As the financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt often gets a bad rap for being boring, expensive and ugly. Now I know I’ve not always written the nicest things about Hessen and the people that live there, but I also know that many people end up there because of their jobs and they really don’t have much other option. So whether you’re visiting Frankfurt am Main for business or pleasure, do not despair. It’s got some nice architecture, fun things to do and there are always plenty of people around to become friends with. I fully believe that you have to make the best of any situation you find yourself in, and that’s certainly what we did for the last 11 years, during which we usually managed to keep ourselves well fed and entertained!
Source: Swisscan
Five authentic German restaurants serving specialties of Hessen
- Fichtekränzi — an institution in Frankfurt. A typical Apfelwein bar & restaurant, you definitely need to reserve a seat before heading off here. It gets full really quickly and it’s not a very large place. But the food is great, especially anything typically Hessisch like Grüne Soss (a combination of herbs and cream, usually served over boiled potatoes and with eggs or steamed pork on the side.)
- Gerbermühle — If you’re looking for a great beergarten atmosphere and some quality food, this is one of the best places to go. Only open in the summer, you will probably need to reserve a table to get seated on a nice day or show up early. It’s situated right on the Main river under a bunch of trees and there’s usually a breeze. There’s also space for kids to run around and blow off steam while adults enjoy a few beers.
- Schlossplatz in Höchst –This is a bit more off the beaten path of Frankfurt (but still easy to get to with the S-Bahn) but the ambiance (and food) is worth it. This area holds a special place in our hearts because when we first moved to Frankfurt, we lived there. Any of the three restaurants in the area in front of the Höchst castle are fantastic, but we typically go to Alte Zollwache or Zum Bären. The beer gardens get very full on a warm, sunny day, even with there being 3 of them side-by-side – so go early or call for a reservation. Eat the Handkäse mit Musik for a local treat (a type of cheese marinated in vinegar, chopped white onion and a hint of caraway seeds — and served with fresh dark bread). Take a stroll or bike ride down by the Main River afterwards to relax and help all the food settle. If you’re here on a Saturday morning, also be sure to walk a few blocks to the city center where you will find (IMO) one of the best farmers’ markets in Frankfurt.
- Zum gemalten Haus – Another typical Apfelwein bar in Sachsenhausen, you can get all the classic German and Hessen specialties here in a nice atomosphere (especially if you manage to sit outside). Try some of the weekly specials for great local dishes at a decent price. Like many other restaurants, they are closed Mondays.
- Gaststätte Schreiber-Heyne – This place has a great atmosphere and extremely traditionally Hessen food at reasonable prices. Try the Wurstsalat, Frankfurter Schnitzel (served with Grüne Soß) or Rippchen mit Kraut (pork ribs with sauerkraut). Reservations can be made via phone or email.
Source: Maitri
Five cool Frankfurt neighborhoods:
- City – The downtown area has some nice historical places to visit (like the Römer) and lots of shopping (the Zeil and all its side streets) and restaurants. It’s also easy to get from here to other areas of the city which all branch out from here.
- Sachsenhausen – This is where most of the nightlife happens around Frankfurt, from bars to restaurants and a lot of people come here to party. But do keep in mind that finding someplace open on Mondays may be tough, since it’s the one night that many places close down to recoup. There are some quiet areas if you want to live here as well, which are a bit more off the beaten path.
- Bockenheim – The Goethe Universität (one of Germany’s biggest universities) used to be located here, so a lot of the area is still very focused on students from cafes to copy shops to bookstores.
- Banking district – Plenty of skyscrapers and fascinating architecture, this area is what gives Frankfurt the nickname “Mainhatten.” It’s right outside the city center and you can’t miss all the big banking names on the buildings – but if you’re thinking of stopping for a coffee or bite to eat, you might want to head to another area of the city that’s not quite as pricey or inundated with bankers.
- Kaiserstrasse – Just across from the Hauptbahnhof (main train station), the red light district of Frankfurt might sound like an alluring place, and from time to time a new hot spot will open up there, but they rarely stick around. It’s a rougher area of the city and you should watch your back (and your wallet) if you venture into this zone.
Source: wecand
Five of the most romantic spots in Frankfurt:
- Palmengarten – Whether you’re just looking to take a stroll through the quiet park-like areas, view some exotic plants and flowers, or bring your own picnic lunch; the Palmengarten is a beautiful way to escape the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt. The Lichterfest/Festival of Lights (usually in early June) when the gardens are decorated with candles is not to be missed – nor are the fireworks during these events.
- Taunus Therme – For a relaxing, sensual and romantic day out, there is no better place than the Taunus Therme. Whether you stay all day or just a few hours, the ample saunus, quiet areas, pools and other amenities will help you unwind after a long week at work, or pamper yourself for a night out on the town. Also be sure to watch out for discounts from time to time on Groupon, where you can buy a full day ticket for the price of just a few hours.
- Dinner on top of the world in the Main Tower – There are few buildings in Frankfurt which are open to the public where you can get a glimpse of the city from above – but the Main Tower offers a unique experience to dine from the top floor, offering spectacular views of the city. If you can manage to catch a sunset from those heights, there’s sure to be a happy ending to your evening.
- English Theatre – If catching a good play or musical is on your romantic list, then the English Theatre is a great place to catch a show you’re sure to love. Plus you’ll be able to understand every word!
- Pleasure cruise, gondola and cable car round trip in Rüdesheim – What’s more romantic than spending a day in wine country? Taking a quaint tour through the countryside by boat, cable car and gondola of course! The departure times are flexible and the views from each area are well worth the price – but there is a little hiking involved and only parts of it are practical with small kids or dogs. Go off into one of the side streets or into the more quiet parts of the town to avoid the usual tourist fair and lower quality dinner.
The view from the Main Tower. Source: Sveniboy
Five must-see monuments, museums or galleries:
- Museumsufer – This stretch of riverfront along the Main River, which also happens to be home to a large number of museums in Frankfurt, is a great place to grab a bite to eat, take a stroll, walk your dog, go for a bike ride or roller blade. And in August (as well as at other times during the year), it becomes home to large festival.
- Senckenburg Museum – A great place for natural history buffs and kids, the Senckenburg, located in an old villa, has a lot to offer with its great collection of dinosaur bones, gem collection, animals and body parts preserved in formaldehyde and/or stuffed and much more. It’s a big hit with both kids and adults!
- Dialog Museum – Get a taste of what it’s like to be blind in the Dialog Museum. This unique experience will really help you appreciate your other senses on a whole new level. There’s also a restaurant to dine in darkness.
- Ebbelwoi Express — Take a one-hour tour of Frankfurt in a completely relaxed and fun way, via a tram car, with plenty of Apfelwein (or apple juice) and pretzels along the way.
- Hessen Park – This is a living museum of history of the Hessen area and its homes, people and lifestyles of the past are well preserved here. Walk acre after acre of old Fachwerk/timber frame houses and learn more about the simpler way of life which was so prevalent hundreds of years ago. Fun for adults and kids too. And you can also stop for a bite to eat or shop at any of their shops for cheeses, handmade products and more.
