What to do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is an easy city to navigate and if exploring is your deed this is best done on foot so not to miss anything.

Explore Römerberg

The historical centre of Frankfurt is home to colourful timbered buildings and several medieval buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Most buildings were destroyed during World War II but many have been restored to reflect what they used to look like. It’s a picturesque spot to stroll and take in the local pace of life, grab a beer and souvenir shopping.

The Eiserner Steg 

Otherwise known as the Iron Bridge, this pedestrian bridge connects the downtown core to the Sachsenhausen district. Built in 1869, the bridge provides unique views of the city from over the Main River from which the city takes its full name “Frankfurt am Main” (Frankfurt on the Main). It’s definitely worth a stroll along the banks of the Main river. It’s additionally the spot to purchase tickets for the river cruise.

Sachsenhausen District

South of the Main River, Sachsenhausen has many of the best cider taverns and pubs in the city. After visiting some pubs, take a stroll along the Main River and enjoy the view. Sachsenhausen is also known for Museumsufer, a row of 38 museums along the river with themes exploring the arts, architecture and Jewish history. I visited the end of August and was fortunate enough to witness a food and beer festival along the riverbank. This area in addition offers some great places to eat.

Main Tower

The most rewarding views over Frankfurt are from the top of the 56 floor Main Tower, the only high-rise that’s open to the public. Named after the Main river, from here you can take the lift up to a viewing platform overlooking Frankfurt’s skyline. Arrive early as it becomes very busy. I arrived at 10am and there was a queue of people waiting. Tickets to the observation deck are €9 (GB£7.60). It’s worth booking your tickets online as you can ‘jump’ the queue.

Goethe House

Born in Frankfurt in 1749, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is considered Germany’s most important writer. He was a poet, playwright, novelist and theater director. Destroyed during World War II, the Goethe House was restored with its original furniture, paintings and books that belonged to the family. You can also see his writing desk, where he wrote his most famous work ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther‘ in 1774.

Frankfurt Cathedral

Also known as St Bartholomew cathedral, dedicated to the saint,  is a Roman Catholic church located in the heart of Frankfurt. It is the largest religious building in the city. Sadly on my visit it was closed inside for a function.

Kirchenmusik Dreikönig 

Located in the Sachsenhausen district this small Protestant church brings the local communities for song and dance.

Old European Central Bank

The ECB or European Central Bank used to be locatedin the Willy Brand Platz near to the Bahnhofsviertel. The iconic Euro sign was the headquarters of the former ECB. In recent years, they have a brand new state of the art and huge building right on the Main in the Ostend.

River Cruise

The walk along the Main river is very pleasant on a sunny warm day. The cruises leave every hour on the hour between 1000 and 1900 in the Summer months.

You can either choose a 50 minute or 100 minute option. Essentially, the boat does two loops around the Frankfurt area; one to the west, and one to the east. If you book the 50 minute option you will only do one of the loops whereas the 100 minute will give you the whole package.

The cost of the cruise is €10.80 (GB£9.10) for the 50 minute loop and €13.80 (GB£11.60) for the full 100 minute loop. The best views are definitely on the 100 minute loop as you’ll see the Frankfurt skyline in all its glory. Tickets are purchased from a kiosk next to the Steg Iron Bridge.

Kleinmarkthalle

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience head across to Kleinmarkthalle for a huge assortment of high quality fresh produce, delicatessen items and wine, handmade German regional products and international favourites. There are various small eateries with seafood, Italian specialties and much more. It’s a great place to wander around especially on a rainy day. the market is open daily from 8am. Closed Sundays.

Eschenheimer Turm

Eschenheim Tower was a city gate, part of the late medieval fortifications of Frankfurt and is a landmark of the city. At the base of the tower are now outdoor restaurants overlooking the square.

Alte Oper (Opera House)

Alte Oper is a concert hall in Frankfurt located within the banking district of Frankfurt. Built is 1880 as the city’s opera house was destroyed during WWII in 1944 but restored to its former beauty. There are plenty of eateries neighbouring but mindful sold at a premium.

Natural History Museum and S-Bahn Station

The Senckenberg Natural History museum is located at Senckenberganlage 25 and is the second largest natural history museum in Germany. It’s a very short stroll from Brockenheimer Warte, which is a tourist attraction in itself. Take the S-Bahn to Brockenheimer Warte station for both attractions. Tickets for the museum are €12 (GB£10)

Hauptewache

If shopping and eating are your thing then head across to Hauptwache Plaza. This is the centre of Frankfurt where you can peruse all the retail outlets from high street to premium brands.

Where to eat

So now that you know what to do, the next most and perhaps just as important thing is where to eat! There are a plethora of great restaurants serving all types of cuisines in Frankfurt. Here are a few places I visited.

Goldene Wagge – www.goldenewaage.com

Located at Markt 5, 60311 (opposite Frankfurt cathedral), this is a must for cake lovers. Either dine or or take away the infamous German Crown Cake with a coffee. Yummy!

German Sausage Stands

German is known for its various sausages called ‘Wurst’. It’s basically a massive hot dog! Defiantly worth a stop for one. I only paid €5 (GB4.20)

Prunk – www.prunk-ffm.de

Located at Markt 12, 60311 (located near Frankfurt Cathedral), is a small cocktail bar that offers a great place to people watch. I had a refreshing Limoncello Spritz.

Neuer Wall (Sachsenhausen District)

By far one of my favourite spots to eat in Frankfurt was in the Sachsenhausen district, South of the Main river. Head for Neuer Wall Square (if you type in maps 9 Neuer Wall it will drop you off at the right end of the street). Here you will discover some typical German eateries with indoor/outdoor seating.

Hoppenworth & Ploch

If you fancy a short break from all the exploring then make your way to Hoppenworth & Ploch located at Markt 22, 60311 in the Römerberg district of the city. They offer plentiful cakes, coffee and sandwiches.

Conclusion

Germany yet surprised me and Frankfurt was certainly a pleasant surprise. Although Frankfurt is very much an industrial city there was still enough to do to make up my weekend visit. That said, Frankfurt shops do close on a Sunday so plan your museum visits for that day otherwise you may find it tricky to occupy yourself.

The city is clean and the historical districts are certainly architecturally beautiful. There are numerous museums to keep you interested and outdoor parks to wander. Frankfurt is worthy of a weekend visit.

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