1. Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo has the familiar favourites like hippos and giraffes, but you can also encounter new and intriguing species such as South American porcupines. Located just a 20-minute walk from the city centre, we were pleased to see the zoo has spacious enclosures that ensure the comfort of the animals. You can easily spend hours exploring the large nocturnal section and indoor enclosures, making it an ideal destination rain or shine. 

Student tickets are priced at €6 and adult tickets at €13. We found it's larger than we expected, making it the perfect half-day excursion.

2. Walking Tour

We almost always recommend a walking tour when we’re visiting a new city, as it’s such a great way to learn the history and get some great local recommendations. Because Frankfurt is quite a large city, we had to choose just one district which we wanted to explore on our tour, opting for the Old town. 

Our guide was very informative, and we learnt that due to World War 2 bombing, most of the buildings we saw on our tour were actually only built in 2018, but replicating exactly what was there before. My favourite story from the tour was the legend of how the city got its name, as well as tales from the Holy Roman empire and its Emperor. Our tour ended at the house of the famous poet Goethe and was a great activity to orient ourselves in Frankfurt for the first time. 

These tours are often marketed as ‘free’ but you do have to pay, it’s just collected at the end as tips. We paid €15 each (don’t forget to bring cash!).

3. Palm Garden

If you enjoy botanical gardens, such as London's iconic Kew Gardens, then you’ll love the Frankfurt Palm Garden. We spent hours wandering through multiple greenhouses scattered across a vast park. During our visit we got to see a diverse array of climate plants in each greenhouse and enjoyed the serene atmosphere during a rest on a bench overlooking the scenic landscape of the Palm House. The park itself has a lake, fountains, and lush greenery and there are several cafes and shops dotted around the site. During the summer months, you can rent a boat to paddle across the lake. 

Due to the rain during our visit, we found refuge in the conservatories, but on sunny days, you could easily spend a full day exploring both indoors and outdoors. Student tickets are €5, while adult tickets are €9.

4. Main River cruise

One of the best ways to experience Frankfurt from a different perspective is by taking a river boat cruise along the Main River. The boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to see the city’s iconic sights such as the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge), the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), and the Frankfurt Skyline. We also found the boat ride provided us a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the city and was a great option for those of us who had travel-weary legs by this point. The commentary on board means you can learn about some history as you take in the views, such as the important role the Main River has played in shaping Frankfurt. 

We bought our tickets on getyourguide for just £12.49 per person and we really enjoyed the relaxing and scenic journey through the heart of the city, all while learning about Frankfurt's rich history and modern landmarks.

5. Main Tower

We recommend that you add Main Tower to your itinerary, where a breathtaking panoramic view of Frankfurt awaits. First you need to take a lift to the observation deck on the 54th floor, which is located at a height of 191 metres. Then climb a few flights of stairs to reach the observation deck. Here you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city, with informative plaques highlighting notable landmarks. For those with mobility issues, there's a lower viewpoint at lift level, offering equally stunning views. 

Tickets are €6 for students and €9 for adults and we spent a leisurely 30 to 40 minutes here soaking in the views and taking photos. 

 2. Römer and Römerberg Square

One of the highlights of Frankfurt’s old town is the Römer, the iconic town hall, and the surrounding Römerberg Square. The square, named after the Holy Roman Empire, was the site where emperors once addressed citizens after their coronation. 

The buildings around the square are of architectural interest, particularly with their numerous windows. In the past, landlords would charge a fee for each window, allowing the wealthy to view the emperor from a safe distance above the crowds. 

3. Indoor Food Market (Kleinmarkthalle)

Our favourite hidden gem in the city centre is the Kleinmarkthalle, an indoor food market that from the outside looks like a regular shop, but once you step inside, you’re greeted by an open food hall with a variety of stalls selling colourful produce. The market is free to enter, making it an ideal spot to wander through and immerse yourself in the local flavours. The stalls here offer everything from fresh fish and meats to aromatic spices and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Many of the vendors are generous with samples, so you can taste before you buy—though we found that the prices were a bit steep, if you want to actually buy something. 

If you're feeling peckish, you can grab a quick bite to eat at one of the food stalls around the edge of the room, or if you head upstairs to the mezzanine you'll find more upmarket options for lunch overlooking the market below. We managed to discover a reasonably priced café tucked away in one of the corners upstairs, serving traditional German dishes.

4. Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal)

Nestled down a side alley off Römer Square is the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), a stunning function room that’s still used for official events. You can freely enter through the gate off Römer Square and explore the beautiful adjacent courtyard. Then follow the spiral staircase up to the hall and you’ll be able to see one of the highlights: the gallery, where portraits of monarchs from various countries are displayed, each accompanied by their names and dates. 

We don’t think you’ll need long to explore here—about 30 minutes should be enough—but it’s well worth a quick visit for anyone interested in the city’s regal past.