Frankfurt's skyline is the only one of its kind in Germany, and the Main Tower is the one skyscraper that lets anyone walk up to the roof. A fast lift carries you to an open-air platform around two hundred metres above the city, behind glass barriers, with a sweeping view of the bank towers, the river, the old centre and, on a clear day, the Taunus hills. The platform closes in bad weather or strong winds, because it is open to the air, so a clear day matters more here than at an indoor viewpoint. The booking page offered here is a private two to three hour tour that includes a reserved Main Tower ticket, followed by Old Town stops such as the Alte Nikolaikirche and the cathedral, which suits anyone who wants a guide as well as the view. Reserved tickets skip the ticket office queue but not the entrance queue, where waits of up to half an hour are possible.
The view
The great thing about the Main Tower is the variety. To the south the river bends past the Museumsufer and out toward Offenbach, to the east the old centre sits in a tight cluster around the cathedral, and to the west the towers of the Westend and the exhibition grounds stretch out. Looking straight down, you see how compact the financial district really is. The platform is outdoors, so dress for the wind, and bring a camera that copes with glass and reflections.
When to go
In winter the deck is open Sunday to Thursday from ten until seven, and Friday and Saturday from ten until nine, and the last lift runs forty-five minutes before closing. Sunset falls in the late afternoon at this time of year, so an arrival around an hour before sunset lets you see the city in daylight, at dusk and with the lights on.
If the forecast shows fog or storms, wait for another day, since the deck closes when conditions are unsafe. The tower's reception and online shop also sell plain admission tickets if you do not want a guided tour.
Pairing it
The Main Tower sits among the banks, so walk back toward the Römerberg via the Hauptwache, or take the short stroll to the Kleinmarkthalle. The Alte Oper and the Eurotower, with its euro sculpture, are close by, and the Museumsufer is a ten-minute walk across the river. For a first-time visitor the best sequence is the tower in the late afternoon, then dinner in Sachsenhausen, since the apple wine taverns are only a short stroll across the Alte Brücke.
What to expect
The experience
A lift ride to an open-air rooftop platform with glass barriers and a 360 degree view, or a private guided tour that adds Old Town stops.
Best time
Arrive an hour before sunset on a clear day to see the skyline in daylight, at dusk and lit up.
How long
About an hour on the deck, or two to three hours with the guided tour.
Tips
Dress warmly because the platform is open to the air, check the weather before you go, and note that the last lift runs forty-five minutes before closing.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors and photographers who want the best view of Frankfurt's skyline.
- Families
- Children usually enjoy the lift and the height, but the platform is windy and cold in winter, so bring hats and gloves.
- Couples
- Time the visit for sunset and stay as the lights come on.
- Pair with
- The Römerberg and a Sachsenhausen apple wine dinner.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
Is the Main Tower platform indoors?+
No, it is an open-air platform with glass barriers, so it closes in bad weather or strong winds. Dress for the wind even on a sunny day.
What are the opening hours in winter?+
The deck is open Sunday to Thursday from ten until seven and Friday and Saturday from ten until nine in winter, and the last lift is forty-five minutes before closing. Seasonal hours follow the clock change, so check the tower's website before you go.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Booking ahead saves time and secures your slot on clear days, which are the busiest. Reserved tickets skip the ticket office but not the entrance line.
What is included in the tour offered here?+
The booking page is a private tour with a licensed guide, a reserved Main Tower ticket and Old Town stops such as the Alte Nikolaikirche and the cathedral. Options of two or three hours are available.
When is the best time to go?+
An hour before sunset on a clear day gives you daylight, dusk and the lit skyline. Winter evenings arrive early, so you do not have to wait long.
