Things to do in Hessen

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A cityscape at dusk with illuminated buildings, a river, and a bridge.
A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a town in the background with various buildings, and a church steeple.
A historic building with multiple spires and a large cathedral with tall towers.
A city skyline at dusk with modern buildings and a calm river reflecting the lights.
A historic building with intricate architecture, a cobblestone plaza, and surrounding traditional buildings.

Hessen Attractions

Explore the sights of Hessen with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {493 fun activities in Hessen fun activities in Hessen}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and focus on planning the ultimate vacation.

Things to do

Hop-On Hop-Off Express City Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off Skyline City Tour

$27
per adult
Hop-On Hop-Off Skyline City Tour
Heidelberg: Old Town & Castle Walking Tour with Guide

Heidelberg: Old Town & Castle Walking Tour with Guide

$28
per adult
Heidelberg: Old Town & Castle Walking Tour with Guide
Frankfurt: Highlights and New Old Town English-Language Tour

Frankfurt: Highlights and New Old Town English-Language Tour

$21
per adult
Frankfurt: Highlights and New Old Town English-Language Tour
Heidelberg: Neckar River Sightseeing Cruise with a Drink

Heidelberg: Neckar River Sightseeing Boat Tour with Drink

$25
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Heidelberg: Neckar River Sightseeing Boat Tour with Drink
Frankfurt: Nightlife Tour with 3 Bars, Shots & Club Entry

Frankfurt: Nightlife Tour with 3 Bars, Shots & Club Entry

$28
per adult
Frankfurt: Nightlife Tour with 3 Bars, Shots & Club Entry
Frankfurt: Museum of Communication Exhibitions

Frankfurt: Museum of Communication

$10
per adult
Frankfurt: Museum of Communication
Highlights of Frankfurt. Walking Open Tour of Old Town and more

Highlights of Frankfurt. Walking Open Tour of Old Town and more

$29
per adult
Highlights of Frankfurt. Walking Open Tour of Old Town and more
Heidelberg: Riverboat Tour to Neckarsteinach and drinks incl

Heidelberg: Riverboat Tour to Neckarsteinach with Drinks

$56
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Heidelberg: Riverboat Tour to Neckarsteinach with Drinks
Frankfurt: Museum of Communication Entrance Ticket

Frankfurt: Museum of Communication Entrance Ticket

$10
per adult
Frankfurt: Museum of Communication Entrance Ticket
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Hessen must see attractions

1. Römerberg

Picture-perfect Römerberg is the gateway to Frankfurt’s atmospheric Old Town (Altstadt). Ever since the 9th century, this vast square has been the heart of the city’s historic center and a location for coronations, executions, markets, pompous festivals and royal tournaments. Today, the stepped gable and half-timbered houses of Römerberg present a wonderful snapshot of Frankfurt’s medieval cityscape.
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A bustling European square with traditional half-timbered buildings, a prominent church tower, and outdoor cafes.

2. Deutsche Bank Park

Join the throngs of spectators as they cheer on their home team of Eintracht Frankfurt at the Commerzbank-Arena. The newly rebuilt stadium plays host not only to soccer games, but also to concerts and business events. It is a true slice of Frankfurt culture and a great place to feel the passion and energy of the city’s residents.
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A large, modern stadium with a curved roof and multiple levels of seating.

3. Congress Center Messe Frankfurt

Attend one of the vast and superbly organized conferences at the Congress Center Messe Frankfurt. Located in the heart of the thriving business city, the conference center is a specially designed venue which plays host to a wide range of events.
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A modern glass building with a curved facade, surrounded by trees and a parking area with cars.

4. MyZeil

The area around Zeil in Frankfurt’s city center is a shopper’s paradise. Although its origins date back to the 14th century, it wasn’t until the 1800s that this street found its current calling. Since then, the Zeil Shopping District has been one of Germany’s most popular retail destinations. Whether you are searching for a unique German gift idea or the latest in high street fashion, you will find plenty to fill your bags with around Zeil.
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A street with trees, benches, and outdoor seating.

5. Alte Oper

The Alte Oper is a faithful reconstruction of a building that was originally opened in 1880, but destroyed in World War II. Take a tour around the building to see its many lavish sculptures, balconies and columns or reserve a seat to attend a performance in this beautiful venue.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a large open square in front.

6. Frankfurt Cathedral

Take a free tour of the interior of the Frankfurt Cathedral to walk in the footsteps of some of ancient Europe’s most powerful rulers. From 1562 to 1792, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected and crowned in the cathedral. It lost this ceremonial role only when the empire dissolved in 1806.
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A bridge over a river with a historic cathedral in the background.

What to do in Hessen

Things to Do in Hessen with Kids

Hessen is a superb destination for a family escape. Take the youngsters along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Hessen? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Hessen attractions

A Christmas market with illuminated stalls and a large decorated tree.

Frankfurt Christmas Market

9.0/10 (579 reviews)
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Frankfurt Christmas Market during your stay in Frankfurt. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.
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Where to stay in Hessen

Find the best Hessen areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Hessen
Learn more about Hessen
A nighttime cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers and a river reflecting the lights.
Photo by Lars Steffens
Open Photo by Lars Steffens

Frankfurt am Main Süd

If you're spending time in Frankfurt am Main Süd, check out sights like Deutsche Bank Park or Staedel Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at Bürostadt Niederrad Tram Stop or Stadion Straßenbahn Tram Stop.

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers, a historic church, and a bridge over a river.

Frankfurt Airport Area

Consider a visit to Eco-Kart and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Frankfurt Airport Area. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Terminal 1 - Concourses A & Z Station or Terminal 1 -Concourses B & C Station.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a historic church, and a river with bridges.

Innenstadt

Enjoy the popular shops in Innenstadt. MyZeil is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Frankfurt (M) Hauptwache Station or Eschenheimer Tor Station to see more of Frankfurt.

A statue of a woman holding a sword and a balance scale, surrounded by colorful flowers, with traditional half-timbered buildings in the background.

Altstadt Frankfurt

Frankfurt Christmas Market and Römerberg are top sights in Altstadt Frankfurt, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Römer-Paulskirche Tram Stop or Dom-Romer U-Bahn to see more sights in the area.

A nighttime cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers along a river.
Photo by User:Matthias Süßen
Open Photo by User:Matthias Süßen

Sachsenhausen Nord

Known for its ample dining options and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Sachsenhausen Nord. You can visit top attractions like Staedel Museum and Museumsufer, and jump on the metro at Schwanthalerstraße Tram Stop or Schweizer Place U-Bahn to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Hessen

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings reflecting on a river.

Frankfurt

A historic church with a tall bell tower and a smaller spire.

Kassel

A large fountain in the center of a square with two large red brick buildings on either side.

Mannheim

A cobblestone street lined with traditional European buildings, some with blue umbrellas.

Bad Brueckenau

A historic castle with a fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

Dreieich

A riverside town with historic buildings, a tower, and vineyards.

Ruedesheim am Rhein

A snow-covered cityscape at dusk with a prominent illuminated tower and a large building with a snow-covered roof.

Baunatal

A traditional half-timbered house with red accents and a steeply pitched roof.

Friedrichsdorf

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Hessen on a sunny day?
What to do in Hessen on a rainy day?
If it's bucketing down, these indoor activities will keep you entertained — and nice and dry!:


What should I not miss in Hessen?
You just can't go home without ticking off the following fantastic sights:

  • Alte Oper
  • Deutsche Bank Park
  • Römer
  • Congress Center Messe Frankfurt

Are there cheap things to do in Hessen?
If you're on a shoestring budget, think about adding these inexpensive experiences to your itinerary:


What can you do in Hessen for free?
You'll barely have time to take your wallet out of your bag with so many free attractions:

  • Römer
  • Congress Center Messe Frankfurt
  • Frankfurt Cathedral
  • St. Paul's Church

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