Frankfurt: what to see in 1 day

The Römerberg is the heart of the old city: the square, dominated by the Gothic town hall of the Römer with its stepped façade, has been faithfully rebuilt after wartime destruction and remains the venue where Germany's oldest Christmas markets are held.

A few steps away stands the Kaiserdom, the red sandstone Gothic cathedral where emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned for centuries.

Crossing the Eiserner Steg, the iron pedestrian bridge over the Main, you reach the Museumsufer, the riverbank stretch where over a dozen museums cluster, including the Städel, one of Germany's most important art galleries.

For lunch, the Sachsenhausen neighbourhood on the opposite bank offers traditional cider houses where Apfelwein, the local apple cider, is served in characteristic dotted jugs (Bembel).

The Main Tower is the only downtown skyscraper with a viewing terrace open to the public, from which the skyline is observed from above rather than below.

The Zeil, Germany's busiest shopping street, instead links the historic centre to modern department stores.

With evening, returning to the Römerberg, venues around the square make for good dinner, with the town hall façade illuminated behind you.

Römerberg, Kaiserdom, and Museumsufer already tell the historic soul of Frankfurt well, while the afternoon choice between the Main Tower and Zeil adds its panoramic or more urban side.

The Paulskirche, the cradle of Germany's first democratic constitution, and a boat trip on the Main remain chapters for a second visit. Seeing the glass skyscrapers reflect behind the stepped facade of the Römer is what lingers longest from Frankfurt.