The Altstadt – “old town” – sits at the centre of Frankfurt, with Romerberg square as its heart. The ornately gabled, wooden-beamed houses of the Ostzeile overlook the square: originally built in the 15th century, they were reconstructed following World War II. The Romerberg, with the Fountain of Justice at its centre and the Ostzeile behind, remains a symbol of the city and a first stop for any visitor to Frankfurt. In summer, the restaurants lining the square spill out onto the street; in the colder months, it’s the perfect backdrop for the city’s legendary Christmas market, one of the best things to do in Frankfurt.

For more than a hundred years, Cafe Hauptwache has served classic German fare; bratwurst sausages, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, not to mention plenty of the local specialty, herb-rich grüne soße – green sauce. The beautiful 18th-century building which houses the cafe boasts a buzzy terrace beloved by locals and visitors alike.

After a day walking around Frankfurt attractions, quench your thirst with a pitcher of apfelwein. This tart apple cider is the perfect end to a day’s exploration, and it’s best enjoyed in a beer garden at one of the city’s historic taverns, while perched on one of the large wooden benches. Zur Sonne was built in 1768, and it remains popular to this day.

For many years the Bahnhofsviertel district was a run-down red-light district. But now the area's older establishments rub shoulders with a newer influx of cool art galleries, high-class boutiques and innovative restaurants and bars: they’ve brought a hip vibe to a city often stereotyped as a staid financial capital.

Museumsufer – the Museum Embankmant – is the name given to a collection of some 38 museums speckled along the River Main. On the south bank, the Städel has fine works by old masters and modern artists, while the Museum Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art) showcases design, crafts and more from the 10th century to the present day. On north side of the river, you’ll find institutions including exhibition space Schirn and the Jewish Museum of Frankfurt.

The Goethe House is the birthplace and childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the greatest German writer of his time. It was damaged during the war but lovingly restored to its 18th-century heyday, and now its Rococo facade and interiors act as a snapshot of late 1700s German life, making for a great Frankfurt attraction. The attached Goethe Museum tells the story of the writer’s life through paintings from the era.

Frankfurt is world-renowned for its Christmas market, whose history has been traced back to 1393 and tops the list of what to do in Frankfurt – but you find treasures all year round in the city. The Kleinmarkthalle food market is one of the city’s most famous landmarks: join the line by Schreiber's for a beef sausage and a bun before wandering among the stalls. On the tree-lined riverbank at Sachsenhausen, there’s a large and buzzy flea market every second Saturday.

Frankfurt Cathedral is a red brick beauty in the Gothic style, the site where Holy Roman Emperors were once crowned. If you're feeling energetic, scale the 328 steps of the 15th-century tower, which offers commanding views of the city from the top. Nearby, the oval-shaped St Paul’s Church has a political past: it ​​was the seat of the 1848 Frankfurt Parliament, which marks the beginning of democracy in Germany.

Jump on a train to the towns of Bacharach or Rüdesheim, just an hour away, for a day exploring the Rhine Valley. These towns are speckled with postcard-perfect half-timbered houses and panoramic views, and offer easy access to the many vineyards of the region. Alternatively, hop on a river cruise to sweep past verdant vineyards, historic towns and castles keeping watch over the valleys.