CityTouring
City trip to Frankfurt
GermanyFrankfurt, a vibrant and bustling city located in the heart of Germany, is renowned for being a major financial hub, earning it the nickname 'Mainhattan' due to its impressive skyline dominated by high-rise buildings. Beyond the business façade, Frankfurt offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity. Visitors can explore the historic Römer, a medieval building housing city hall, and stroll along the cobbled streets of the Altstadt, or old town. The city is also home to numerous museums along the Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment, including the acclaimed Städel Museum, and offers picturesque views along the River Main.
Frankfurt hosts vibrant festivities such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and seasonal events in the beautiful Palmengarten. With an efficient public transit system, navigating the city is convenient, allowing travelers to enjoy its culinary scene, ranging from traditional apple wine taverns to gourmet dining options. This blend of new and old, traditional and modern, makes Frankfurt an intriguing destination for those eager to experience the heartbeat of urban Germany.
Römer
The Römer is a historic building in Frankfurt, renowned for its striking medieval architecture and its function as the city hall for over 600 years. Located in the Römerberg square, it is a symbol of Frankfurt's rich history. Visitors can explore its beautiful facades, gothic interiors, and learn about its role in imperial ceremonies and city governance.
Palmengarten
Palmengarten is a renowned botanical garden in Frankfurt, featuring an impressive collection of plants from diverse climate zones worldwide. Visitors can explore its thematic greenhouses and outdoor gardens, which host a variety of floral species and beautiful seasonal displays. A haven for nature lovers, Palmengarten offers educational programs and leisurely walks amidst lush greenery, making it a peaceful retreat within the city's bustling environment.
Zeil Shopping Street
Zeil is Frankfurt's bustling shopping promenade, renowned for its lively atmosphere and diverse retail offerings. Stretching over a kilometer, it hosts an array of international brands, chic boutiques, and department stores. The street’s convenient location in the city center makes it a shopper’s paradise. Zeil also features several cafes and eateries, providing plenty of options for a dining break amidst shopping adventures.
Frankfurt is an excellent destination for travelers interested in combining cultural experiences with a taste of modern urban life. It is ideal for business travelers looking to explore beyond the corporate itinerary, given its status as a major financial center. Culture enthusiasts will find the city brimming with historical sites, remarkable museums, and a variety of galleries. The city caters well to foodies with its diverse culinary offerings, ranging from unique local Frankfurt specialties like grüne Soße (green sauce) to international cuisine. Shoppers will enjoy the high-end boutiques along the Zeil, Frankfurt's premier shopping street. Additionally, travelers who appreciate architectural diversity will be drawn to Frankfurt’s combination of traditional buildings alongside avant-garde skyscrapers.
The city may not be as celebrated for its nightlife as other German cities, but it offers a rich array of theatre performances, jazz clubs, and traditional bars. Families and solo travelers alike will find Frankfurt’s efficient public transportation system and the city’s well-organized layout convenient and user-friendly. Overall, whether you're drawn by commerce, culture, or cuisine, Frankfurt has something to offer for a wide array of visitors.
Best time to visit Frankfurt
The best time to visit Frankfurt is during the spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October), when the weather is typically mild and pleasant. These months offer a more comfortable climate for exploring the city, with temperatures ideal for walking tours and outdoor activities. Spring sees the city adorned with blossoms and vibrant green parks, while autumn features stunning foliage and cultural events. Additionally, visiting during these periods avoids the summer heat and high tourist season, providing a more relaxing experience without the large crowds. Winter travellers may also enjoy the festive atmosphere of Frankfurt's Christmas markets, although it can be chilly.
More activities and things to see in Frankfurt:
Städel Museum
The Städel Museum in Frankfurt is renowned for its comprehensive art collection, spanning over 700 years. Visitors can explore works from masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Picasso. The museum offers insight into European art history through paintings, sculptures, and installations across various styles and periods. Its modern architecture complements its historic collections, creating a dynamic cultural experience.
Main Tower
The Main Tower is one of Frankfurt's most iconic skyscrapers, standing at 200 meters high. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its public viewing platform. Visitors can also enjoy dining at the restaurant located on the top floors. The building's modern architecture and unique glass facade make it a standout feature of Frankfurt's skyline.
Goethe House
Goethe House in Frankfurt is the birthplace and family home of the renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This meticulously restored residence offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century middle-class life. Explore period-furnished rooms and Goethe's study, where he wrote many early works. Adjacent, the Goethe Museum showcases art and memorabilia. It's a cultural hub for literary enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Frankfurt Cathedral
Frankfurt Cathedral, or Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus, is a striking Gothic structure in the heart of Frankfurt. Known as a symbol of the city, it played a significant role in Holy Roman Empire history, where emperors were elected and crowned. Visitors can explore its rich interiors and climb the tower for panoramic city views. The cathedral is a testament to the city's cultural and historical heritage.
Senckenberg Museum
The Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany. Famous for its extensive dinosaur exhibits, it showcases a diverse collection of fossils, minerals, and taxidermy. The museum emphasizes evolution and biodiversity, offering interactive displays and detailed exhibits on various species, both extinct and extant. It’s an educational experience, popular with families and science enthusiasts alike.
Eiserner Steg
The Eiserner Steg, a 19th-century iron footbridge in Frankfurt, connects the city center with the district of Sachsenhausen over the Main River. Renowned for its scenic views of the skyline and the river, it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Often adorned with love locks, this pedestrian bridge offers a unique blend of historical architecture and romantic charm.
Kleinmarkthalle
Kleinmarkthalle in Frankfurt is a bustling indoor market hall featuring over 150 stalls offering a diverse selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and gourmet foods. It's a culinary haven for food lovers, showcasing both local German specialties and international delicacies. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to explore, shop, and enjoy freshly prepared meals or snacks.
Museum Embankment
Museum Embankment in Frankfurt is a cultural hub along the River Main, home to a diverse collection of museums. Visitors can explore a range of topics from fine arts to architecture in institutions like the Städel Museum and the German Film Museum. The area offers scenic riverside walks alongside its rich array of exhibitions and cultural events.
Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen is a vibrant district located on the southern bank of the Main River in Frankfurt. Known for its historic apple-wine taverns, this area attracts both locals and tourists seeking authentic regional cuisine and drinks. Visitors can explore charming cobblestone streets, numerous museums like the Museum of World Cultures, and enjoy a lively atmosphere, especially during evenings when the bars come to life.
Getting around in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is known for its efficient and comprehensive public transportation system, making it easy to navigate without a car. The city's public transport is operated by RMV and includes U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses, all of which are well-integrated and frequent. The city itself is quite compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore many of its attractions on foot. Additionally, there are dedicated cycling paths, making biking an excellent alternative for getting around, especially with the numerous bike rental services available. The abundance of taxis and rideshare services also provide flexibility for moving around quickly if needed. Overall, public transportation or cycling are ideal for most tourists wanting to see the sights and experience the city life without the hassle of driving and parking, especially in the central areas where it might be challenging to find parking spots.
Getting to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a major international hub with excellent connectivity worldwide. The city is serviced by Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of the busiest in Europe, offering flights to and from numerous destinations across the globe. This makes flying the most convenient option for international travelers. High-speed trains, such as the ICE, connect Frankfurt to cities like Berlin, Munich, Paris, and Amsterdam efficiently, making train travel an excellent option for those in neighboring countries. The main train station, Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, is well-connected to the city center and offers long-distance and regional services. Long-distance buses provide another economical travel mode, with companies such as FlixBus operating routes to cities across Germany and Europe. All these thoroughly developed transportation options make Frankfurt highly accessible, whether by air or overland travel, ensuring that reaching the city is straightforward for visitors from various origins.
