Germany
When you think of cities in Germany to visit for the weekend, you might be considering Berlin or Munich. Both great places to spend a few days but there’s another German city which is definitely worth considering for your next city break: Frankfurt am Main. Often regarded as a business hub thanks to its towering skyline and international airport, Frankfurt actually has enough to see and do for a weekend break. We spent a few days here in the summer and were pleasantly surprised.
Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. In one direction you’ll see high rise modern skyscrapers and in another you’ll find historic squares and half-timbered houses. Wandering through the old cobblestone streets and past traditional buildings you can quickly find yourself in the financial district where the streets are lined with futuristic glass buildings.
Römerberg
The starting point for many a tourist is Römerberg, an impressive square lined with beautifully reconstructed half-timbered buildings. Here, you’ll find the Römer, the city’s historic town hall that has been in use for more than 600 years.
For history lovers, the nearby St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (Kaiserdom) is a must-visit. This Gothic cathedral was the setting for the coronation of kings and emperors for nearly 300 years.
Museum Embankment
After exploring the old town we headed south to the embankment where we stopped for lunch. As well as cafes and bistros, you’ll also find Frankfurts museum quarter. Lining both sides of the embankment are several museums such as;-
Städel Museum: for art lovers
German Film Museum: for film buffs
Historical Museum: for history buffs
Connecting both sides of the embankment is the historic iron bridge. Originally built in 1869, it was destroyed at the end of World War II and then rebuilt. The embankment area around the bridge is a popular hangout in the evenings for tourists and locals alike. Grab a beer in one of the riverside bars and watch the sun go down between two skyscrapers. It’s is a photo-worthy moment.
Eating and Drinking
The city is famous for Apfelwein (apple wine). It’s essentially a cider, quite tart but not unpleasant. I had it alongside a very non-traditional pasta dish but if you want to stay local, try it with Handkäs mit Musik (a tangy cheese served with onions) or Frankfurter Rippchen (smoked pork chops).
For a quick snack on the go, try the iconic Frankfurter Würstchen — the famous sausages which originated here. You can get them at one of the street stands but just make sure you have some euros with you as we found that some of these stands were cash only. If you’re looking for something sweeter there’s the Frankfurter Kranz, a ring-shaped cake filled with buttercream and jam.
Finally
Frankfurt may not always make the top of European city break lists, but that’s part of its charm. I liked the contrasts that the city offered and with Frankfurt airport being a major European hub, it’s easily accessible and ideal for a weekend break.
