Also called Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt is a city of delightful contrasts. While the fifth most populous city of Germany is often known as a financial powerhouse and a business hub, it is also home to a an eclectic town centre that has a deep historic core. Thus, it is a city where swanky high-rise buildings with shiny glass facades jostle space with half timbered houses hosted on winding alleys.
A bustling city that is about 350 miles from the capital city of Berlin, Frankfurt offers a plethora of sights spanning art, history, culture and much more. Perched on the river Main which is what gives the city its full name, Frankfurt is divided by this tributary of the Rhine into the historic quarter and the new economic and financial hub. The river Main along with its bridges as well as the walkways, promenades, cocktail bars and restaurants located on its banks forms an intrinsic part of the city’s culture and character.
Historic City Centre
Mentioned in historical records dating as early as 794 AD, Frankfurt is believed to have existed since the Roman era. It was in the early 13th century that it flourished as a free imperial city and in 1815 it became a seat of the federal government. The Historical Museum Frankfurt aka the Historisches Museum Frankfurt is one of the best places to learn about the history and evolution of the city. The Archaeological Museum Frankfurt (Archäologisches Museum) again has an insightful collection of remains right from the Neolithic period to the modern era.
It is key to note that a major part of the old town was destroyed by a bombing in early 1944. It was however reconstructed and restored painstakingly and today has about 35 buildings with historical significance which is the reason why this quarter is often called the New Old Town. The vibrant Romerberg square full of half-timbered buildings with its signature steep gables is an ideal place to start your exploration of the old quarter. This square also houses the iconic city call aka Romer which is a complex of around 11 houses connected with one another. It is the seat of Frankfurt’s government and has the council and municipal administration offices of the city.
Climb the 95-meter spire of what is arguably the city’s most famous church, the Frankfurt Cathedral to enjoy some stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While here you can also visit the home of one of Germany’s most famous writers, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Known as the Goethe house, this house has been restored and transformed into an interesting museum showcasing the life and times of the writer. While the St. Paul’s church is another popular place to visit, make sure you stop by the bustling Kleinmarkthalle. This food market is a great way to soak in, quite literally, the local flavours of the city. With scores of stalls retailing fresh fruits, vegetables and native specialities like the Frankfurt green sauce, this market is a haven for food and culture lovers.
As always, the quarters of the old town is best explored by foot and it is recommended to take a guided walk to capture the essence of the historic area.
Diverse Attractions
Whether you are a history buff, culture vulture or a nature lover, there is never a dull moment when you are in Frankfurt. Take a walk along the pedestrian bridge over the Main River for some wonderful views of the city’s skyline or spend some time in Palmengarten which is the largest botanical garden in Germany. The latter with its greenhouses, waterbodies, attractive flowers and foliage is a perfect place for picnics too.
Located on the southern bank of the river Main is Sachsenhausen which is a densely populated area known for its traditional apple wine bars. Also known as “Ebbelwei” or “Ebbelwoi“, they are a local speciality and if you are a food and wine lover, this area must be on your list. Also located on the south bank is the city’s famous Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). This museum quarter which includes the German Film, Architecture and Städel museums amongst others, is ideal for museum hoppers. If you want to see the modern side of the city, head over to Bankenviertel aka the Banking Quarter which is the central financial district. Home to some awe-inspiring skyscrapers, these buildings house some very important buildings like the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the European Central Bank. If you are looking for a bit of an adventure, climb the 200-meter Main tower which is a sky scraper that offers breathtaking views of the river as well as the surrounding region.
Christmas Time in Frankfurt
Christmas time is almost magical in Frankfurt with musical events, authentic Christmas markets, parades and much more. There are special markets for children and even the LGBTQ community. Given that Germany is home to the oldest festive markets, one can find handmade ornaments, wooden toys as well as exclusive nativity sets here. The markets have more than 200 stalls and many of them also retail an array of local specialities that include bethmännchen (marzipan) and Bratwurst (grilled sausage). It is a wonderful outing for the family as apart from shopping and gastronomical delights, children can engage in carousel rides and even meet Santa Claus.
