Römerberg
In 1240, this low hill (the main square and heart of the Old Town) was the site of the city's first official trade fair. The Römerberg is bordered by half-timbered houses (Fachwerkhäuser), reconstructed after total destruction 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 Frankfurt's trademark red sandstone. The coronation of German emperors was celebrated by banquets in the Kaisersaal (Emperor's Hall) on the upper floors. Portraits of 52 emperors, from Charlemagne to Franz II, now hang on the walls. It is a working town hall, however, and there are currently no tours. The Christmas market that takes place on Römerberg every December is one of the best in Germany, and has taken place here since the late 14th century.

Römerberg, Römer

Sankt Bartholomäusdom (Cathedral of St Bartholomew)
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 Dommuseum, is attached to the cathedral and is packed full of ancient archaeological findings.

Domplatz 14
Tel: (069) 297 0320.
Website: www.dom-frankfurt.de
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs and Sat 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri and Sun 1430-1800, until 1700 in winter (cathedral); Tues-Fri 1000-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1700 (museum).
Free admission to the cathedral; charge for the museum.

Städelsche Kunstinstitute und Städtische Galerie (Städel Art Institute and Municipal Gallery)
An exemplary and comprehensive collection of European painting from the 14th to the 20th centuries is housed in this museum (commonly known as just Städel) on Frankfurt's legendary Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). German masters, such as Cranach, Holbein and Beckmann, are displayed alongside the likes of Botticelli, Rembrandt and Rubens. Around 500 sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries are also on show, including works from artists such as Rodin, Kirchner and Picasso. There is also a cafe, and an excellent bookshop. Ambitious plans are currently afoot to extend the gallery with 3,000sq m of extra exhibition space, whose focus will be on post-1945 art.

Schaumainkai 63
Tel: (069) 605 0980.
Website: www.staedelmuseum.de
Opening hours: Tues, Fri-Sun 1000-1800, Wed and Thurs 1000-2100.
Admission charge.

Museum für Moderne Kunst (Museum of Modern Art)
The outside of the Museum of Modern Art alone would count as one of the city's major attractions. It is therefore a bonus that this museum, designed by Viennese architect Hans Hollein, is filled with a superb collection of post-war art, predominantly by German and American artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg, Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys. There is also a cafe-restaurant.

Domstrasse 10
Tel: (069) 2123 0447.
Website: www.mmk-frankfurt.de
Opening hours: Tues, Thurs-Sun 1000-1800, Wed 1000-2000.
Admission charge.

Frankfurt Zoo
Frankfurt's zoo is one of the most attractive in Europe and is very popular with both locals and visitors. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008 and is Germany's second oldest after Berlin. There are 13 different areas in these 14 hectares (35 acres) of land, where thousands of animals from all over the world, including eight endangered species, can be observed. The obvious highlight is the Grzimek Haus, where artificial darkness is created in order to observe nocturnal animals going about their business.

Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16
Tel: (069) 2123 3735.
Website: www.zoo-frankfurt.de
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900 (summer); daily 0900-1700 (winter).
Admission charge.

Palmengarten (Palm Garden)
The Palm Garden is a wonderland of tropical plants and exotic birds. Hidden away from the bustle of the city centre, the attractions of this botanical garden include glasshouses, some 300 different palms and a boating lake. There are concerts staged here in summer, as well as a number of exhibitions and events. Free guided tours (in German) are available on Sundays.

Siesmayerstrasse 63
Tel: (069) 2123 3939.
Website: www.palmengarten-frankfurt.de
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1600 (Nov-Jan); daily 0900-1800 (Feb-Oct).
Admission charge.

Goethe-Museum and Goethe-Haus
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 displays German paintings and sculpture from the late baroque period up to early Romanticism. There are daily guided tours (in German) of the house 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.

Grosser Hirschgraben 23-25
Tel: (069) 138 800.
Website: www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1000-1730.
Admission charge.