Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s financial capital, famous for its dramatic modern skyline, earning it the nickname “Mainhattan.” It serves as a major European transport and commerce hub.

Despite its modern veneer, the city boasts a rich history, centered around the rebuilt Römerberg square and the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It is a city of sharp contrasts.

Orientation

Frankfurt’s public transport is highly efficient, utilizing the U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (suburban train) to cover the city and region. The central areas are easily walkable.

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The Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is a key hub for local and international travel. The airport is seamlessly connected to the city center via the S-Bahn lines S8 and S9.

Shopping

The central shopping mile is Zeil, a pedestrian zone featuring large department stores, international chains, and major retail outlets, including the famous Zeilgalerie mall.

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For high-end luxury brands, explore the beautiful Goethestraße. The area around the Kleinmarkthalle offers gourmet food products, local wine, and regional specialties.

Gastronomy

The quintessential local drink is Apfelwein (apple wine or Ebbelwoi), typically served in a ribbed glass (Geripptes). Pair it with Frankfurt’s green sauce (Grüne Soße), made with seven fresh herbs.

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Sample hearty local dishes like Frankfurter Würstchen (sausages) or Handkäse mit Musik (sour milk cheese). The Sachsenhausen district is the best place to find traditional Apfelwein taverns.

Additional days in Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s central location in Germany makes it an excellent rail hub for exploring historic castles, charming wine regions, and important German cities.

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Take a scenic trip along the Rhine River to the Rheingau wine region. Famous for its Riesling, you can visit medieval castles and vineyards, enjoying river cruises and wine tastings.

Travel by train to Heidelberg (approx. one hour), known for its romantic hilltop Heidelberg Castle ruins and its beautifully preserved baroque old town. The city is home to Germany’s oldest university.

Visit the historic spa town of Wiesbaden (close by) with its elegant architecture and thermal baths. Alternatively, explore the nearby Taunus Mountains for hiking and nature escapes.

Museums

The Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) along the Main River is home to several world-class institutions. Key venues include the Städel Museum, known for its European Masters from the 14th century to modern art.

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Visit the Schirn Kunsthalle, a contemporary art museum, and the Deutsches Architekturmuseum (German Architecture Museum). The Senckenberg Natural History Museum features famous dinosaur skeletons and paleontological exhibits.

Other Highlights

Explore the picturesque, medieval-style Römerberg square, the heart of the Old Town, featuring the historical City Hall (Römer). Walk across the Eiserner Steg, a pedestrian iron bridge adorned with love locks.

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Ascend the Main Tower (Frankfurt’s only skyscraper with a public viewing platform) for panoramic views of the entire skyline and the surrounding area. Stroll along the scenic Main River embankment.

Nightlife

The traditional nightlife hub is the Sachsenhausen district, famed for its cozy, rustic Apfelwein taverns (Ebbelwoi-Kneipen) and pub-crawls in the Alt-Sachs area.

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For a sophisticated experience, the areas around the Old Opera House and the financial district offer trendy cocktail bars, lounges, and late-night clubs popular with the city’s cosmopolitan crowd.