7 Things Students Should Do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt, known as the New York of Germany thanks to its impressive skyline, is not just a haven for bankers and businesspeople. It also offers plenty of fun and discoveries for students. Here are 7 things every student in Frankfurt should do.

Visit the Viewing Platform on the Main Tower

The star of the Frankfurt skyline, the Main Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Frankfurt and the fourth tallest in Germany, offering an impressive view. The best part is the public platform where you can enjoy the best view of the old town and the River Main. To experience Frankfurt at night, plan your visit for a Friday or Saturday, as the viewing platform is open until 9 PM in winter and even until 11 PM in summer.

Explore the Museum Embankment

Perfect for museum-hopping, and not just for history students: 39 museums are gathered here. They include museums of archaeology, history, architecture, the local football club, and, of course, modern art, film, and photography. Visiting the Museum Embankment is a must-do for students in Frankfurt, as you enjoy great benefits: with your student ID, you can visit 19 of the museums for free. If you want more, the Museum Card gives you access to the museums all year round and automatic entry to events like the Night of the Museums or the Museum Embankment Festival with music and dragon boat races.

Drink an Apple Wine at Römerberg

Tightly packed medieval houses, a church, and historic administrative buildings with colourful facades provide a unique view, along with a Renaissance fountain. In the centre of the old town, you'll find Römerberg, the town hall square, one of the best spots for photos in Frankfurt. If you're in the mood for a trip back to the Middle Ages, a visit to Römerberg is a must. Our tip: grab some fellow students, order an apple wine at a restaurant or bar with a terrace, and watch the hustle and bustle on the square.

Take a Time Travel at the Goethe House

Every literature student in Frankfurt should know this address: the Goethe House in Großer Hirschgraben. The world-famous Johann Wolfgang von Goethe not only lived here for several years, but he was also born here, grew up in this house, and spent his youth here until the age of 16. His first works, including "The Sorrows of Young Werther," were created in this house.

The medieval apartment was renovated with a Rococo facade and furnishings just before Goethe’s parents moved in. Although the house was damaged during the war, it has been restored to look as it did in Goethe’s time and is still equipped with artifacts from the period.

Be Impressed by the Frankfurt Cathedral

The mighty Frankfurt Cathedral was of great significance in the Holy Roman Empire. Over the centuries, it has seen a lot: built between 1300 and 1400, it had to be rebuilt twice. In 1867 it fell victim to a fire, and in the 1950s, the damage from World War II had to be repaired. Imperial elections were held in this cathedral, and ten kings were crowned here. This alone makes it one of the must-see things for students in Frankfurt.

Walk Across the Eiserner Steg

Need a break from studying and want some fresh air? Take a walk across the iron bridge, which has connected the city centre with Sachsenhausen since 1869. It was rebuilt twice: in 1912 it was raised to allow larger boats to pass, and it was completely rebuilt after being blown up in the last days of World War II. The best time to walk across is in the late afternoon when the setting sun reflects on the skyline of the banking district, offering a stunning view. If you’re wondering about the many locks on the railing, they’re placed by couples as a symbol of their love.

Picnic at the Main Quay

This is the best spot for students in Frankfurt in spring and summer. On both sides of the River Main, parks with lawns, flower beds, and rows of trees invite you to picnic and meet up with friends or study groups. Main Quay mainly refers to the street on the right bank of the Main in the old town and is part of the Museum Embankment. In the Middle Ages, this area served as a docking place for boats and was Frankfurt’s oldest harbour. Today, only passenger boats dock here, and it is more of a promenade for walkers and tourists. Especially on warm summer evenings, when it gets dark and the banking district is lit up, you get an unforgettable view of the city.

Whether you prefer living centrally with a rooftop terrace in the trendy district or directly in the city – discover the comfortable apartments in our student residences in Frankfurt, offering everything you could wish for to start your studies.