Frankfurt may be known as Germany’s financial capital—“Mainhattan”—but beneath the glitzy skyline lies a wealth of cultural experiences, green spaces, and local flavor. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do in Frankfurt. And for a convenient overview, taking a hop on hop off bus Frankfurt tour is a smart way to hit the highlights. Here’s your ultimate guide.
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Frankfurt: Fast & Flexible City Intro
Kick off your visit with a hop on hop off bus Frankfurt tour. It’s a great way to cover major attractions at your own pace—no map-reading required. With routes typically starting at Paulsplatz/Römer and running through to Main Tower and the skyline, your ticket includes unlimited day-long boarding on double-decker buses
- You’ll pass by essential stops like:
- Römerberg Old Town and City Hall
- Alte Oper (the Old Opera House)
- The Eiserner Steg Pedestrian Bridge
- Main Tower (with optional skyline loop on Sundays)
2. Wander Through Römerberg & the Historic Old Town
Hop off at Römerberg, the medieval square at Frankfurt’s heart. Cobblestone lanes, reconstructed timber-framed houses, and the Justice Fountain paint a picture-perfect scene—ideal for photos and breezy strolls .
Nearby, meander through narrow lanes of the Altstadt (Old Town), stopping at landmarks like Paulskirche and traditional apple-wine taverns—great places to experience the authentic local vibe.
3. Ascend the Main Tower for City Panorama
Seattle has its Space Needle—Frankfurt has the Main Tower. At around 200 meters high, its observation deck offers sweeping views of the cityscape and the River Main. The tower also houses a restaurant if you prefer dinner with a view.
Sunset is especially beautiful, when the skyline glows as lights come on.
4. Explore Museum Embankment (Museumsufer)
Culture lovers, take note: the Museum Embankment is a cluster of world-class museums on the south side of the Main River. Key highlights include:
Städel Museum: A top-tier art collection spanning medieval to modern periods
Museum of World Cultures, Historisches Museum, and more
5. Soak Up Nature: Palmengarten & Stadtwald
Need a break from the urban beat? Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s lush botanical garden, full of exotic flora and serene greenhouses.
Beyond that, the Frankfurt City Forest (Stadtwald) spans 58 km², offering hiking paths, ponds, playgrounds, and even the wooden Goethe Tower—a reconstructed landmark with sweeping forest views
6. Taste Local Flavor at Kleinmarkthalle & Apple-Wine Taverns
For foodie adventures, Kleinmarkthalle is a must-visit. This historic market offers fresh produce, hearty sausages, cheese, and international fare sourced from over 60 vendors.
Nearby, in Sachsenhausen, settle into a traditional apple-wine tavern for a glass of Ebbelwoi and local specialties like Handkäs mit Musik or Grüne Soße—Frankfurt’s signature dishes.
7. Cross the Iconic Eiserner Steg Bridge
A short walk from Römerberg leads to the iron Eiserner Steg footbridge. Adorned with love locks and connecting to the museum district, it’s the perfect vantage point for cityscape photos.
8. Experience Nightlife & Unique Tours
When evening rolls in, dive into Frankfurt’s vibrant nightlife:
- Ebbelwei Express: A retro tram serving apple-wine cocktails and local music through the city streets
- Jazzkeller: A legendary live-music venue in an intimate cellar atmosphere
- Night River Cruise: Admire Frankfurt lit up at twilight on a Main River boat ride
9. Catch a Performance at Alte Oper
If you’re into architecture or world-class performances, Alte Oper is a neo-Renaissance concert hall tucked in the financial district. It hosts concerts year-round and stands as a symbol of Frankfurt’s cultural heartbeat.
10. Rediscover Goethe’s Legacy
The Goethe House, birthplace of Germany’s literary giant, transports visitors back to 18th-century Frankfurt. Nearby, the Goethe Tower in the forest offers scenic views and historical charm.
Planning Tips & FAQ
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Frankfurt: Ideal for flexible sightseeing. Operates daily, typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with online tickets offering full-day access
- Best Season: Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Christmas markets (late Nov–Dec) are magical too.
- Transport Pass: The Frankfurt Card offers free public transport and discounted museum entry.
- Getting Around: The city is compact—biking and trams are excellent options besides the hop-on buses.
Why Choose Frankfurt?
Frankfurt masterfully blends medieval charm with modern flair. Whether you’re capturing skyline selfies, relaxing in leafy gardens, sampling hearty regional cuisine, or cruising along the river, there’s always something fresh to discover. From iconic landmarks to unexpected experiences, these are the things to do in Frankfurt that deliver a complete city adventure.
From the ease of a hop on hop off bus Frankfurt tour to hidden wooded escapes, this guide ensures you’ll experience the full spectrum of the city—smart, scenic, and satisfying.
Ready to explore? Build your perfect Frankfurt itinerary today. And be sure to check out more detailed tours and book your hop-on-hop-off tickets with Ease on Sightseeingo.com!