Main Tower Observation Deck

The Main Tower at Neue Mainzer Straße 52-58 in Frankfurt's Bankenviertel is the only skyscraper in the city of Frankfurt am Main, in Hesse, Germany, that has a publicly accessible rooftop platform. The platform sits about 200 metres above street level and offers an open 360-degree view over the banking skyline, the curve of the Main river, the old town and, on clear days, the Taunus hills to the north and the Odenwald to the south. Visitors go through a security check, take a high-speed lift to the top and then step out onto the open-air viewing deck, which is protected by glass panels. The view east takes in the Römerberg, the cathedral spire and the European Central Bank, while the western side overlooks the trade-fair grounds and the Westend towers. A visit typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, though photographers may stay longer at sunset. The best photo angles are from the north and east sides for the skyline and river, and the glass panels can create reflections, so shooting close to the glass with a lens hood helps. Visibility is the main variable: haze, cloud and wind affect the experience, so a clear day is worth waiting for. Crowds are largest on sunny weekend afternoons and at sunset, and weekday mornings are calmer. In summer the platform stays open until 9:00PM from Sunday to Thursday and until 11:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays, with shorter winter hours, and the last ascent is 45 minutes before closing. Adult tickets cost EUR 9, with an extra EUR 0.50 online fee, and reduced and family tickets are offered. A restaurant and lounge occupy the lower floors for those who prefer a seated view. The tower is a short walk from Willy-Brandt-Platz and Alte Oper U-Bahn stations.