What to Do in Frankfurt Today: A Local's Guide to Must-See Spots & Eats

You're in Frankfurt with just a day to spare. Maybe it's a business trip layover, or the start of a longer Rhine Valley adventure. The clock is ticking, and you don't want to waste a minute on mediocre tourist traps. I get it. I've lived here for years, and I've seen visitors make the same mistakes: spending hours in the wrong museum, missing the real culinary gems, or getting overwhelmed by the contrast of skyscrapers and half-timbered houses.

This guide is different. It's built for today. Right now. We'll focus on the absolute essentials you can realistically cover in one day, mixing iconic postcard views with local haunts. I'll give you the practical details—opening times, ticket prices, how to get there—so you can stop planning and start exploring.

Morning: Dive into History & Old Town Charm

Start your day early, around 9 AM, at the heart of it all: the Römerberg. This is Frankfurt's old central square, and it's picture-perfect. The reconstructed half-timbered houses (the originals were bombed in WWII) look like a fairy tale. The Fountain of Justice is right in the middle. It's free, always open, and gives you that classic "I'm in Germany" feeling instantly.

Most people just snap a photo and leave. Here's my tip: look up. The details on the facades of the Römer (the city hall) are incredible. And if the Kaiserdom (Frankfurt Cathedral) is open (usually 9 AM to 8 PM, free to enter), pop inside for five minutes. It's not Cologne Cathedral, but it's serene, Gothic, and where Holy Roman Emperors were elected. The climb to the tower (€4, 324 steps) opens at 10 AM and offers a solid early view, but I'd save my legs for a better panorama later.

From the Römerberg, walk two minutes south to St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche). This is where Germany's first democratically elected parliament met in 1848. It's a national monument. Entry is free (open 10 AM to 5 PM), and it takes 10 minutes to walk through the simple, powerful circular interior. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle to understand modern Germany, beyond just finance.

The New Old Town (Neue Altstadt)

Just east of the Römerberg is Frankfurt's most ambitious project in decades: the reconstructed New Old Town. They've rebuilt an entire quarter of medieval-style houses on the original plots. Some locals call it a Disneyfication, and honestly, parts of it do feel a bit too pristine. But it's fascinating to see the craftsmanship. Wander the narrow lanes like Hinter dem Lämmchen. Look for the tiny Staufenmauer, a exposed section of the 12th-century city wall.

Budget limited? Perfect. This whole morning circuit costs almost nothing if you skip the cathedral tower climb. You've absorbed centuries of history before lunch.

Midday: The Essential Frankfurt Food Experience

By now, you're probably hungry. Forget the overpriced sit-down restaurants on the Römerberg squares. You have two authentic, brilliant options, depending on your style.

Option 1: The Classic Apfelwein Kneipe

For the true Frankfurt meal, you need to try Apfelwein (apple wine) and Grüne Soße (green sauce). The best place to do this isn't in the northern city center, but across the river in Sachsenhausen. However, for a lunch that's still authentic and saves you a trip, head to Apfelwein Wagner in the city center.

Apfelwein Wagner (Schweizer Straße 71, 60594 Frankfurt—near the Südbahnhof) is my go-to for a reliable, no-fuss introduction. It's been around since 1931. The atmosphere is woody, loud, and genuine.

• What to order: A Bembel (stoneware jug) of Apfelwein. It's tart, cloudy, and an acquired taste—like a dry, acidic cider. Then, Frankfurter Grüne Soße mit halben Hähnchen (green sauce with half a boiled chicken) or mit Rippchen (with cured pork chops). The sauce is a cold herb sauce made with seven specific herbs—it's fresh, tangy, and uniquely Frankfurt.
• Price: A main dish is around €14-18. A liter of Apfelwein is about €10.
• Hours: Opens at 5 PM daily, but also for lunch from 12 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Plan accordingly.

Option 2: The Bustling Market Hall

If you prefer grazing and sampling, or if it's a weekday and Wagner isn't open for lunch, make your way to the Kleinmarkthalle (Hasengasse 7, 60311 Frankfurt). This is Frankfurt's beloved indoor market hall. It's a sensory overload in the best way.

You can buy fresh produce, cheese, and meats, but for a quick lunch:

• Grab a legendary Handkäse mit Musik from one of the cheese stalls. It's sour milk cheese with onions and vinegar (“mit Musik” because of the after-effects). It's strong, cheap (around €4), and a local staple.
• Get a bratwurst from one of the butchers. They'll grill it for you on the spot.
• Visit Frau Schreiber for arguably the best Grüne Soße in town to take away.

Eat at one of the standing counters. It's lively, fast, and gives you a real taste of how Frankfurt shops and eats.

Afternoon: Culture, Views & Riverside Strolls

With a satisfied stomach, it's time for Frankfurt's modern side. Walk off your lunch with a 15-minute stroll west along the Main river. The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) is here, with over a dozen museums lining both sides of the river.

You can't do them all in one afternoon. Don't try. My strategic pick for a single, high-impact visit is the Städel Museum (Städtische Galerie) (Schaumainkai 63). It's one of Germany's most important art galleries, with a collection spanning 700 years from the Middle Ages to contemporary art (Dürer, Rembrandt, Monet, Bacon).

• Ticket: €16 for adults. Open 10 AM to 6 PM (until 9 PM on Thurs/Fri).
• Time needed: You can see the highlights in 1.5 to 2 hours if you focus.

If art isn't your thing, consider the German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum) right next door, which is more interactive.

The Skyline View You Can't Miss

You've seen the skyline from the river. Now go up into it. The best public viewing platform is at the Main Tower (Neue Mainzer Straße 52-58).

• Why it's the best: It's the only skyscraper with a public viewing terrace (not just a restaurant). You get a 360-degree, open-air view.
• Ticket & Hours: €9.50 for adults. Opens at 10 AM, but last entry is 9:30 PM (11 PM on Fri/Sat). Sunset here is spectacular if your timing works.
• My take: Yes, it's a bit touristy and the ticket is a little pricey for an elevator ride. But on a clear day, the view is undeniable. You see the contrast of the banking district and the old town laid out like a map. It's the signature Frankfurt experience. Go late afternoon to see the city in both daylight and, if you wait, early evening lights.

Evening: Apfelwein & Atmosphere in Sachsenhausen

As dusk falls, cross the river again, this time to the district of Sachsenhausen. Specifically, head to the streets around Affentorplatz and Klappergasse. This is the epicenter of the Apfelwein pub culture.

The streets are cobbled, the pubs are traditional, and the atmosphere is lively and communal. You'll see groups of all ages at long wooden tables. This isn't a quiet dinner; it's a social event.

Zum Gemalten Haus (Schweizer Straße 67) is an institution, with painted walls and a huge garden. Dauth-Schneider (Neuer Wall 5) is another classic, a bit less crowded by tourists. Just pick one that has a free spot. The menus are similar: hearty Frankfurter fare like Rippchen mit Kraut (cured pork chops with sauerkraut), Handkäse mit Musik, and of course, Apfelwein served in a Bembel.

Order the apple wine. If it's too sour for you, ask for a Sauergespritzte (mixed with sparkling water). That's how many locals drink it. Sit back, soak in the chatter, and watch the day turn to night in Frankfurt's most characteristic neighborhood.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Itinerary

Here’s how this all flows in real time. This is a packed but doable plan that maximizes a day in Frankfurt.

This itinerary gives you history, culture, iconic views, local food, and nightlife. Adjust based on your energy and interests—maybe skip the museum for a longer riverside relax.

Your Frankfurt Day: Questions Answered