Frankfurt am Main

Germany's largest financial hub and cultural center, famous for its striking skyline of modern skyscrapers and the picturesque Sachsenhausen district with traditional half-timbered buildings. Home to world-class museums, the Goethe House, and the Iron Footbridge, it's an essential entry point for exploring Hesse.

Things to do

• Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) — Stroll along the south bank of the Main River where 15 world-class museums are clustered, including the Städel Museum, German Film Museum, and Architecture Museum.
• Goethe House and Museum — Visit the meticulously reconstructed birthplace and childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, featuring period rooms and an extensive library.
• Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg) — Cross this iconic pedestrian bridge spanning the Main River, famous for its love locks and panoramic views of Frankfurt's skyline and Sachsenhausen district.
• Sachsenhausen District — Explore this charming neighborhood of winding cobblestone streets, traditional half-timbered buildings, cozy wine taverns, and local shops on the south bank.
• Frankfurt Skyline and Main Tower — Ascend the Main Tower's observation deck for 360-degree views of Frankfurt's soaring financial district and surrounding landscape.
• Palm Garden (Palmengarten) — Wander through this lush botanical garden featuring tropical greenhouses, exotic plants, and seasonal exhibitions in a serene setting.
• Frankfurt Stock Exchange — Tour the trading floor of Germany's most important financial institution to understand the city's role as a global financial center.

Food to try

• Apfelwein (Apple Wine) — This traditional Frankfurt specialty is a slightly fermented cider served in small ceramic jugs and enjoyed in local taverns, typically with a spritzer of sparkling water.
• Grüne Soße (Green Sauce) — A creamy herb-based sauce made from parsley, chives, watercress, sorrel, and borage, traditionally served with hard-boiled eggs and potatoes or with schnitzel.
• Handkäse mit Musik — A pungent sour milk cheese served with a tangy vinegar-and-onion marinade, typically eaten as a snack or starter in Sachsenhausen taverns.
• Frankfurter Würstchen (Frankfurter Sausage) — The original frankfurter sausage hails from this city; enjoy it fresh from street vendors or traditional restaurants, often served with mustard and bread.
• Bethmännchen — These traditional almond-paste confections topped with three almond slivers are a sweet Frankfurt specialty often given as gifts during the Christmas season.
• Sachsenhausen Wine Tavern Experience — Dine in an authentic Apfelwein tavern in Sachsenhausen where locals gather for hearty regional dishes, local wines, and convivial atmosphere.

Local customs & good to know

• Sachsenhausen is Locals' Territory — The south bank district is where Frankfurters themselves socialize and dine; venturing here on foot shows respect for local culture and yields more authentic experiences than the touristy north bank.
• Apfelwein Etiquette — When ordering Apfelwein in a tavern, it typically arrives in a traditional ceramic pitcher (Bembel) with small glasses; locals often request it with a splash of sparkling water as 'Apfelwein Spritzer.'
• Museum Hours and Planning — Many museums on the Museumsufer close on Mondays and have extended hours on Thursdays; plan accordingly and consider purchasing a Frankfurt Museum Card for discounts on multiple entries.
• Banking and Finance Culture — Frankfurt's identity as a financial powerhouse is visible throughout the city; this heritage shapes its modern architecture and business-focused atmosphere, which differs notably from other German cities.