Soaring above the heart of Frankfurt’s financial district, Main Tower is not just a skyscraper-it’s an essential Frankfurt attraction and a must-see for any traveler. With its gleaming glass façade and a height of 200 meters (656 feet), Main Tower dominates the city skyline and offers visitors the only public observation deck among Frankfurt’s high-rises. Whether you’re a lover of modern architecture, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking the best panoramic views in the city, Main Tower delivers an unforgettable experience.
History of Main Tower
Main Tower’s story began in the late 1990s, during a period of rapid economic growth in Frankfurt. Construction commenced on October 18, 1996, and the tower was completed in March 1999, officially opening to the public on January 28, 2000. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Schweger + Partner, the building was among the first in Germany to blend commercial office space with public amenities, including a restaurant and observation decks.
Named after the nearby Main River, Main Tower quickly became a symbol of Frankfurt’s modernity and economic strength. Its unique design features two interconnected towers-one cuboid and one cylindrical with a striking blue-glass exterior and a transmission antenna that brings the total height to 240 meters (787 feet). The inclusion of public spaces, particularly the observation deck, was a deliberate choice to make the tower accessible and welcoming to everyone, not just office workers.
Attractions at Main Tower
- Observation Decks: The highlight of any visit is the twin observation decks on the 56th floor, perched at 198 meters (650 feet). These decks offer sweeping 360-degree views of Frankfurt’s skyline, the winding Main River, and, on clear days, as far as the Taunus Mountains and the Rhine. It’s a photographer’s paradise, especially during sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.
- Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge: Located on the 53rd floor, the Main Tower Restaurant is a destination in itself, offering gourmet cuisine paired with spectacular city views. The menu features both local specialties and international dishes, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
- Art Installations: The tower’s foyer is home to two notable art pieces: Bill Viola’s video installation “The World of Appearances” and Stephan Huber’s mosaic “Frankfurter Treppe / XX. Jahrhundert” (“Frankfurt’s Steps/20th Century”), which celebrates the city’s cultural heritage. The building also periodically hosts contemporary art exhibitions, making it a hub for art lovers.
Things to Do at Main Tower
Take in the Views: Spend time on the observation deck, identifying landmarks and capturing panoramic photos.
Dine with a View: Book a table at the Main Tower Restaurant for a meal above the city.
Explore Art: View the permanent and temporary art installations in the lobby and public areas.
Photography: Visit during the golden hour for the best cityscape shots; bring a tripod for twilight photography.
Attend Exhibitions: Check the Main Tower’s website for current art exhibitions and cultural events.
Main Tower – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Observation Deck:
Summer (April–October):
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 23:00
Winter (November–March):
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00
Exhibit Area:
Monday–Friday: 08:00 – 20:00
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
The Main Tower is open seven days a week, but always check ahead for special holiday hours or maintenance closures.
How Long to Spend at Main Tower
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Main Tower. This allows ample time to enjoy the observation deck, take photos, and perhaps dine at the restaurant. If you’re an art enthusiast or planning a leisurely meal, consider allocating up to 3 hours for your visit.
How to Get There
- By Bus: Several city bus lines stop near the tower. Bus routes 64 and 75 have stops at Taunusanlage and nearby Mainzer Landstraße.
- By Tram: Tram lines 11 and 12 stop at Willy-Brandt-Platz, a short walk from Main Tower.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Frankfurt. From Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), it’s a 5-minute drive (about 2 km).
- By Car: Main Tower has underground parking, but spaces are limited. Public parking garages are available nearby.
- By Boat: While there are no direct boat landings at Main Tower, river cruises along the Main River dock at Eiserner Steg, about a 15-minute walk away.
By Train:
S-Bahn: Take any S-Bahn line (S1–S6, S8, S9) to Taunusanlage station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk (approximately 800 meters) to Main Tower.
U-Bahn: The nearest U-Bahn stations are Willy-Brandt-Platz (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U8) and Alte Oper (U6, U7), both within a 10–12 minute walk.
Eateries Nearby Main Tower
- Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge: Located on the 53rd floor, offering fine dining with panoramic views.
- Meyer’s Restaurant & Bar: Modern European cuisine, a 5-minute walk from Main Tower.
- Bidlabu: Known for creative German dishes and a cozy atmosphere, about 400 meters away.
- Im Herzen Afrikas: Popular for authentic African cuisine, just a 7-minute walk.
- Vevay: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, offering healthy bowls and salads, 600 meters from Main Tower.
- Trattoria i Siciliani: Italian specialties and a welcoming vibe, less than 10 minutes on foot.
Other Attractions Nearby Main Tower
Römerberg: The historic heart of Frankfurt, famous for its medieval buildings and vibrant square, just a 15-minute walk away.
Goethe House: The birthplace of Germany’s most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, located 800 meters from Main Tower.
Alte Oper (Old Opera House): A stunning concert hall and architectural gem, only 700 meters away.
Städel Museum: One of Germany’s top art museums, located on the opposite bank of the Main River, about 1.5 km from Main Tower.
Palmengarten: Frankfurt’s beautiful botanical gardens, accessible by U-Bahn or a 30-minute walk.
Zeil Shopping Street: Frankfurt’s main shopping avenue, less than a kilometer from Main Tower.
The Main Tower in Frankfurt is one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline and the Main River. Standing at 200 meters, it is the only public high-rise in Frankfurt with an observation deck, making it a must-visit for tourists. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the top, where they can enjoy stunning views of the city’s modern architecture and historic landmarks. The tower also houses offices, a fine dining restaurant, and impressive art installations, making it a vibrant hub for business and leisure.