Frankfurt City Breaks

A guide to Frankfurt

As a transport hub and centre for European finance and business, Frankfurt is often neglected as a tourist destination yet offers up a feast of historic attractions, art and great shopping. As expected it is efficient, orderly and well-designed, with most of its main tourist attractions located in its historic core, known as the Romerburg. Here you can visit the Goethe-Haus, the birthplace of Johan von Goethe, Germany's most celebrated writer, or spend a nostalgic afternoon watching classic old movies at the German Film Museum. You'll see glimpses of its medieval past at the charming 15th century Well of Justice or the Escenheimer Turm, a 150 feet high gothic tower that served to protect the city from attack during the Middle Ages.

A treasure trove of art history

There is bound to be something for every cultural leaning in the museums and galleries of Frankfurt, which showcase surprising riches in art and design. The Stadel Gallery is the city's more prominent art centre, and features a large collection of French impressionist art and classic 20th century German paintings. Step back further into the past and enjoy iconic exhibits from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome at the Museum of Sculpture, or spend a fruitful day at the Historical Museum browsing artistic treasures from the middle ages to the present day. After a long day of sightseeing, recharge batteries in the tranquil oasis of the idyllic Frankfurt Botanic Gardens or take a leisurely stroll along the historic waterfront of the River Main. Sample the local speciality Frankfurter hacksteak in one of the many quaint riverside cafes.

A shopper's haven

The city has a myriad of upmarket department stores and classy boutiques, where every discerning tastes will be catered for. Follow your nose to the nearby Fressegasse, where numerous speciality food stores and delicatessens are sited, along with trendy gift shops and bohemian cafes. After dark, is surprisingly lively in Sachsenhausen where jumping Latin clubs vie with Irish bars, discos and traditional beer cellars along its quaint cobblestone streets. There is also no shortage of choice for dining with charming German restaurants complementing the fabulous range of global cuisine on offer.