Frankfurt

Self-Guided Audio Tours

Frankfurt am Main, often known simply as Frankfurt, is a vibrant and dynamic city that blends rich historical heritage with cutting-edge modernity. As Germany’s financial capital and one of Europe’s key hubs for business and culture, Frankfurt offers visitors an exciting mix of old and new. With its stunning skyline, charming historic district, world-class museums, and an international flair, Frankfurt is more than just a layover destination—it’s a city worth exploring.

A Historical City: From Roman Times to the Heart of Modern Europe

Frankfurt’s history stretches back over 2,000 years, beginning as a Roman settlement called Nida. By the Middle Ages, it had developed into a significant trade and cultural center, largely due to its strategic location along the Main River. In 1372, Frankfurt gained the status of a Free Imperial City, which allowed it to flourish economically and politically. It became the site of the election and coronation of Holy Roman Emperors for several centuries, cementing its historical importance in European politics.

Throughout the 19th century, Frankfurt played a key role in Germany’s unification, hosting the National Assembly at the Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church) in 1848, the first freely elected German parliament. Although much of the city was destroyed during World War II, Frankfurt rose from the ashes to become a leading financial center and a beacon of modern German resilience.

Top 5 Unique Characteristics of Frankfurt

1. The Römer and Altstadt (Old Town)

Frankfurt’s Römer, a complex of medieval buildings, has served as the city hall for over 600 years and is the heart of the city’s Altstadt (Old Town). Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the Römer was meticulously reconstructed, and its striking façade remains one of Frankfurt’s most iconic sights. Visitors can stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, visit the Kaiserdom (St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral), where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned, and explore the Römerberg square, which is home to vibrant Christmas markets during the holiday season.

2. Frankfurt’s Skyline: Mainhattan

Nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its skyscraper-filled skyline along the Main River, Frankfurt is home to some of the tallest buildings in Europe, including the Commerzbank Tower and the Messeturm. The city’s skyline is a unique feature in Germany, offering a blend of futuristic high-rises and historic landmarks. Visitors can take an elevator up to the Main Tower’s observation deck for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, or simply enjoy the striking contrast between old and new from the banks of the river.

3. Frankfurt as a Financial Powerhouse

Frankfurt is widely regarded as Germany’s financial hub and one of Europe’s most important financial centers. The city is home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. The city’s Bankenviertel (financial district) is where the pulse of Europe’s economy beats, making Frankfurt a critical player in global finance.

4. World-Class Museums on the Museumsufer

Frankfurt’s Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) is a must-visit for culture lovers. Stretching along the southern bank of the Main River, the Museumsufer is home to more than a dozen museums covering a wide range of topics, from art and architecture to film and natural history. Highlights include the Städel Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art spanning seven centuries, and the German Film Museum, where visitors can dive into the world of cinema. Each August, the Museumsuferfest celebrates the city’s cultural diversity with exhibitions, food stalls, and live music.

5. Frankfurt’s Green Spaces: The Palmengarten

Amidst Frankfurt’s busy urban landscape, the Palmengarten offers a tranquil oasis of botanical beauty. This lush garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in Germany, with 22 hectares of diverse plant species, tropical greenhouses, and scenic walking paths. Visitors can relax by the lake, take a boat ride, or explore the various themed gardens. The Palmengarten is especially beautiful in the spring and summer, but its greenhouse exhibits make it a year-round destination.

Frankfurt Today: A City of Modernity and Tradition

Today, Frankfurt stands as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking cities, blending modern architecture, technology, and finance with a deep respect for its cultural and historical roots. The city is a hub for international trade fairs, including the renowned Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest trade show for books and media. Its cosmopolitan nature, driven by a large expatriate population and a thriving arts scene, makes it a cultural melting pot where visitors can experience global cuisine, art, and events.

Frankfurt also excels in sustainability and green urban planning. Its extensive parks, public transportation, and eco-friendly initiatives have earned the city recognition as one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Fun Facts About Frankfurt

• Frankfurt is one of the few cities in Europe with a modern skyline, earning it the nickname “Mainhattan.”

• The Frankfurter Würstchen, or Frankfurter sausage, is a local delicacy that gave rise to the name “frankfurter” for sausages worldwide.

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s most famous writers, was born in Frankfurt. You can visit his childhood home at the Goethe House museum.

• Frankfurt hosts over 60,000 trade fairs annually, including the famous Frankfurt Auto Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair.

• The Zeil is one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe, attracting locals and tourists alike with its range of stores and shopping centers.

From its historical landmarks and modern skyscrapers to its rich cultural offerings and green spaces, Frankfurt is a city that seamlessly blends the past with the future. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Frankfurt offers something for everyone, making it a truly unique and fascinating destination.