Guide: non-obvious attractions in Frankfurt
April 11, 2025
Frankfurt-on-Main, known mainly as the financial capital of Germany, hides many non-obvious attractions that will delight adults and children alike. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the city's lesser-known but equally fascinating corners. Together we will discover charming gardens, mysterious ruins and green oases of tranquility, which are the perfect alternative to the bustling streets of the center. Get ready for unforgettable family adventures in places that popular guidebooks don't write about!
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The green heart of Frankfurt
Our journey through Frankfurt's non-obvious attractions begins with the Palmengarten Frankfurt - a true oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Established in 1868, this botanical paradise is not only a place for relaxation, but also an educational destination for the whole family. Located at Siesmayerstraße 63, it is easily accessible by public transportation - the best way is to take streetcar line 16 or bus 32 to the Palmengarten stop.
Palmengarten is a place where you can spend a whole day exploring the diversity of the plant world. Children will be delighted to explore different climate zones in the huge greenhouses. Especially recommended is the Tropicarium, where you can enjoy exotic plants from the jungle and desert. There are special educational paths and interactive exhibitions for the little ones.
One of the biggest attractions, especially on warm days, is the opportunity to rent a boat and sail on the picturesque pond. This is a great opportunity for family fun and relaxation. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and headgear, especially in summer.
Ticket prices are affordable - about 7 euros for an adult, and children under 14 get in for free. It's worth checking the Palmengarten's official website before visiting, as it often hosts interesting events, concerts and themed exhibitions.
After a busy Palmengarten visit, take a walk to nearby Bethmann Park. This lesser-known, but equally charming garden, is just a 15-minute walk from the Palmengarten, at Friedberger Landstraße 8. The park is famous for its beautiful Chinese garden, which transports visitors to the magical world of the Far East.
Bethmann Park is the perfect place for a picnic or a quiet rest. Children will appreciate the presence of a small pond with koi carp and thickets of bamboo bushes, perfect for playing hide and seek. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
Both of these places are excellent alternatives to the typical crowded tourist attractions. This is where you can truly breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquility of nature in the heart of a bustling city.
In the footsteps of history and culture
Continuing our tour of Frankfurt's non-obvious attractions, we travel back in time, visiting sites associated with the city's rich history and culture. Our first stop is the Goethe House, located at Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, the birthplace and youth of one of Germany's greatest poets and writers, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The Goethe House is not just a museum, but a real trip back in time to 18th-century Frankfurt. The building has been painstakingly restored and decorated with period furniture, allowing you to feel the atmosphere in which the young genius grew up. For children, there are special tours and interactive exhibitions that provide an accessible introduction to Goethe's life and work.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost about 10 euros for adults, and children under 6 years old get in for free. It's worth booking tickets online, especially during the summer season, to avoid queues. The museum is easiest to reach by subway - the Dom/Römer station is just a 5-minute walk from the building.
After visiting the Goethe House, we suggest a short walk (about 10 minutes) to the Roman Ruins - the fascinating remains of the Roman presence in Frankfurt. These ruins, located at Bendergasse 3, are part of an open-air archaeological museum.
The Roman ruins are a place that captures the imagination of adults and children alike. Here you can see the foundations of Roman baths and other buildings, dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD. Special information boards with trivia and riddles have been prepared for the little ones, which provide an accessible introduction to the history of ancient Frankfurt.
Admission to the ruins is free, and the site is open all year round. However, it is worth remembering that some parts of the excavations may be closed periodically due to restoration work. It's best to check the current status on the Archaeological Museum's website before visiting.
After an intensive history lesson, it's time to relax in another green corner of Frankfurt. Günthersburgpark, located at Wetteraustraße 7, is the perfect place for a family picnic and active recreation. This lesser-known park impresses with its diversity - you'll find both quiet corners to read a book and playgrounds for children.
Günthersburgpark is famous for its beautiful fountain and expansive lawns, ideal for outdoor games. For active families, there are jogging and biking paths. The park is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. The easiest way to get here is by streetcar line 18 to the Günthersburgpark stop.
The three sites - Goethe House, Roman Ruins and Günthersburgpark - form a fascinating route that combines elements of culture, history and relaxation. It's a great way to spend a day in Frankfurt, away from the typical crowded tourist attractions.
Practical tips for families
To conclude our guide to Frankfurt's not-so-obvious attractions, we'd like to share some practical tips to help you fully enjoy your family tour.
First, remember to wear comfortable shoes - Frankfurt is a city best explored on foot or by bicycle. Many of the places we've described are in close proximity to each other, making it easy to plan your route. For families with small children, we recommend bringing a lightweight stroller or baby carrier, especially if you plan to take longer walks in the parks.
As for public transportation, Frankfurt has a well-developed network of subways, streetcars and buses. Consider purchasing the Frankfurt Card, which offers unlimited rides on public transportation and discounts to many attractions. The card is available as a one-day or two-day pass and can be very cost-effective for families.
When planning your meals, keep in mind that many of the places we've described, such as Palmengarten and Günthersburgpark, are ideal locations for a picnic. It's a good idea to bring a blanket and snacks with you. If you prefer to eat in a restaurant, we recommend the area around Römerberg, the historic center of the city, where you will find many cozy establishments serving traditional German dishes.
For families with children of all ages, we recommend the following itinerary:
- Morning at Palmengarten - the perfect place to start the day, when children have the most energy.
- Lunch and rest at Bethmann Park - a quieter place, ideal for a picnic and relaxation.
- In the afternoon, a visit to the Goethe House and a walk through the Roman Ruins - a great lesson in history and culture for older children.
- At the end of the day, relax in Günthersburgpark - a place where children can let off steam on the playgrounds and parents can relax on the benches.
Remember that the weather in Frankfurt can be changeable. It's a good idea to bring light rain jackets and UV sunscreen, especially in summer. In the winter, on the other hand, warm clothes are a must, but don't get in the way of sightseeing - many attractions, such as the Goethe House and the greenhouses in the Palmengarten, are covered areas.
If you're planning a longer stay, consider accommodations in the Nordend or Bornheim neighborhoods. These areas are quieter than the center, offer many family-run guesthouses and are well connected to the attractions we've described.
Finally, we encourage a flexible approach to sightseeing. Frankfurt is a city that is best explored unhurriedly, savoring each place. Don't try to see everything at once - sometimes the best memories are made when you simply allow yourself to be spontaneous and explore the hidden corners of the city.
We hope our guide will inspire you to discover another, less obvious side of Frankfurt. This city has much to offer families looking for unique experiences and authentic experiences. We wish you a wonderful adventure in discovering the hidden treasures of this fascinating German city!
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