People often have the impression that there’s nothing to do in Frankfurt. With it mainly being a transition hub towered by tall skyscrapers, it can perhaps seem a bit dull. It’s even worse on Sundays, when the shopping malls are closed. But dig further and you’ll realise there are plenty of things to do amongst those towering buildings. During the Yuletide season, the city transforms and opens delightful Christmas markets. Join a guided tour or explore the many art museums - you may be surprised to discover that you want to extend your trip. Since you’re already here, Frankfurt also has Airbnb Vacation Rentals and budget hotels available if you need to stay the night. Listed below are fun things to do in Frankfurt on a Sunday, or indeed, on any day! It’s time to get out of the house and explore!
1. Be transported back to the past in the Romerberg
A trip to Frankfurt wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Romerberg. The Romerberg is Frankfurt’s old central square, which was reconstructed after WWII. Be transported back in time when you stand in the middle of the square amidst the old medieval buildings. The picturesque backdrop will undoubtedly create the perfect photograph that will instantly get your followers to double tap! There are several cafes around, so if time is on your side, be sure to chill in a cafe and enjoy being in the moment. This place is extremely beautifully decorated during Christmas time, so if you’re visiting during that period, you’re in luck!
The Romerberg
Website: The Romerberg
2. Try mega-sized pretzels at Frankfurt’s Central Station
Some say that it is just an ordinary train station, but Frankfurt’s Central Station is one of the largest and most important rail transport hubs in Germany! It has a superb exterior, featuring neo-renaissance elements. If you’re coming from a country where huge train stations like these are uncommon, you will definitely be awed. Be the usual tourist and take a few pictures with the trains, but don’t forget to stop by the vendors for some pretzels! Whether you like them coated with chocolate, plain, or glazed, these pretzels are simply irresistible and will leave you coming back for more!
3. Indulge in frankfurters and pork knuckles along the streets
Frankfurt is a nice place to walk around, especially on a Sunday, when most people stay indoors and the streets are quiet and peaceful. While you may have had your fair share of European carbs at Central Station, it’s now time to try German pork! Along the streets, you’ll pass by several vendors, and you’ll no doubt have been enticed by the smell of sizzling hot frankfurters wafting through the air. It’s just almost impossible to not stop to drool at the sight of the meat. Their pork knuckles are also super good, topped with mustard and ketchup. It’s the perfect snack if you’re visiting during the cold season. Imagine eating hot, delicious food while braving the chilly weather. Just try not to think so much about the calories!
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4. Surround yourself with lush and greenery at the Palm Gardens
Calling all plant and nature lovers! The Palm Gardens is a plant paradise, housing plants from all round the world. Even for those who are not keen on plants and greenery, it’s super therapeutic and you’ll be enamoured by its surrounding greenery and the wide diversity of plants. You can take a few pictures, but don’t get too involved in it and remember to live in the moment!
There is also a palm house, where you can experience a lush sub-tropical landscape where a multitude of imposing plants, huge shrubs, and ferns are located. There are several tours and cultural offerings organized, which is highly-recommended if you want to know more about the different species of plants and the history behind them.
Palm Gardens
Address: Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323 Frankfurt am Main
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
Duration: around 3 hours required
Website: Palm Gardens
Contact: +49 (0)69 212 33939
5. Visit the birthplace of Germany’s famous writer
If you are a Goethe fan, you definitely have to visit the Goethe House (Goethehaus). It was destroyed in WWII bombing raids, but was later restored to what it is today. The house spans four floors and there is so much to explore. Although its exterior has been reconstructed, the artifacts within are original. You will be able to learn more abut Goethe’s life as you wander around its well restored walls and even if you aren’t a Goethe fan, this place still deserves a visit. The Goethe House provides a glimpse into 18th-century Frankfurt life, which will get you wondering what life would have been like if you lived in that era.
Goethe House
Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Price: from 3.40 USD upwards
Opening Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
Website: Goethe House
Contact: +49 69 138800
6. Catch a musical at the Old Opera House (Oper Frankfurt)
The Old Opera House has a long history, but like many buildings in Germany, it was destroyed during the devastating WWII. The reconstructed Old Opera House may be one of the newer opera houses in Europe, but it is still very impressive. The German government poured a lot of money into reconstructing the building and it seems like the money was well spent. For those who like musicals, you’ll be ecstatic to learn about their great line up! But be sure to book tickets ahead as they are in high demand and you don’t want to end up with terrible seats! For those who feel that catching a musical is out of your budget, you can still stop by to take pictures of the impressive building. It will be worth it.
Old Opera House
Address: Opernplatz 1, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Website: Old Opera House
Contact: +49 (0)69 13400
7. Take a selfie at the world’s coolest subway station
At first it looks like a wreck, but when you look closer its actually a train carriage that acts as an entrance to Bockenheimer Warte metro station. It’s a really interesting and unique structure. If its on the way, you’re lucky. But you may specifically want to stop by this station just for a photogenic shot. After all, it’s not every day you get to see a subway station with its entrance as a train protruding out, and really, it only costs you 5 minutes.
8. Pile up your shopping cart with a year’s supply of German chocolates
Each country is bound to have some delicious goodies at the supermarket that you can only get at double (or triple) the price back at home. If you love chocolate, you have to visit the minimart to get your chocolate fix. Their range of chocolates is extensive and very affordable compared to the price back home.Stock up on favorites such as Hanuta, Kinder bueno (and Kinder Surprise), and Giotto chocolates to bring back home for your friends and family. Seriously, you wouldn’t be judged if you buy an entire year’s worth of chocolate here!
9. Go wild at Gruneberg Park
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than in a park? Quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Gruneberg Park offers a place full of tranquility for you to relax among the lush greenery. Imagine being in a place filled with shrubbery and trees, taking in the fresh air and watching the occasional cyclist speeding down the winding pathways. The park is made up of sizeable lawns, so for those afraid of a crowd, fret not, as there will be sufficient space for everyone. You can picnic (some sandwiches and beer please!), or for those who like to exercise, this park is a beautiful place to go for a run. There are so many things to do in this vast expanse of green, so let your ideas run wild!
Gruneberg Park
Address: August-Siebert-Straße, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
Contact: +49 69 21275980
10. Bring out your inner history buff at the Judengasse Museum
Not everyone has a keen interest in Jewish history, but the Judengasse Museum is a wonderful museum that will definitely bring out the inner history buff in you. The Judengasse Museum is located in what was the first Jewish slum where the Jews in Frankfurt lived from 1462 to 1800. You will really feel like you are walking in the medieval Judengasse, and you can learn more about Jewish residents through the well-presented interactive exhibits. With so many hands-on activities, it will not be a bore and you will surprise yourself by easily spending an hour or more here.
Judengasse Museum
Address: Battonnstraße 47, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Duration: around 3 hours required
Website: Judengasse Museum
Contact: + 49 (0) 69 21270790
11. Feel like a character in “Night at the Museum”
Germany is a place with a rich interesting history; visiting the museums to get a better understanding of the country’s past is a must-do when you visit Germany. If you don’t know what to do in Frankfurt on Sunday, spend an afternoon at Senckenberg Museum of Natural History. German history is not just about its role during the world wars, but goes far beyond that to dinosaur days, fossils, planets, and many other things that will keep you occupied for at least half a day. With dinosaur skeletons, snakes, penguins, and other creatures, you might feel you’re a character in the movie “Night at the Museum”. There are plenty of things to see and learn about. Photography is allowed in the museum so go ahead and snap pictures of all your interesting finds!
Senckenberg Museum of Natural History
Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Duration: around 3 hours required
Website: Senckenberg Museum of Natural History
Contact: +49 69 75420
12. Ascend to Frankfurt’s highest vantage point for spectacular panoramas
By now you may have realized that Frankfurt is a city with plenty of things to do. But don’t get carried away by the many things to do on the ground! Frankfurt is the only German metropolis with tall, glinting skyscrapers and if you haven’t already noticed, a beautiful skyline. With glittering lights from the towering skyscrapers illuminating the city at night, Frankfurt has some of the most spectacular views. One of the most fun things to do in Frankfurt is to catch this beautiful scene from the public observation deck at the Main Tower, which is the city’s highest vantage point. And yes, don’t forget to snap your candid, Insta-worthy shots!
Main Tower
Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Price: from 7.30 USD upwards
Opening Hours: 10 am - 9 pm
Website: Main Tower
Contact: +49 069 3650 4878
13. Buy Birkenstocks that will last you a life time
Birkenstock is a major fashion staple that everyone should own! Birkenstock has a history dating back till the year 1774, yet their items will never go out of trend. You can still find Birkenstock products on the catwalks in 2016, and it’s definitely a fashionable brand. Not only is it trendy, but the shoes are super comfortable and easy to match with other items of clothing! It is a little pricey for a pair of sandals, but it’s a lot cheaper here in Germany than buying elsewhere. And besides, a pair of Birkenstocks can last you several years. It’s really all about the quality!
Birkenstock
Address: Neue Kräme 25, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Opening Hours: 10 am - 7 pm. Closed on Sundays
Website: Birkenstock
Contact: +49 69 92020336
14. Appreciate more German Art Exhibitions at the Städel Museum
If you’re a traveler who is into seeing various types of art, a visit to the Städel Museum is a must to check off your bucket list. This historic Frankfurt tourist attraction has been around since Johann Friedrich Städel founded it in 1816 and has since become a collective institution in Frankfurt. It has a museum and its ow art school in the premises and is a place for those who enjoy art beyond the norm, as well as for travelers ad tourists trying to absorb as much German culture as possible. Get the chance to see the Making Van Gough exhibits or the Great Realism & Great Abstraction exhibit from Max Beckman and Gerhard Richter among many other prolific works. Explore the stunning masterpieces and even enroll for a class to learn more about art in one of Frankfurt’s finest establishments.
Städel Museum
Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Website: Städel Museum
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Thursdays and Fridays; 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesdays to Saturdays
Price: 17.74 USD to 19.96 USD
15. Visit the local hub and go people-watching at Mainkai Street
After a long day of exploring Frankfurt, stop by the charming little city center of Mainkaii and bask in the beauty of the placid river and city architecture. Have a sip of morning or afternoon coffee in one of the surrounding cafes, restaurants, and dining establishments. Mainkai Street has one of the best spots in Frankfurt to sit outdoors and go people or sunset watching. Joggers and bikers come out at dusk and dawn to get a good lap around the area, a great place to work out and run. Indeed, this is a go-to spot for travelers and tourists who like to pace their day trip and to just slow down in the pursuit of seeing the whole of a beautiful city like Frankfurt.
People Watching at Mainkai Street
Address: Mainkai, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: free admission
16. Join a free walking tour or book an open-top bus tour (from USD 22.76)
You still can get a lot out of this city even if you happen to only have a day in Frankfurt. Join a free alternative walking tour with a local student and discover the different sides of this seemingly boring metropolis. It covers all the main attractions in this city, and will leave you heading back to Frankfurt to explore more of its flavors someday!
If you want to find out more about Frankfurt, why not join one of the guided tours? Ride an open-top bus helmed by experienced local guides and you will be able to check out all the local attractions in this two-hour journey.
Frankfurt: Hop-on Hop-off Day Skyline or Express City Tour
17. Embark on a Rhine Valley trip from Frankfurt
Book this Viator tour and enjoy a day trip from Frankfurt that includes an air-conditioned bus ride to Rhine Valley and a boat cruise on the river. The whole journey will take about eight hours and includes a professional guide, meals, and wine tasting. If you’re opting for the full-day trip, you’ll get a chance to see Lorelei (or Loreley), a steep slate rock on the Rhine. Another stop is Niederwald Monument, and if there’s enough time, a quick stop at the town of Ruedesheim for a bit of souvenir shopping.
Rhine Valley Day Tour from Frankfurt - Klook
Duration: 7hrs45 Min Duration
18. Get a taste of German apfelwein (apple cider) (from USD 72.0)
Sachsenhausen is located just south of the Main River in Frankfurt. It’s a nice district to just walk around and hang out, but one thing you shouldn’t miss is trying the apple cider in one of the taverns. Sachsenhausen is famous for its eateries and quaint inns. The main street of Sachsenhausen is lined with several traditional cider taverns. Be sure to chill in one of the many bars over their apple ciders (apfelwein)!
Sachsenhausen is an area where the local youngsters frequently hang out, especially on a Sunday when the shops and malls are closed, so do expect to see many of them around!
If this has whet your appetite for something more, why not pop by the nearby town and go on a 3-hour private cigar and spirits tasting in Idstein!
You’ll be able to enjoy quality service where you learn all about the spirits you will be tasting. From Gin, cognac to whiskys, you will definitely find something to suit your palate.
Private 3-Hour Cigar and Spirits Tasting in Idstein
Duration: 3 hours
19. Lock your love on the Eiserner Steg (from USD 16.0)
Kind of like the famous Pont des Arts love bridge in Paris and Mount Huang in China, the Eiserner Steg too is decorated with several padlocks placed by couples who visited the bridge, signifying eternal love. If you don’t know what to do in Frankfurt with your significant other, this beautiful iron bridge makes a perfect place to snap some of the prettiest shots and it also gives you an amazing view of the city. You can get there after visiting the Romerberg, as its only a 2-minute walk away. The bridge serves as a great way to cross the main river from the heart of Frankfurt to the district of Sachesenhausen.
If you’re intending to lock your love with your partner, do remember to bring your own locks because, surprisingly, there aren’t any vendors selling them for tourists to participate.
Eiserner Steg
Access: 2-minute walk from Romerberg
Website: Eiserner Steg
You will also be able to see the Eiserner Steg from a night cruise, the perfect romantic experience. Perfect for couples, the 1-hour cruise will let you see the sights illuminated at night and let you learn more about Frankfurt’s interesting history. Commentary will be provided in both German in English to ensure that you do not miss out on anything!
Frankfurt Nighttime Cruise on the Main River
Duration: 1 hour
Experience Frankfurt
Don’t be fooled by the skyscrapers - Frankfurt has many things in store for tourists. This wonderful city offers many fun activities for any traveler. And if you want to extend your enjoyment, there are hotels with balconies available. From exploring the Romerberg and visiting local museums to eating delicious street food, be sure to try some of these awesome things to do in Frankfurt on your next trip to this German city!
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