Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide to Frankfurt to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local

Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and get a real sense of what it’s like to live in the NYC of Germany, commonly known as Frankfurt. Whether you’re a foodie, a finance boss, or an art enthusiast, this city has something for everyone. Once you’ve checked off the must-see spots, it’s time to dig a little deeper. We’ve handpicked three hidden gems that capture the true essence of Frankfurt. The kind of places locals love but visitors often miss. Follow this anti-tourist guide to experience the real Frankfurt!

Before we dive in, let’s answer some of the most important question about traveling to Frankfurt so you can make the most of your visit.

How many days should I save to visit Frankfurt?

Tricky question! You could easily spend weeks exploring all the art, bridges, and museums that Frankfurt has to offer, just like in many other European cities. However, if you’re backpacking or Interrailing and your travel time is limited, two to three days is enough to see all the must-visit spots and most of the anti-tourist gems of Frankfurt. Nevertheless, its always worthy to check out Mainz, Heidelberg and Wiesbaden. Cities all close by and perfect for a day trip. If you decide to pay a visit to any of these places, Id recommend adding an extra night to your itenary.  

I recommend staying at Five Elements Hostel. It’s perfectly located in the upcoming red-light district and close by to all major attractions. Plus, the hostel is known for its great atmosphere and nice shared spaces. 

Now, let’s move on to our three handpicked anti-tourist spots in Frankfurt! 

The anti-tourist botanical gem of Frankfurt

After a long day of exploring a new city, I like to unwind in a green space (especially since so many cities are dominated by paved streets and sometimes polluted air). The Bethmann Park, in particular, is a great choice. It might only cover three hectares, but it still has a lot to offer: ponds, pagodas, and charming bridges. The thick walls surrounding the park block out much of the city noise, creating a peaceful escape where you can even enjoy a game of chess on the giant outdoor board. Overall, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a Chinese fairytale. I highly recommend visiting this park. It’s a true meeting point for everyone: locals, children, families, and older visitors alike.

Discover the art of communication 

We all do it every day; it’s simply part of being human. Yet, I’ve never come across a museum quite like this one. That makes it even more special, and I can’t help but wonder why no one thought of it earlier. I’m talking about communication.

But this isn’t your typical museum: Dialogmuseum blends social entrepreneurship with interactive participation from its visitors. Visit the exhibition “Dialogue in the Dark” and spend an hour exploring eight different rooms, guided by someone who is visually impaired. Each room is completely dark, offering a unique sensory experience. At the end, you can relax and enjoy a drink at the “Dunkelbar” (Dark Bar).

Tickets must be booked online in advance, and if you’re interested in an English tour, just email the staff. 

Walk, marvel, drink 

Believe it or not, the Frankfurt region has a proud winemaking tradition that many visitors overlook. The Lohrberg is the highest elevation within the city limits and home to Frankfurt’s only remaining vineyard. The walk up is absolutely worth it as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the city. Once there, be sure to try the local Lohrberger wine. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music or a traditional German wine festival.

An entire day dedicated to shopping

Not exactly a hidden gem (it’s actually quite well-known) but we still had to include it! :) Take a stroll along Frankfurt’s longest shopping street, the Berger Straße, stretching nearly three kilometers through the heart of the city. Along the way, you’ll find countless cafés, bars, major retail chains, and independently owned boutiques. Step into whichever ones catch your eye.

Hafenpark Frankfurt is the perfect Anti-Tourist Chill Spot

The Main is the river that gave Frankfurt its name (the full name actually being Frankfurt am Main), and you definitely don’t want to miss it. It’s a popular meeting spot for everyone and, especially in summer, a lively and vibrant place to be. Skaters will love it here since it’s home to the largest skate park in all of Germany. But even if skating isn’t your thing, the area is well worth a visit, offering stunning views of the skyline and the European Central Bank.

A bonus tip for more Anti-tourist adventures beyond Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one, if not the most important transportation hub in Germany (Yes, its even busier than Berlin or Munich) Thus, it’s easy to get from A to B. Besides, the Five Elements Hostel is only a 6 minute walk away from the central station.

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