Frankfurt is the financial center of Europe, home to the German Stock Exchange, the European Central Bank, and gleaming skyscrapers. But that doesn’t mean a trip to Frankfurt breaks the bank. Here are cool places and attractions in Frankfurt that won’t cost you a penny
Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Housed in a historic building from the 19th century (with the iconic bear and bull statues in front), the 400-year-old Deutsche Börse welcomes visitors to the daily business of money. Take part in guided tours, and then observe the bustling trading floor of the world’s third-largest trade exchange.
Don’t forget to make reservations (at least one day in advance) and bring your ID.
Römerberg
The Römerberg (“Roman Mountain”) is the historic heart of Frankfurt. It is home to the City Hall (called Römer), which dates back to 1405. Flanked by half-timbered houses, this historic square used to be the site of the first Frankfurt fairs in the 13th century.
Although most of the Römerberg was destroyed in World War II, the historic buildings on this square were rebuilt to their original splendor.
While you ‘re there, take a look at the adjacent street, Saalgasse (in front of the Historical Museum). The colorful postmodern houses create an interesting contrast to the rebuilt historic center.
Frankfurt cathedral
The Gothic Dom St. Bartholomaus in Frankfurt was erected in the 14th and 15th centuries and is one of the oldest and most important churches in Frankfurt. German kings have been elected here since 1356.
You can visit a museum, located in the medieval cloister, that displays exhibits from the cathedral’s treasure. If you wish, climb 324 stairs to the top of the church tower, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Frankfurt (note that the church tower is only open in summer).
Höchst Old Town
Take a walk through the Höchst district of Frankfurt, located in the west of the city. It is located on the banks of the River Main, where you will find the beautiful old town full of half-timbered houses, city gates, towers and winding medieval streets.
The highlights of the Höchst district are the Höchster Schloß (Höchst Castle), which was the former residence of the Archbishop of Mainz, and the Baroque Bolongaro Palace with its royal park. If you are here in June and July, come to the annual Höchster Schlossfest with music and special events.
Free museums
Every last Saturday of the month, admission to many of Frankfurt’s museums is free. During “Saturday”, museums and galleries offer guided tours, special events and workshops for children and families.
Find participating museums that offer free entry into the Saturday Family Program.
Main river embankment and museums
Stroll along the River Main, which runs through Frankfurt’s city center and is lined on both sides by some of the best museums in the country. Among them, the magnificent German Film Museum and the Städel Museum of Fine Arts, which focuses on the old masters. This area is called the Museumsufer (museum embankment) and on Saturday mornings, you can hunt for treasures at the largest flea market in Frankfurt (until noon).
Forest play park
The Waldspielpark is a great destination for the whole family. It’s a great adventure park set in a wonderful park, complete with a shallow pool and a natural maze for young children. Bring a grill to cook or play beach volleyball on the sand.
Adults can climb the nearby Goetheturm , which was built in 1931 and is one of the tallest wooden observation towers in Germany. The view of the Frankfurt skyline is fantastic from there.
Paulskirche
Paulskirche or St. Paul’s Church, built between 1789 and 1833, is the cradle of German democracy. The church was used for political meetings and became the seat of the first freely elected German parliament in 1848.
Today, Paulskirche hosts an exhibition dedicated to the history of democracy in Germany and is used for special events.
Spring fair
Every spring, Frankfurt holds its annual spring fair, Dippemess . It is one of the largest popular spring festivals in the Rhine region.
The fair dates back to the 14th century, when it was a medieval market for pottery, especially ceramic bowls and pots (called “Dibbes” in the Frankfurt dialect).
Today, the spring fair is known for its rides, roller coasters, and fireworks, and is a great event for young and old.
