Stick Around a While, Frankfurt’s a Fun City
We’ll be the first to admit that the city of Frankfurt was never really on our travel radar. With so many interesting European cities located within striking distance, overlooking Frankfurt is an easy mistake to make.
As a main travel hub for Canadians seeking direct flights from Vancouver to Europe, Frankfurt sees a lot of tourism traffic – the Frankfurt airport is the 3rd largest in Europe. However, most visitors only use Frankfurt as a gateway, opting to catch a train to neighbouring cities or countries.
We, too, were guilty of not giving Frankfurt much of a look.
After spending a night at the Frankfurt International Airport, so we could deal with Baby B’s jet lag, we quickly activated our Rail Europe train passes and traveled to Zurich, Switzerland (here are some photos from our time in Zurich). It’s embarrassing to say, but we really only explored Frankfurt’s futuristic train station before leaving Germany altogether.
However, we did allocate 2 days for Frankfurt before our departure home, leaving us enough time to get a feel for this international city of contrasts.
Admire the beautiful architecture of Römerberg
Don’t be fooled by its futuristic skyscrapers and urban sprawl, Frankfurt has a lot to offer its visitors, especially in the architecture department.
If there’s one place you should put on your Frankfurt checklist, it’s a visit to the historical Römerberg square. Some of the buildings in this old city centre date back to the 14th and 15th century, although many were destroyed after World War II and rebuilt years later.
Yes, it is a tourist hotspot, but for good reason. The east side of the square, known as the Ostzeile, has several half-timbered buildings that look like real life gingerbread houses.
It’s such a pretty square, especially in the summer with the colourful flowers hanging in the windows.
Walk in the shadows of the towering Frankfurt Cathedral
The stunning Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral, also known as the Frankfurter Dom, is located just outside of the Römerberg square.
Now, if you’ve been traveling around Europe for a while before visiting Frankfurt, you may already have cathedral burnout and not appreciate this historical church (especially when compared to the Kölner Dom in nearby Cologne, Germany).
But, if you’ve just arrived in Europe this medieval cathedral will surely impress. We’re told that you can climb the Kaiserdom’s 324 stairs to the top, offering some fantastic city views.
We decided to eat and drink beer instead.
Frankfurters in Frankfurt!
This was our lunch scene at cute outdoor restaurant in Frankfurt’s old town. Draft beer, European wieners and warm potatoes with bacon – quite possibly my favourite German meal!
Take a Spin on the Beer Bike!
Attention all beer drinkers. We have found the perfect tour for you – the Bier Bike!
Yes, it was love at first sight. While enjoying the lunch pictured above, we heard a cheerful group passing through the Römerberg. They were hard to miss.
“What the heck is that?”, we said at the same time. Well, it’s exactly what it looks like – a pub on wheels fueled by drinkers.
Now, if only they offered a baby-sitting service?
**Note – we’ve been informed that this particular bike (Possmann) actually serves apple cider called Apfelwein, not beer. However, the beer bike does exist. So you’ve got choice!
Burn off your alcohol calories while you drink – I dig it!
If you’re limited on time, or simply looking for convenience, explore the city sights with one of these nifty bike taxis…
… or take a Hop On-Hop Off Sightseeing Tour aboard a double-decker bus.
Stroll down the River Main
If you’re interested in getting outside and connecting with nature, take a stroll down the bustling River Main. It’s a nice waterfront walk that caters to cyclists, runners and leisurely walkers with baby strollers (that would be us).
If you’re a museum buff, or you have some extra time on your hands, there are number of popular museums on the south embankment of the river – called Museumsufer. You can find a list of museums here.
We were impressed by all of the parks in Frankfurt, particularly along the river.
It was really hot during our visit, so we appreciated these shaded walks and grassy parks so Baby B could roll around and get out of his stroller. Life moves a little slower in this part of the city, making it an ideal location for family travelers. There are lots of family friendly apartments located along the river, which is a great option when traveling with kids.
The Holbeinsteg pedestrian bridge stretches across the River Main. You can tell how hot it was this summer by looking at the colour of that grass.
Wander the city streets – you never know what you’ll find
We witnessed this ‘Occupy Frankfurt’ protest strategically placed in front of the Euro statue in the financial district. This particular group of protesters was more about getting wasted drunk at lunch then delivering a message – but I guess that’s a statement all on its own?
Of course German street art includes a beer stein!
The streets of downtown Frankfurt on a quiet summer Sunday
Streets near the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, the Central Train Station
Sampling the local brew as Baby B catches some nap time. Hey, it’s all about traveling efficiently!
Have you visited Frankfurt? Got any tips or recommendations?
Share your experience in the comments section below!
Great summary of Frankfurt guys you’ve got me interested so might have to stop in when I’m back in Europe for the summer next year.
Thanks Chris! Check it out. Lots of pubs and sports bars too.
I love taking advantage of stopovers to go places that I wouldn’t have initially thought of. My favorite in this category was probably an overnight in San Juan Puerto Rico on the way to Tobago.
It’s a bit of a pain to sometimes get hit with extra taxes due to taking the stopover, but most of the time I’ve found it worth it.
Glad you had a good time in Frankfurt!
We love extending layovers… its a great way to get more out of your flight purchase. We had a layover in San Juan before, but unfortunately it wasn’t long enough to see much.
Although I didn’t get to see much of Frankfurt, I did take a bump on a connecting flight in exchange for a free international flight and accommodations for the night. My friend and I walked around a bit, and I realized I should probably plan a longer layover the next time I pass through.
It’s well worth a visit, but not at the expense of some other German cities (like Berlin or Munich).
Frankfurt looks great! Similarly, I have flown into Frankfurt so many times but have never gotten out of the airport.
It’s such a busy airport, isn’t it?
We’re glad we finally gave Frankfurt some attention. It’s underrated.
Haven’t been to Frankfurt but it looks cute – I love Germany!
We do too! It’s probably our favourite country in Europe…
Dalene keeps saying she wants to try a Frankfurter in Frankfurt. It’s just something you have to do…
Indeed! It’s a must when in Frankfurt… as is washing it down with a cold beer!
Loads of people don’t rate Frankfurt but I loved it!
Those bier get around, the last time I saw one was in Berlin. Than again it could be the same people on an epic beer drinking session…
Hah! Yes, it just might be the same people!
Further research tells me that there are Bier Bikes all over Germany. Wouldn’t that be a fun adventure – seeing how many cities you could ride the Bier Bike?
I haven’t been in Frankfort in 14 years, but I remember I was a bit underwhelmed when I was there. Maybe it’s time for another visit!!
I’m certain that a lot has changed in the past 14 years – both the city and your personal preferences.
Frankfurt is a great place to visit. When I lived in Germany years ago used to to spend a lot of time there.
We think so too! 🙂
I had 5-6 hours to kill at Frankfurt airport once, and popped into town for a closer look. Wasn’t expecting much, frankly – seemed a boring sort of place, all business and high-rises. As it turned out, it was surprisingly pleasant and interesting.
Our experience was similar. Perhaps arriving in Frankfurt with lowered expectations is the way to go!
I was just there for two days! I didn’t go see much but I really loved what Frankfurt has to offer. So many different things to do, and absolutely loved their green sauce! Did you have it too?
No, we didn’t try the green sauce. This is the first time hearing about it?! What is it made of? I’m assuming it’s tasty?
Sour cream, boiled egg, seven different herbs. That “beer stein” above is a “Bembel”-an apple wine pitcher. Beer steins are not used in Germany, we only sell them to tourists, like cuckoo clocks.
Have always been meaning to give Frankfurt more than the standard airport transit due…noted! Baby B obviously loves it 🙂
Yes, Baby B had a great time in Frankfurt! 🙂
For a long time, Frankfurt was the only German city I’d ever spent time in. We had fun there!
Hey Abby! What was your most memorable moment from your time in Frankfurt?
I had a couple of days in Frankfurt earlier in the year and I just didn’t give it the time it deserved. I went it with a really bad attitude and just refused to see the good stuff it had to offer. I’m looking forward to going back some time and exploring it properly.
That’s too bad – but it happens.
We’ve discounted many destinations purely because we were in a bad mood or just burnt out. Hopefully you’ll give Frankfurt a second chance when you find yourself back in that part of the world
You seem to have hit every city on perfectly blue days. How did that happen?
We were just up in Frankfurt for the Christmas Market this weekend. There really is a fair amount of neat stuff to do in the city. Did you happen to try the Appelwein?
Hah! Yea, I guess we did luck out on the weather.
No, we didn’t try the Appelwein but you’re not the first person to mention this, so I’m beginning to think we should have! 😉
I love Frankfurt! Among Germans it has the nickname “Mainhatten” 🙂 And I hope I don’t sound like an annoying know-it-all, but that bike is actually a cider (the famous Apfelwein) bike, and Possmann is the delicious local brand in Frankfurt 🙂 Anyway, great post, gorgeous photos!
Ah, good to know! We just assumed it was beer. I guess I should have done my homework and researched “Possmann” instead of “Beer Bike”!
Good catch – I’ll add these recent findings to the post 😉
Beer Bike is the star!. I love the idea of a travelling bar and chilling beer is served.
We do too! 🙂
Frankfurt is indeed a city to discover, again and again and it is definitely more than a travel hub:)
Frankfurt has an incredible nightlife, too! I stopped in that city as a matter of convince making my way from Bruge to Munich, (for Oktoberfest last fall, best decision!) Was very surprised to go out and have so much fun with people from my hostel dorm.
The city itself impressed the hell out of me, it was my first experience in Germany, great introduction to the German spirit. Cannot believe the work they’ve done on it after the war, the postcards of the flattened city in the 40’s blew my mind. Germany is probably my favourite country in Europe, too 🙂
Just stumbled on this blog today, love it 🙂 Inspires me I should be blogging many more of my own adventures 🙂