FREE WALKING TOURS
Explore Frankfurt like a local. Come and experience an unforgettable day in the city we love.
FREE WALKING TOURS
Explore Frankfurt like a local. Come and experience an unforgettable day in the city we love.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Our aim is to take you on a unique journey through Frankfurt that not only tells you the story of our fascinating history but also leaves you with a smile from ear-to-ear from our guides quirky and engaging personal experiences. We give our tour guides free rein to show off Frankfurt in their own particular way, and every guide runs the tour depending on their tastes and interests – whether it be a love of churches, art, politics, or history.
The free tours tend to run for around 2 hours, and anyone in groups of up to 7 can register online beforehand – for groups larger than this, please book a private tour. We currently run three different free tours.
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page) – our Classic Free Walking Tour will show off the Frankfurt’s diverse and fascinating past, influenced by Celtic, Roman, and Frank cultures and shaped into Germany’s financial capital. We’ll visit St. Paul’s Church, Frankfurt’s “Manhattan” and the glorious Frankfurt Operahouse. This tour will meet in front of the Old Nikolai Church at Römerberg 11.
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page)- we’ll run our Alternative Free Walking Tour, covering some of the lesser-known spots in the area around the Central Station and historical events in Frankfurt’s long history. This tour will meet at Kaiserstrasse 69, in front of the Gold-Exchange.
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page)- you’ll be able to meet us in front of the Old Nikolai Church (Römerberg 11) for our tour of the Old Sachsenhausen neighbourhood. We’ll cross the river to this stunning traditional area to explore the narrow cobbled streets and seek out the oldest houses in the city, potentially stopping at a tavern or two to try Frankfurt’s famous Apfelwein!
See below for an example tour itinerary that includes many of the popular destinations that we venture through.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Our aim is to take you on a unique journey through Frankfurt that not only tells you the story of our fascinating history but also leaves you with a smile from ear-to-ear from our guides quirky and engaging personal experiences. We give our tour guides free rein to show off Frankfurt in their own particular way, and every guide runs the tour depending on their tastes and interests – whether it be a love of churches, art, politics, or history.
The free tours tend to run for around 2 hours, and anyone in groups of up to 7 can register online beforehand – for groups larger than this, please book a private tour. We currently run three different free tours.
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page)- our Classic Free Walking Tour will show off the Frankfurt’s diverse and fascinating past, influenced by Celtic, Roman, and Frank cultures and shaped into Germany’s financial capital. We’ll visit St. Paul’s Church, Frankfurt’s “Manhattan” and the glorious Frankfurt Operahouse. This tour will meet in front of the Old Nikolai Church at Römerberg 11.
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page)- we’ll run our Alternative Free Walking Tour, covering some of the lesser-known spots in the area around the Central Station and historical events in Frankfurt’s long history. This tour will meet at Kaiserstrasse 69, in front of the Gold-Exchange.
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page)- you’ll be able to meet us in front of the Old Nikolai Church (Römerberg 11) for our tour of the Old Sachsenhausen neighbourhood. We’ll cross the river to this stunning traditional area to explore the narrow cobbled streets and seek out the oldest houses in the city, potentially stopping at a tavern or two to try Frankfurt’s famous Apfelwein!
See below for an example tour itinerary that includes many of the popular destinations that we venture through.
ITINERARY
Please be aware this is just a sample, and the actual tour locations are at the discretion of the guides.
Central Station Area – Come and explore the central station area and get our alternative perspective on how it developed.
Old European Central Bank – The seat of the ECB sits on the former Wholesale market hall which was first inaugurated in 1928 and connects to the newly built twin skyscrapers.
Römer – We also venture onto one of Frankfurt’s most prominent landmarks. Romer has been the city hall for over 600 years and became city council property in 1405.
Eiserner Steg – The Eiserner Steg is not a simple footbridge, and has seen many iterations in its 150-year life – even falling prey to the devastation of WWII.
Paul’s Church– Not only was Paul’s Church the seat of the first publicly and freely-elected German legislative body, but it is also now the location of the Peace Prize for the German book trade.
Cathedral of St. Bartholomew – This Gothic church located in the centre of Frankfurt, and is the largest religious building in the city, with deep historical ties to the Roman Empire.
ITINERARY
Please be aware this is just a sample, and the actual tour locations are at the discretion of the guides.
Central Station Area – Come and explore the central station area and get our alternative perspective on how it developed.
Old European Central Bank – The seat of the ECB sits on the former Wholesale market hall which was first inaugurated in 1928 and connects to the newly built twin skyscrapers.
Römer – We also venture onto one of Frankfurt’s most prominent landmarks. Romer has been the city hall for over 600 years and became city council property in 1405.
Eiserner Steg – The Eiserner Steg is not a simple footbridge, and has seen many iterations in its 150-year life – even falling prey to the devastation of WWII.
Paul’s Church– Not only was Paul’s Church the seat of the first publicly and freely-elected German legislative body, but it is also now the location of the Peace Prize for the German book trade.
Cathedral of St. Bartholomew – This Gothic church located in the centre of Frankfurt, and is the largest religious building in the city, with deep historical ties to the Roman Empire.
FAQS
These are the questions we’re most commonly asked about our Free Public Tours. If you can’t find an answer to your question below, send us a message through the contact form at the bottom of this page, or reach out via the Instant Messenger icon at the bottom right-hand side of your screen.
Does the tour really run every day?
Yes, the tour runs 365 days a year, we think running tours on big holidays is a fantastic way to connect people.
If for any reason there is a change, we will inform you via our Facebook page.
At what times do the tours leave?
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page).
Do I have to register?
We do prefer it if you can book in advance on our website, as it allows us to prepare additional tour guides in case of large numbers, but it isn’t a problem if you just show up.
If you are planning a private tour with us, we would like to help by organizing your tour; therefore, you should contact us here.
What are we going to see on the free tours?
The Free Tour covers the most popular areas around the city centre.
The Alternative Tour normally covers the neighbourhood around the central station, followed by sites around Frankfurt city centre.
The Sachsenhausen Tour starts in the Old Town, before exploring Sachesenhausen.
Please check out our example itinerary for some of the places we visit, and note that each tour may vary depending on your guide.
Where do the tours end?
The Free Tour and Alternative Tour generally finish at the Eiserner Steg or at the Römer, and the Sachsenhausen Tour normally finishes in Old Sachsenhausen.
The finishing points may vary, depending on your guide.
Does the tour still go ahead when it rains?
Yes, as locals we have grown to love the rain and snow in Frankfurt. But please don’t forget to bring an umbrella and some warm clothes.
Why is the tour for FREE?
As a group of travellers ourselves, we don’t believe that a budget should stand in the way of learning about a city and its culture. The tour is based on tips, as our guides are not paid by any company or the city – so you decide how much to give.
Can we join the public tour if we are under 18 years old?
The Free Tour and the Sachsenhausen Tour are suitable for children and adults of all ages.
However, for our Alternative Tour, we do require the permission of a legal guardian for those under 18 years old. This is because your guide may discuss complex social issues relevant to the tour, such as prostitution and drug-use.
How long do the tours last?
Each tour generally lasts around two hours, depending on how adventurous you and your guide feel on the day.
What should I bring with me?
In the winter, make sure to bring warm shoes and clothes as well as an umbrella for the rain.
In the summer we recommend sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Please do not forget to bring questions! Because we love them.
How many people normally show up for a public tour?
It depends. Normally, we try to have a maximum of 20 people in a group, but it can vary according to the weather, national holidays or events in and around Frankfurt.
Is the public tour provided in German?
Unfortunately not. Our public tours are only in English and Spanish. If you require a tour in German please book a private tour.
What can we do before and after the tour?
As each tour is different, you could always try more than one to get the complete Frankfurt experience!
We also recommend visiting Heidelberg, a stunning town just 78km south of Frankfurt with fantastic scenery and stunning architecture. Our sister site offers free walking tours there.
And if you are thinking about taking a crazy flight from Frankfurt- take it to Mexiko and visit our tours on the island Holbox.
Where is the best place for German beer in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is actually famous for its Apfelwein – or Apple cider wine – not beer, like our Bavarian brothers.
Where should we stay in Frankfurt?
How do we get to Frankfurt from the airport?
Depending on your mode of transport, the journey from the airport takes 20-40 minutes.
The route from the airport to the city center is served by two electric train lines – S8 and S9 – and you can take one running to Hanau or Offenbach Ost. Both the Frankfurt Airport train and shuttle are available 24/7, and you can always take a taxi.
FAQS
These are the questions we’re most commonly asked about our Free Public Tours. If you can’t find an answer to your question below, send us a message through the contact form at the bottom of this page, or reach out via the Instant Messenger icon at the bottom right-hand side of your screen.
Does the tour really run every day?
Yes, the tour runs 365 days a year, we think running tours on big holidays is a fantastic way to connect people.
If for any reason there is a change, we will inform you via our Facebook page.
At what times do the tours leave?
Due Covid 19 we had to reschedule our tours (please check the tours on the booking page).
Do I have to register?
We do prefer it if you can book in advance on our website, as it allows us to prepare additional tour guides in case of large numbers, but it isn’t a problem if you just show up.
If you are planning a private tour with us, we would like to help by organizing your tour; therefore, you should contact us here.
What are we going to see on the free tours?
The Free Tour covers the most popular areas around the city centre.
The Alternative Tour normally covers the neighbourhood around the central station, followed by sites around Frankfurt city centre.
The Sachsenhausen Tour starts in the Old Town, before exploring Sachesenhausen.
Please check out our example itinerary for some of the places we visit, and note that each tour may vary depending on your guide.
Where do the tours end?
The Free Tour and Alternative Tour generally finish at the Eiserner Steg or at the Römer, and the Sachsenhausen Tour normally finishes in Old Sachsenhausen.
The finishing points may vary, depending on your guide.
Does the tour still go ahead when it rains?
Yes, as locals we have grown to love the rain and snow in Frankfurt. But please don’t forget to bring an umbrella and some warm clothes.
Why is the tour for FREE?
As a group of travellers ourselves, we don’t believe that a budget should stand in the way of learning about a city and its culture. The tour is based on tips, as our guides are not paid by any company or the city – so you decide how much to give.
Can we join the public tour if we are under 18 years old?
The Free Tour and the Sachsenhausen Tour are suitable for children and adults of all ages.
However, for our Alternative Tour, we do require the permission of a legal guardian for those under 18 years old. This is because your guide may discuss complex social issues relevant to the tour, such as prostitution and drug-use.
How long do the tours last?
Each tour generally lasts around two hours, depending on how adventurous you and your guide feel on the day.
What should I bring with me?
In the winter, make sure to bring warm shoes and clothes as well as an umbrella for the rain.
In the summer we recommend sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Please do not forget to bring questions! Because we love them.
How many people normally show up for a public tour?
It depends. Normally, we try to have a maximum of 20 people in a group, but it can vary according to the weather, national holidays or events in and around Frankfurt.
Is the public tour provided in German?
Unfortunately not. Our public tours are only in English and Spanish. If you require a tour in German please book a private tour.
What can we do before and after the tour?
As each tour is different, you could always try more than one to get the complete Frankfurt experience!
We also recommend visiting Heidelberg, a stunning town just 78km south of Frankfurt with fantastic scenery and stunning architecture. Our sister site offers free walking tours there.
And if you are thinking about taking a crazy flight from Frankfurt- take it to Mexiko and visit our tours on the island Holbox.
Where is the best place for German beer in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is actually famous for its Apfelwein – or Apple cider wine – not beer, like our Bavarian brothers.
Where should we stay in Frankfurt?
How do we get to Frankfurt from the airport?
Depending on your mode of transport, the journey from the airport takes 20-40 minutes.
The route from the airport to the city center is served by two electric train lines – S8 and S9 – and you can take one running to Hanau or Offenbach Ost. Both the Frankfurt Airport train and shuttle are available 24/7, and you can always take a taxi.
BOOKING
You can book a spot on our free public walking tour below. You can also book a private tour, and you can find more information here. If you book a private tour, please enter your desired start time and meeting point in the “Description” section, and we will reach out via email to confirm all of your details. This tour is in English – to join our Spanish-speaking tour, please visit the Spanish version of our booking page here.
PLEASE NOTE: For groups of more than 7, you will need to book a private tour.
Please check our facebook page for the latest tour updates before booking.
BOOKING
You can book a spot on our free public walking tour below. You can also book a private tour, and you can find more information here. If you book a private tour, please enter your desired start time and meeting point in the “Description” section, and we will reach out via email to confirm all of your details. This tour is in English – to join our Spanish-speaking tour, please visit the Spanish version of our booking page here.
PLEASE NOTE: For groups of more than 7, you will need to book a private tour.
Please check our facebook page for the latest tour updates before booking.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about our free public walking tours, our private tours, or if you’re interested in finding out more about joining our team, please send us a message. We’d love to hear from you!
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about our free public walking tours, our private tours, or if you’re interested in finding out more about joining our team, please send us a message. We’d love to hear from you!
Classic Tour – Römerberg 11
Find Us
Alternative Tour – Kaiserstrasse 69
Old Sachsenhausen Tour – Römerberg 11
contact
frankfurt-free@alternative-walking-tour.com
+49 163 234 6786
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Find Us
Classic Tour – Römerberg 11
Alternative Tour – Kaiserstrasse 69
Old Sachsenhausen Tour – Römerberg 11
contact
frankfurt-free@alternative-walking-tour.com
+49 163 234 6786