Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt's old town (Altstadt) and the city's most iconic square, framed by the step-gabled Römer town hall, the row of reconstructed half-timbered houses on its eastern side (the Ostzeile), and the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) at its center. The Römer has served as Frankfurt's town hall since the 15th century and is famous for its Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), hung with portraits of all 52 Holy Roman Emperors; most buildings around the square are careful reconstructions after air raids destroyed the medieval core in 1944. The striking contrast between the historic facades and the modern high-rise skyline behind them makes it a favorite photo spot, and with the adjacent Cathedral and the reconstructed New Old Town (Neue Altstadt/DomRömer) it works well as the hub of a half-day walking tour. In 2026 it remains a freely accessible open-air square, and each winter it hosts the centerpiece of one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets.
The Römer town hall with its step-gabled facade, and inside, the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal) lined with portraits of all 52 Holy Roman Emperors
The Ostzeile, the row of reconstructed half-timbered houses on the east side, including landmarks such as the 'Großer Engel'
The Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) at the square's center — Justitia with scales and sword, which once ran with wine during imperial coronations
The red-sandstone Old St. Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche) with its carillon that chimes through the day
Steps away: Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom) and the New Old Town (Neue Altstadt/DomRömer), reconstructed in 2018, set against the contrasting modern skyline behind
Good to know
SafetyThe crowded square, the Christmas market, and the tram/station areas are known for pickpockets. Wear your bag in front and keep your passport, cash, and phone on your body. The main station (Hauptbahnhof) district can feel rough at night, so stay alert there.
SeasonDuring the Christmas market from late November through December the square is extremely crowded and winter cold is biting. For a quieter visit, aim for May–early June or September–early October, and dress warm and waterproof if you come in winter.
RulesInterior spaces such as the Kaisersaal in the Römer may be closed to visitors when official events are held, and opening hours and any admission fees change from time to time, so confirm the latest details before you go. Note too that most shops in Germany close on Sundays.
MannersMany nearby cider (Apfelwein) taverns and market stalls take cash only, so carry small notes and coins; in restaurants it is customary to round up and leave roughly 5–10% as a tip.
CautionWatch for classic tourist-spot ploys — clipboard 'petition' groups, fake charity collectors, and the dropped-ring trick. At market stalls, check prices in advance and count your change carefully.
RulesFrankfurt public transport (RMV) has no ticket gates, so you must buy a ticket in advance, validate it if required, and keep it with you; fare-dodging fines apply if you're checked without a valid ticket. A day pass is convenient if you're visiting several sights.
Practical info
It is a few minutes' walk from the 'Dom/Römer' underground station (U4, U5) or the 'Römer/Paulskirche' tram stop, and the airport connects easily to the center via S-Bahn (S8, S9). The square itself is a free, open-air space accessible around the clock, but check the latest before you go for whether the Kaisersaal inside the Römer is open, its hours and any fee, and for the Christmas market dates.
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