The business and financial centre of Germany, the largest city in the German state of Hesse and one of the busiest airports in the world. However, if you delve further into the futuristic skyline of Frankfurt, you will find a bustling city which much to offer in terms of a holiday destination. Located on the River Main, hence its full name Frankfurt-am-Main, Frankfurt prides itself as being a city of contrasts. Some of the finest buildings in the continent host establishments such as the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, but nestled among them are many museums, theatres and a highly-proclaimed opera house. Take a walk along its bustling and cosmopolitan streets to come face to face with intact beautiful 19th century streets and parks which are often overlooked.
Where to stay
Booking a bed and breakfast or a private apartment is a great way to enjoy your stay in Frankfurt. Browse through the listings on HomeToGo to find accommodation rented out by friendly hosts who are more than happy to provide top tips and insider advice about the bustling city. As well as entire self-catering apartment, hosts offer cosy private rooms as a cheap alternative to hotels. Book into a charming bed and breakfast in Frankfurt to benefit not only from key tourist tips, but also a tasty breakfast. Some visitors may be lucky enough to have their host rustle up the local delicacy of handkäse mit musik; curdled quark cheese in a cylindrical shape and rolled by hand. A city with aspects suiting any type of traveller is certainly worth exploring!
Fun Facts
- It is estimated that over 180 different nationalities live and work in Frankfurt!
- Frankfurt is home to one of the 2 tallest skyscrapers in the European Union!
- The Zeil Shopping Street is one of the most crowded in Germany!
- The world record of the most international destinations served belongs to Frankfurt International Airport!
- Founded in 1909 in Frankfurt was the German Airship Transport Corporation, the world’s first airline!
Things to see and do in Frankfurt
As it is hard to miss Frankfurt’s towering buildings, who not fully embrace them by getting a bit closer? The simply titled Main Tower is the only high-rise building city that is open to the public. Climb to a viewing platform 200 metres high to look over the city and its surrounding area. Although the European Central Bank cannot be entered by the public, there is a little gift shop inside where you can mark the time you saw this fabulous building. The best way to enjoy the city skyline, however, is to stand at the Main River Bridges.
Take a tour around historic Frankfurt by starting at Römerberg which is the old centre of Frankfurt. Although many of its historic buildings were destroyed during World War II, visitors to the area can still view the 12th century Alte Nikolaikirche Church, the 19th century Eiserne Steg Bridge and the Rententurm, a 15th century fortified tower in late Gothic style. Close to Römergerg is the stunning Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral. Cross the river to the beautiful area of Sachsenhausen which is famous for its old cider bars.
Frankfurt is filled with museums of all kinds! When around the Sachsenhausen area, take the time to stop by the Architektur Museum (German Architecture Museum), Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum) and Museum Giersch (Museum of Regional Historic Art and Culture). Defintely a museum to be put on the list is the Naturmuseum Senckenberg (Nature Museum Seckenberg), one of the most famous museums in Frankfurt. Its biggest attractions are the dinosaur skeletons and the collection of preserved animals. Those disappointed they couldn’t enter the European Central Bank should stop by Geldmuseum der Deutschen Bundesbank (Money Museum of the German Central Bank) which is a museum about money and its history.
Visitors can also find some beautiful green areas spotted around the city where they can sit and relax. Palmengarten is Frankfurt's botanic garden where many special exhibitions and events are held throughout the year. Grüneburgpark a very popular spot and is the city’s largest public park.
Getting around
Frankfurt International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, and is the most common arrival point for anyone visiting the city from outside Germany. Central Frankfurt can be easily reached from the airport by taxi, bus of S-Bahn (train). Frankfurt/Hahn Airport can also be used to reach the city but visitors should be warned that it is a 2-hour drive away. Three major train stations can be found in Frankfurt; the main station (Hauptbahnhof), the South Station (Südbahnhof) and the Airport (Flughafen Fernbahnhof). Many cities throughout the country are connected to Frankfurt using these stations. The city can also be reached using various trans-European bus lines and by car.
Public transportation is the best way to travel around Frankfurt, and various train (S-Bahn), underground (U-Bahn), tram and bus stops can be easily found. Visitors planning to explore the city this way should consider buying a Frankfurt Card which allows unlimited travel on Frankfurt's public transport system and discounts in many museums. While travelling by car is not recommended due to heavy traffic, Frankfurt is bike-friendly and features an expansive network of bike lanes. Many rental-bike companies are present throughout the city.
