While Frankfurt is often defined by its futuristic skyline, its true soul resides in the Römerberg and the recently completed Dom-Römer Quarter (The New Old Town). This area offers a stunning contrast to the city’s glass towers, taking visitors on a journey through centuries of German history, from medieval coronations to meticulous modern reconstruction.
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If you are visiting Frankfurt in 2026, this district is likely where you will spend most of your time. Here is everything you need to know about the city’s most-searched destination.
1. Römerberg: The Iconic Heart
The Römerberg is Frankfurt’s central historic square. Since the 9th century, it has been the site of trade fairs, festivals, and the celebrations accompanying the election and coronation of German kings and emperors.
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The Römer (Town Hall): The centerpiece of the square is the “Römer,” a complex of three gabled buildings that has served as Frankfurt’s city hall for over 600 years. The middle building, the Haus zum Römer, is the most famous.
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The Kaisersaal (Emperor’s Hall): Located inside the Römer, this hall features portraits of all 52 Holy Roman Emperors. It is open to the public when no official city business is taking place.
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Old St. Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche): A charming red sandstone Lutheran church on the south side of the square. Listen for its glockenspiel, which plays traditional melodies three times a day.
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The Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen): At the center of the square stands Lady Justice. During imperial coronations, the fountain famously ran with white and red wine instead of water!
2. The New Old Town (Dom-Römer Quarter)
Between the Römerberg and the Frankfurt Cathedral lies the New Old Town, a project that captured the world’s architectural attention. Completed in 2018, it is a “reconstruction” of a district destroyed during WWII.
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35 Buildings, One Vision: The project consists of 35 buildings—15 are “reconstructions” based precisely on historical plans, while 20 are “new” designs that respect the traditional scale and style.
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The “Hühnermarkt” (Chicken Market): The most beautiful square in the new quarter. It features the Stoltze Monument and is surrounded by stunning facades, including the “Haus zur Goldenen Waage” (House of the Golden Scales).
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The Coronation Path (Krönungsweg): Walk the same path the emperors took from the Cathedral to the Römerberg for their coronation banquets.
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Archaeological Garden: Located at the heart of the district, this site features preserved ruins of a Roman settlement and a Carolingian royal palace, protected by a modern canopy.
3. Iconic Landmarks Within the Altstadt
| Landmark | Why It’s a Must-See |
| Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom) | A massive Gothic structure where 10 emperors were crowned. You can climb the 328 steps of the tower for the best view of the Old Town against the skyline. |
| Haus zur Goldenen Waage | Perhaps the most detailed reconstruction, this Renaissance townhouse features a stunning gold-leaf facade and a luxury cafe on the ground floor. |
| Schirn Kunsthalle | Located right on the edge of the quarter, this is one of Europe’s premier venues for modern and contemporary art exhibitions. |
4. Insider Tips for Your Visit
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The “New” Aesthetic: Don’t mistake this for a museum; the New Old Town is a living neighborhood with 200 residents, boutiques, and cafes. It’s a unique blend of historical charm and 21st-century urban living.
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Best Photo Spot: Stand in the center of the Römerberg at sunset. The warm light hits the timber-framed houses (Ostzeile) while the modern Commerzbank Tower looms in the background.
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Stop for a “Bethmännchen”: Visit a local bakery in the quarter to try these famous Frankfurt marzipan cookies, a favorite of the writer Goethe, who grew up nearby.
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Free Tours: The city offers various “Altstadt” walking tours, often including the Archaeological Garden. Check the visitor center right at the Römer for daily schedules.
5. Getting There
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U-Bahn: Take the U4 or U5 to the Dom/Römer station. The station itself features beautiful architectural nods to the city’s history.
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Walking: If you are coming from the Main Tower or the Zeil, it is a leisurely 10-minute walk through the heart of the city.
Local Insight: While the area is beautiful by day, visit again after dark. The lighting in the narrow alleys of the New Old Town is exceptionally atmospheric and much quieter after the day-trippers have left.