Uncover lustrous gems among the glass towers
On first glance Frankfurt is perhaps not the most tourist-orientated of German cities, but the country’s financial powerhouse and home of the European Central Bank has more to offer than the countless glinting skyscrapers that make up ‘Mainhattan’. A bustling international trade show hub, the city is home to over 40 art galleries and museums, an attractive riverside promenade and intriguing multicultural neighbourhoods full of surprises.
Start out at Romerberg, the attractive main square, which though bombed in World War II, has been pleasantly reconstructed. The original Romer city hall still stands beside modern additions, such as the Historical Museum and modern art gallery Schirn Kunsthalle. Stroll along the banks of the Main River calling in at a few of the dozen or so cultural institutions occupying big villas that comprise the ‘Museum Embankment’, including the Stadel Art Museum, which showcases masterpieces from the likes of Durer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Picasso, Cezanne, Francis Bacon and Gerhard Richter.
Amid the Westend business district you’ll find botanical garden Palmengarten, an exotic oasis bursting with plants and trees from across the globe spread across 22 hectares. Stop by the Kleinmarkthalle for a slice of local life. This vast food market has over 150 stalls representing every kind of cuisine, from German bread and meats to Middle Eastern and Asian flavours. Sample delicious regional delicacies like Frankfurt Green Sauce, made from seven herbs and served cold, usually with boiled eggs and potatoes. In the lively taverns of former working-class district Sachsenhausen pull up a pew at a communal bench in a courtyard and sink a local apple wine while soaking up the neighbourhood vibe.
Book your flights to Frankfurt today and start exploring.