Frankfurt Through Local Eyes: Experiences Worth Trying

Most people only see Frankfurt during a quick layover and leave thinking it is just glass towers and bankers. That is the impression you get at the airport, but locals know the city is warm, easy to walk around, and full of traditions that have nothing to do with finance. The best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany are not visible from a taxi. They include a cider tavern where strangers sit together, a market hall where everyone eats lunch, and a riverbank lined with museums. This guide shares ten of these spots, just like a friend who lives here would, so you can skip the tourist version and experience the real city. No filler, just the experiences that are truly worth your time.

Why See Frankfurt the Way Locals Do? 

Here’s what you should know about this city. The famous sights are nice, but the real gems are just off the main streets. Exploring Frankfurt like a local helps you avoid the crowded, expensive tourist spots.

• Frankfurt is easy to get around. Most of the places we mention are within walking distance or just a short tram ride away.
• If you like to explore, you’ll find that the taverns, markets, and side streets are even better than the well-known towers.
• There’s something to enjoy all year. Relax by the river in summer, visit markets in winter, and check out museums any time.
• Frankfurt has something for everyone. Couples, families, and first-time visitors can all find their own rhythm here.

The Best Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany 

Here’s the list. These ten spots include both the classics and local favourites, so you’ll have plenty of things to see and do in Frankfurt, Germany, with no boring moments. We’ve also included the practical details you’ll need.

1. Sip Apple Wine in Sachsenhausen 

Apfelwein is Frankfurt’s signature drink, a tangy cider served in traditional taverns where people sit together at long wooden tables. You’ll find it in Sachsenhausen’s cobbled streets, making this the most authentic thing to do in Frankfurt, Germany.

• Best for: Culture and a proper local evening
• Do this: Order Handkäse mit Musik and Grüne Soße, the dishes regulars actually eat
• Good to know: If the cider is too sharp, ask for the sweeter Süßer version
• Time needed: A relaxed evening

2. Graze the Kleinmarkthalle

This indoor market has more than 150 stalls selling cheese, bread, sausage, and spices. Locals shop and eat lunch here. Arrive hungry and pick up treats for a picnic by the river.

• Best for: Food lovers and picnic-builders
• Do this: Try the local Grüne Soße and grab supplies for the Main
• Good to know: Busiest and best on a Saturday morning; closed Sundays
• Time needed: About an hour

3. Stand in the Römerberg

The old town square, with its restored half-timbered houses and medieval town hall, is the city's historic centre. Since it’s small, you can easily combine your visit with a walk to the nearby river.

• Best for: History and first photos
• Do this: See the Römer town hall and the Fountain of Justice
• Good to know: Rebuilt after the war, so newer than it looks
• Time needed: About an hour

4. Walk the Museumsufer

Along one riverbank, you’ll find more than a dozen museums, from the Städel’s 700 years of European art to museums about film and communication. This area is one of Frankfurt’s top cultural highlights and perfect for a rainy day.

• Best for: Art, culture and rainy days
• Do this: Pick the Städel first, then one more to taste
• Good to know: Many close Mondays, so check ahead
• Time needed: Half a day

5. Go Up the Main Tower

To see the famous "Mainhattan" skyline up close, visit this tower with its public viewing platform. The elevator ride is fast, and the view stretches all the way to the hills.

• Best for: Skyline and city orientation
• Do this: Time it for late afternoon into dusk
• Good to know: Check opening hours and weather before you go
• Time needed: 45 minutes

6. Cross the Eiserner Steg at Sunset

This iron pedestrian bridge, built in 1869, connects the old town with Sachsenhausen. The view of the skyline from the middle is iconic. It’s free, quick, and one of the most beautiful experiences in Frankfurt.

• Best for: Sunset walks and photos
• Do this: Cross as the towers light up, then dive into Sachsenhausen
• Good to know: Busy at golden hour, so arrive a little early
• Time needed: 30 minutes

7. Slow Down in the Palmengarten

Frankfurt’s botanical garden is a peaceful green space with glasshouses, tropical plants, and open lawns. There’s a miniature train and plenty of room to explore, making it a great choice for families.

• Best for: Families and a quiet reset
• Do this: Walk the greenhouses, then let kids loose on the lawns
• Good to know: Lovely in spring bloom and in winter warmth alike
• Time needed: Around 2 hours

8. Meet the Dinosaurs at Senckenberg

This is one of Europe’s major natural history museums, featuring huge dinosaur skeletons that kids love. It’s a reliable choice for a family outing, especially on a rainy day.

• Best for: Families and curious kids
• Do this: Head for the dinosaur halls first, before energy fades
• Good to know: Weekends and holidays get busy, so go early
• Time needed: About 2 hours

9. Visit the Goethe House

The restored birthplace of Germany’s most famous writer shows what life was like for a wealthy family in the 18th century. Even if you haven’t read his work, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into old Frankfurt.

• Best for: Book lovers and history fans
• Do this: See the study and the old library rooms
• Good to know: Small and indoors, so a good weather-proof stop
• Time needed: About an hour

10. Wander Berger Straße

This long street in the Nordend district is where locals go to eat, shop, and relax, far from the main tourist areas. It’s the everyday side of Frankfurt and a real local experience that many visitors overlook.

• Best for: Everyday local life and cafes
• Do this: Amble, cafe-hop and people-watch at your own pace
• Good to know: Best on a bright weekend afternoon
• Time needed: 1 to 2 hours

How Does the Season Change Your Frankfurt Plans? 

The time of year really changes the atmosphere here, so plan your visit based on what you want to experience. Winter activities in Frankfurt are very different from what you’ll find in the summer.

December: The highlight in Frankfurt, Germany in December is the Christmas market on the Römerberg. It is one of the country's oldest and runs from 23 November to 22 December 2026. Enjoy hot apple wine and Bethmännchen marzipan while you visit.

March: In March, you can see the first flowers blooming in the Palmengarten, visit quieter museums, and take crisp walks along the river before the summer crowds arrive.

Ready to See Frankfurt for Yourself? 

The key to enjoying Frankfurt is finding the right places: the taverns where locals gather, the markets they visit, and the bridges they cross at sunset. When you find these, Frankfurt stops being just a layover and becomes one of Germany’s most enjoyable short breaks. We love helping you find those hidden spots.

At Holiday Tribe, we’re holiday advisors, not just travel agents. We create German holidays as land packages that fit your schedule and your style. You can choose one of our ready-made Germany routes for a planned trip, or let our team and AI travel planner design a custom journey that links Frankfurt with the Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, or other destinations. Just tell us who’s coming and what you like, and we’ll take care of everything else.