Frankfurt Walking Tour: Römerberg, Market & Jewish History

Summary

Frankfurt’s stories come alive on foot through Römerberg and beyond

You’ll walk through Frankfurt’s heart with a local guide who knows every twist in Römerberg Square and beyond. Taste your way through an indoor market (if open), trace centuries-old Jewish history, cross bridges for river views, and catch small moments you’d miss alone. It’s less about checking off sights—more about feeling part of the city for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first few minutes — one second we were dodging cyclists near the Main River, and then suddenly there it was: Römerberg Square, all uneven cobblestones and those timbered facades that look like something out of a storybook. Our guide, Claudia, waved us over to a spot by the fountain and started in — not just facts, but these odd little stories about coronations and city secrets. I kept glancing up at the city hall windows, half-expecting someone in medieval robes to lean out. The square smelled faintly of pretzels from a nearby cart (I caved later).

We wandered past churches older than most countries — Claudia pointed out wall paintings from the 1500s that I’d have missed completely if I’d been alone. At one point she stopped to chat with an older man who was sweeping his stoop; they laughed about something in German (I caught “Kaffee” at least). It felt like we weren’t just seeing Frankfurt highlights, but sort of slipping sideways into its everyday life. The weather was unpredictable — sun one minute, drizzle the next — so my notes are blotchy where I tried to scribble down names.

The indoor market was chaos in the best way: sharp cheese smells, people jostling for pastries, someone shouting about strawberries. We didn’t stay long (not open Sundays), but enough to grab a bite before heading to the old Jewish quarter. There’s this quiet stretch where you can see the Holocaust Remembrance Wall through a gate — honestly, it made me pause longer than I expected. Claudia gave us space there; she seemed to know when to talk and when not to.

Somehow three hours went fast. We crossed the Love-lock Bridge for river views (windy up there) and ended up staring at a huge model of modern Frankfurt inside the City Planning office — which is cooler than it sounds, promise. I still think about that moment in Römerberg though: standing in the middle of all that layered history while life just carried on around us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Frankfurt's historic city center

• Visit Imperial church exterior
• See Römer city hall and memorials
• View one of Frankfurt's oldest churches
• Observe wall paintings from 1513-1521
• Explore indoor market (if open)
• Learn about Jewish community and cemetery
• Visit City Planning Department model
• Walk through new Alt Stadt and Coronation path
• Cross the Love-lock Bridge over Main River
• See City Wall and Medieval Jewish Wall

Top questions

How long does the Frankfurt walking tour last?

The walking tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is this Frankfurt highlights tour stroller or wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the route is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Are comfort breaks included during the tour?

Yes, there are comfort breaks as part of the tour.

Does the tour include entry into buildings?

You may enter some buildings except on Sundays or holidays; some sites are viewed from outside if closed.

Is food included on this Frankfurt walking tour?

No meals are included but there is a snack break and time at an indoor market if open.

Can I book a private or group tour instead of joining daily tours?

Yes, private and group tours are available by request via their website.

Are museum or restaurant recommendations provided?

Yes, your guide will offer museum and restaurant recommendations during your visit.

What happens if an attraction is closed during my tour?

If a site is closed due to events or holidays, another special site will be added instead.

What’s included

Your day includes an easy-paced 3-hour walk with an English-speaking local guide who shares stories behind each stop. You’ll get comfort breaks along the way plus time for snacks at Frankfurt’s indoor market if it’s open. Museum and restaurant tips are offered throughout; private or group bookings can be arranged online before your visit.