A gorgeous old town, huge book fair and famous Frankfurter sausage seal the deal for reasons to visit this hub of big business and high finance on the River Main.
Go beyond visiting Frankfurt’s large stock exchange and headquarters of the European Central Bank to explore hidden, yet not forgotten, influences of the past. Amidst gleaming structures, you’ll find Gothic and Renaissance architecture, iconic cathedrals and distinctive markets.
Ever evolving, Frankfurt lies at the nexus of epochs and cultures, bridging past and future. It also serves as an excellent home base for exploration within Germany, including nearby Heidelberg and its beloved, eponymous castle.
Things to do in Frankfurt
Get your bearings as you ascend to the rooftop observation platform of the Main Tower, where you’re met with a panoramic view of Frankfurt and the surrounding region, including the distant Taunus Mountains.
Continue your Frankfurt wanderings inRömerberg, the city’s historic central square. Admire the half-timbered buildings, which were rebuilt after World War II and nod to what the city’s medieval core once looked like. Be sure to check out the bronze Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen fountain in the area, first inaugurated in 1543. It ran with wine in 1612 when Matthias was coronated. If you’re visiting the city in December, don’t miss the atmospheric Christmas market held in Römerberg.
Take time out from the urban bustle at the Palmengarten, a serene oasis reminiscent of Renaissance gardens. Tour the Tropicarium, with its 14 greenhouses that showcase everything from rain forest to dry desert climates. Goethe fans can visit a garden that pays homage to the city’s famous poet, who was also a passionate gardener. Don’t overlook the park’s most renowned building, the 18-metre (59-foot) Palm House.
Return to the bustling streets of Frankfurt for shopping along the Zeil promenade with clothing, footwear, jewellery, home goods, electronics and more. At the eastern end of the pedestrian-friendly part of Zeil, sit for a while and enjoy a snack or beverage in Konstablerwache square.
Frankfurt’s history and culture
Despite its prevalent banks, big business and trade shows, including the world-famous Frankfurt Book Fair, the Main metropolis area still exudes history and culture. Incredible museums, stunning performing arts venues and characterful food markets celebrate the city’s tapestry of treasures.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Städel Museum, founded in 1815 and renowned for its excellent collection of European art from such masters as Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne, as well as modern pieces by Francis Bacon and Gerhard Richter.
At the Goethe House Museum, poetry fans can learn about the life of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a prolific Romantic-era poet. Within the museum, which was completely rebuilt after World War II, discover the inspirations for his literary masterpiece “Faust”,and view artifacts from his life, including a toy puppet theatre.
Attend a show at the Alter Oper, which houses two large music halls, four parlours and five foyers behind its historical façade. Enjoy a meal before the performance at the in-house Restaurant Opera. The largest theatre of the spoken word in the Rhine-Main region, the Schauspiel Frankfurt is another beloved cultural platform.
Dining and nightlife in Frankfurt
For a wide array of dining choices, make your way to one of Frankfurt’s best culinary streets, Fressgass. Made up of the Grosse Bockenheimer Strass and Kalbächer Gasse, connecting Opera Square to Rathenau Square, the pedestrian zone offers a range of delicacies, including local, regional and international flavours. From cafés to bistros, bars to all-day restaurants, it’s easy to find something for any meal.
Find more variety at the Kleinmarkthalle, with more than 150 stalls selling fresh foods, produce and flowers. Pick up Frankfurt’s famous “Green Sauce” while you’re there, a delicate blend of fresh herbs, yogurt, sour cream and oil.
In Sachsenhausen or the village-like Bornheim district, stop into a traditional cider tavern to sip the regional apfelwein, which goes exceptionally well with Frankfurter sausages. In Bornheim, find the most dining and entertainment choices along Berger Strasse, an area also known for its jazz clubs, indie cultural venues and twice-weekly farmers market. For trendy nightlife, stay in Sachsenhausen or head to Bahnhofsviertel.
Getting around Frankfurt
Fly into the busy Frankfurt Airport, then get around the city via public transportation. The well-maintained, safe and fairly punctual system includes U-Bahn subways, S-Bahn commuter trains, trams and buses and makes up one of the country’s largest public transport networks.
