Things to do in Frankfurt
Described by Lonely Planet as "a cultural hotpot of big city charms", Frankfurt has much to offer visitors, be they dedicated clubbers or culture vultures. Attractions include museums and galleries, outdoor spaces, sightseeing and an exciting nightlife.
Frankfurt was heavily bombed during World War II, which sadly means that much of its medieval charms were destroyed. Remnants of the old city still remain, however, and for travellers with a taste for beautiful historic architecture, it's worth exploring to find some of the city's hidden charms. Romer is Frankfurt's historical town hall, built in the 15th century, while the old opera house Alte Opera also attracts its fair share of visitors. For those looking for somewhere tranquil to escape, the 19th century Palmen Gardens offer a beautiful retreat from the city bustle and can be a particularly enticing option after a hard night in one of Frankfurt's many clubs.
Perversely, it is this lack of historical sites that has given Frankfurt its character. Frankfurt is often nicknamed "Mainhatten" - after the River Main running through it - or the "Big Appel" - refering to the apple wine and cider particular to the region - in reference to its impressive, modern cityscape. Boasting 11 skyscrapers over 150 metres tall, Frankfurt is one of the most architecturally dynamic cities in Europe. Visitors should head to the observation deck on the Main Tower for the most impressive views over the city.
The Romerberg area of the city was badly hit during the war and has now been rebuilt as a tourist attraction and is a popular meeting place for visitors to the city. The Sachsenhausen area has been pedestrianised and cobbled and it is easy to pleasantly waste a day exploring its charms. The area is famed for its many old cider pubs and visitors are well advised to sample Frankfurt's famous apple wine while they are there.
As the financial hub of Europe, the city's banking district has become an attraction in its own right, but has also helped fuel the cultural appeal of the city at large. Frankfurt can afford to invest more in the arts and culture than other European cities, making for an impressively rich range of cultural attractions. The Historiche Museum covers the city's own history, while a large number of others cater for a diverse range of interests. Anyone planning to make the most of the city's museums is advised to buy a Museum Surfer ticket, which offers reduced prices across the city. Other cultural highlights in the city centre include St Paul's Church, Frankfurt Cathedral, Romer and Goethe-House.
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Things to Do
