With its blend of modern glass skyscrapers and medieval half-timbered buildings, Frankfurt offers striking views wherever you turn. Topping the list of star attractions is its wonderfully preserved Altstadt (Old Town). From the timeless Römerberg to the spires of the Dom, there is days’ worth of exploration in this charming district. Frankfurt is also well known for its museums, more than half of which are strung along the Main River in an area called the Museum Embankment. A frenetic business scene keeps Frankfurt buzzing all year round, so visitors can be guaranteed that a good cultural performance or special event will be happening during their stay.

Liebighaus
Another of Frankfurt’s most important museums features an amazing and eclectic collection of objects from every major civilisation. Starting with the Egyptians, the museum’s exhibits also highlight the Greek and Roman cultures as well as the era of medieval and Renaissance Europe. There are some truly ancient artefacts, sculptures and artwork on display in this beautiful 1896 villa. Phone: +49 69 2123 8617.

Schloss Johannisburg
The most impressive castle around Frankfurt is this Renaissance masterpiece located along the banks of the Main River in Aschaffenburg. Built from red sandstone in the early 1600s, the castle’s symmetry, featuring four huge towers enclosing an inner courtyard, is quite striking. Also on site are beautiful gardens and the Pompeianum, a recreated palace unearthed in the ruins of Pompeii. Phone: +49 6 2138 6570.

Städel Museum
Frankfurt’s most significant art gallery features representatives of nearly every European school of painting. From French Impressionists to Dutch masters, art fans will find plenty to mull over in the Städel. Of course, there is also a great collection of German artists from the 16th century onwards. Phone: +49 69 605 0980.

The Altstadt
Frankfurt’s Old Town presents what remains of its original medieval core after intense bombing by the Allies during WWII. Before its devastation, the Altstadt was one of Germany’s most important and impressive historic areas. It includes the birth home of Goethe, the striking Dom cathedral, and a trio of magnificent medieval houses known as the Römer. There are plenty of highlights within the Old Town, so give yourself plenty of time to linger and absorb its history.

The Dom (Cathedral of St Bartholomew)
Dominating the skyline of the Altstadt is the red stone tower of the Dom, a 15th-century cathedral that has been the coronation site for Germany’s kings and emperors for the past 300 years. Its west tower is the most striking feature, highlighting the great skill of German craftsmen. The Dom’s stunning choir stalls and its Altar of Mary Sleeping are two of the remaining original features from the 1400s. Phone: +49 69 29 70 3225.

Weisbaden
One of the more impressive spa towns near Frankfurt is Weisbaden, a fashionable resort that has been a spa since the Roman era. Its scenic location between the Taunus Mountains and the Rhine River makes it a popular retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. But culture junkies are also attracted by the Kurhaus and Kurpark, which regularly host performances and festivals of all kinds. With 26 hot springs and easy access from Frankfurt, Weisbaden is the ideal quick getaway.

Catch a bird’s eye view over Frankfurt from the Post Office Tower. This iconic tower has been part of the city’s skyline since 1978, and it remains a popular place to go for amazing views over Frankfurt. Rising 330 metres, visitors can ascend to the viewing platform where a swanky restaurant and nightclub provide some entertainment to go with the scenery. Phone: +49 69 2123 8849.

Enjoy the luxurious lifestyle of a spa resort in the picturesque town of Aschaffenburg. Right on the doorstep of Frankfurt is one of Germany’s most famous and beautiful spa towns. But the spa scene is just one facet of life in this town. Set along the banks of the Main River with the Spessart Hills at its back, Aschaffenburg boasts a lovely square, pedestrian zone and many traditional shops. A weekly market is held on the river, and the town’s tranquil streets are a pleasure to walk.

Experience the natural side of Frankfurt at one of its lovely botanical gardens. Among the city’s many parks, don’t miss the chance to wander the lush grounds of the Botanical Gardens or the Palm Gardens, which stand side by side. Giant greenhouses recreate tropical environments with many exotic species of plant, while the Palm Gardens feature more than 2,000 species of palm tree along with its wealth of other natural treasures. Tours are available of both parks, which frequently play host to some of the city’s many festivals. Phone: +49 69 7982 4763.

Get to know the local Frankfurters by hanging out in their favourite neighbourhood. The oldest surviving district in Frankfurt is the beautiful and serene Sachsenhausen neighbourhood. Lying on the south side of the Main River, this district has been one of Frankfurt’s traditional entertainment centres for centuries. Charming old buildings house pubs, cafés and boutiques which are frequented by residents and students much more than tourists.

Take in the sights of Frankfurt the old-fashioned way with a ride on the Apple Wine Express. This charming traditional streetcar makes tours of the city, covering most of Frankfurt’s highlights with a little background information from the guide. The trip begins at the zoo and lasts about an hour. Visitors also get a glass of traditional apple wine and a pretzel during the tour. Phone: +49 69 2132 2425.

Understand the effects of the Holocaust on Germany’s Jewish population at the Jewish Museum. Before the advent of the Nazis, Frankfurt contained the second largest Jewish population in Germany. This ethnic community was vital to the economic development of Frankfurt between the 12th and 20th centuries, making the Jews an essential component of the city’s heritage. This museum is meant to be thought-provoking as it explores the history, role and fate of the Jewish community in Frankfurt’s evolution. Phone: +49 69 2123 5000.

Unwind on a boat cruise along Frankfurt’s resident river, the Main. A great way to spend a couple of hours is taking a leisurely cruise on the Main River. The views of Frankfurt and its impressive skyline are even better from the water, where the city spreads out in a panorama. Visitors can also opt for the day-long cruise to Aschaffenburg, passing architectural highlights such as castles, churches and estates along the way. The boat gives you a few hours to explore the town before heading back to Frankfurt in the afternoon. Phone: +49 69 133 837.