports, among others: Dublin Airport, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

64 more departure airports

Routes as listed on Wikipedia from the airlines' schedules; the airline's current timetable is authoritative.

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