Frankfurt is a major city in central Germany and the fifth-largest city in the country. Frankfurt is known for its financial district, which is home to the European Central Bank and numerous other banks and financial institutions. The city is also a hub for international trade and commerce, and hosts some of the world’s largest trade fairs, including the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Frankfurt Motor Show. In addition to its economic significance, Frankfurt is also a cultural centre, with a rich history and a thriving arts scene.
Frankfurt is located in central Germany, in the state of Hesse. It is situated on the banks of the Main River, which flows through the city from east to west. The city covers an area of approximately 248 square kilometres and has a population of over 750,000 people.
The landscape of Frankfurt is mainly flat, with some low hills to the north and east of the city. The surrounding region is known as the Rhine-Main plain, which is a fertile area for agriculture and is home to many small towns and villages.
Frankfurt has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 0 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 20 degrees Celsius. The city receives an average of around 700 millimetres of precipitation per year, with rainfall occurring throughout the year.
Frankfurt has a rich and varied history that dates back over a thousand years. The city was founded by Charlemagne in the early 9th century as a strategic location for a royal palace and a market. The city grew in importance as a trade centre, and by the 14th century, it was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire.
In the 16th century, Frankfurt played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation, with many religious leaders and scholars based in the city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Frankfurt became a centre for enlightenment and liberalism, with important writers and thinkers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller living and working in the city.
In the 20th century, Frankfurt experienced significant damage during World War II, with much of the city destroyed by bombing. However, the city was rebuilt and has since become a major economic and financial centre, as well as an important hub for international trade and commerce.
Frankfurt is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural heritage. The city has a long history of promoting the arts, and there are many cultural institutions, including museums, galleries, theatres, and concert halls. Some of the most important cultural institutions in Frankfurt include the Städel Museum, the Frankfurt Opera House, and the Alte Oper.
Frankfurt is also known for its lively music scene, with many live music venues featuring a range of genres, from classical to rock and pop. The city is home to the Jazzkeller, one of the oldest jazz clubs in Europe, as well as the Batschkapp, a popular venue for live music.
In addition to its cultural institutions, Frankfurt is also known for its festivals and events. The city hosts many important events throughout the year, including the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the world, and the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is known for its festive atmosphere and traditional crafts and food.
The culinary scene in Frankfurt is also diverse, with a range of restaurants featuring traditional German cuisine as well as international cuisine. The city is known for its Apfelwein (apple wine), which is a traditional beverage made from apples and is often enjoyed in the city’s many traditional taverns, known as Apfelweinlokale.
The city has much to offer visitors and is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Along the banks of the River Main in Frankfurt, there is a well-known attraction called the Museum Embankment. The German Film Museum, the Städel Museum, and the Museum of World Cultures are just a few of its amazing collection of museums.
It is a well-liked tourist attraction for both visitors and locals, who come to experience Frankfurt’s rich cultural past and find a variety of artwork, artefacts, and exhibits from around the world. Every museum has a distinctive collection, ranging from historical artefacts and works of mediaeval art to modern installations and multimedia displays.
The annual Museum Embankment Festival, which takes place in August, is one of its highlights. The event brings together food, entertainment, and music from many countries.
The largest botanic garden in Germany and one of three in Frankfurt, the stunning 54-acre Palm Garden (Palmengarten), is situated on Bockenheimer Landstrasse. It was a huge hit with the general public when it first opened in 1871. Some of the best performers of the era were drawn to the attraction from all over the world, including Buffalo Bill, who came in 1890 with his Wild West show.
The German village of Fussen is not far from Neuschwanstein Castle, a Romanesque Revival palace constructed in the 19th century. The castle is renowned for its picture-perfect exterior and commanding hilltop location. It has appeared in many films and television programmes and served as the model for the renowned castle at Disneyland.
Built by King Ludwig II, it is one of Germany’s most visited tourist attractions and a must-see place for individuals who appreciate both history and architecture. The interior of the castle is just as beautiful as the outside, with elaborate decoration and minute details everywhere.
The castle is open for tours, where guests can learn about its history and King Ludwig II’s life. There are numerous outdoor activities available nearby as well.
A famous activity that provides breathtaking views of the Rhine River and its surrounds is the Rhine River Cruise. The opportunity to view breathtaking scenery, quaint towns, and ancient castles along the river is the highlight of the Rhine River Cruise. Many people decide to go on this cruise in order to soak in the beautiful landscape and discover more about the history and culture of the area.
A significant European waterway called the Rhine passes through six nations: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Lorelei Rock, Rüdesheim, and Cologne are some of the cruise’s well-liked ports of call.
The Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg), the second-largest institution of its kind in Germany, is situated in Frankfurt’s Senckenberg Gardens. It is one of the most cutting-edge natural history museums in Europe.
The museum is especially well-liked by families because it holds Europe’s largest exhibition of gigantic dinosaurs in addition to its various displays about the biodiversity of our planet and the development of animals (a number of life-size replica dinosaurs welcome visitors in the museum’s forecourt).
In addition, it has the greatest collection of stuffed birds in the world as well as a comprehensive exhibition tracing the history of mankind. There are English-language excursions available, and if you prefer to explore independently, you can rent audio guides. Regular educational lectures and seminars are also offered.
The stunning colour of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral really makes it stand out. The cathedral nevertheless manages to stand out in this city of skyscrapers because it was constructed of red sandstone in the Gothic style between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it has a 95-metre-tall tower. The coronation of emperors took place in the Election Chapel here from 1562 to 1792, making it one of only a select few churches in Germany to be named an Imperial Cathedral.
The exquisite Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen, created in 1509, is located beneath the tower, and the 1434 Maria-Schlaf-Altar is located in the Marienkapelle. The skullcap of St. Bartholomew, which is placed in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew’s Choir, is the most significant relic in the cathedral.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous author, was born in Frankfurt. Goethe House, where he was born on August 28, 1749, and where he resided until his death in 1765, depicts the lifestyle of the wealthy family and their household staff. From the lavishly adorned dining room on the main floor to Goethe’s writing room on the top floor, where he wrote many of his early works and where he played with his puppet theatre as a youngster, everything is visible.
The Goethe Museum, a 14-room gallery next door, features works of art from the author’s time, including great works from the Late Baroque and Romantic periods. Both facilities provide guided tours for families.
A theme park called Holiday Park is situated in the German town of Haßloch, about an hour’s drive from Frankfurt. With more than 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly activities, it is a well-liked destination for both thrill-seekers and families.
One of the highest and fastest roller coasters in the world, Expedition GeForce, is the park’s main attraction. It is a must-ride for any thrill seeker visiting the park because it is constantly rated as one of the top roller coasters in the world. The park also offers a water park, shows and kiddie rides in addition to a number of other coasters like Sky Scream and Anubis Free Fall Tower. All across the park, there are several options for food and gifts.
Van Gogh Alive is a well-known art exhibition that uses an original and immersive multimedia experience to bring the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh to life. The show, which is in Frankfurt, Germany, features projections of Van Gogh’s artwork on walls, ceilings, and floors along with a specially compiled classical music score.
People go to Van Gogh Alive to experience the work of one of history’s most well-known painters in a fresh and cutting-edge way. In a way that traditional galleries are unable to, the exhibition provides a novel approach for viewers to experience art through technology by immersing them in more than 3,000 of Van Gogh’s pieces. Along with demonstrating the development of Van Gogh’s artwork and aesthetic style, the exhibition places his life in historical perspective.
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path to do in Frankfurt, here are a few ideas:
Frankfurt is situated on the Main River, and there are many boat tours that offer a unique perspective on the city. You can see the skyline and the city’s architecture from a different angle.
This indoor market is a popular spot for locals and features a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other food items. It’s a great place to sample some local specialties and to see how Frankfurt residents shop for food.
Frankfurt has a vibrant street art scene, and there are many murals and other pieces of art located throughout the city. You can take a walking tour or explore on your own to discover some hidden gems.
This museum offers a unique experience for visitors by allowing them to explore the exhibits in complete darkness. It’s designed to simulate the experience of being blind and to help visitors understand what it’s like to navigate the world without sight.
If you’re interested in creating your own street art, there are several workshops in Frankfurt that offer instruction in graffiti techniques. You can learn how to use spray paint and create your own piece of art to take home.
Frankfurt, the fifth-largest city in Germany, is renowned for its culinary diversity, blending traditional and modern flavours. Here are some must-try dishes to eat when in Frankfurt:
Frankfurt’s famous beef sausage is a must-try when visiting the city. It is usually served with bread and mustard.
This tangy herb-based sauce is made from seven different herbs and is served with boiled eggs and potatoes.
This traditional dish consists of sour milk cheese topped with onions, vinegar, and caraway seeds.
Frankfurt’s signature drink is a refreshing and tart apple wine, which is often served in a ceramic jug.
This cold herb-based sauce is usually served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.
This famous cake is a layered sponge cake filled with buttercream, jam, and topped with crunchy caramelised nuts.
This almond pastry is a traditional Christmas cookie that is enjoyed year-round in Frankfurt. It is made with marzipan, almond paste, and powdered sugar.
This pork sausage is a smaller version of the Frankfurter Rindswurst and is often served with mustard and bread.
This breaded and fried pork cutlet is served with potatoes or potato salad.
This hearty soup consists of beef broth with liver dumplings, noodles, and vegetables.
Frankfurt is a vibrant city with plenty of interesting places to explore. Here are some hidden gems that you might not have heard of yet:
Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s old town, this museum is dedicated to the life and works of the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The house has been restored to its original 18th century condition, and you can see where Goethe lived and worked.
This charming neighbourhood is located on the south side of the Main river and is known for its beautiful historic buildings and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to discover.
This botanical garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. It has over 13,000 types of plants from all over the world and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Frankfurt has been home to many famous personalities throughout history, including:
Goethe is perhaps the most famous Frankfurt-born personality. He was a poet, writer, and scientist, and his works include “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther.”
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. She was born in Frankfurt in 1929 and her family fled to Amsterdam when the Nazis took power.
Frankfurt is a city that hosts many exciting events throughout the year. Here are some of the top special events to attend in Frankfurt:
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest book fair in the world and takes place every year in October. It attracts publishers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from all over the world.
This festival takes place along the banks of the Main river and celebrates Frankfurt’s many museums. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks, as well as special exhibitions and events at the museums.
Frankfurt is known for its many Christmas markets, which start in late November and continue until Christmas Eve. The markets are filled with festive stalls selling handmade gifts, food, and drinks.
This festival takes place in August and celebrates the wines of the Rheingau region. Visitors can sample wines from local vineyards and enjoy live music and food.
Frankfurt’s LGBTQ+ community comes together every year in July for Christopher Street Day, a colourful and vibrant parade through the city centre. The event celebrates diversity and promotes equal rights for all.
Luminale is a biennial light festival that illuminates Frankfurt’s buildings, streets, and public spaces with stunning light installations. The next Luminale will take place in 2022.
Mainfest is a summer festival that takes place in August and includes live music, food, and drinks. It culminates in a fireworks display over the Main river.
Frankfurt is a great city for shopping, with plenty of options for both high-end luxury brands and more affordable fashion and household goods. Some popular shopping destinations in Frankfurt include:
This is Frankfurt’s main shopping street, lined with department stores, fashion boutiques, and specialty shops. It’s a great place to find both international and local brands.
This is the luxury shopping street in Frankfurt, lined with high-end fashion boutiques from international brands such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
This street in the Bornheim district has a more bohemian vibe, with small boutiques and shops selling vintage clothing, jewellery, and antiques.
This weekly flea market takes place on Saturdays and is a great place to find unique items and bargains.
Frankfurt is a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers, and as such, it offers a wide range of hotels and accommodation options. Here are some of the top choices:
This 5-star luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the financial district and shopping areas. It offers elegant rooms, a spa, and several dining options.
This trendy boutique hotel is located in the trendy Bahnhofsviertel district and offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant.
This modern hotel is located near the airport and offers comfortable rooms, a 24-hour gym, and a bar.
This hotel is centrally located and offers spacious rooms, a fitness centre, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
This budget-friendly hotel is located near the airport and offers clean and comfortable rooms, a lounge area, and a game room.
Frankfurt has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. Here are some of the main transportation options:
Frankfurt has an extensive network of underground (U-Bahn) and suburban (S-Bahn) trains, which run frequently and cover most of the city and its surroundings.
The city also has an extensive network of trams and buses, which are great for shorter trips or for reaching areas that aren’t covered by the U-Bahn or S-Bahn.
Many of Frankfurt’s attractions are located within walking distance of each other, and walking is a great way to explore the city’s charming streets and architecture.
The best time to travel to Frankfurt is from March through June, which are the city’s spring and early summer seasons. Any time other than during the rains is a fantastic time to visit Frankfurt because there are trade fairs and vibrant festivals held all year round.