Leisure activities in Frankfurt for solo expats, couples and groups
Frankfurt is a great city with plenty of places to visit, whether during the week or for a weekend. It is multinational, fast-paced, and full of expats and Germans who enjoy the opportunities it offers. The city has a very strong business vibe, areas, and activities that allow relaxation and out-of-work time.
Every expat has a personal story that shapes their preferences for socializing and filling in their free time. Frankfurt has something for all leisure types: it is family-friendly, an excellent place to meet new people, and a romantic city for couples. The only thing newcomers need to do is discover the side of Frankfurt that they are more attracted to.
Things to do in Frankfurt with your family
During nice and sunny days, Frankfurt looks greener than ever and offers excellent moments to relax and enjoy the simplicity of nature. Many outdoor spaces, parks, and gardens are perfect for this. Below are some of the best.
Waldspielpark Goetheturm
As its name suggests, Waldspielpark Goetheturm is a forest play park with slides, swings, miniature golf, a small paddling pool, and space for roller skating. The park is designed with children in mind, and pet parents should know that dogs aren't allowed in the park. The park is open to the public throughout the year. However, the pool is accessible only between mid-May and the end of September — and even then, it depends on the weather forecast.
Rothschildpark
Rothschildpark is located close to the Opera Tower (Opernturm), a 170 m-tall skyscraper, home to multinational companies. It is a great escape for you and your family from the city's rush and ideal for legal and bank professionals working nearby, looking for a relaxing lunch break amid their workday. The park was restored after World War II and, more recently, has been thoroughly redesigned by creatives and architects to match the city's modern needs.
Palmengarten
Palmengarten is the most extensive garden in Germany, with 13,000 plant species. It contains a large amount of exotic and local plants, which is great for introducing children to botanical education, biology, and gardening. The garden offers an interactive educational service for children as young as three years old. In addition, the garden hosts exhibitions, guided tours, and cultural events, such as music concerts, making Palmengarten a major attraction all year round and for all family members.
Alter Flugplatz Bonames
Alter Flugplatz Bonames was a helipad for American forces. Today, it is part of Germany's Green Belt environmental project and a fantastic place for outdoor sports such as skating and biking. It can be reached by canoeing or by biking along the Nidda River. Alter Flugplatz guarantees fun times for the whole family.
Pinkelbaum
The Pinkelbaum or the 'Peeing Tree' is an artistic project by famous German cartoonist and author Friedrich Karl Waechter. The tree says: “For 300 years, I have been peed on. Starting today, I pee back”. The tree sprays its visitors with water and entertains them. Keep in mind that Pinkelbaum is switched off during the winter months.
Useful links:
Water play park in Waldspielpark Goetheturm
Things to do in Frankfurt with your partner
Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus is a medieval tower offering a fantastic view of the Old Town, the historic site of Paulskirche, where Germany's first democratic constitution was composed, the medieval building of Römer (Roman), often used as a civil registration office and for civil wedding ceremonies, and the Frankfurt Museum Embankment on Main River. To reach 66 meters above the metropolis of Frankfurt, you can climb the 328 steps — a tiresome but rewarding experience.
Good to know:
The visit needs to be booked in advance, and the view is best and at its most romantic at sunset. The usual opening hours are from 9 AM to 8 PM.
If you and your partner like walking, you can cross from Frankfurt's downtown to the laid-back Sachsenhausen neighborhood via the only pedestrian bridge in Frankfurt, Eiserner Steg. If that is not romantic enough, you and your partner can lock your love on the fence of the bridge (remember to bring a key locker). The views from the bridge are beautiful.
On any rainy day (except Sunday), if you want to stay protected from the cold, you can take your partner shopping at My Zeil shopping center. Besides the many brands across the mall's eight floors, there's a big food hall and a top floor offering views of Frankfurt's skyline. Even if you don't buy anything, a visit is always worth it to admire the architecture of the building, enjoy the flow of people, and ride one of Europe's longest escalators.
Frankfurt's Old Opera House (Alte Oper) is one of Europe's most fascinating concert halls, offering a rich program that includes all music genres (e.g., jazz, rock, pop, and musical productions). Can you think of a better date night? We can't.
Things to do alone in Frankfurt
If you are a solo expat in Frankfurt, your best bet is to start with the museums — and there are plenty of them. The Goethe House is the birthplace and family home of Johann Wolfgang Goethe, one of the most prominent German authors. In recent years, the Goethe House has also been home to the world's first museum dedicated to the Romantic era, with a permanent exhibition and pop-up exhibitions and events throughout the year. Naturkundemuseum Senckenberg, The Natural History Museum, is an opportunity to spend some time alone educating yourself on paleontology and biology. Also, the Städel Museum is the oldest museum foundation in Germany, and it presents many important art pieces from masters such as Bacon, Dürer, Botticelli, and many others.
Frankfurt is a great business and entertainment hub daily, attracting people to enjoy the city's fun sites. Being alone means never being lonely, and exploring it with a family or a partner means plenty of opportunities to impress your loved ones. Winters in Frankfurt can seem less interesting, as most of them are rainy and cold (less than the more northern German cities, though). Summertime, on the contrary, is fun to go out but can be surprisingly warm. The days when most people have the will to do activities are springtime and autumn. However, events happen all year long, and there are always ideas for those who seek them.
