Likely, you’ve had a long layover at Frankfurt Airport (and probably ate way too many pretzels in the Lufthansa lounge) and never thought about leaving the airport. But, think again. Just 12 minutes by train or 25 minutes by taxi from the terminals, Frankfurt’s city center awaits. An underrated cultural haven known as Mainhattan for its location on the River Main and urbane air, the walkable city is cultured, friendly, and cosmopolitan. Its architectural fabric, with pockets of old and new, richly weaves into a commingling of savvily designed skyscrapers soaring to the sky, Neo-classical icons, and half-timbered homes on cobbled streets. Bisected by the river, with vibrant neighborhoods connected by various stately bridges, Frankfurt boasts 39 museums, 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, 15 rooftop bars, and spa villages on its verges. Hiking trails crisscross through nearby forests, independent shops abound around the city, and cobbled streets in Sachsenhausen brim with characteristic apple wine taverns.
Known as a holy grail for business travelers, Frankfurt also sports a friendly village ambiance. It’s a veritable cache of both global and international culture. You’ll find it staid, trendy, intellectual, creative, posh, and boisterous in turn. But don’t just fly through Frankfurt. Fly to it — or, at least plan a bookend weekend to experience the city’s largesse and the region that surrounds it.
Where To Stay
The Florentin, an Althoff COLLECTION
By far the best news for upscale travelers with a penchant for creative luxury and family-owned properties, The Florentin, an Althoff Collection hotel opens in November. Steps from the river, set grandly in the elegant Sachsenhausen District, The Florentin embodies Frankfurt’s blended architectural aesthetic, marrying bygone grace (a restored 1901villa) with modern-day dazzle (a sleek minimalist addition). Inside, individually designed suites take their names and style inspiration from fascinating Frankfurter types: The Philosopher, The Poet, The Composer — to name a few. With romance rendezvous vibes, The Florentine has two restaurants, a come-hither bar, cigar lounge, gardens, and a spa.
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
Indisputably Frankfurt’s grand dame, this old world hotel lords over the business district on the Kaiserplatz. It was the city’s first hotel to have telephones and indoor plumbing. Its peerless Neo-Classical facade survived World War II, though ruined interiors were redone with Beaux Art flourishes and an opulent timelessness that remain today. This is an ideal stay when headed to the nearby Old Opera House. Near most of the city’s top sites, it also draws upscale tourists and families.
JW Marriott Frankfurt
JW Marriott Frankfurt put its brand’s efficient spin on this sculptural high-rise hotel, once managed by Jumeirah. Centrally situated, it adjoins the shopping area Zeil, with the river, museums, and restaurants a quick walk away. Spacious suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, original art, and upmarket furnishings, imparting penthouse overtones. Try the hotel’s own honey from its rooftop hives at breakfast. A Latin-themed restaurant, tony bar, state-of-the-art gym, and pool seal the deal.
Dine and Drink
When in Mainhattan, sample some of the area’s known specialities, including: apple wine, Frankfurter sausages, pork loin, green sauce (a cold sauce made with seven herbs from chervil to chives), Frankfurt Crown Cake (filled with jam and buttercream), and Handkäse mit Musik, a cheese topped with raw onions. Coffee, tea, beer, and regional wines also rule the libation front, especially in the city’s more than 15 rooftop bars.
Kleinmarkthalle
Open every day but Sunday, thronged on Saturday, this legendary market near Old Town in the city center has some 160 stalls and local purveyors selling produce, flowers, regional delicacies, and more. Partake of a moveable feast, noshing from stall to stall. Saturday lunch rates as a social occasion.
Apple Wine Taverns
Tavern hop in charming Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt’s historic neighborhood on the south side of the Main River. Paved with cobblestoned lanes, Old Sachsenhausen holds most of the characteristic pubs that pour apple wine and sling massive plates of hearty fare. Look for taverns amid the diminutive squares and alleyways. We love Adolf Wagner for its green sauce over potatoes and eggs, and Zum Gemalten Haus for ribs with cabbage or veal schnitzel, eaten en plein air in the colorful courtyard.
Michelin-Starred Gastronomy
Michelin-Starred Gastronomy
Frankfurt flaunts 10 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars. Make a reservation at French-inflected Erno’s Bistro, the city’s longest-standing starred restaurant or Sommerfeld, its newest, where a five-course, set menu showcases ingredient-driven, seasonal offerings. At one-starred Seven Swans, ensconced seven stories high in the city’s narrowest structure, a 100% vegan menu awaits, created from organic produce and complemented with German wines or housemade alcohol-free beverages. With two stars, La Fleur also gets high marks for its nightly vegan cuisine, but also offers a Grand Produits menu, centered on meat and fish. Try Asian-inspired delectables from the 53rd floor at one-starred Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge, which hovers above “Mainhatten’s” glittering cityscape.
Cocktails Close to the Stars
Sip at the NFT Skybar, the highest rooftop bar location in Germany. At 279 feet above the city and 365-degree views, it serves up creative cocktails and artful snacks, ideal for sunsets or stargazing.
Not To Miss Sights, Sites, and Experiences
Stroll the Entire Museum Embankment along the River Main, where 39 museums, from history to art museums, line the river. Don’t miss our favorite: the Städel Museum, a trove of more than 100,000 masterworks from paintings to photography. The spellbinding Städel spans seven centuries with pieces by Botticelli, Monet, Klee, Bosch, Vermeer, Picasso, Cranach, Tillmans, and many more.
See the City Lights at Night from the Water on a scenic cruise on the River Main. The 50-, 60-, or 100-minute panoramic voyages sail to the West Harbour or the Gerbermühle, with detours to Frankfurt’s East Harbour.
Take a Tour of Old Town to see picturesque Römerberg Square and Frankfurt Cathedral, among other sites and monuments.
Mosey across the Historic Iron Bridge, an atmospheric pedestrian walkway, home to a plethora of locks of love. Take an Instagram photo here with your beloved.
Visit Nearby Spa Towns such as Wiesbaden and Bad Homburg, historic spa villages known for their healing waters and spa facilities, invite repose just 30 minutes or less from Frankfurt. Popular with bygone royalty, they continue to offer curative soaks for locals and visitors alike.
How To Get There: Fly German
For those of us who believe that how we get “there” is just as crucial as the destination (with apologies to the oft-quoted adage), we recommend Condor, Popular for affordable pricing, luxurious business class, and stellar service, Condor launched in 1955. Today, it’s renowned for its eco-conscious ethos, flying A330neo planes, considered to be the world’s most planet friendly. Each business class seat has aisle access, and 19-inch side seats that lie completely flat. Champagne, German specialities, and a range of snacks and libations like German beers — one made just for Condor — or German wines from family-run estates are served. Nibble apple cake, white asparagus, curry wurst, and pretzels, while binging on Germany-made television shows — just to get in the mood for trip.
