Staying in Museumsufer: plan your museum days
Treat Schaumainkai as a walking route rather than trying to fit every museum into one day. The Städel lies toward the western part of the museum stretch, while the film and applied arts museums are farther east. Match your bridge crossing to your first stop, and leave space between indoor visits for a walk beside the water.
At a glance
- Best for
- Museums, riverside walks
- At night
- Quiet
- Getting around
- Trams 15, 16; U-Bahn Schweizer Platz
- Price level
- €€€
The south bank of the Main, with a line of museums, riverside paths and the skyline across the water.
Good for
- Museums and walks along the Main
- Families, with parks and space
- A calm evening a short walk from the taverns
Think twice if
- You want many hotels to choose from
- You will arrive at the Hauptbahnhof late and walk
What is near Museumsufer
Städel Museum
From the south end of Eiserner Steg, walk about 12 minutes west along Schaumainkai to reach the art museum.
German Film Museum
Walk about 7 minutes west from the south end of Eiserner Steg to the museum entrance on Schaumainkai.
Museum Angewandte Kunst
Allow about 3 minutes east from the south end of Eiserner Steg to reach the museum beside its park.
Römerberg
Cross Eiserner Steg and continue north for about 7 minutes from its south end to reach the old town square.
Eating in Museumsufer
Museum cafes can make an easy break, but check whether you need museum admission to use the particular cafe. For a wider choice, walk inland toward Schweizer Strasse. Carrying water and planning one proper lunch stop helps if your day includes two museums with several hours inside each.
Getting around from Museumsufer
Schweizer Platz, served by the U1, U2, U3 and U8, is useful for the central part of the south bank. Walking is usually the simplest way between museums. Use Holbeinsteg for the Städel from the station side, and Eiserner Steg for the old town.
Hotels in Museumsufer
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Frankfurt
Staying in Museumsufer: plan your museum days
How many museums should I plan in one day?
Two substantial visits are a reasonable starting point. Pair your main museum with a smaller second stop, and check exhibition details before deciding how much time each deserves.
Which bridge should I use from the center?
Use Eiserner Steg for the eastern museums and Holbeinsteg for the Städel from the station direction. Untermainbrücke provides another crossing near the middle of the museum stretch.
Are museum opening days the same?
Do not assume they are. Check each museum's official site for opening days, temporary closures and exhibition arrangements before building a day around several visits.