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Frankfurt's Top 10 Attractions

Frankfurt is often referred to as the 'gateway to Europe' and with its futuristic skyline the city is more similar to New York City than to any other European city.

Frankfurt is often referred to as the ‘gateway to Europe’ and with its futuristic skyline the city is more similar to New York City than to any other European city.

Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Wealthy bankers and students coexist in a city that has some of the highest, most avant-garde skyscrapers of Europe next to well maintained old buildings. The city centre, especially Römer square and the museums at the River Main, draw millions of tourists every year.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to explore when visiting the charming city in the heart of Germany.

 

1. Check out the local Apfelwein inns in Old Sachsenhausen

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When in Frankfurt make sure you try Apfelwein (translates to apple wine) which has an alcohol content of 4.8%–7% and a tart, sour taste. Some of the most famous restaurants where Apfelwein is served are in Sachsenhausen.

The narrow lanes fan out from Affentor Platz and lead to the city’s best cider houses which produce their own Apfelwein.

 

2. The Museum Embankment

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If you like museums, you should visit the most popular museums in Frankfurt. Museum Embankment is an area with museums lined on both sides of the river Main. Senckenberg Museum is the largest museum of natural history in Europe.

This is very attractive to kids due to its large collection of dinosaurs. The Museum of Modern Art is famous for its impressive art collections and for its unusual bold architecture.

 

3. Römerberg Square

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Römerberg is the central and most beautiful square in Frankfurt’s Altstadt (Old Town).

Since the 9th century, the Römerberg, formerly called the Samstagsberg, has been the site of markets and fairs, tournaments and festivals, executions and imperial elections and coronations. In the 16th century it was considered the most beautiful square in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

If you are visiting Frankfurt in December the Römerberg is a major location for the outdoor Frankfurt Christmas Market.

 

4. Jewish Museum

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The Jewish Museum of Frankfurt am Main shows the historical development and the religious culture of the Jewish communities that lived in the city from the 12th century until the 20th. The permanent exhibitions, which put the diverse relationships between Jews in Germany and their surroundings in their local context, are regularly augmented and complemented by temporary exhibitions.

 

5. Ebbelwei Express

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The colourful tram carriage has been part of the Frankfurt cityscape since 1977 and takes its guests to the finest sights of the Main metropolis. The historical tram, also affectionately called the ‘Ließsche’ by the people of Frankfurt, is comfortably equipped for its passengers.

For more information visit http://www.ebbelwei-express.de/en/home/

 

6. Cruise down the Main River

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For visitors who wish to look at Frankfurt’s skyline from an entirely different perspective, the relaxing scenic river cruises will take you up and down the river Main providing cruise passengers with the best view of Germany’s most stunning skyline.

Rates start at € 8.95 p.p. for 50 minutes.

For more information visit www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en

 

7. Frankfurt Höchst

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Public two-hour guided walk through Frankfurt-Höchst.

Höchst is particularly well known for its picturesque old town, which was monument-listed in 1972. With its winding laneways, historical buildings and beautiful half-timbered architecture, it exudes a charming old-world atmosphere. In July 2013, Höchst’s old town was made an official member of the German Timberframe Road.

The Meeting Point for the guided tour is at Tourist Information Office Höchst, Antoniterstr. 22, Frankfurt-Höchst.

 

8. Frankfurt’s station district

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Frankfurt’s bustling station district is in a constant state of change. In fact, the New York Times recently ranked it as one of the world’s “places to be”. No other Frankfurt city district is as colourfully diverse as the station district, a pulsating centre of urban life.

The district is also a culinary dream-come-true, offering international specialities, exotic delicacies and creatively prepared classics. Night owls are also guaranteed to get their money’s worth, the quarter being the home of numerous bars and clubs.

A special guide, entitled “Bars, Bazaars & Bohéme – 99 Highlights of the Frankfurt Station District”, offers tips on restaurants, culture and nightlife.

 

9. Summer fun in Frankfurt

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Summer is the best time to be in Frankfurt. And the banks of the River Main are the best place to enjoy it, whether from a deck chair or during a stroll along the river. Countless riverside cafés and al-fresco bars help to relieve the stress of the day. Should it rain, one has many cultural establishments waiting on both sides of the river.

August is a month of festivals, with the Main Festival (a traditional riverside folk fair), the Apple Wine Festival (honouring the local beverage of choice) and the Museum Embankment Festival (one of Europe’s premier cultural celebrations) all taking place during this time.

 

10. Try the world famous Frankfurter sausage

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Frankfurters go by many names. Weinersweeniesfranks, but the principle is the same for all. You take a long orange sausage, made from pork traditionally but nowadays from generally any meat, stick it in a bun of similar shape and decorate with various relishes to taste.

Make sure you try the world famous sausage when you are in Frankfurt.

For more information visit http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en

Have you been to Frankfurt? What are your travel tips?