Things to see in Frankfurt

Completely destroyed by Allied bombers in 1944, the house where Goethe (1749-1832) was born and spent most of his youth was rebuilt after the war, in 1951, and restored to its former 18th-century glory. Visitors can see the family music room, library, living room and Goethe's own puppet show and study. 
Next door, the Goethe-Museum is home to some stunning German art, including paintings and sculptures that date from the baroque period of the 16th and 17th century, up to the romantic era of the 1800s. There are daily guided tours of the house (in German) at 1400 and 1600, and audio-visual guides are available to hire in several languages. Tours of the museum can also be arranged on request.

In 1240, this low hill was the site of the city's first official trade fair. It’s surrounded by half-timbered houses, reconstructed after they were destroyed in 1945, and the former court chapel - the Nikolaikirche (Church of St Nicholas). The main attraction, however, is the Rathaus Römer (Frankfurt's city hall since 1405) with its Gothic stepped gables made of red sandstone. The coronation of German emperors was celebrated in the Kaisersaal (Emperor's Hall) on the upper floors and portraits of 52 emperors hang on the walls. It is still a working town hall, however, so unfortunately there are no dedicated tours.

Römerberg is also home to one of Germany’s best Christmas markets, which has taken place each December since the 14th century.

The Historical Museum is housed in a complex of imperial buildings on Römerberg, overlooking the Main, and also includes a 12th-century palace chapel. Completely renovated since it was reopened in 2012, the museum traces the story of Frankfurt from its place as a key regional trading city in medieval times to its destruction in the WWII. Visitors can also learn about the traditions of ebbelwei (apple wine) in the museum cafe. There are guided tours on the last Saturday of each month and a number of rotating exhibitions about the city’s cultural offerings.

Between 1562 and 1792, German emperors were crowned in the Cathedral of St Bartholomew, hence its other name - the Kaiserdom (Emperor Cathedral). In the 1950s, this was Frankfurt's tallest building at 96m (315ft), which illustrates just how much the city has developed since then. The cathedral has a red sandstone facade and interior and is one of Frankfurt's most recognisable landmarks. The present structure was rebuilt after WWII but contains a number of original carvings. There are also great views of the city from the tower. A museum, the Dom-Museum, is attached to the cathedral and is packed full of ancient archaeological findings.

Reflecting Frankfurt's central financial role both in Germany and Europe, the museum features collections of historic coinage and notes, together with explanations of the roles of money through the ages. The museum also explains the complex nature of monetary policy (especially the new European system) using films, challenging computer games and interactive teaching programmes. Guided tours available. For those who like to mix business with pleasure, there’s a good primer on complex monetary policy, as well as interactive games to keep young visitors entertained. There are also guided tours for anyone who wants to spend longer exploring the city’s historic connection with money and banking. After renovation works the museum re-opened with a new concept in December 2016.