Römerberg: where we like to begin a Frankfurt walk

Visitor information checked: 27 September 2026. The square is an outdoor public space; check event plans and any indoor opening hours separately.

Arrive at Römerberg and take a moment before choosing a direction. On one side are the colourful timber-framed façades of the Ostzeile; across the square stands the Römer, Frankfurt’s town hall. Between them, people cross the cobbles, meet friends, take pictures or just sit for a while. That lively mix is part of the place.

Timber-framed houses on Römerberg’s east side — The Ostzeile on Römerberg, photographed 27 September 2026. Photo: Frankfurtly.de.

Römerberg square, timber-framed houses and the Old St Nicholas Church — Across the square towards the timber-framed houses and Old St Nicholas Church. Photo: Frankfurtly.de.

Fountain of Justice with Römerberg’s timber-framed houses behind — The Fountain of Justice and the Ostzeile. Photo: Frankfurtly.de.

Three things to notice

First, look up at the Ostzeile. Our close-up photo shows the row of gabled houses and their red and dark timber patterns. They look centuries old, but this row was rebuilt in the 1980s after the destruction of the old town during the Second World War. Frankfurt’s official city history gives the background. The square is a living city centre, with layers of history, rather than an untouched medieval set.

Then turn towards the Römer. The town hall is on the opposite side of the square, so the half-timbered row in our photos is not the Römer itself. The square’s name comes from the house Zum Römer, used as the town hall since the 15th century. You can enjoy the exterior without arranging an indoor visit. Frankfurt tourism’s Römerberg guide

Finally, find the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen, the Fountain of Justice, with its figure holding scales and a sword. Our third photo puts the fountain in the foreground and the Ostzeile behind it. Nearby is the Alte Nikolaikirche (Old St Nicholas Church), whose tower appears in our wider square photo. You do not need a long checklist here; walking across the square and looking back from different corners is enough to see how these pieces fit together.

Keep walking if you feel like it

From Römerberg, stroll into the Neue Altstadt between the Römer and the cathedral. This “New Old Town” was completed in 2018 and combines reconstructions with newer buildings. Continue to the Kaiserdom, or turn south towards the Main and the Eiserner Steg footbridge. Our easy first-day walk connects these nearby stops. Official New Old Town background

To arrive by public transport, search Dom/Römer for the U-Bahn or Römer/Paulskirche for the tram; check RMV for the service that fits your starting point. The outdoor square needs no admission ticket. Markets or other events can make it busier and change how you move through it. If you visit after 12 October 2026, note that the city has announced construction work near the Old St Nicholas Church that may affect access or photo angles.

Our suggestion: Come for the architecture, but leave enough time to simply stand in the square. From there, decide whether your next hour belongs to the small streets of the New Old Town or to the river.