6 minute read
It’s fair to say that many people think of Germany with busy tents at Oktoberfest, wearing lederhosen, and swinging giant mugs of beer around. While yes, that is true in some areas, Germany also caters for the more sophisticated, lavish, and cultured people out there. For your first port of call, Frankfurt is never a bad idea.
It’s possible to find flights to Frankfurt easily from the USA due to daily international departures, as the city is arguably the best for connections in Germany. Plus, I’d recommend booking in advance to make use of better deals.
I wanted to explore a different side of Germany than the one you might know already, as there’s so much more to this country than many expect.
A home away from home
Most Americans might actually feel more familiar with Frankfurt because of the many high-rise buildings dotting the skyline. While perhaps not as iconic as the NYC vista, Frankfurt nevertheless has an impressive view when on top of the 200-meter-high Main Tower. This will give you a sweeping panorama of the city and is especially beautiful at sunset (a great idea if you’re bringing a date).
Of course, there’s not much in the USA similar to the Römerberg with timber-framed houses and a cathedral looming over it all, but this older district is not too far from the banking area that makes up the bulk of Frankfurt.
Staying in Frankfurt
What to do here
You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class museums and galleries, as the Museumsufer is an area of the city that stretches along the River Main. From the Städel Museum to the German Architecture Museum, you’ll get a fascinating insight into the lives and works of contemporary and modern artists.
One of my best moments in Frankfurt was simply sitting down at a bench next to the river and watching people, cyclists, and even boats go back and forth. With a drink in hand and a sunny day, there’s rarely a better way to experience Frankfurt at its most relaxed.
Clubs, bars and shopping
If you’ve come to Germany with a bit of pocket money, then you simply can’t ignore The Zeil. This is the main shopping street in Frankfurt and has all the international brands you’ll be aware of; plus a few local ones you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a busy, lively area that gives you a good idea of how the rich live in this bustling metropolis.
If you think you’ve deserved a well-earned drink after a long day, then Bellini Plaza Bar is the perfect spot to unwind. Delicious, creative cocktails are served in a minimalist, beautifully-lit room with patrons a bit more dressed up than your average bar. For something a bit easier, The Tiny Cup provides a friendly atmosphere and great drinks in a more relaxed area.
You’ll be happy to know that it isn’t just Berlin or Hamburg that are known as the party centers of Germany. There’s plenty of fantastic venues and clubs that let you dance and enjoy all types of music genres.
Robert Johnson (odd name for a club but there you have it) is not just one of the most widely-respected electronic clubs in Germany, but all of Europe. It gets busy on a weekend, so be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it for couples or singles.
Tanzhaus West is a bit more wild and loose with a warehouse vibe and Jazzkeller has that old-school basement feel for, you guessed it, jazz music. It’s easy enough to discover all types of music in Frankfurt.
Classy restaurants
Nobody flies all the way to Frankfurt only to eat at humdrum restaurants or, dare I say, eat any fast food. There are dozens of fine-dining establishments and Michelin-starred restaurants that are hard to find elsewhere.
Places such as Lafleur, Grüne Soße, and Gustav have impeccable presentation, delicious flavors, and attentive waiting staff. There’s an overall great mix of local and international cuisines found in Frankfurt.
An underrated city
It’s easy to think of Frankfurt as simply a city for passing through. It is a transport hub for planes and trains, but it’s so much more than that. I was, like many people, not expecting Frankfurt to be amazing and I feel like I underestimated it. Thankfully, I was wrong.
Frankfurt really impressed me with a full range of fun activities, lively bars, cafes, and clubs, beautiful and scenic areas for walks and jogs, and that skyline that I’ll never forget. There’s a lot to do here and it might not get the coverage that cities like Berlin or Munich will receive, but Frankfurt deserves a visit in the spring or summer to fully enjoy it all (winter and fall are not much fun).
Frankfurt is just a bit more luxurious and elegant than many other German cities and is definitely suited to the refined gentleman. Think suits and ties instead of leather jackets and denim jeans.
Regardless of whether you are thinking of spending your entire Germany trip in Frankfurt or will plan on visiting some other areas of the country, I’m sure that those tips will be useful for your time here.
