How To Spend The Perfect Festive Weekend In Frankfurt

Frankfurt values contemporary and historic culture, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and café lovers. While its big sister Berlin is known for its edginess, it can be time-consuming to navigate. Frankfurt, by contrast, offers accessibility and charm: you can glide between exquisite modern art and monumental mid-19th-century Monets within minutes. Caiti Grove rounds up all the best things to do, see and eat in Frankfurt at Christmas.

Things To Do In Frankfurt: A Christmas Guide

STAY

Roomers Hotel

Located near the River Main, the five-star Roomers Hotel blends sleek luxury with winter coziness. Enormous round baths in the plush rooms double as jacuzzis, and dark burgundy curtains cover the windows that overlook either a quiet street or a garden courtyard. The breakfast buffet is a feast of fruit, smoothies, meats, cheese, smoked salmon and trout, making it an anticipated treat. For relaxation, the rooftop spa features wet and dry saunas and a heated outdoor whirlpool with city views. roomers-hotels.com

DO

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Begin your journey at Altstadt’s Römerberg Square, where the Christmas Market fills the medieval square with festive stalls, twinkling lights, and a towering 30-meter Christmas tree. Enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts while taking in the charm of the 15th-century Römer city hall.

Visit Frankfurt / Holger Ullmann

Museumsufer

Explore the Städel Museum, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Vermeer, Monet, Degas, and Franz Marc, set in grand 19th-century rooms. staedelmuseum.de

Nearby, the Museum of Applied Art showcases ultra-contemporary German art in a stunning building inspired by early Le Corbusier.
museumangewandtekunst.de

Don’t miss the Liebieghaus, a castle-like villa with sculptures dating back to the 1100s. Their courtyard café serves a legendary apple cake worth traveling for. liebieghaus.de

Goethe House

If you’re looking for things to do in Frankfurt, you can’t miss the childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s literary titan. Decorated for Christmas, it’s a poignant experience to see where Goethe created works like Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther. frankfurter-goethe-haus.de

Visit Franfurt / Isabela Pacini

EAT

Meral’s Snackboat

From March to October, head to Metzler Park for freshly made mackerel, anchovy, or sea bream sandwiches served on fluffy Turkish bread. meral-event.de

Franziska at Henninger Turm

This fine-dining restaurant offers breathtaking city views from its 30-degree glazed turret. Chef Mathis Thünemann elevates traditional Frankfurt goose dishes with a contemporary twist. mook-group.de

Apfelwein Wagner

Since 1902, this restaurant has been a hallmark of Frankfurt dining. Known for its apple wine and traditional dishes, the cozy benches and trestle tables exude charm, making it perfect for enjoying winter classics like goose with dumplings and red cabbage. apfelwein-wagner.com

Isabela Pacini

SHOP

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Browse twinkling baubles, nativity scenes, and glass ornaments at this festive market. Enjoy bratwurst and Erdinger beer as you soak in the magical atmosphere.

Kleinmarkthalle

Discover where locals shop for fresh produce, cheese, spices, and wines. During December, enjoy mulled apple cider, Bethmännchen (marzipan cookies), and rum balls. kleinmarkthalle.de

Antique Stalls and Weekend Markets

Explore antique stalls along the river for unique finds like vintage jewelry, clocks, and furniture. These markets provide a snapshot of history, perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts.