How long does it take to walk through Frankfurt's financial district?

A typical walk through the Bankenviertel takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance between the Commerzbank Tower and the Hammering Man is roughly 1.5 to 2 kilometers, depending on how many detours you take into the parks.

Is it worth visiting the Main Tower in Frankfurt?

Yes, the Main Tower is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public observation deck. It offers a 360-degree view of the city and the Taunus mountains, making it a highlight for photography enthusiasts.

Can I see the skyscrapers of Frankfurt for free?

Absolutely. While entering the office floors requires authorization, viewing the architecture and public art like the Euro-Skulptur and Hammering Man is completely free. This self-guided route focuses on these accessible outdoor landmarks.

What is the Hammering Man sculpture in Frankfurt?

The Hammering Man is a 21-meter tall kinetic sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky located near the Messe. It moves its arm continuously to symbolize the dignity of the working class and is a major landmark of the city's public art scene.

When is the best time to see the Frankfurt skyline?

The best time is late afternoon or 'blue hour' just after sunset. The glass facades of the towers reflect the setting sun beautifully, and the city lights begin to twinkle, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Is the Bankenviertel walk accessible for strollers?

Yes, the Bankenviertel is one of the most accessible areas of Frankfurt. The sidewalks are wide, well-maintained, and flat, making it an easy walk for those with strollers or mobility aids.

Where can I find the Euro symbol in Frankfurt?

The iconic blue Euro-Skulptur is located in Gallusanlage, right in front of the former European Central Bank building. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Willy-Brandt-Platz station.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Frankfurt is a city of striking contrasts, where historical foundations support a horizon of steel and glass. Known affectionately as 'Mainhattan,' this neighborhood stroll through the Bankenviertel offers an independent look at the only skyline of its kind in Germany. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the intersection of global finance, cutting-edge architecture, and thought-provoking public art. As you navigate the canyons of the financial district, you will discover that Frankfurt is more than just a banking hub; it is a canvas for world-renowned architects like Sir Norman Foster and visionary artists like Jonathan Borofsky. This walking route begins in the heart of the high-rise district, leading you past the Commerzbank Tower, once the tallest building in Europe, and the circular silhouette of the Main Tower. Along the way, the path weaves through the Taunusanlage, a lush green belt that served as the city's old fortifications, now home to a series of modern sculptures. You will witness the resilience of Frankfurt at the Alte Oper, a reconstructed Renaissance masterpiece, and stand before the iconic Euro-Skulptur, a symbol of the city's role as the financial capital of the Eurozone. The journey concludes at the 'Hammering Man,' a monumental kinetic sculpture that pays tribute to the working class amidst the corporate giants. This architecture and art-focused itinerary is designed for those who want to explore at their own pace. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect angle of a skyscraper or a history buff interested in Frankfurt’s post-war transformation, this self-guided adventure provides the context needed to appreciate the 'Mainhattan' phenomenon. Enjoy the flexibility of stopping for a coffee or ascending a viewing platform without the pressure of a group schedule. This walking tour Frankfurt experience captures the modern soul of the city, highlighting how art and commerce coexist in the shadows of these towering structures.

Highlights

Marvel at the Commerzbank Tower, an ecological skyscraper designed by Norman Foster

View the circular glass facade of the Main Tower, a staple of the city skyline

Walk through the Taunusanlage, a green oasis filled with contemporary sculptures

Admire the reconstructed Renaissance glory of the Alte Oper

Snap a photo with the world-famous blue Euro-Skulptur

See the kinetic 'Hammering Man' sculpture in motion near the Messe

Tour Stops (6)

Commerzbank Tower

Completed in 1997, the Commerzbank Tower was designed by the renowned architect Sir Norman Foster. For several years, it held the title of the tallest building in Europe. What makes this structure truly unique is its 'ecological' design; it features nine sky gardens at different levels, which provide natural ventilation and green space for employees. The triangular shape was chosen to maximize corner offices and light. As you stand beneath its 259-meter peak, notice how the steel and glass reflect the changing sky. It remains a symbol of Frankfurt's post-war economic miracle and its commitment to innovative, sustainable urban design.

MAIN TOWER

The Main Tower is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the Frankfurt skyline due to its circular glass tower and square base. Standing at 200 meters, it was the first skyscraper in Europe to be built with a fully glazed facade. It is also famous for being the only skyscraper in the city with a public observation deck, offering a 360-degree view of the Rhine-Main region. The building serves as the headquarters for Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen and houses a significant collection of contemporary art in its lobby, emphasizing the local tradition of integrating corporate space with public cultural value.

Taunusanlage

Step into the Taunusanlage, part of the Wallanlagen—a linear park that follows the path of Frankfurt's 14th-century city walls. Today, this green ribbon serves as a 'Sculpture Garden' for the financial district. As you walk, look for various contemporary pieces that challenge the rigid geometry of the surrounding towers. This area represents the city's 'Green Belt' policy, ensuring that even in a densifying urban core, nature and art remain accessible. It is a favorite spot for local office workers to enjoy a quiet lunch break, offering a peaceful contrast to the high-speed financial world just meters away.

Alte Oper

The Alte Oper, or Old Opera House, is a testament to Frankfurt's resilience. Originally opened in 1880, it was almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944. For decades, it stood as 'Germany’s most beautiful ruin' until a massive public fundraising campaign led to its reconstruction in the early 1980s. While the exterior was meticulously restored to its original Renaissance-style splendor, the interior was rebuilt as a modern concert hall. It stands at the head of the Opernplatz, serving as a gateway between the historic city center and the modern skyscrapers of the Bankenviertel.

Euro-Skulptur von Ottmar Hörl

Standing 14 meters tall, the Euro-Skulptur is perhaps the most photographed landmark in modern Frankfurt. Created by German artist Ottmar Hörl, this neon-blue sculpture was erected to celebrate the introduction of the Euro currency. It stands in front of the former headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB). The twelve stars surrounding the Euro symbol represent the original member states of the Eurozone. Despite the ECB moving to a new location in the Ostend district, this sculpture remains here as a permanent reminder of Frankfurt’s status as the financial heart of Europe and the stability of the unified currency.

Public Art 'Hammering Man'

The 'Hammering Man' is a monumental kinetic sculpture by American artist Jonathan Borofsky. Standing at 21 meters tall, this blackened aluminum figure slowly raises and lowers its arm in a continuous hammering motion. There are several versions of this sculpture around the world, but Frankfurt's is one of the most prominent. It symbolizes the dignity of labor and the worker's role in building the modern world. Positioned near the Messeturm and the Festhalle, it serves as a powerful artistic counterpoint to the abstract world of finance, reminding passersby of the physical effort that sustains global industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bankenviertel route is the best for architecture. It features the Commerzbank Tower by Norman Foster and the Main Tower, showcasing the city's unique skyline often called 'Mainhattan.' This self-guided walk covers about 2 kilometers of high-rise history.