Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt’s old town, a cobbled square framed by half-timbered houses and the stepped gables of the Römer, the city hall since 1405. For centuries it hosted markets, public ceremonies and celebrations following the coronations of Holy Roman Emperors. Today, it remains a gathering place, most famously during Frankfurt’s Christmas market.
The square’s charm comes with a complicated history. Much of the old town was destroyed by bombing during World War II, and the colourful Ostzeile houses on Römerberg’s eastern side were reconstructed in the 1980s. The Justitia fountain stands at the centre, while the Römer anchors the western side. Frankfurt Cathedral and the Schirn Kunsthalle are both a short walk away, making the square a useful starting point for exploring the old town.
Visit early on a weekday for a quieter look before tour groups arrive, or come in late November and December for the Christmas market, when the atmosphere is festive but crowded. Dom/Römer station, served by the U4 and U5, is close by. The Kaisersaal inside the Römer can sometimes be visited, but check opening arrangements in advance, as official events may restrict access.