This modern metropolis has many historical masterpieces to be seen. Frankfurt sights are a unique blend of super-modern skyscrapers and quaint old town charm.
Frankfurt (Saint Bartholomeus’) Cathedral
This Gothic beauty is one of the gems of Frankfurt sightseeing, and a symbol of the city. It was originally built in the fourteenth century and was the site where the Catholic Church chose the Holy Roman Emperors. Destroyed by a fire in 1867 and virtually obliterated again during the Second World War, this Cathedral has been rebuilt and shown the resilience of the German peoples.
Römer
Perhaps one of Frankfurt’s most photographed sights, the Römer is the medieval city hall. This picturesque building with its unique facade is more than just a tourist attraction. It is also a fully-functional civil building and the host of important meetings and marriages. You can see the symbol of the phoenix — Frankfurt’s post-war emblem — in some of the exterior’s mosaics.
Mainhattan Skyline
A clever pun of New York’s Manhattan and the German river Main, the impressive skyline of Frankfurt has come to be known as “Mainhattan.” Catching a view of the skyscrapers — unusual for many German towns — is a true highlight. Take a stroll to the Eiserner Steg (an iron pedestrian bridge) that provides a great photo op for Mainhattan.
St. Paul’s Church
A day of Frankfurt sightseeing requires a stop at this historically and politically important church. St. Paul’s played an important role in the revolutions of 1848 when it became the home of the first freely elected German Parliament. Nearly destroyed during the war, it was later the venue for a speech by American president John F. Kennedy.
Hauptwache
Once known as Schillerplatz, this plaza is one of Frankfurt’s most famous. The Hauptwache building, a baroque structure that was used as a prison, is now one of the city’s biggest transportation hubs. With its underground transport and shopping it is known to locals as “The Hole.”
Commerzbank Tower
Frankfurt’s iconic Empire State Building of skyscrapers, the Commerzbank Tower is the city’s tallest at 259 meters (849 feet). It is a superb example of modern architecture, with its mingling of office space and integrated gardens.
Fountain of Myth
Also known as the “fairy tale fountain,” this pretty art nouveau depicts a water nymph, apparently based on a real-life beauty, the daughter of a baker. It’s a perfect spot for a rest and a way to recapture the old town charm of this bustling international city.
