Frankfurt am Main is located by the Main River in Germany’s second largest metropolitan area. Home to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, European Central Bank and the German Federal Bank, this dynamic city is known as the financial center of continental Europe and has been playfully nicknamed “Bankfurt” and “Mainhattan”. With intricate transportation networks, it also serves as a major hub and millions of people pass through Frankfurt Airport, Europe’s third busiest airport by passenger traffic, and Frankfurt Central Station each day. The city skyline is marked by impressive skyscrapers, including the two tallest skyscrapers in the EU: the Commerz
The biggest attraction for families with children and toddlers is the Frankfurt Zoo. Located in the Ostend, it attracts quite a crowd on Sundays and public holidays. With 4,500 animals of over 400 species, the Zoo promises lots to see on its extensive and well-maintained 11-hectare grounds.
Housed within the Historic Museum of Frankfurt, this museum is designed to allow children to spend a few hours learning about the city and its culture. There are workshops that teach various crafts, as well as interactive exhibits and guided tours. Children are encouraged to touch, play with and ask about various objects as they learn about the historical significance of each.
An indoor facility that contains swimming pools and plunge pools for adults, children and non-swimmers alike, Panoramabad is a good place to be if you are travelling with children and want to accompany them for a fun and engaging activity. Opening times are 6am-8pm Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 6pm-9pm Sunday.
One of the largest parks in Frankfurt, Guntherburgpark is filled with summer activities like swimming, roller skating, children parties and water games. This scenic park is an exciting place to bring your children for a family outing. Address: Hartmann-Ibach-Straße Frankfurt HE 60389, Germany
The Adler Company was formed in 1880 and specialized in high tech machines. Over the years the site was used to build fighter jets and was constructed and reconstructed to suit modern times. After the Second World War, the building was given up and later renovated to house artist studios, theaters, and offices. Presently located within the Adler building is Gallus Theater, advertising agencies of Wunderman and Young & Rubicam and divisions of Deutsche Bahn AG. Entry is free. You can get to the building by train. Nearby Stations include Galluswarte: S3, S4, S5, S6.
The largest stadium in Frankfurt, Ballsporthalle Frankfurt attracts huge crowds during every scheduled game. If you’re in Frankfurt with children, going to watch a game would be a fun outing for all. Call the stadium to get the schedule for the up coming days. Address: Ballsporthalle Frankfurt Silostraße 46 Frankfurt, Germany Phone: +49 69 31 9076 Fax: +49 69 30 4944 Email: [email protected]
One of the largest parks in Frankfurt, Palmengarten covers 50 acres and is a beautiful sight in every season, with seasonal blossoms and greenery everywhere. The Tropicarium consists of numerous varieties of tropical plants enclosed in a giant greenhouse and displayed according to climate and natural habitats like mangroves, desert, rainforest and monsoon. On the same property there are various glass houses that exhibit other plant and flower species. The Palemngarten is also one of the few horticulture sites in the world where newer species are developed and extinct ones are preserved. Opening times vary according to seasons:
This museum is an extensive display of the Goethe Age and is in commemoration of the greatest German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It shows pictures and paintings from German artists belonging to various time periods, which depict changing traditions and cultures. It also has an extensive library of literature and historical texts. Adjacent to the museum is the Goethehaus, which was the home of the famous writer. The house and the museum are both open to tours. The museum timings are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the ticket costing around 5.00 Euros for adults and 1.50 Euros for children. Due to major reconstructions, the museum will be closed for the rest of this year. Address: Frankfurter Goethe-Haus Freies Deutsches Hochstift Großer Hirschgraben 23-25 60311 Frankfurt am Main Telephone: (0 69) 1 38 80 - 0 Telefax: (0 69) 1 38 80 – 222 URL: www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de
This is the central square in Altstadt and is a site used for many of the major festivals and fairs in the city. The Rommerberg has a bunch of historical sites, museums and buildings that are considered a tourist’s first stops.
Staedel Museum, one of the leading museums of Frankfurt, has an extensive collection of art- about 2700 paintings, 100,000 drawing and about 600 sculptures- from renowned artists depicting the progression of culture through Frankfurt’s history. Opened under the name and will of Johann Friedrich Stadel, the museum is also dedicated to thorough art research. The Städel Art Institute follows the museum’s mission of art education and teaches and preserves art for further study. Standard admission fee is 12 Euros.
Cuisine: International One of Frankfurt’s finest dining establishments, this restaurant specializing in French, Mediterranean and international cuisine has been awarded a Michelin star for its excellence. Plenty of important people, from celebrities to CEOs, grace its tables. The dining room is whimsically decorated with murals and theater memorabilia (as the entire restaurant is located in the basement of Tigerpalast Theater), while the separate Tiger- Bistrot provides an equally wonderful, yet more casual atmosphere. Restaurant timings are Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 1 am and reservations are required for dine in. Food prices vary but the standard prix-fixe varies from 50 to 100 Euros. Address: Heiligkreuzgasse 16-20, Frankfurt Phone: 069/92002250
Cuisine: Italian One of the pricey restaurants in Frankfurt, Acquapazza serves all kinds of Italian dishes and is famous for its fish. Located at the West End of the city, it attracts a large crowd of Westerners, both local and foreigners. An elaborate restaurant with fine dining and amazing china, Acqua pazza is one of the high priced restaurants in Frankfurt. Address: Westendplatz 42 60325 Frankfurt, Deutschland Phone: 069 172028 Website: www.aquapazza.de
Cuisine: Fusion, Austro-German The dining experience at Silk has an interesting premise- eating while lounging on white-leather beds surrounded by curtains and colorful mood lighting. Diners at Silk begin their evening at 7:30 pm, take their shoes off, relax and enjoy a multi-course tasting menu with dinner service beginning at 8 pm and lasting most of the evening. With deliciously inventive food creations and a unique atmosphere, dinner at Silk is definitely worth devoting an evening to.
Cuisine: Steaks and seafood Arguably the best Steak house in all of Germany, Surf ‘n Turf is a sizzling restaurant that serves one of the most extensive menus. Appetizers are full of salads and sidelines while main courses are very filling, including mouthwatering steaks in all kinds of meats and cuts that can be prepared just the way you want them. Make sure you call for reservations to be sure of a wonderful evening at the steak house. Prices can reach up to around 150 Euros and the place is open Monday to Friday 12 noon to 3pm, and Monday to Saturday 6pm to midnight.
Cuisine: French Located in the lobby of the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof luxury hotel, Restaurant Francais is an elegant dining establishment with two stately rooms decorated in blue and gold. The elaborately designed menus and beautiful dishes are unbelievable and live up to the impeccably high standards set for them. The restaurant is open for lunch from noon to 2:30 pm and dinner is served from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. Jackets are recommended.
Cuisine: Indian- Pakistani This is a high priced Indian restaurant that offers quality food, a homey yet sophisticated atmosphere, and excellent service. Taj Mahal is open for lunch from 11 30 am to 2 30 pm and for dinner from 6pm to 11pm. The restaurant is decorated heavily with Indian artifacts and cultural symbols. Dishes start from 30 Euros.
Cuisine: Continental Another one of Frankfurt’s upscale restaurants, the Gargantua is stylishly set in a green and white theme with outdoor arrangements of tables for dining al fresco. With tons of specialties, dishes are prepared with a multitude of fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. Located in the Westend district, Gargantua attracts quite a crowd of foreigners for delicious dishes like rib-eye steak, sautéed sausages, squid and truffles. Reservations are recommended and the place is open for lunch from noon to 2 30pm and dinner from 6pm to 1 am on weekdays. On weekends only dinner is served. Address: Liebigstrasse 47, Frankfurt Phone: 069/720718
Cuisine: International/local Set in the park of the Museum of Applied Arts, this restaurant prepares some of Frankfurt’s best international food. The layout of the entire area is a breath of fresh air as it’s set in one of the greenest areas that Frankfurt has to offer. The daily lunch specials offer 2 or 3 course meals for vegetarians as well as meat lovers. A la carte options are also available. The restaurant is open from to Tuesday to Saturday, noon to midnight and Sundays from noon to 6 pm. It can also be booked for parties and special events.
Cuisine: French Don’t judge this place by its size. Despite being cramped, Erno’s Bistro holds a very high reputation in Frankfurt and serves the finest French cuisine. Under the guidance of renowned chef Erno Schmitt, the restaurant was the first in Frankfurt to earn a Michelin star. Current chef Valery Mathis carries on this legacy and has brought the bistro to new heights. It is open from noon to 7 30 in the evening and since it’s in high demand, make sure you make a reservation well in advance. Closing season: mid June to mid July
Cuisine: Continental A charming bistro in Frankfurt’s Westend, Rosa Bistro has a décor of pretty gingham curtains and a pig motif. The food is quality German cuisine with meats and poultries like lamb, goose, duck and pheasant cooked and seasoned perfectly. During the summer, diners can enjoy a pleasant outdoor terrace surrounded by ivy. The restaurant does not accept credit cards so be sure to have some cash on you! Opening hours are from 6 30 pm to midnight from Monday to Saturday and it will be good to reserve a table in advance.
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Set in a peaceful and secluded place accessible via a taxi ride, this fancy 8 story hotel is one of the largest in Frankfurt and the only one with a covered walkway linking it to the trade fairgrounds. The spacious rooms have stylish furnishings and are also equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, a mini bar and a safe. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, fitness clubs, indoor heated pool, sauna, solarium and massages.
Ideally located in the heart of the city and one of the most amazingly decorated hotels in Frankfurt, the Flemings Deluxe has 113 glamorous rooms that offer all kinds of amenities- from hair dryers to large safes, TV and Wi-Fi. If you want to pamper yourself on your vacation, this is the place to be. The hotel has numerous in-house facilities, including one of the finest health centers in Frankfurt, a business centre, non smoking areas, restaurants, laundry and dry cleaning services. Guests can also enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Frankfurt skyline from the rooftop terrace.
A unique hotel, the Pure is an embodiment of modern architecture and elegance with its clean and soothing design palate. The 50 rooms are completely dressed in white while the colors and the ambiance of the hotel lobby change over the course of the day. These terrific rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, dryers, flat-screen TV, AC and state of the art furnishing. Other facilities include a fitness center, sauna, steam baths, bars, restaurants and laundry services. Address: The Pure Niddastrasse 86, Frankfurt 60329 Phone: 069/7104570 Fax: 069/710457177 URL: www.the-pure.de
The Courtyard by Marriott is a state of the art hotel with 236 rooms equipped with everything you will ever need. The rooms are of international standard and the ambiance is perfect for a luxurious vacation away from home. It is located minutes away from the festival grounds and the city centre and also has easy access to the airport. Guests at the Courtyard can indulge in facilities like the indoor pool with a view of the Frankfurt skyline, sauna, business center with high speed wireless internet, 9 meeting rooms, a spacious restaurant for high quality food and a fitness club for relaxation. Address: Oeserstrasse 180 Frankfurt, Hessen 65933 Germany Phone: 49 69 3905 0 Fax: 49 69 3808218
Visiting Frankfurt on a business tour or for an extravagant vacation? Sheraton Frankfurt Airport is the place for you. Just minutes away from the airport, this hotel is pure luxury. From the classy business centers to the indulgent spas, pools, gyms, restaurants, bars, sweet sleeper beds, massages, and inviting bedrooms fitted with the latest technologies, everything at Sheraton is more than perfect.
Perhaps the most artistic and might I say ‘addictive’ hotel in all of Frankfurt is the Le Meridien. Just one look at this grand and majestic building can fill your senses with luxury. Completely living up to its five-star rating, Le Meridien Parkhotel Frankfurt will make your stay a memorable one. A particular interest is shown by the management in Frankfurt’s art and culture and the room keys are also entry passes to cultural displays within the hotel. It has 77 rooms and suites that have the latest technologies and are a vacationers dream. Business centers, meeting rooms, the intoxicating herbal steam rooms, body peelings, massages, spas, gyms, pools and the sauna are all open to guests with additional charges. Address: Wiesenhüttenplatz 28-38 60329 Frankfurt am Main Deutschland Phone: +49 69 2697 0 Fax: +49 69 2697 884 Toll-Free: 00800 32 53 53 53 URL: www.lemeridienparkhotelfrankfurt.com
The Westin Grand in Frankfurt offers great relaxation amid the hustle and bustle of the main city. With its soothing environment, lush colors and wide carpeted corridors this hotel is a vacationer’s haven. Located minutes away from the Zeil, the place offers all the best facilities and amenities and has a wide variety of engagements for guests. These include gyms with the latest technology, pools, spas, saunas, bars, restaurants, 13 fully equipped conference rooms, 24 hour room service and much more. For its guests it also offers free entry to a vintage car exhibition within the hotel premises. Room charges differ with the amount of service required. However, the standard charges start from 259 Euros per night. Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 7 60313 Frankfurt am Main Deutschland, Germany Phone: +49 69 29810 Fax: (49)(69) 2981810 URL: www.westingrandfrankfurt.com
Linder Plaza is recognizable by its classic New York style and 1930’s elegance. Set in a very convenient location in the downtown area, the Plaza has a spectacular view of the Frankfurt skyline. The 118 room units are draped in luxury and style and offer everything you could possibly need during your stay. The restaurants New Brick Californian and Leon Garcia’s serve scrumptious food in a soothing ambiance and the wellness and fitness centers can put you back in shape in no time. Lindner Hotel is like no other in its conference rooms and business centers, which are all equipped with top-notch equipment and technology. Room rates vary according to services required. Address: Lindner Hotel & Residence Main Plaza Walther-von-Cronberg-Platz 1 D-60594 Frankfurt Germany Phone: +49 69 66401-0 Fax: +49 69 66401-4426 E-Mail: [email protected]
Located in a secluded and peaceful quarter of Gutleutviertel, Pension Aller can be your retreat from the busy city life. A moderately price hotel offering all the basic amenities, it is very simple, welcoming and affordable, with rates ranging from 75 to 150 Euros. However, it requires advance booking since it’s very popular among the tourists pouring into Frankfurt. Address: Gutleutstrasse 94 Tel: (069) 252 596. Website: www.pension-aller.de
This hotel is located in a prime location about 5 minutes walk from the university and banking zone. It has 45 uniquely furnished (each of the Superior guest rooms have a different theme) and spacious rooms that have a mini bar, TV, Wi-Fi, hair dyer, trouser press and a round the clock room service. One night rates of 130 Euros per room include the buffet breakfast on the garden terrace. Other services include laundry, underground parking for 13 Euros, babysitting and non smoking areas. Address: Westendstrasse 104, Frankfurt 60325 Phone: 069/747979 Fax: 069/748349 URL: www.hotel-an-der-messe.de
The ideal time for you to visit Frankfurt is the late spring to early autumn period in the months of April and May. The summer months are usually warm around 25 °C to 35 °C with high levels of humidity and light rainfall is expected. However, winters in Frankfurt can get pretty harsh in the months of November to February with temperatures dropping as low as -10 °C with occasional heavy rainfall. Therefore, as winter fades to spring during the months of April to May, you can enjoy the tourist attractions in Frankfurt to their fullest with pleasant temperatures of 15 to 25 °C . Keeping in mind with the year round fairs and festivals, you might also wish to avoid the busiest months in order to enjoy a relaxing vacation and still be able to find affordable accommodations.
• Location: Frankfurt has a very attractive location. It is set beautifully on an ancient ‘ford’ (which is the place where a river may be crossed) on the River Main. 524km in length, this river crosses a lot of major German cities, including Bavaria. The city is in the heart of the ‘Rhine’ which is the largest metropolitan region in Germany. • Dialing codes: country code: +49, city code to Frankfurt: +69 • Emergency (police or ambulance): 112 • Airport enquiry: 1. Frankfurt Hahn (HHN): (06543) 509 200. 2.Flughafen Frankfurt/Main (FRA): (069) 6900
1st January- New Year’s Day. 6th January- Epiphany (a Christian fest to celebrate God’s revelation to mankind). During April: Good Friday. During April: Easter Monday. 1st May: Labor Day. During May: Ascension Day. During May/June: Whit Monday. During June: Corpus Christi (in honor of Holy Eucharist). 8th August: Holiday to celebrate Peace Festival. During August: Ascension of the Virgin (to celebrate the reuniting of Mary and her Child). 3rd October: Day of Unity. 31st October: Day of Reformation. 1st November: All Saints Day. 23rd November: Repentance Day. 25th December: Christmas. 26th December: Boxing Day/ St. Stephens Day.
The currency in Frankfurt is the euro, which became Germany's official currency in 2002. It is divided into 100 cents. Euro come in denominations of five, ten, twenty, fifty, 100, 200 and 500 notes and one, two, five, ten, twenty and fifty cent coins.
Month Min. Temp °C Max. Temp °C January -3 1 February -2 3 March 0 8 April 4 13 May 8 19 June 12 22 July 13 23 August 13 23 September 10 19 October 6 13 November 2 7 December -2 3
Due to the high influx of immigrants, Frankfurt is home to a mixture of people from more than 180 nationalities. Being a multicultural society has added greatly to the already rich German culture depicted in the monuments and museums. The population of nearly 2.3 million is comprised of people of all backgrounds and professions, including wealthy businessmen, college students, traders from countries as diverse as Turkey, U.S.A, Bosnia, Spain, France, Japan and India. With the increased transportation facilities, 35% of the people in the city are immigrants and 25% of the people living in Frankfurt don’t have German passports. These aspects also have downside. In the last decade, Frankfurt has experienced a rise in its crime rates especially with regard to smuggling and pick pocketing. Nevertheless, Frankfurt is an amazing place to be with some of the most hospitable, friendly and courteous people in the world, who aim at building strong relationships.
Frankfurt am Main is located by the Main River in Germany’s second largest metropolitan area. Home to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, European Central Bank and the German Federal Bank, this dynamic city is known as the financial center of continental Europe and has been playfully nicknamed “Bankfurt” and “Mainhattan”. With intricate transportation networks, it also serves as a major hub and millions of people pass through Frankfurt Airport, Europe’s third busiest airport by passenger traffic, and Frankfurt Central Station each day. The city skyline is marked by impressive skyscrapers, including the two tallest skyscrapers in the EU: the Commerzbank Tower and Messeturm. Not only has the city progressed in economically, it has also preserved and built upon its monuments and traditional landmarks. More than 500,000 tourists are attracted each year to the various fairs and festivals held to celebrate the history and culture of Frankfurt and Germany. The city is also a leading contributor to education and research and is training its young minds and grooming an educated generation. Frankfurt’s juxtaposition of commerce and culture makes it an ideal city to live and work in, which has earned it the distinction of a spot among the top 10 most livable cities by Mercer’s Quality of Living survey.
Most of Frankfurt’s history revolves around its location, a swampy valley at the intersection of two river channels. Though artifacts can be found dating back to the Paleolithic period, the first settlements were of the Romans during the first century CE. After Roman settlement, the first reference to the name Frankfurt in history appears as ‘Franconofurd’ the “ford of the Franks” where the river could be traversed by wading. Charlemagne had a royal court here and in 822, his son Emperor Ludwig the Pious, ordered the construction of the residential areas of the city. In the years following this, from 1074 to 1150, different tariffs, fairs and festival names were coined after Frankfurt and in 1152, Fredrick Barbarossa was named king of Germany. By 1240, Frankfurt was known as a ‘safe passage’ for tourists and its reputation as a fair trade city was built because it was the most profitable city of Germany. After being elected as a ‘free imperial city’ in 1372, the first Town Hall was built in Frankfurt in 1405. For about four centuries after this Frankfurt went through civil and political unrest with the Romans, Americans and the Jewish settlements. It was in 1800 that the fortification boundaries surrounding Frankfurt were demolished and the population numbers slowly rose from 35,000 to 100,000 to 400,000 in 1905. Within this period the major monuments of the city were, including the Alte opera. From 1948 onwards, Frankfurt witnessed an era of great development and progress with the opening of major banks, the establishment of an elaborate transportation system, and the growth of the city’s skyline with the addition of new skyscrapers. The Frankfurt we see today is one that carries a rich history of war and struggle. Every monument, park and alleyway has a story to tell.
Nordwest is a large shopping complex located in the north of Frankfurt. It has around 150 well known brands that are most visited by locals and visitors. The center of the mall is more than an experience and offers cultural exhibits for display. Frankfurters predominantly come here for dining and entertainment. The complex has a huge parking lot so parking is never a problem at Nordwest. Opening times: Monday to Saturday Open 10:00 to 20:00 clock. Parking charges 1 Euro for 90 minutes
Another one of Frankfurt’s exclusive and indulgent shopping localities is the Schillerpassage shopping mall. Located next to the stock exchange, it has a wide array of high-end specialty shops featuring clothes, lingerie, books, shoes and furniture. Tourists can spend the day looking around, window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere of the luxurious marble and gold building. Address: Rahmhofstraße 2 Frankfurt am Main 60313 Phone: +49 69 767 2580
One of the four largest shopping arcades is the Hassen Center, with over 115 specialty shops. It is located in East Frankfurt and attracts huge crowds who come here to shop and spend the day in the classy cafes and restaurants at the mall. Parking facility is also available at reasonable rates.
Not your typical toy store, Hanne Kley is an expensive store that specializes in toys handcrafted from wood and carved to perfection. It’s a toy collector’s dream. Address: Steinweg Passage, Rossmarkt 12, Altstadt, 60311 Phone: +49 69 284 811 Website: www.hanne-kley.de
Another famous shopping center in Frankfurt, Isenburg is located in the south of the city and was inaugurated in 1972. It has over 110 shops and generates a turnover of over 96 million for the city. It has a lot of expensive specialty shops but moderate budged shoppers are also welcomed to shop in the regular brand shops. Reasonable parking is available and parking cards are also offered. Address: Neu-Isenburg-Zentrum Neu-Isenburg, 63263 Phone: 0172/6144603 Website: www.isenburg-zentrum-neu-isenburg.de
One of Frankfurt’s upscale shops, this boutique stocks many international designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Helmut Lang and has the perfect location in the Westend district of the city. To get a feel of European shopping, pay a visit.
This is the upscale boutique of renowned goldsmith and jewelry designer Wolf-Peter Schwarz located in the expensive street of Goethestrasse.
Located along the same posh street of Frankfurt, Bogner is a shop that specializes in contemporary fashion and sportswear. From men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, Bogner carries all kinds of simple and stylish clothing.
With a history of fine craftsmanship spanning 150 years, Hochster Parzellan carries some Europe’s finest porcelain creations. These flawless “white gold” pieces are valuable collectibles and heirlooms. The store caters to made to order objects but alterations can only be made if they are in line with the original theme of that era. Be sure to get some of these for the loved ones back home.
This art gallery/store features an avant-garde collection of art in all forms, including paintings, photography, plastics and video. The place is full of both well-known and breakout artists of Germany and the international arena. Address: Hanauer Landstrasse 134, Frankfurt Phone: 069/43053962
This museum is an effort by the City Council to show everything related to filmmaking in Germany. The art and history of filmmaking is put on display and showed through a set of screens. This process is divided into different sets of time periods, like the modern films of the 20th century and the early classical era. Apart from this the museum holds up to 7000 film copies and collectibles belonging to the famous German film makers like Hans Richter, Lotte Reiniger and Oskar Fischinger. Since its inauguration in 1993, the museum has held an International Festival for Children’s Cinema every September.
Formerly known as the Museum of Ethnology, the Museum of World Cultures aims to promote global understanding and acceptance by facilitating thoughtful dialogue and presenting unifying ideals. The building at Schaumainkai 29 has exihibits emphasizing timeless questions of human existence while Gallery 27 presents work by contemporary artists from India, Africa, Oceania and Indonesia. Visits to the museum are accompanied by enriching tours, workshops, presentations and discussions that are sure to expand your views. Curious minds will also enjoy the library with its 40,000 book collection and the Intercultural Atelier, which presents a tactile approach to learning.
More of a festival, this event is held for promoting the various museums in Frankfurt and entry fees have been reduced to attract tourists. It has various different arts and crafts exhibitions.
One of the foremost European museums of architecture, this Frankfurt museum presents a huge scope of architectural work for visitors to view. 24 large models are part of the “From the Prehistoric Hut to the Skyscraper,” which show just about the entire range of human settlement. The place holds about 200,000 plans and 600 models which includes works of the like of Giambattista Piranesi, Frank Gehry, Mies van der Rohe, Gottfried Semper and Louis I. Kahn. Paintings of architectural designs are also part of the collection and special tours and appointments need to be made to view these renowned works of art. Architectural history is also preserved in the form of literature in the library of this museum which holds about 25,000 pieces of text.
One of the best international museums of its kind, the Applied Arts museum was founded in 1877 and holds a collection of historical artifacts from various cultures. Some of the works include European cultural items from the 12th century, Islamic art and Asian cultural displays. Interesting presentations are created by combining displays and literature for visitors in the audience, who are sure to have an educational and eye-opening experience.
A very unique museum of its kind, the award-winning Museum for Communication exhibits the various kinds of communications present in today’s world and how each evolved into its current form. The importance of communication and its history is a major field of study for specialists so this museum holds special importance in the academic arena. As a practical display, old models of fax machines, phones and typewriters have been put on for viewing and even trying. In addition to this there is also a small collection of paintings on the communication theme. Museum timings are: Mon closed, Tue - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM; Sat-Sun 11 AM - 7 PM. Tickets: 2 Euros for adults; 1 euro for children.
To celebrate the arrival of the New Year, Frankfurt’s Alte Oper plays its sensational traditional music to entertain the thousands of people who come to celebrate New Years with friends and family. A wide variety of seasonal tunes are also played by the “Junge Deutsche Philharmonie”.
Fastnachtszug, an annual carnival parade that dates back to the 14th century, symbolizes man’s struggle against evil spirits. The parade circles the city centre, celebrating the start of summer with costumed witches and scarecrows. Entry is free and it’s an open invitation for all!
This event is characterized by general liveliness and chaos across the city and can be compared to Mardi Gras in other countries. Parades with decorated floats and crowds of costumed revelers take to the streets during this time.
A one of a kind trade fair, this annual event is hosted by Ludwig Erhard Anlage and it consists of displays and exhibits of innovative home decoration items and exquisite pieces of art from around the world.
This extravagant folk festival is held at the Festplatz am Ratsweg and attracts some 500,000 people each year. It started as a small market for traditional crafts and has today become one of the main attractions for Frankfurters. It is characterized by a colorful display of fireworks at the beginning and end of the fair and food and wine is available for enjoyment together with fun filled rides such as roller coasters. For more information call (49) 69-212-38800.
Phone: 069/21-23-88-00 Website: www.frankfurt-tourismus.de
Address: Römerberg 27 60311 Frankfurt am Main Phone: 069/212-38800
This is the main tourism body in Frankfurt. It offers all kinds of city tours and has various options from which to choose. Further information can be obtained from the following number: Phone: +49 (0) 69 / 21 23 89 53 Fax: +49 (0) 69 / 21 23 82 43
Tour 1 Perfect for those who want a glimpse of Frankfurt’s attractions while expending minimal effort, this tour lasts two hours and gives visitors an overview of the main metropolis of the city. Tourists get to pass by places of interest like the Museum Embankment, Stock Exchange, Applewine District Old Sachsenhausen, Banking District, Main Train Station, Old Opera House, and the Fairground. A walk around the historic Romerberg is also included to let you roam around the famous square to get a feel of the history of Frankfurt. Service charges vary depending on whether you hire a German guide or an English guide and based on the bus rental charges.
A one of its kind tour for children that lets them learn while having fun on the city streets, the educational tour starts from Romer and ends at the platform of the Main Tower. In between children are told of the rich Frankfurt history preserved at the Historical Museum, the Cathedral and Town Hall. In total the walk is for 2 hours and 25 people are allowed in one group. Charges vary and start from 125 Euros.
The tour walk starts from the office of this central tourist station and people get to visit the following places: Peace Bridge (new Western Harbour development, Main terraces), Nice (green), Untermainkai, Holbein Steg, Schaumainkai, Museum Embankment, Iron Bridge, Sachsenhausen Bank (view of old town, churches, Skyline), Old Bridge (ford, founding legend), Frankensteiner place (Alt Sachsenhausen, Apple Wine Quarter), Flößerbrücke (Mr German district, Main Plaza). Look at future site of the ECB (former wholesale market hall).
With the importance that is attached to the historical Romerberg area, this tour is dedicated to exploring only the ancient parts of the city centre. It includes a two hour walk through the Historical Museum, Imperial Hall, St. Paul's Church and the Imperial Cathedral.
This is three hour guided walk through the historical as well as the modern day Frankfurt in groups of 25 people. It takes you through the historical city as well as to the Goethe Museum and the Main Tower. The tour includes inside visits of any three of the following:
This tour follows a trail of animal tracks and includes the same monuments as the previous tour. It is very adventurous and offers information on the presence of wildlife in Frankfurt.
This is joyous walk through the decorated and lit Christmas markets of Frankfur. The tour starts from Romer and along the way you’ll hear historic Frankfurt stories and tales of famous personalities before finishing the tour with a warm cup of cider.
Address: Nieder-Eschbach, Frankfurt, Germany
Address: I.I.S, Frankfurt Mainzer Landstr. 116, 60327 Frankfurt Phone: 069-74 38 68 25
Nuur Mosque is an Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat prayer venue in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district. The community’s own directory lists its address as Babenhäuser Landstraße 25, Frankfurt am Main.
Address: Prauenheimer Landstr. 21, Frankfurt, Hessen 60488 Phone: +49-697891211
Address: Münchener Str. 55, Frankfurt, Hessen 60329, GERMANY Phone: 069-235688
Address: Heilbronner Str. 20-22, Frankfurt, Hessen 60327 Phone: 069-230271 Website: www.taqwa-moschee.de
The best and easiest way to get around Frankfurt is by subway. A one way ticket costs €5.40 and strict penalties are imposed if a person is found without a ticket, including a fine of €40. The subway system is divided into the U-Bahn, which is blue with a U sign and the S-Bahn, which is green with an S sign. The S-Bahn is used for the suburbs and to get a ride to and from the airport while the U-Bahn is for commuting within the urban areas of the city. Tickets are bought on the spot but the ticket machines are complicated, so it’s best to get help from officials or a bystander. If you have plans to explore the city all day, make sure to buy one of the ‘magical’ Frankfurt cards. This car gives you unlimited discounts on all sorts of public transport and can even earn you a discount on museum tickets! The Frankfurt card, available at tourist shops, airport terminals and travel agencies, is valid for one or two days and is available separately for individuals and groups. The cost of the card is: 1 person, 1 day = €8.9 Group, 1 day = €18 The downside is that the S-Bahn is particularly known for its delayed departures so remember to account for this while making your plans.
Driving around Frankfurt is not such a good idea because of the constant hustle and bustle of tourists and the crowded roadside stalls. During the peak times of the season, parking spaces are hard to find and illegal parking can lead to terribly high fines and penalties since most parking spaces are reserved for local residents and are marked so. The best you can do is park your car in a ‘parking garage’ for the entire day and then walk around for the sightseeing and shopping. Garage parking costs around 8 euros for the whole day. Cars can be rented from a number of companies who allow for online rentals as well. All the car hire companies have their respective desks at the Frankfurt Hahn Airport and provide safe and reliable services.
Before you hire a car, you need to take into account Frankfurt’s laws for driving around the city. With heavy tourist activity and a high crime rate, laws in Frankfurt have become even stricter. There are regular fines, tailgating charges and radar traps to watch out for. Moreover, Germany has a very stringent DUI policy i.e. driving under influence of alcohol. Any amount greater than 0.5mg - which is no more than one glass of wine, is unacceptable. Therefore, be sure to stay sober if you wish to drive around.
Exploring Frankfurt by a taxi is a good idea as taxi fares are very reasonable and one can find taxis very easily throughout the city at various spots. Be careful to not be tricked by a taxi driver as they tend to act smart if they learn that you do not know your way around here. Taxi drivers tend to drive very fast as required by German businessmen, however they can be told to slow down as the passenger requests it. The following taxi companies also offer doorstep services and can be found at the Frankfurt Airport.
Biking is very common on the roads of Frankfurt. People are seen enjoying the beauty of the river side and the constant activity of the markets while peddling away on bikes. Several bicycle rental services are available with Deutsche Bahn being the most popular. DB has a very convenient bike service with pick-up and drop-off points almost at every other corner of the market square, and charges 15 Euros for one day. Bikes are available from April to December on easy rates and are recognized by the unmistakable red logo of DB.
Traveling by bus isn’t a very common practice in Frankfurt. Tourists usually take buses in order to get from the Frankfurt Airport to the main city. The airport runs shuttle services to accommodate these needs.
Trams are the best mode of transport within the city due to heavy tourist flow. Frankfurt has 9 tram lines and they arrive every 10 to 12 minutes at various spots in the city. Trams as a mode of intracity transport is easier and much more pleasant as tourists can enjoy sightseeing along the way.
Compared to other western cities, Frankfurt is a pretty safe place to be and crimes are rare. People are quite peaceful and very welcoming. Thefts are not unheard of so it’s advisable to avoid wandering around alone at night and to always keep your eyes and ears open for danger. In the red light district of Hauptbahnhof, drug dealers might be seen. However they are kept under control by the efficient and alert police of the city. In general there is no area that has to be specifically avoided because like any popular tourist destination, Frankfurt authorities make sure that they keep the city as desirable as possible. As a precaution, make sure your travel and medical insurance is covered before you leave home and follow all basic road rules while roaming around the city. In case of any emergency contact the police immediately and keep the following contacts in hand.
