Frankfurt Oder is, of course, characterised by water, not only the river Oder, but also Lake Helene and Lake Katja. In fact, as many as 98 lakes and ponds and 178 running creeks and streams can be found within the city and its districts.

Frankfurt is also a green city, with 16 parks and green squares. Lennépark is Frankfurt's largest and most important park, with winding paths and the watercourse of the former moat. Laid out 180 years ago, making it Germany’s second-oldest public park, the 760-hectare city forest welcomes joggers at any time of the year and mushroom pickers in autumn.

There is a thriving musical scene in Frankfurt Oder, with the historic Concert Hall serving as the home of the Brandenburg State Orchestra. Several music festivals take place during the warmer months as well. Take a walk through Lennépark to the Kleist-Forum, where you will find a diverse mixture of concerts, classical dramas, modern stagings, and a wide variety of music, from musicals to operettas.

On the river, the island Ziegenwerder is a worthwhile attraction with beautiful parks, a theatre, cinema, restaurant, and seasonal cultural events.

Due to its proximity to Poland, Frankfurt Oder plays a special role in German–Polish relations and European integration. The European University Viadrina, which is based in Frankfurt, has one of its buildings in Poland, in the neighbouring town of Słubice.

The university also has a number of projects and initiatives dedicated to bringing Poland and Germany together, and offers its students free Polish courses.

Slightly further away, but certainly no less significant, Berlin has an outsized influence on Frankfurt. It is conveniently located only 80 kilometres away from Frankfurt (Oder), making it a practical base for commuters who work in the city, but call Frankfurt home. Travelling in the other direction, many students take advantage of the courses available at Frankfurt’s university, while still being based in Berlin and enjoying everything the city has to offer. All the benefits of big-city life are easily accessible to Frankfurt’s residents: Alexanderplatz can be reached via the regional express train in only 40 minutes.

Aside from its closeness to Berlin, Frankfurt Oder is well situated, with many other cities and attractions within close vicinity. Lake Helene, a pretty, man-made lake, is easily accessible by bicycle. Neuzelle Abbey, a Cistercian monastery built in the Baroque style, is only 35 kilometres south of Frankfurt by car, the Spreewald is only 70 kilometres away, and the Niederfinow Boat Lift lies 80 kilometres northwards. Potsdam is an easy daytrip away.