A Mini Guide to Frankfurt
December 6th, 2006A Guide to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a city in the German state of Hesse. Resting on the banks of the Main River, the city is the fifth-largest in Germany and it boasts a population of 648,325 inhabitants. This historical city was the electoral city for the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation between 855AD and 1792AD. During the revolution of 1848-49, Frankfurt was the chosen revolutionary capital and it was also the seat of Germany’s first democratically elected parliament. Frankfurt suffered strong bombing during World War II and much of the city has been rebuilt in a modern, simple style. Some of the city’s more historic architecture has remained however, not least the stunning Saint Bartholomeus’ Cathedral, which was built in the 14th and 15th centuries in a Gothic style.
Another beautiful building is St. Paul’s Church, which was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been lovingly restored. Since the rebuilding of the city, Frankfurters have developed a taste for skyscrapers and the city is one of the few European cities to have a significant number. Skyscrapers of note include: the Commerzbank Tower, MesseTurm and Kronenhochhaus. For nature-lovers, Frankfurt offers an abundance of attractions, not least the lovely Palmengarten botanic gardens and Grueneburgpark – Frankfurt’s largest public park, which is often populated by the city’s younger residents as it is close to the Frankfurt’s two universities. Frankfurt also boasts an impressive zoo, which is involved in the European Endangered Species Programme.
In the south of the city is the lovely Frankfurt City Forest, the largest inner-city forest in Germany. For those less interested in outdoor pursuits, the city boasts an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars. The city is dotted with plenty of unusual boutiques, but for those interested large department stores or upmarket shopping, the Zeil area must be visited.
Dara Ward operates over 150 travel websites worldwide. He is also a fluent German speaker and has spend a number of years living in Germany. Some of his German travel sites include Hotels in Frankfurt and Hotels in Dusseldorf
The Museum fur Kommunikation
October 10th, 2006Resting on the banks of the Main River, the Museum fur Kommunikation stands in the wonderful area known as Museum Embankment. This fascinating museum is guaranteed to be a hit with children (and adults with an enquiring mind!). The Museum fur Kommunikation takes visitors on a trip through the history of communication, with wonderful tips on how to create your own invisible ink, and how to crack codes. This fascinating museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday or a Sunday, guided tours are also free.
The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel
October 9th, 2006Located in the heart of Frankfurt in the busy Kaiserplatz area, the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel is a wonderful option for both business trips and relaxing breaks. The luxury hotel is designed in a modern, stylish manner, with rooms individually decorated with a bright, airy feel. The hotel boasts three restaurants: ‘Francais’, which serves gourmet French cuisine, ‘Iroha’, which serves Far-Eastern delights, and ‘Oscars’, which boasts a relaxed atmosphere. The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel is home to a sauna, fitness centre and a massage room.
The Frankfurt Book Fair
October 6th, 2006Anyone travelling to the city of Frankfurt in late September/early October will no doubt be aware of the city’s massive book fair. The Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest book fair in the world, and it attracts visitors from across the globe. The city is taken over by authors, publishers, agents and booklovers, all intent on enjoying Frankfurt’s many delights. The fair itself is only open to the public on the weekend, but the revelry can be experienced throughout the city on any night of the week!
Explora Museum of Science and Technology
October 5th, 2006For a fun day out with the kids (or just inquisitive adults!) take a trip to the fascinating Explora Museum in the Nordend district of Frankfurt. This interactive science and technology museum is located in an old World War II bunker, and it promises fun and education for all the family. Particularly popular are the museum’s collection of holograms and optical illusions, for which visitors are provided with special glasses upon arrival. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
The Ginger Brasserie
October 4th, 2006Located in the lively Bahnhofsviertel area, the Ginger Brasserie offers visitors a wonderful dinning experience that won’t break the bank. This bustling area is famed for its multicultural eateries, and the Ginger Brasserie is one of the most popular. Serving a wide variety of Asian dishes, the restaurant offers an experimental menu. Dishes are changed on a monthly basis, and diners of an adventurous pallet won’t be disappointed. The restaurant is also renowned for its friendly staff, and it is popular amongst locals as well as holidaymakers.
Museum fur Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts)
October 3rd, 2006For anyone with an interest in modern art, a trip to the Museum fur Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts) is a definite must. The museum has developed an international reputation as an inventive and forward-thinking establishment, with emphasis placed on emerging, young German talent. The Museum fur Angewandte Kunst also houses fascinating examples of European and Asiatic art, with a wonderful exhibition celebrating Islamic work. The museum is free on Wednesdays and it boasts a lovely café and garden.
Studio Bar
October 2nd, 2006Situated in the heart of Frankfurt, Studio Bar is an exceedingly trendy destination for the city’s clubbers. A delightful, modern café is located downstairs, serving all the finest finger food and nibbles that a night owl could hope for. Upstairs a futuristic, space-age bar plays an eclectic mix of dance music to Frankfurt’s hippest residents. During the summer, Studio Bar’s lovely rooftop terrace is the place to be seen. Weekend door policy can be strict, but it’s worth it!
Manitou Restaurant
September 29th, 2006For a unique dining experience, visitors should take a trip to Manitou in the Sachsenhausen area. This unusual restaurant celebrates Native American cuisine and culture. The menu features ingredients traditionally used by Native Americans throughout the United States, and diners can try some unusual delicacies such as rattlesnake, scorpion and grasshopper (as well as more recognisable dishes such as salmon, bison and pheasant). There are no strictly traditional Native American vegetarian dishes on the menu, however traditional ingredients have been combined to create some hearty meals for herbivores.
The Frau Rauscher Brunnen monument
September 27th, 2006One monument that visitors should probably be warned about before they take to the streets of Frankfurt is the unusual Frau Rauscher Brunnen. Located to the south of the River Main, the statue features a large, very angry-looking Hausfrau, who occasionally spurts water across the footpath, soaking passers-by. Designed in honour of an old Frankfurt drinking song, the Frau Rauscher Brunnen monument occasionally causes consternation amongst unwitting tourists and daydreaming Frankfurters. You have been warned!