The Top 5 Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt

Nestled in the heart of Frankfurt lies the enchanting Altstadt, or the city’s old town, a historic district that is steeped in tradition and charm. With its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and winding alleyways, it is easy to see why this area is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Dating back to the 14th century, the Altstadt features the city's most familiar attractions: the stunning cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, the iconic Römerberg Square, which has been the center of Frankfurt's social and political life for centuries, and vibrant market stalls, selling everything from souvenirs to local delicacies. The district is also home to myriad stylish boutiques, cozy cafés, and traditional taverns, where visitors can indulge in the city's famous apple wine and local culinary delights.

Just steps away from the historic Römerberg Square, located in the center of the Altstadt, you can find an ideal place to enjoy a combination of Moroccan and Israeli cuisine. With an impressive space featuring 15-meter high ceilings and endless window fronts, Badias Kitchen provides a comfortable and relaxed environment for both locals and tourists. From traditional Israeli dishes like hummus and shakshuka to European favorites like eggs Benedict and Caesar salad, the restaurant caters to every taste. Don’t miss out on their Sunday Brunch, a remarkable culinary delight that tantalizes the senses.

View from Main Tower. Image credit: httpswww.maintower.de

Even though only the fourth-tallest building in Frankfurt, Main Tower is certainly one of the most famous symbols of the city. Standing tall at 200 meters, this skyscraper dominates Frankfurt's skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding areas from its observation deck, with the mighty River Main stretching far into the horizon. The tower is famous for its rapid high-speed elevator, which is considered among the fastest in Germany – it takes an impressive 45 seconds to go up the observation deck on the 56th floor. Opened in 2000, the building is made up of 55 floors, with 52 of them occupied by various businesses, and the remaining three dedicated to public access.

In addition to its observation deck and guided tours, Main Tower boasts an excellent restaurant on its 53rd floor, aptly named "Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge". Awarded with a Michelin star, the establishment offers a mouth-watering range of Asian-inspired dishes that feature elegant combinations of exotic flavors. Each plate is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the artistry of the chef and the quality of the ingredients used. You can go for a tasting menu composed of 5 to 7 courses and featuring such delicacies as Fjord salmon with green papaya and peanuts, Irish oysters with pickled rhubarb and trout caviar, or duck liver with nashi, pistachio, and ponzu. The restaurant also provides an extensive wine list, with a variety of options from different regions across the world.

Image credit: Städel Museum Facebook

The Städel Museum in Frankfurt is among the most prestigious art museums in the world. It boasts a huge collection of European art from the past eight centuries, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. Here, you can find masterworks created by such celebrated artists as Rembrandt, Jan van Eyck, Sandro Botticelli, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. Aside from its magnificent art collection, the museum itself is an architectural masterpiece, combining a historic facade with modern additions. Along with the permanent collection, the Städel Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and special events that offer visitors a chance to experience new works and ideas.

In case you become weary from exploring the extensive assortment presented by the museum, take a moment to relax and refresh your energy by dining at the restaurant situated within the premises of the Städel Museum. Holbein's Café has an elegant design with oak floors, leather seats, and an abundance of glass, steel, and natural light. Surrounded by greenery, the spacious terrace is a delightful addition to the building, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the lovely view. Here, you can grab a fast snack like pastrami sandwiches and homemade sausages, have a proper lunch, or simply enjoy a coffee and the delicious homemade cakes during the day. In the evening, Holbein's Café Restaurant transforms from a bistro café to a fine-dining restaurant serving a blend of traditional German dishes and International cuisine. The menu includes a range of delicacies like beef tartare, cold melon and bell pepper soup, grilled swordfish, black risotto, Bresse chicken and summer truffle, or miso salmon and is sure to impress every gourmet.

Frankfurt

Remarkable for its impressive 328-foot-tall tower, Frankfurt's Imperial Cathedral stands as a magnificent testament to the city's rich history and architectural grandeur. Dating back to the 7th century, this awe-inspiring structure survived wars and invasions, and even served as a coronation site for numerous Holy Roman Emperors. Its intricate facade showcases a harmonious blend of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, and if you step inside, you will find the lofty vaulted ceilings, decorated with ornate carvings and frescoes that depict scenes from biblical stories and Frankfurt's history. The cathedral also offers a cultural and artistic experience and hosts a variety of musical concerts within its hallowed walls throughout the year.

Gaststätte Zum Storch is a charming and cozy restaurant located in close proximity to Frankfurt's Imperial Cathedral, making it a convenient dining option for visitors exploring the city. One of the oldest restaurants in Frankfurt, the establishment serves authentic German cuisine with such mouthwatering culinary delights as crisp pork knuckle, braised marinated beef with red cabbage and dumplings, Wiener schnitzel, Frankfurt plate, or boiled beef and potatoes. With its genuine rustic interior elements, vintage paintings, oak beams, and framed photographs telling stories of generations, Gaststätte Zum Storch boasts a truly comforting and welcoming ambience. When it is warm, the summer terrace is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the heart of Frankfurt's vibrant atmosphere while savoring flavorful dishes or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting.

Goethe House. Image credit: Alexander Paul Englert

Goethe House is a significant historical landmark that serves as a tribute to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the most celebrated German writers and thinkers of all time. The house, originally built in 1618, became the residence of the Goethe family in the 18th century. The well-known writer was born and grew up here. During his time in this house, Goethe created some of his most notable works, such as "Goetz von Berlichingen" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther" (Die Leiden des jungen Werthers). Additionally, it was in Goethe House that the poet began his work on the Faust story, regarded as one of Germany's greatest contributions to world literature. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings of Goethe and his family.

Located just a stone throw away from Goethe Museum, Medici is a delightful gem that offers a truly authentic Mediterranean culinary journey. The restaurant exudes an undeniable sense of elegance with its remarkable wall art, tables adorned with pristine white tablecloths, and gleaming polished china. The restaurant is run by two brothers, Christos and Stamatios Simiakos, who pride themselves on their commitment to using only the freshest and finest ingredients delivered twice or even three times a day from trusted suppliers. From succulent meats to exquisite seafood, every dish is carefully crafted to showcase the true flavors of Italian cuisine. Here, you can go for braised ox cheeks with ratatouille, yellowfin tuna on sugar pea shiitake mushroom ragout, saddle of venison from the Spessart on king oyster mushrooms, or homemade truffled noodles with arugula salad to enjoy a truly memorable dining experience.

There's so much more to explore and discover in Frankfurt, Germany's largest traffic hub. Whether it's admiring beautifully restored old buildings and towering modern skyscrapers, or indulging in both classic German cuisine and diverse international dishes, this bustling financial center is brimming with exciting and fascinating attractions. We trust that our guide has aided you in combining sightseeing with culinary enjoyment in Frankfurt.

Have you visited Frankfurt before, and if so, what was your experience like? Are there any hidden gems in the city that visitors should know about?