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Overview
Just because Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s economic powerhouse, that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed as a city of scurrying suits, soaring skyscrapers and bullish business breakfasts. While there are elements of those around, this confident city is steeped in history too, so there’s no lack of curious culture or stunning architecture to be found.
Home to the European Central Bank, Germany’s fifth largest city has long benefitted from a wide array of cultural influences brought in from across the continent.
Naturally, its modern superstructures in the central business district are shiny symbols of Frankfurt's financial force. Their growth has created an aspect that’s more North American than European, earning the city the nickname 'Mainhattan'. Its banks and big business buildings even double up as those of the Big Apple for TV shows and movies.
Cruises down the River Main give a fantastic perspective of Frankfurt’s historical progression. The river cuts the city in two and affords stunning views of both the ‘Mainhattan’ skyscrapers as well as the traditional buildings of Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment, which line the northern bank.
Most of Frankfurt's visitors come for one of its numerous trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses, but this city has another side. As the birthplace of Germany's most revered writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), Frankfurt is at pains to impress with its cultural pedigree. Look no further than the fantastic Orfeos Erben independent cinema, which shows art house movies and short films, or the huge celebration of the region’s favourite tipple, ebbelwoi (apple wine), each August.
Autumn’s Dippemess event, which focuses on local culture and cuisine, is a good introduction for German grub. As a city on the go, Frankfurt's food remains hefty and hearty, but the focus is less on the classic bratwurst and more on modern dishes like pork knuckles with sauerkraut. Cider and apple wine are both big draws too, but the area’s excellent terroir also delivers top notch white wines.
The city’s nightlife is fascinating and wide-ranging. Its traditional live jazz scene is still kicking and a slew of trendy new bars offer visitors the chance to indulge on a night around town. On top of that, Frankfurt is rammed with amazing clubs for those who can happily dance into the small hours without raising so much as a yawn.
With nearby vineyards and spa towns in easy reach, such as the beautiful Wiesbaden, Frankfurt is a destination that has everything for either a short break or lengthy stay. Whether visitors sip wines in the hills at Schloss Vollrads or kick back in the pools of Kaiser Friedrich’s spa, a trip to this underrated corner of Germany always throws up a few surprises.
What’s more, Frankfurt is a breeze to get to. The city’s airport is the busiest in the country and hundreds of flights touch down daily from across the globe. Train connections from across the continent are peerless too, hooking up with Germany’s high-speed ICE services for easy access. Now there’s no excuse to leave the best Frankfurt has to offer to the business crowd.
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