Frankfurt Hotels

Amusingly, the people of Frankfurt are named after sausages. Or that could be the other way around. Regardless, Frankfurt is home to lots of Frankfurters – some are tasty and gorgeous, while others are simply edible.

Amidst the high-rises are museums aplenty. If you’re interested in philosophy or poetry, head to the Goethe House or Goethe Museum. For other cultural pursuits, try the Museum of Sculpture, the Film Museum or Staedel Gallery.

Here’s something to add to your trivia knowledge: Frankfurt-am-Main is actually the city’s official name (referring to the river Main). This is because there’s a handful Frankfurts in Germany – confusing, we know! But when someone says ‘Frankfurt’, it’s common knowledge that they mean Frankfurt-am-Main.

You’ve probably been daydreaming about bier since the second you started thinking about Germany as a holiday destination, but in Frankfurt the alcoholic specialty is actually Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi in the local dialect), which is an apple cider. Fortunately, it tastes almost as good as beer and is just as alcoholic!

So while money makes this city go round, a good time can still be had in Frankfurt. The sausages see to that.

FRANKFURT’S TOP 10

FRANKFURT LOCAL

Altstadt

It means ‘old city’ in German, so it’s no surprise that Altstadt is the historical centre of Frankfurt, although much of it has been rebuilt since WWII. Here you’ll find the Romerberg Plaza and Paulskirche (Paul’s Church), while the Hauptwache (guardhouse), a baroque building and plaza, is also worth a peek. It connects to shopping streets, if you’re suddenly in the mood for a splurge. There’s also the Historischer Garten, an archaeological garden that houses the remains of Roman and Carolingian military buildings.

Innenstadt

Innenstadt translates to ‘inner city’. The city district houses the Alte Oper (Old Opera) – old because it’s been around since 1880. Alte Oper has two concert halls and smaller convention halls. Although there’s now a new opera house, Frankfurt Oper, it still holds plays and concerts today. Another landmark worth visiting is the Friedberger Tor, a medieval watchtower. Innenstadt also has the Zeil, Germany’s longest Fussgängerzone (pedestrian shopping street). You’ll easily burn money at this shopping area, so watch out!

Bahnhofsviertel

Trainspotters of the world, rejoice! Finally a city destination created with you in mind! Bahnhofsviertel is Frankfurt’s train station area. How good is that?! You can go there and see trains. Some moving, some standing still, some with people using them. Simply unbelievable stuff! (You can also go there for the famous red-light district, which boasts everything from peep shows to sex shops – but who would want to do that when trains are on offer? FYI, the sexy action is particularly, shall we say, active and vibrant north of Kaiserstraße).

FRANKFURT EAT & DRINK

You’ll no doubt want to chow down on some good old hearty German food, but for those looking for something a little different, Frankfurt also has a lot of international and European cuisine to keep your tastebuds tantalized.

FRANKFURT EVENTS

Fasching is an annual event celebrated in February everywhere in Germany. It’s somewhat similar to Mardi Gras in other countries. Dress up along with the Frankfurters and join in on the many outdoor activities.

In March and April, the Spring Dippe Fair is an enormous sideshow where you can enjoy rides, food and wine tastings, as well as firework displays.

The Museum Quay Festival is a celebration on the river Main in August. Set your eyes on cultural performances and fireworks.

The Frankfurt Motor Show is held every two years in September. It’s the largest motor show in the world!

In mid-October indulge in the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurt Buchmesse) – the most important publishing event in the world. The fair has been around since 1485. You’ll only be able to participate in the last two days of the fair when it’s open to the public. Just don’t go there to should out: ‘The Internet is killing books!’

In October the Frankfurt Jazz Festival is perfect for jazz enthusiasts. Obviously. Wouldn’t be much point going if country and western is your thing.

The Christmas Market is one of the best in Germany. Held in November and December, up to three million visitors (including one very special one with a great white beard who comes all the way from the North Pole!) make an appearance.

WHEN TO GO

Frankfurt’s climate is much like any other German city: cold in winter, hot in summer, and pleasant in between.

· Winter (November to February) in Frankfurt is chilly – temperatures frequently drop below freezing.

· Spring (March to April) thaws out those frozen toes and fingers with temperatures that (happily) climb above zero at around 0-13°C (32-55°F).

· In summer (May to August) you’ll typically enjoy warm weather at 8-23°C (46-73°F), but the mercury can climb to 35°C (95°F) at times.

· Autumn is from September to October, and is still warm enough to make for a pleasant trip at 6-19°C (43-66°F)

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Frankfurt Airport is the second largest in Europe, so chances are you’ll have a stopover here even if you’re flying elsewhere in Europe. May as well make a trip out of it! You can also reach Frankfurt by bus and train.

The public transport system in Frankfurt is very good. You can take the Underground (U-Bahn) or S-Bahn (those gorgeous trains again!), the tram or the bus. On average a one-day ticket will cost you €6.40. You can also take taxis, cars or bikes. Frankfurt has lots of bike lanes, so you’re good to go.

WHAT TO MISS

· Avoid secluded areas like Bonames or Rödelheim, where American-style gangs could feel the need to provoke you.

· Hauptbahnhof (central station area) attracts a lot of homeless people and drug addicts. Beggars may ask you for Kleingeld (small change). Pretend you don’t speak German (which you probably don’t!) and they’ll most likely leave you alone.

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A Long Weekend in Frankfurt