Frankfurt: Criminal hunt at night

Planning a night out in Frankfurt and want something a little different? The “Criminal Hunt at Night” tour promises an engaging mix of sightseeing and puzzle-solving, all wrapped up in a detective-style chase through the city’s historic streets. While I haven’t done it myself, I’ve looked into what makes this experience tick and how it might fit into your travel plans.

What pulls us in are two main things: first, the chance to explore Frankfurt’s charming old town after hours, and second, the interactive element that makes the tour feel like a real-life game. On the downside, some reviews note issues with the GPS guidance and wish for a more polished ending. This kind of activity works best if you enjoy puzzles, historic sights, and a bit of a team challenge—perfect for friends, colleagues, or adventurous couples looking for something beyond just sightseeing.

If you’re OK with a shorter, puzzle-driven experience that might have a few technical hiccups and prefer attractions outside of museums or churches, this tour could be a solid choice. It’s especially suited to groups who like a bit of mystery and fun in their evenings.

Key Points

• Unique Night Experience: Combines sightseeing with a detective-style puzzle hunt.
• Iconic Landmarks: Features attractions like the Römer, Paulsplatz, and Kaiserdom.
• Group Focus: Designed for team-building and social fun.
• Duration & Cost: Lasts about 1.5 hours and costs around $34 per person, making it an accessible activity.
• Tech-Driven: Uses a tablet and mystery kit, requiring some comfort with digital navigation.
• Mixed Reviews: Some praise the views and concept, while others note GPS issues and wish for a more satisfying ending.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Frankfurt Criminal Hunt at Night?

This isn’t your typical city tour. Instead, it’s a self-guided adventure set in Frankfurt’s beautiful old town after dark. Using a tablet and a mystery kit, you’ll be tasked with solving puzzles at key spots in the city—think of it as a modern treasure hunt with a storyline involving catching a thief.

The setup is quite simple: start at the Restaurant MyFrankfurt, where you’ll check in and get your gear. From there, you explore the cobblestone streets, uncover clues, and piece together the story of the cunning criminal hiding among Frankfurt’s historic sights.

What makes this tour engaging is its interactive nature. Instead of passive sightseeing, you and your group will actively participate, solving riddles that lead you from the Römer, through Kleinmarkthalle, and past landmarks like the Kaiser’s Cathedral, all while soaking in the atmospheric night views.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point: Restaurant MyFrankfurt

Your adventure kicks off here. It’s a central location, so easy to find, and perfect for getting set up before heading out. You’ll check in with staff and receive your tablet and puzzle package, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The Route: Frankfurt’s Old Town

Once underway, the tour takes you through the Frankfurter Altstadt, with its charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Here, you’ll solve your first puzzle at the Römer, Frankfurt’s iconic city hall square.

Next, the journey takes you past Paulsplatz and the Kaiserdom, where each location offers a new challenge. The puzzles are designed to make you think and pay attention to your surroundings, giving you a different perspective on Frankfurt’s sights.

More Great Tours Nearby

Hidden Gems and Views

While the main focus is on solving riddles, you’ll also get glimpses of some of Frankfurt’s stunning night scenery. The Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) over the Main River provides a view worth remembering, especially as the city lights sparkle on the water.

Final Stop and Wrap-up

The adventure concludes back at the starting point, Restaurant MyFrankfurt. Some reviews note that the experience ends abruptly, with the tablet shutting off and no further communication, which can leave you wishing for a more satisfying conclusion.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:
– An instructor (for initial setup and support)
– Tablet for navigation
– Riddle package with clues and puzzles
– Guided route through Frankfurt’s historic streets
– Support from event organizers

Not Included:
– Entry to museums or inside churches
– Sightseeing buildings’ interiors

This means that if you’re hoping for a comprehensive tour of attractions like museums or churches, you won’t get that here. Instead, it’s more about outdoor exploration and puzzle-solving.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Good Stuff

We loved the concept of mixing sightseeing with a puzzle game. The idea of solving riddles at landmarks like the Römer and Kaiserdom makes the sightseeing feel more engaging and memorable. Plus, the fact that it’s at night adds an extra layer of atmosphere—little streets lit softly, fewer crowds, and a more intimate vibe.

Several reviews highlight the stunning views and the fun of navigating the city in this unusual way. Julia’s review points out that trying something new was a highlight, even if the ending felt a bit abrupt. The puzzles are tricky, which makes the activity more challenging and rewarding.

The Challenges

However, some issues have been noted: GPS guidance doesn’t always work perfectly, leading to some lost time or confusion. One reviewer wished for a more polished ending, as the tablet simply shut off without further messages, leaving a bit of a letdown.

The price, at around $34 per person, is reasonable considering the length and the interactive nature of the activity. Still, it’s worth noting that it’s quite a short experience (about 1.5 hours), so don’t expect a full evening of entertainment.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This activity is best suited for groups who enjoy puzzles, outdoor exploration, and a touch of mystery. It’s a great choice for friends, colleagues on a team-building outing, or couples looking for something playful and different. It’s less ideal if you’re expecting a guided tour with lots of historical facts or inside visits; this is more about the experience and the chase.

If you’re traveling with children or looking for a relaxed sightseeing day, this might not be the best fit. But for those who love a good challenge and a bit of adventure, it provides a fun, memorable way to see Frankfurt’s night-lit streets.

Final Thoughts

This “Criminal Hunt at Night” offers a nice twist on exploring Frankfurt, combining iconic sights with an interactive storyline. While it’s not perfect—GPS glitches and a somewhat abrupt ending are some downsides—the core idea is fun and engaging. It’s a relatively affordable way to see the city from a different angle, especially if you’re a puzzle enthusiast.

The experience shines brightest when you’re with a group that enjoys teamwork and solving riddles. It’s a light-hearted, active way to spend an evening, and you’ll walk away with a new perspective on Frankfurt’s historic heart, along with some fun memories of the chase.

If you’re after a lively, interactive activity that balances sightseeing with a challenge, this could definitely be worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While it’s not explicitly labeled as family-friendly, the activity involves puzzles and outdoor exploration, which could appeal to older children or teenagers. However, the focus on solving riddles and some complexity might be better suited for teens and adults.

How long does the tour last?
It typically takes about 1.5 hours, making it a quick but engaging activity for an evening outing.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The activity is available in both German and English, so language shouldn’t be a barrier if you’re comfortable with either.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Nope, just arrive at the starting point with your group. The tablet, puzzle kit, and instructions are provided.

Can I join this activity alone?
It’s designed for private groups, but you might be able to join with a smaller party if available. It’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the listed price covers all the activity’s essentials. You’ll only need to pay for any extras if you decide to visit inside buildings or museums separately, which are not included here.

In the end, if you love a good puzzle, enjoy exploring city streets at night, and want something a little different from the usual sightseeing, this criminal hunt could be just your thing. Keep in mind the GPS hiccups and sudden ending, but overall, it offers a fun, memorable way to experience Frankfurt’s historic charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: