Frankfurt am Main is unlike any other city in Germany. Nicknamed “Mainhattan” due to its futuristic skyline along the River Main, the city boasts Germany’s tallest skyscrapers and is ranked second in Europe (after Moscow) for the number of high-rise buildings exceeding 150 meters.
The skyline is centered in the Bankenviertel (Financial District), where global finance meets bold, modern architecture. Frankfurt is an architectural marvel and one of the best European cities to see skyscrapers up close.
Top Skyscrapers in Frankfurt
Here are some of the most iconic high-rises that define the city’s silhouette:
1. Commerzbank Tower
- Height: 259 meters (850 ft)
- Completed: 1997
- Architect: Norman Foster
Still the tallest skyscraper in Germany, this eco-conscious tower is a hallmark of Frankfurt’s vertical growth. It even held the title of Europe’s tallest building for several years.
2. Messeturm
- Height: 257 meters
- A postmodern classic near the trade fair grounds, once Europe’s tallest skyscraper.
3. Trianon
- Height: 186 meters
- Known for its glassy exterior and pyramid-shaped roof.
4. Main Tower
- Height: 200 meters
- Public Observation Deck: Yes
This is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public viewing platform, offering breathtaking 360° views of the city and the River Main.
5. Omniturm
- Height: 190 meters
- Features a unique architectural twist in its middle section, combining offices and apartments.
Where to View Frankfurt’s Skyline?
For the best panoramic views of the Frankfurt skyline:
- Main Tower Observation Deck: City views from 200 meters high
- Eiserner Steg bridge: A great pedestrian spot to photograph the skyline
- River Cruises on the Main: Experience the skyline from the water
- Lohrberg or Goetheturm: For skyline views from afar
Why Is Frankfurt’s Skyline Unique?
Unlike most historic European cities, Frankfurt embraces vertical development. The combination of modern glass towers with old-world buildings like Römerberg or St. Paul's Church makes for a unique architectural contrast that defines the city.
Frankfurt is also home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank HQ, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, making it one of Europe’s financial powerhouses, and the skyline reflects that.
Why Visit Frankfurt’s Skyline?
If you're a fan of modern architecture, city photography, or just love a good skyline, Frankfurt is the European city with a vertical identity. It merges the tradition of old Europe with the ambition of modern innovation, one tower at a time.
So next time you're in Germany, don’t just fly through Frankfurt, look up and discover the city’s soaring skyline.