Landmark
Hauptwache
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Hauptwache is one of Frankfurt's most iconic landmarks, a vibrant square and a striking Baroque building that originally served as the city's main guardroom. Today, the building houses a popular café, where visitors can enjoy coffee and cake while watching the bustling life of the city. The square itself is a major transportation hub and a lively meeting point, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. What makes Hauptwache distinctive is its blend of history and modern urban energy: the elegant 18th-century facade contrasts with the sleek glass-and-steel buildings nearby, offering a snapshot of Frankfurt's past and present. Visitors will see the guardhouse's ornate details, the lively pedestrian zone, and the constant flow of trams and people.
Don't miss
- Admire the Baroque architecture of the guardhouse with its mansard roof and clock tower
- Enjoy a coffee or meal at the historic café inside the building
- Watch the lively square, a hub for trams, pedestrians, and street performers
- Explore nearby shopping streets like Zeil and Schillerstraße
- Photograph the contrast between historic and modern architecture
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Hauptwache
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inFrankfurt Old Town: Missing Treasure Self-Guided Exploration4.3★ · 42 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →
Most bookedFrankfurt Highlights English Walking Tour4.9★ · 1,308 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleFrankfurt Must-See Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide5★ · 16 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$47 per personSee dates →More attractions in Frankfurt