Let’s address the elephant in the room straight away. Everyone sees the beautiful skyscrapers of the Frankfurt skyline, but no one is talking about what is happening beneath them. All of the shady and dodgy bars are located right next to the Financial center of Frankfurt – all those shiny and tall buildings. You walk around this district and you expect to see men in expensive suits and nice cars and beautiful women with lots of shopping bags, but instead, you see only homeless people, drug dealers, and people begging for money on every corner.
In the morning when I walked around the promenade of the Main River people were sleeping under every bridge. They had matrasses and sleeping bags – it seemed that this was their regular spot for finding shelter.
My hotel was located right in this district and this was one of the few times I was a bit afraid to go out. There were dodgy people smoking pot 24/7 in front of the hotel. Not to mention the smell of vomit and urine right next to them. And all this with the giant skyscrapers in the background.
I was there on Friday night when it seems the craziest parties are happening right in this part of the city. The streets were full of people, and all those dodgy bars and establishments were overflowing with customers. Fights erupted on almost every corner. The streets were full of garbage even in the evening, but this was nothing compared to what I saw when I woke up the next morning. At first, I thought that a tornado had passed by and I did not know about it. The condition of the streets that were left in the morning was shocking. So much dirt and garbage! And again all that beneath the shiny, tall buildings of Frankfurt.
There are only a few times I have seen such a contrast between wealth and poverty in one place. The other city I have seen something similar is Huston, USA. And actually, now I see that there is a trend – people with unfortunate social status are going to the wealthiest neighborhoods to look for some piece of the fortune people from those parts of the city have.
But in any case, you can still enjoy the city for one day if you ignore all of the above. I would not bother spending more than one day in Frankfurt for sightseeing.
If you’re in Frankfurt for just one day, you might feel like you won’t have enough time to experience the city’s unique charm. But fear not! Frankfurt, nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its similarity to Manhattan in New York, has some gems that you can explore within a day. From vibrant markets to incredible architecture, discover the best of what this city has to offer with our guide to uncovering the secrets of Frankfurt in one day.
The observation deck of the Main Tower
If you want to experience the best sights and landmarks that Mainhattan has to offer, the observation deck of the Main Tower is a must-see. Located in the heart of Frankfurt, the Main Tower Building offers spectacular views of the city from its 360-degree panoramic windows. You can walk around the financial district of Frankfurt with all the skyscrapers, then go to the top of this 60-meter tower, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, taking in sights such as the cathedral and the river. The entrance is about 10 euro (as of 22.09.2023). With a variety of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, the Main Tower Skyscraper is an ideal spot for taking in the city’s beauty and getting an idea of what to see and do during your stay. Whether you come for the views or the atmosphere, you’ll be sure to leave with some wonderful memories of your time in Frankfurt.
Eiserner Steg - The Iron Bridge
One of the most iconic landmarks in Frankfurt is the Eiserner Steg, or Iron Bridge, which spans across the Main River. This bridge is a great place to take a stroll and admire the views of both sides of the city. You can watch boats sailing underneath the bridge while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The promenade alongside the Main river which leads to the bridge also serves as a great spot for a picnic or a romantic stroll.
The Eiserner Steg was built in 1868 and is made up of two arches. It is one of the oldest bridges in Frankfurt and provides a unique view of the city. Along the bridge, there are many art installations and sculptures to enjoy.
When visiting the Eiserner Steg, there are many things to do and see. If you’re looking for an adventure, try exploring the riverside. Here you will find plenty of restaurants and bars to try out. There are also some great museums along the riverside, such as the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum for Applied Arts).
The Eiserner Steg is also home to several annual festivals and events. During these events, you can enjoy live music and theatre performances, as well as traditional food and drinks from around the world.
No visit to Frankfurt would be complete without a stop at the Eiserner Steg – The Iron Bridge. With its unique views of Frankfurt’s skyline and activities, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Cheap Flights to Frankfurt
| Origin - Destination | Departure at | Return at | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan ↔ Frankfurt | 17 January 2025 | 20 January 2025 | Buy from 37 |
| Barcelona ↔ Frankfurt | 18 January 2025 | 20 January 2025 | Buy from 39 |
| Alicante ↔ Frankfurt | 18 January 2025 | 21 January 2025 | Buy from 91 |
| Rome ↔ Frankfurt | 17 January 2025 | 22 January 2025 | Buy from 100 |
| Strasbourg ↔ Frankfurt | 23 December 2024 | 27 December 2024 | Buy from 113 |
| Istanbul ↔ Frankfurt | 1 March 2025 | 7 March 2025 | Buy from 122 |
| Valencia ↔ Frankfurt | 19 January 2025 | 20 January 2025 | Buy from 122 |
| Venice ↔ Frankfurt | 6 December 2024 | 9 December 2024 | Buy from 128 |
| Tirana ↔ Frankfurt | 10 December 2024 | 12 December 2024 | Buy from 132 |
| Sofia ↔ Frankfurt | 4 December 2024 | 8 December 2024 | Buy from 133 |
Römerberg square
The Römerberg Square is located in the city center of Frankfurt and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience a slice of history. You can go to the square directly from the
Eiserner Steg bridge and grab something to eat on the way as you will pass by the street with the most popular restaurants in town.
The square has served as the main marketplace of Frankfurt since the Middle Ages, and even today it remains the focal point of many traditional festivals and cultural events.
What to See:
Römerberg is a picturesque square surrounded by traditional half-timbered buildings, the most famous being the ‘Römer’, the City Hall. This building was destroyed during WWII but was rebuilt in its original form in the 1950s. The old Town Hall tower stands proudly in the center of the square, along with statues of famous figures from Frankfurt’s history, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
What to Do:
On the square, there are plenty of things to do and explore. Visitors can take a walk around the square to admire the beautifully preserved buildings, enjoy some refreshments at one of the restaurants or cafes, take part in guided tours, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this historic spot. The Römerberg Square is also home to an open-air market that takes place every Thursday, offering fresh produce and unique souvenirs for visitors to take home with them.
Places to stay in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Cathedral
If you’re looking for a place of spiritual contemplation, the Frankfurt Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. This Gothic-style building is one of the oldest churches in the city and is situated in the heart of Old Town. Inside, the beautiful stained glass windows and stone sculptures will take your breath away.
The Frankfurt Cathedral also has an impressive view of the Main Tower and other surrounding buildings. The best way to appreciate it is to climb up to the top of the church and take in the stunning panorama.
The outside grounds are also worth exploring; there are old statues and sculptures to admire, as well as an iconic bell tower. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect spot to relax and people-watch while enjoying the beauty of the city.
If you’re short on time and can’t go inside, make sure to at least take a look at the incredible façade of the building. It is a bit hard to take picture of the whole building as it is gigantic and very close to the neighboring buildings. A somewhat good perspective is from the street on the opposite side of the river.
It’s truly one of Frankfurt’s most beautiful landmarks and what better way to experience it than by spending a few moments admiring it?
The old vs new
Frankfurt is a special city, because it has gathered a lot of history and culture together with the urbanisation and modernisation of the world. Here in almost every corner you can see the architectural conundrum of the modern and shiny building standing behind the architectural masterpiece from way back.
