Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts. Frankfurt, as the financial center of Germany and continental Europe, has an image problem of being a city solely focused on finance. However, the city manages to be dynamic and homely, with a mix of high-rise financial buildings and snug bierkellers, family-owned restaurants, and centuries-old bakers selling gingerbread. The banking industry contributes to a multicultural vibe, expressed through varied restaurants and a cultural promenade of 13 museums along the south bank of the Main river.
The Old Town of Frankfurt features historical half-timbered houses, the Adolf Wagner pub in the suburb of Sachsenhausen for sampling local grog, the Old Jewish Cemetery with tributes to Nazi victims, St Bartholomew’s Cathedral for climbing its highest spire, and Goethe’s House where the famous author was born. New developments in Frankfurt include Ostend, the emerging East End with trendy restaurants and nightlife, and the Christmas market offering classic delights like mulled wine and wooden decorations. The city also boasts a Caricature Museum, the Lohninger restaurant serving Styrian cuisine, and the Jumeirah Hotel as a new luxury option.
For insider secrets, Wiebke Singer recommends Café Wacker for the best coffee in Frankfurt. Traveling to Frankfurt is convenient with Rail Europe offering return train fares from London St Pancras, with further information available from the Frankfurt Tourist Board. In conclusion, Frankfurt offers a diverse mix of finance, culture, and culinary experiences that go beyond its financial image.
