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At first glance, Frankfurt isn’t as easily graspable as some of Germany’s other large cities. It’s not Berlin, which is urbane, gritty and packed with history. Nor is it Munich, where Bavarian prosperity is evident from the moment you set foot in the city. Perhaps what Frankfurt most resembles is the Main river that snakes through its heart — flowing, changing and filled with life.
Find the greener side
While Frankfurt has shops, restaurants and sleek city stuff to spare, it also has incredible outdoor opportunities. And though it clearly isn’t German wilderness, there is something fantastic about green space in cities. You can get tranquility and energy. You can find distance from other human beings while being able to watch as many people as you want.
So go to Frankfurt for those combinations. And make sure you find time to visit one — or all — of the following places, which are located in or near downtown.
Frankfurt Zoo. This is a world-class zoo, where animals are cared for in a way that you would expect from a country that cares so deeply for animals. It’s large, beautifully designed and teeming with life. Open daily, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance.
Palmengarten. Frankfurt’s Botanical Garden offers year-round beauty and fun for the whole family. You’ll find water, an indoor tropical garden, a bamboo grove, the exotically awesome Subantarctic House and much more. Play areas are also available for children.
Frankfurt City Forest. This is an absolutely massive forest that seems like it should have no business being so close to such a big city. More than 400 kilometers of trails mean that you can wear yourself (or your children) out by jogging, hiking, cycling or skipping — all for free.
Grüneburgpark. This is a lovely, English-style garden that is in the heart of the city and once belonged to the Rothschild family. With a stunning collection of deciduous trees, Grüneburgpark is especially lovely in autumn.
Wander Through the Historic Center
Frankfurt’s modern skyline can make it easy to forget that this is a city with centuries of history. The best place to reconnect with that past is the Römerberg, the picturesque square at the heart of Frankfurt’s old town. With its colorful half-timbered buildings, the imposing Römer city hall and the red sandstone of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral nearby, it feels almost like a different city from the one you see across the river.
The historic center was heavily damaged during World War II, but much of it has been carefully reconstructed, giving visitors a fascinating glimpse of Frankfurt’s medieval past. Take some time to wander rather than simply stopping for a photograph. The narrow streets around the square lead to little shops, cafés and historic buildings, while the nearby Neue Altstadt adds even more restored and reconstructed architecture.
For families, this is also an easy place to explore on foot, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a snack or an ice cream along the way. And if you’re interested in German history, the Frankfurt Cathedral is worth stepping inside.
The Römerberg may not have the grandeur of Munich’s Marienplatz or the overwhelming historical weight of Berlin, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s compact, walkable and gives you a sense of the old Frankfurt before you head down toward the river.
The one thing you have to see: The river Main
Though this may seem a strange choice, the river is arguably the essential feature of the city. It ties everything together, literally and figuratively. Wide paths and parks flank the river’s edge. At nighttime, especially, the skyline views are incredible. This is where you go to truly get a sense of what the city is about — the beauty, industry, vitality, steadfastness and love of life in all its forms.
Getting There
Frankfurt is easily accessible by train from most anywhere in Germany. By car, it is just under 90 minutes from Kaiserslautern, just over 30 minutes from Wiesbaden, and a bit more than two hours from Stuttgart.
