Frankfurt Destination Guide
Frankfurt Holidays »
Frankfurt am Main is more than a skyline and a stock exchange; it is a city brimming with history and culture, and mouth-watering culinary treats. Shop ‘the Fifth Avenue of Germany’, visit medieval churches, experience the flavour of local food in one of the famous cider houses, or stroll through the largest inner-city forest in Germany. Once you start exploring, you’ll soon see why Frankfurt deserves more than a mere stop-over.
Top Attractions »
Most of Frankfurt’s city centre was destroyed during World War II, but instead of reconstructing its past, the city opted for modernisation. The modern city centre offers a sharp contrast to the traditional neighbourhoods that surround it, and there’s no better way to see Frankfurt than to get a spectacular bird’s eye view from the Main Tower.
If you enjoy history, architecture and culture, visit the medieval City Hall in Römerberg, which dates back to 1450. See Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, which has been destroyed and rebuilt twice since it was constructed in the 14th century, and Saint Paul’s Church, the cradle of German democracy. A Museumsufer ticket will give you access to 34 museums in and around Frankfurt, such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Senckenberg Museum (the largest museum of natural history in Germany).
If you prefer the outdoors, the botanical gardens will take you on a horticultural journey from the African savannah to the blooming flower gardens of Europe, spread out over more than 20 hectares in various greenhouses. You can see 6 000 different species from around the world!
Where to Eat and Drink »
Wondering what to eat in Frankfurt? Why, a frankfurter, of course! Frankfurter Würstchen are a popular feature of the Frankfurt diet, but the city’s restaurants are about more than sausages. There are plenty of national and international restaurants offering culinary delights. A must-see is the Kleinmarkthalle (farmers’ market hall) in the city centre, where over 60 stalls offer a variety of produce, flowers, exotic spices, meats and cheeses.
Frankfurt also boasts many vibrant pubs and clubs. The city’s signature drink is Apfelwein (or Ebbelwoi, as the Frankfurters say); a light alcoholic apple cider that is produced in the regions around Frankfurt. You can find some of the best and oldest apple cider taverns along the cobblestone streets of the Sachsenhausen district, south of the Old Town.
Where to Stay »
Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury accommodation, a family guesthouse or a camping site, its overnight accommodation is just as varied as Frankfurt itself. Just keep in mind that this city is one of the trade-fair capitals of the world; so, if you don’t want to lose sleep over your accommodation, plan carefully and book early.
Shopping »
There is plenty of opportunity to feed a shopping fetish in the Zeil – one of Europe’s most famous shopping streets, and often referred to as ‘the Fifth Avenue of Germany’. This bustling shopping street offers everything from chic boutiques and international department chains to a modern 10-floor shopping centre, the Zeil Galerie.
If you’re looking for something less glitzy, stroll through one of the city’s many open-air markets. If you’re visiting Frankfurt during the festive season, sip warm apple cider and enjoy the scenery at the Christmas Market in St Paul’s Square as you stroll through more than 200 ornately decorated stalls at one of the most beautiful markets in Europe.
Frankfurt like a Local
Berger Strasse is one of the most popular shopping and dining areas in Frankfurt. It is a pedestrian area dotted with restaurants, cafes, bars and small designer boutiques – everything you need to keep you entertained. It also has its own food festival in June each year and the Bornheim Wine Festival in the summer.
If you have time during the week – it can be crowded on weekends – visit the Eiserner Steg footbridge. Couples engrave their names on locks, attach the locks to the metal framework of the bridge and throw the keys into the river as a symbol of their eternal love.
