Frankfurt | Delightful Places in the city

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. 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!
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!
Lock your love on the Eiserner Steg (from INR 1,118)
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Visit the Hokkien Association Building and learn about the Chinese-Malaysian community
In the rich history of Malaysia, there’s a lot to learn when visiting the beautiful country. Find out more about China’s influential role in Malaysian culture and visit the Hokkien Association Building where travelers and tourists will be introduced to the establishment and organization that protected the first migrant laborers from China back in 1862. The tourist hack in this historic site is the sunset and horizon that follows the structure which is best caught on camera once dawn hits. Bask in the intricate two-tiered arches or snap a great sunset shot for your Instagram feed, regardless, this attraction is an interesting one to see when exploring Perak on foot.
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.