Frankfurt's full name is Frankfurt am Main, meaning Frankfurt on the Main River.
Often referred to as Mainhattan due to its impressive skyline of skyscrapers (a rarity in Germany) and its location along the Main River, the city has earned its place as a modern metropolis.
Another nickname, Bankfurt, reflects its financial significance, housing institutions like the European Central Bank. Today, Frankfurt is a vibrant, green city that blends modernity with culture, offering a wide variety of restaurants, activities, and things to see and do!
Admire the New Old Town
One of Frankfurt's top attractions is the New Old Town, also known as the DomRömer Quarter. This area represents the reconstruction of the historic city center, completed in 2018 after the demolition of a brutalist building that obstructed the old Coronation Trail. The city carefully restored 15 medieval buildings using old blueprints and photographs. The buildings with the characteristic half-timbered architecture are part of the Ostzeile. One significant landmark here is the Grosser Engel, a 17th-century corner house that became the home of Frankfurt's first bank.
See the Frankfurt Skyline from Above at the Main Tower
Frankfurt boasts a unique skyline, unlike any other city in Germany—and possibly Europe. Home to 17 out of Germany's 18 skyscrapers, the skyline is dominated by modern buildings, primarily located in the Bankenviertel (financial district). The city is home to two of the tallest buildings in the EU: the Commerzbank Tower and the Messeturm.
Become a Culture Enthusiast in Frankfurt’s Museum District: Museumsufer
Few cities in the world boast the museum density of Frankfurt, which is home to its very own Museum District. With a staggering 38 museums, Frankfurt offers one of the most diverse museum collections in Europe. Most of these museums are located along the Main riverbank, forming what is known as the Frankfurt Museum Embankment, where nine museums are lined up in a row, creating a unique cultural atmosphere in the city.
Must-See Museums in Frankfurt
Städel Museum: This renowned fine art museum is home to an impressive collection of works by masters such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and Chagall.
Frankfurt Historical Museum: Founded in 1878, this museum offers a deep dive into the cultural and historical heritage of Frankfurt and Germany. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to explore the city’s rich past.
Film Museum: It begins by showcasing the history of film and its inventors, featuring fascinating artifacts like magic lamps and early movie machines.
Goethe House and Museum: The birthplace of Germany’s greatest writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Explore his family home and learn about life in the 18th century, as well as the Baroque and Romantic periods.
Senckenberg Natural History Museum: Located outside the museum district, this museum is famous for housing Europe’s largest exhibition of large dinosaurs.
Visit the Eschenheimer Turm
The Eschenheimer Turm, built in the early 1400s, is a former city gate that now stands as one of Frankfurt’s most iconic landmarks. Standing 47 meters tall, the tower offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past. Today, it houses a café and meeting rooms used by local historical societies.
Things to Eat in Frankfurt
Drink Apple Cider
In Frankfurt, the local drink is Apfelwein (apple cider), a unique beverage that combines a sweet, tart, and slightly sour taste. It's served in a glass called "Geripptes," which is decorated with lozenges, and poured from a distinctive blue and white stoneware jar called a "Bembel."
Try Traditional Frankfurt Cuisine
Frankfurt has a rich culinary heritage, offering plenty of delicious dishes to try. One of the city's specialties is Grüne Soße (Green Sauce), made from a blend of seven fresh herbs—such as borage, sorrel, chives, and parsley—mixed with cream.