7 Places to Visit in Frankfurt Whilst at CPHI
Looking to take some time out and away from CPHI in Frankfurt? Here are our top places to visit when in the city.
Frankfurt will host CPHI Worldwide for 2025. The three days, commencing on 28th October, will feature a range of events, exhibitors, keynotes and social events which will take place at the Messe Frankfurt and throughout the wider city.
Frankfurt am Main is a fascinating city where history, commerce, nature, art and modernism all collide. Whether you are into museums, relaxing green spaces, architecture or panoramic skyline views, Frankfurt has something to offer for everyone.
Subscribe for email insights
So, if you are taking a longer trip than the three days of the event and are looking for attractions and places to visit or even looking to take some well-earned time out from the busy show, here are our recommendations of attractions and places to visit in Frankfurt.
1. Römerburg and the Old Town (Altstadt)
Source: Wikipedia
Römerberg is the heart of Frankfurt’s historical centre. It’s a cobbled square lined with reconstructed half-timbered and medieval-style buildings, and it’s been central to the city’s civic life for centuries. Much of Frankfurt was bombed during WWII and many of the buildings here have been reconstructed. Despite this, the area retains a charm that only an Old Town can deliver.
The Römer building, which serves as the city hall, is iconic: its facade and gables are often seen in photos of Frankfurt.
Nearby are the Old St. Nicholas Church and St. Paul’s Church, both important for historical and religious architecture.
Also, part of this area is the Salzhaus (“Salt House”) which dates from around 1600; it’s a lovely example of a civic building with a rich carved façade.
This square is a perfect retreat from the Messe, and although busy, will offer several cafes, bars and restaurants surrounding the Renaissance Fountain of Justice in the centre.
2. Main Tower
Source: Main Tower
This 200m blue glass tower is a visible landmark on the skyline of Frankfurt. The Main Tower is Frankfurt's public viewing observation platform which will provide panoramic views of the entire city and the Main River. To accompany a choice of two viewing platforms, the tower also provides a restaurant and bar and an opportunity to see the city by day or its lights by night with a drink. If you have some time on your hands this is a must-visit away from the CPHI event - a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away from the Messe Frankfurt.
3. Natural Spaces including Palmengarten
Source: Palmengarten
Okay, so you might be looking to really get away from the people and the noise or perhaps looking to start the day in peace and quiet. If the weather is good, then maybe a visit to the Palmengarten is calling. Opened in 1871, Frankfurt’s botanical garden sweeps across 22 hectares, where plant species from all parts of the globe are displayed in greenhouses or the open-air. Take your time to wander the grounds or relax in the garden's beauty to catch up with your emails and schedule for the day. Palmengarten is located north of the Messe, again, a 30-minute walk from the event or a short taxi ride.
There are also lots of smaller greener spaces throughout Frankfurt so if you enjoy nature, you will find plenty of options for you to get some peace and quiet from the busy Messe. Just a few minutes from the exhibition hall itself is the Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage. This is a small park located between two major roads within the city, and you will enter the Messe Frankfurt hall (City Entrance) via the Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage. The central feature of the area is a pond and fountain and the Merkur-Brunnen sculpture, which is surrounded by paths and lawns and benches. The Hammering Man sculpture is also just off the park, and all provide the opportunity to get away from the exhibition and back within a few minutes from the action.
4. Berger Straße/Old Sachsenhausen
Source: Old Town
One of the highlights of any CPHI is the ability to network with friends and colleagues from across the industry. You will find plenty of places to eat and drink around the centre of Frankfurt but if you are looking to sample some independent German bars and restaurants, head to Berger Straße. You will need to take a taxi to the east side of the city and away from the commercialised centre. The lower part of the street, closest to Frankfurt’s centre, consists of family-owned shops, bistros and boutique places to eat and drink, and is considered one of the best neighbourhoods in Frankfurt for nightlife and culture.
Alternatively, Old Sachsenhausen (south of the Main) offers equally good places to dine out should you wish to stay closer to the city centre and is a favourite for many travelling to Frankfurt for CPHI. This area is known for its old cider houses (Apfelwein), so a good place for a tipple!
5. Eschenheimer Turm
Source: Eschenheimer Turm
Back into the centre, and a 10-minute walk from the Main Tower, you will discover the ten-storey Eschenheimer Turm. The tower was built at the start of the 15th century and was part of the city's huge medieval wall, guarding its northern region. It is the oldest and unchanged landmark in the city that has survived many centuries of war. The tower now plays host to a restaurant and cannot be accessed without a table booking. This said, if you are in visiting other attractions on this list you will be able to walk/drive by the tower to appreciate its unique design - you will not see anything else like it in Frankfurt.
6. Old Opera House (Alte Opera)
Source: Old Opera House
If you are into music or impressive architecture or event better both, then the Alte Opera is a must visit. Originally built in the late 19th Century, it was later destroyed in WWII, then rebuilt and opened in 1981. It hosts around 300 concerts/events a year so why not check out to see if anything is on during event week.
7. Cuisine in Frankfurt
Source: Frankfurter Wurstchen
One of the best things about travelling overseas is trying local cuisine and Frankfurt is no exception!
Try one of the Apfelweinwirtschaften (apple-wine taverns) in Sachsenhausen for that traditional feel. For something local and relaxed, order Grüne Soße with eggs and potatoes, or a Schnitzel served with it. Locals love it! Finally, you can’t come to Frankfurt without sampling a Frankfurter Würstchen from a stall or small restaurant. It is after all, the home of the hotdog!
For more sausage delights, why not sign up for the Orientation Marketing Beer and Sausage Trail happening on Wednesday 29th October at 5pm? A great place to sample the Frankfurter!
Coffee? Beer? Wine?
We hope that this has given you plenty of ideas to keep you busy in and around the show. After all, work hard play hard!
If you are attending as a visitor or are an exhibiting team member, Chris, Gareth and the team would love to hear from you. To set up a quick chat over a coffee at CPHI in Frankfurt, follow this link to organise a meeting. Don’t forget to check out the Orientation Marketing Beer and Sausage Trail ….
Photo by Ahmed Slimene on Unsplash, modified in Canva.
