subject: Great Things To Do Around Frankfurt [print this page] From its cultural credentials as the birthplace of such notable writers as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to its present-day status as Germany's financial centre, Frankfurt attracts a wide selection of visitors each year who are keen to sample its diverse offerings. Once you step out of Frankfurt Airport, you'll find a wealth of exciting activities to get involved in and things to see and do on both sides of the River Main.
Starting off big, a trip to the top of the Main Tower can be a dizzying and exhilarating experience, as well as an ideal way for newcomers to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Unlike other cities such as Nuremberg, which sought to rekindle its historic atmosphere following its devastation in the Second World War, Frankfurt opted to embrace the 20th century and become a high-rise city, and the Main Tower is the only skyscraper open to the public.
From modern Frankfurt to one of its most notable historic alumni, visitors can step inside the reconstructed house of Goethe, which has been restored with his original family furniture and portraits to inspire the writers of the present day. Art lovers can then take their trip further by heading to the city's Museum of Modern Art, collecting some of the most challenging and creative works from artists including Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Gerhardt Richter inside its distinctive triangle-shaped structure.
Another museum that's sure to prove a big hit, especially on family trips, is the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, which is the largest museum of its kind in Germany. Featuring thousands of exhibits from across history, the museum's most notable exhibits are its well-preserved dinosaur skeletons, which tower above visitors alongside other historical marvels such as Ancient Egyptian mummies.
Frankfurt's own history is still proudly on display in many areas of the city, in particular the Sachsenhausen district, home of cider houses and half-timber houses. Historic buildings such as gothic St Bartholomew Cathedral and the 15th century City Hall can also be found by heading to the ancient centre, giving a comprehensive view of Frankfurt old and new.
Depending what time of the year you arrive in Germany, you can take Frankfurt Airport car rental to attend some of its most popular annual events, including the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair which have been cornerstones of the city's culture since the 13th century and still prosper today.
