Sightseeing in Frankfurt
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said “Frankfurt is full of curiosities,” talking about his native city. This rings true until today for the businessmen and tourists who use Frankfurt as a popular connection for European flights, and the city promises a dazzling blend of the traditional and the trendy. Nicknamed Mainhattan or the Big Appel (because its towering skyscrapers remind tourists of Manhattan), this modern city has kept its Middle Ages charm of solemn cathedrals and half-timbered houses. Frankfurt is truly a unique city to visit during your European vacation. When your flight plan crosses Germany, make it a point to indulge in inexpensive sightseeing in Frankfurt.
Great beginnings
Once your train ride brings you to the city center, marvel at Frankfurt’s futuristic skyline with a walk on the Main River’s bridges. As Europe’s premier center for world-renowned fairs, like the Wilhelmstrassenfest Theatrium street festival, the world’s largest Book Fair, and the month-long Christmas Fair, Frankfurt will dazzle you with elaborate street décor and boisterous music, booze, food and dancing.
Nature walks
Your sightseeing list must include famous historical relics in Frankfurt including the Romerberg, the old 15th century town hall and the old opera house Alte Opera and the 19th century retreat Palmen Gardens. Frankfurt is a family-friendly destination, and children will love its parks and botanic gardens, especially the famous Frankfurt zoo. The City Forest, Germany’s largest inner city forest, south of Frankfurt also has playgrounds and placid ponds. Take the family on the Apple Wine Express (Apfelwein Express) – a tram line city tour featuring the kitschiest array of tourist sights of the city.
Glimpses of a 2,000 year-old past
If you are looking for charms from centuries past, then you must visit Bornheim’s busy market and lovingly preserved medieval houses, trendy cafés and taverns on the Berger Straße road. Other period tour attractions are concentrated in the Altestadt (Old Town). After crossing the iron bridge to the cobbled streets of Sachsenhausen, you can sample the city’s best apple wine. You will appreciate Germany’s birthplaces of monarchy and developing democracy when you visit St Paul’s Church, Frankfurt Cathedral, and the Goethe-House.
Museum and arts rule in the city
Frankfurt has invested heavily in culture and the arts. The result is a rich treasure trove of galleries and museums, the majority of which have either free or very inexpensive admissions. The Museum Surfer ticket and the train fare Frankfurt Card provides reduced prices for museums that include the restored residence of Goethe. Along the Main River is the promenade named the Museumsufer, a veritable shopping mall of museums such as the Städel Art Institute, the Museum for Modern Art and 40 others.
Less worries with tours
If you are pressed for time, boat trips on the river Rhine can give you the quick chance to be awed at the sight of historical buildings on the riverbanks. You can also enjoy a city sightseeing tour with the hop-on hop-off Red Double Decker Bus in under a day; simply book at the Frankfurt Tourist Information Office.