Frankfurt Overview

Frankfurt, Germany's fifth largest city and one of Europe's major financial centres, is also a region of many contrasts and entices thousands of visitors to its streets each year. With a skyline dominated by imposing buildings and landmarks, this city is also an intriguing fusion of old and new. Renowned for its apple wines and sumptuous fruit drinks, the district is also home to a range of quaint and charming Ebbelwei pubs. Within this vast metropolis, visitors will also stumble across a myriad of historical sights and monuments, all within walking distance from the state-of-the-art skyscrapers.

The earliest record of Frankfurt dates back to 794 A.D when the Roman Empire developed the stone-age settlement into a Garrison town. By the 12th Century, Frankfurt flourished, not only as a market town but as a trading partner across Europe. By 1152, the city had become the preferred site for the coronation of royalty. When the Roman Empire collapsed in 1806, however, the region came under the governance of the French. John. F. Kennedy once described Frankfurt as the cradle of democracy in Germany, as the city hosted the first-ever parliamentary delegation in 1848.

Today, this beautiful city bears testament to Germany's post-war economic redevelopment and is hailed as one of Europe's most important centres for culture, art, history and music. Take a tour on the Hop on Hop Off bus and explore the Senckenberg Museum or the Museumsufer. Or time your visit to coincide with one its many festivals and events such as the dreamy Christmas markets or the Rheingau Wine Festival. Whatever your interests, Frankfurt boasts a wealth of attractions and activities for families, couples or solo travellers, so don't miss out and book your tickets today.

Things to do in Frankfurt

Wine tasting in the Rhine Valley, touring the myriad of museums and historic sites, feasting on some the Frankfurt's authentic, culinary delights or exploring one of the many fine country parks, this beautiful region is a hive of activity and knows how to entertain visitors to the area.

For the history lovers

Founded in 1815 by Johann Friedrich Städel, the Staedel Museum is considered to be one of the most important art museums in Frankfurt. The museum houses no fewer than 2,700 paintings, 600 sculptures and 100,000 drawings and was awarded Museum of the Year in 2012. Staedel's exhibits span seven centuries and include collections by Rembrandt, Botticelli and Campin. Visit Goethe House, the former home of 18th Century German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and explore the Goethe Museum which is adjacent to the house.

For the foodies

Situated on the River Maine in Central Frankfurt, Holbein's café and restaurant is located next to the Staedel Museum and offers an impressive menu. Choose from authentic German dishes such as Rippchen; seasoned roasted pork with pig knuckles and sauerkraut, or opt for one of the international dishes such as sushi. Sample the African fare at Im Herzen Afrikas; dishes are served on platters for sharing and there is a distinct absence of knives and forks as the food is meant to be eaten with your hands.

For the shopaholics

Skyline Plaza Frankfurt is the city's newest shopping centre and houses a vast array of shops, from the decidedly exclusive designer stores to chain and high-street brands. In addition, shoppers will find a restaurant, a day spa, a rooftop garden, children's play area and even a small vineyard! Alternatively, if you're looking for quaint markets and like to browse through vintage goods, then head to the Flohmarkt Schaumainkai Flea Market. The market is held every other Saturday and its riverside location and street food vendors ensure an unforgettable experience.

For the culture lovers

Head to the Old Opera House, one of the city's most revered architectural gems, rebuilt in 1980. This stunning venue is host to a variety of musical performances including Jazz concerts, opera, rock and blues. The Schauspielfrankfurt Theatre, on the other hand, offers literary classic productions in addition to plays written and performed by new and upcoming artists.

For wildlife and nature enthusiasts

Frankfurt Zoo, located in Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee is home to hippopotami, lemurs, gorillas, turtles, vultures, lions and a vast array of other exotic species. In addition, the zoo boasts a fine aquarium and visitors will be treated to a selection of marine and aquatic life. Don't forget to visit Rebstockpark either, a stunning mini-forest in the city. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including rabbits, horses and is the natural habitat of many varieties of avian life.

Calendar of Events

Irrelevant of the season, the city of Frankfurt comes alive with glorious festivals and a host of uplifting and entertaining events. From celebrating the region's fabulous wines to shopping at the city's famous Christmas Markets, this region has it all.

• The Opera Square Festival: The Opera Square Festival takes place in June and spans nine days. The event is hosted in the square in front of the Old Opera House and celebrates the city's culinary heritage. Guests can feast on one of the many dishes on offer and enjoy the entertainment in the form of live music featuring jazz, pop and classical music.

• Main Festival: The Main Festival takes place in August and spans three days. The festival opens with live entertainment and the Fountain of Justice in the main square is transformed into a fountain of wine. Carousel rides, music, shooting galleries and tombolas entertain festival goers and the event closes with an impressive fireworks display.

• The Rheingau Wine Festival: This festival occurs in September and is a celebration, as its name suggests, of the region's excellent wines. Visitors are able to taste the wines on offer, feast on the delicious dishes available at the stalls and are entertained with the live music.

• Frankfurt Christmas Market: From the end of November to the end of December, the city hosts the renowned Christmas markets in Germany. Surrounded by the iconic sites of St. Paul's Square and the Römerberg, shoppers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of stalls selling a wide range of gifts, wooden toys, clothing and food.