Römerberg & Old Town Square
- 📍 Where
- Altstadt
- 🕑 Best time
- Early morning to avoid crowds
Mubboo’s tip: Grab a photo before 9am; the square fills by 10.
Things to Do in Frankfurt
Free–$458 per activity
Frankfurt isn't just a business stopover. The real city lives in its free riverside paths, Saturday flea markets, and tight-knit apple wine taverns—not the overpriced Main Tower ticket. If you budget just €50/day beyond essentials, you'll still eat well and see plenty. Skip the overhyped museum cluster if you're not a die-hard art fan; the real value is in the Altstadt's war-era stories and the vineyards 40 minutes west.
July: Visit the Mainfest on the river; book hotels early · Crowds: High
Mubboo Verdict: Frankfurt rewards free walkers and wine day-trippers. Skip the expensive river cruises—grab a €3 Ebbelwoi on the Sachsenhausen bank instead. Families: the zoo is fine but not worth a half-day if you're only here 48 hours.
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How M decides what’s worth it
M starts with what's free and close. The Altstadt is compact and best explored on foot—no tour needed. If you have one day, walk the river, grab a pretzel, and do the 2-hour English walking tour for context. For two days, add a Heidelberg day trip. With three, choose between Rhine Valley wineries or a more immersive private tour. Money-wise, you can have a great day for under €30 by sticking to free sights and a cheap pub crawl.
Splurge on a private tour only if you hate crowds. The main trap: paying for a 'city tour' when the €36 walking tour does the same job better.
Free First
Free things to do in Frankfurt
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
Main River Walk & Eiserner Steg
- 📍 Where
- Between Altstadt and Sachsenhausen
- 🕑 Best time
- Sunset for skyline views
Mubboo’s tip: Lock a love lock on the bridge for a free memento.
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Dom)
- 📍 Where
- Domplatz 1
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekday afternoons when the tower may be open
Mubboo’s tip: Entry is free; tower climb costs €3 but check if open—often closed.
Kleinmarkthalle Market Browsing
- 📍 Where
- Hasengasse 5-7
- 🕑 Best time
- Saturday mornings for liveliest atmosphere
Mubboo’s tip: Samples are free; a fresh Brezel costs €1.
Goethe House External View
- 📍 Where
- Großer Hirschgraben 23-25
- 🕑 Best time
- Any daylight hour
Mubboo’s tip: The house is paid entry but the exterior and courtyard are free to see.
Grüneburgpark
- 📍 Where
- Westend
- 🕑 Best time
- Afternoon for a picnic
Mubboo’s tip: A massive park with a Korean garden—perfect for escaping the city bustle.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Frankfurt
These six paid experiences cover the spectrum from a €10 self-guided game to a full-day wine tour. The walking tours (English or private) are solid investments for first-timers. If you drink, the pub crawl is a steal at $30. The Heidelberg day trip justifies the price with castle access and a scenic old town. Skip the generic city tours in German unless you speak it—the English walking tour has 1,200+ reviews for a reason.
Guided Axe Throwing Experience in Frankfurt Altstadt
5.095 reviews⏱ 1 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Perfect for a rainy day or a group looking for an adrenaline break. Overpriced compared to US axe venues, but the Altstadt location adds novelty.
Best for: Groups of friends or stress-relief seekers.
From $29Book Now
Frankfurt Impressions Express - Highlights and Local favorite
4.970 reviews⏱ 3-4 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Deep dive for travelers who want more than the standard route. Pricey, but you'll see backstreets and local haunts that most tourists miss.
Best for: Curious travelers with a generous budget.
From $343Book Now
Frankfurt Highlights English Walking Tour
4.91,271 reviews⏱ 2-3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: The best-value intro to the city. Covers all must-sees with a guide who knows their history. Book this on your first morning.
Best for: First-time visitors wanting orientation.
From $36Book Now
Rhine Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Frankfurt and Mainz
4.889 reviews⏱ 7-8 hours
Mubboo Verdict: A luxury day out for serious wine lovers. You'll visit multiple wineries and drink well, but the price is steep—consider renting a car if you're on a budget.
Best for: Wine enthusiasts with a full day to spare.
From $458Book Now
Heidelberg Castle and City Day Tour from Frankfurt
4.7325 reviews⏱ 5h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: The classic day trip. The castle is a fairytale ruin, and the guide adds context you'd miss alone. Worth it if you have limited time and want a picturesque escape.
Best for: Travelers wanting a one-day medieval Germany experience.
From $149Book Now
Frankfurt Old Town: Missing Treasure Self-Guided Exploration
4.440 reviews⏱ 1h 10m
Mubboo Verdict: Cheap and cheerful smartphone game that stops kids from complaining. Adults might find it cheesy, but for $10, it's a fun alternative to a pricey family guide.
Best for: Families on a tight budget.
From $10Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Frankfurt
Skip these
- Skip the Main Tower observation deck (€9 entry) unless you're a skyscraper enthusiast. The free view from the Eiserner Steg or the Dom tower (if open) is equally good.
- Don't book a German-language city tour if you don't speak German. The English walking tour is cheaper and better reviewed, with over 1,200 ratings.
- Avoid the Frankfurt Zoo if you're short on time. It's small and unremarkable compared to other European zoos; you won't miss anything.
Know before you go
- Know that many Frankfurt restaurants delete negative Google reviews. Check the 'Review removals' stat on Google Maps before you go.
- Know that the Hauptbahnhof area gets sketchy at night. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid the drug scene near the station after dark.
- Know that the airport requires at least 90 minutes for non-EU connections due to two-step passport control. Plan accordingly.
Where to spend your time in Frankfurt
Altstadt (Old Town)
🚇 Walking distance from central stationRömerberg, Kaiserdom, Kleinmarkthalle
Top pick: Join the English walking tour starting at the Römer.
Sachsenhausen
🚇 10 minutes on foot across the Eiserner Steg from the AltstadtApple wine taverns, Museum Embankment, Schweizer Strasse
Top pick: Pub crawl through traditional Ebbelwoi pubs.
Nordend
🚇 15 minutes by U-BahnBerger Strasse shopping, Holzhausenpark, local cafes
Top pick: Stroll Berger Strasse for indie boutiques and a relaxed lunch.
Westend
🚇 10 minutes by U-BahnPalmengarten (botanical garden), Grüneburgpark, IG Farben Building
Top pick: Visit Palmengarten in spring for blooming flowers.
Ostend
🚇 15 minutes by tramEuropean Central Bank, Hafenpark, riverside trails
Top pick: Walk along the Main River and see the Euro sign sculpture.
Browse by category
When to visit Frankfurt, month by month
JulyThis monthHigh crowds
Visit the Mainfest on the river; book hotels early
JanuaryLow crowds
Explore the indoor Kleinmarkthalle and cozy apple wine taverns
FebruaryLow crowds
Visit museums on cold days—Museumsufer has reduced winter entry
MarchMedium crowds
Catch the start of spring at Palmengarten's flower shows
AprilMedium crowds
Join an Easter market in Römerberg and try green sauce
MayMedium crowds
Walk along the Main River and enjoy outdoor wine festivals
JuneHigh crowds
Attend the Oper Frankfurt or summer concerts in parks
AugustVery High crowds
Go to the Museumsuferfest—huge outdoor fair, very crowded
SeptemberMedium crowds
Take a Rhine wine tour during harvest season; apple wine fest in Sachsenhausen
OctoberMedium crowds
Enjoy the Frankfurt Book Fair if you're a reader; fall foliage along the river
NovemberLow crowds
Visit the Christmas Village early in the month to beat crowds
DecemberVery High crowds
Experience Frankfurt's Christmas Market on Römerberg—magical but packed on weekends
Need to get there first? Search flights:
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 48 hours
Hit the English walking tour on morning one, then Heidelberg on day two. You'll leave with a real sense of the region.
Explore toursBusiness traveler with a free afternoon
The 60-minute Express tour fits into a long lunch. Or blow off steam at the axe-throwing bar.
Explore toursFamily with teens
The self-guided treasure hunt keeps them engaged for 90 minutes, then hit the pub crawl (non-alcoholic options too) for the fun vibe.
Explore toursWine lover on a day trip
The Rhine Valley tour is the splurge you'll remember. Five wineries, stunning scenery, and no driving stress.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“Frankfurt has beautiful parks and lakes like Waldsee.”
“The Ebbelwei Express tourist tram remains an enormously successful attraction.”
“Plan at least two hours for international connections through customs.”
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free things to do in Frankfurt?
Walk the Römerberg and cross the Eiserner Steg for skyline views. Stroll through Kleinmarkthalle and sample local produce. Visit the Dom, and relax in Grüneburgpark. The Main River path is free and ideal for people-watching.
How can I save money on Frankfurt tours and activities?
Book walking tours online in advance for the best rates. The English walking tour at $36 is a bargain. Self-guided options like the treasure hunt are only $10. Avoid expensive river cruises—enjoy the same views from the riverbank.
Is Frankfurt a family-friendly destination?
Yes, though the business vibe can seem adult. The self-guided treasure hunt appeals to kids, and the axe-throwing venue accepts ages 12+ supervised. Parks like Grüneburgpark offer playgrounds. Pumpkin festivals in autumn are fun.
What is the best time of year to visit Frankfurt?
May and September offer the best weather and wine festivals. December's Christmas markets are magical but crowded. Avoid July and August if you dislike humidity, and beware of trade-fair dates when hotel prices spike.
How many days do I need in Frankfurt?
Two full days allows a walking tour, the Altstadt, and a day trip to Heidelberg. Three days adds a Rhine wine tour. One day is sufficient for the core sights if you rush. The city is compact and walkable.
Is Frankfurt safe for tourists?
Generally yes, but exercise caution around the Hauptbahnhof area at night due to drug activity. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid confrontations. The city center and tourist areas are safe and well-policed.
Do I need to book tours in Frankfurt in advance?
For popular tours like the English walking tour or Heidelberg day trip, booking 1-2 days ahead is wise, especially in peak season (May-September, December). Last-minute availability is usually fine in winter.
Plan the rest of your Frankfurt trip
FlightsFrankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major hub with direct flights from the US. From the airport, take S-Bahn lines S8 or S9 to the city center in 15 minutes.HotelsStay in the Altstadt or Sachsenhausen for walking access to sights and nightlife. Business hotels cluster near the Messe, but consider the Westend for a quieter residential feel.City guideFor detailed neighborhood guides, restaurant picks, and day-trip itineraries, check out our full Frankfurt city guide.
Things to do in other cities
LondonA storied capital with free museums and royal parks.ParisIconic landmarks and neighborhood walks that cost nothing.New YorkThe city that never sleeps, with endless free diversions.Los AngelesSun, hikes, and beaches that stretch your dollar.MiamiArt deco, free beach days, and lively Latin culture.ChicagoArchitecture tours and a lakefront that rivals any coast.
Before you go
- esimStay connected with an eSIM like Airalo or Holafly for reliable data without roaming fees.
- insuranceTravel insurance with medical coverage is recommended; World Nomads covers adventure and trip cancellation.
- transferPre-book an airport transfer via Welcome Pickups for a fixed-price ride with an English-speaking driver.
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