Frankfurt
FRA
Frankfurt has become one of Europe’s leading financial centres, largely due to its reputation for steadiness and stability. Considered a mini–metropolis, it’s full of nostalgic charms, too: cobblestoned streets, timber–frame houses, a medieval town square. Don’t leave without trying apfelwein (sour flat cider) or grüne sosse (the city’s famous green herb sauce).
Eat & Drink
Restaurant Lafleur
Reservations are a must at Andreas Krolik’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in contemporary plates – including a vegan menu – with Mediterranean flair. For a treat, try the four- to seven-course degustation menu, featuring such dishes as marinated Norway lobster with caviar and iced burrata. The wine cellar includes vintages from Château Lafleur; a selection of German wines is available by the glass.
Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal
Germany is known for beer halls and beer gardens, but in Frankfurt the traditional tipple is apfelwein (apple wine), a sour flat cider served in ribbed glasses. Here, the drink is dispensed from blue- and grey-glazed flagons at the counter of this wood-panelled bar, which stocks over 100 varieties. On summer evenings, arrive early to snag a seat in the courtyard.
Das Herz von Frankfurt
In Frankfurt’s newly reconstructed medieval old town, you will find “Heart of Frankfurt,” a classy café by day and stylish bar by night. Enjoy a quintessential German breakfast of bread and meats or cheeses, an afternoon coffee with vegan cheesecake, or a passion-fruit caipirinha – all under a stunning canopy of hanging plants.
Hoppenworth and Ploch
Sip coffee made from single-origin beans roasted in-house amid this shop’s chic interior; think exposed brick and white walls. The drinks pair perfectly with a panini, homemade cake or waffle with Nutella. Don’t leave without taking a bag of beans to go.
Sonamu
Decorated in pine from floor to ceiling, this casual, cash-only eatery serves classic Korean dishes. Dig into bulgogi (marinated beef served with vegetables) and bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables and chicken), while oldies by the likes of the Beatles and Otis Redding play through the speakers.
Kinly Bar
Named Bar of the Year 2020 by Mixology magazine, the Kinly is a cozy speakeasy hidden behind an inconspicuous door in the red-light district, a hub of Frankfurt’s hippest nightspots. Try the city’s best cocktails, such as the Communal, a blend of single-malt Scotch whisky, coffee, horseradish, verjus and purple sweet potato.
Eat Doori
Neon lights shaped into Devanagari script hang on the walls of this upbeat, informal restaurant serving Indian street food and cocktails. Try the kadai paneer “naanwich” – a sandwich made with tandoor-baked naan bread, fresh salad and paneer cheese in a creamy tomato masala curry.
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What to Do
The Römer building and Römerberg
The gabled Römer building has housed Frankfurt’s city hall since 1405. Check out the Main Hall for portrait paintings of Germany’s medieval leaders; then explore cobbled Römerberg Square to snap photos of restored half-timbered houses.
The Listener
Ask the city’s most fashionable people where they shop, and chances are they will rave about this spot. Inside an industrial-influenced space spread across two light-filled storeys, the boutique stocks an edited selection of international labels, including Alexa Chung, Common Projects and Helmut Lang. Stop by the café by day, or join one of the (infrequent) in-store parties by night.
Städel Museum
Founded by spice merchant and banker Johann Friedrich Städel, this historic building on the bank of the Main River houses one of Europe’s leading art museums. Galleries feature sculpture, etchings and photography as well as oil paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Max Beckmann and Gerhard Richter. Sip a coffee or tea at the self-serve café while taking in views of Frankfurt’s skyline.
Sachsenhausen
A short walk south from Frankfurt’s museum embankment, the Brückelviertel – “Bridge Quarter,” part of the Sachsenhausen district – is home to innovative indie fashion and accessory boutiques. Head to Goyagoya for award-winning designer Elena Zenero’s elegant womenswear; Eva Kress for sustainable, tailor-made pieces; or Ichwareindirndl for playful garments made with vintage fabrics.
Main Tower
See Frankfurt and its hinterland from the observation deck that spans the 55th and 56th floors. Head to the 53rd floor for a romantic dinner with views across the city.
Design House Stockholm
Browse clothing, gifts and housewares from leading Scandinavian designers, including Ragnheiður Ösp Sigurðardóttir’s knot cushions and Jesper Ståhl’s kitchenware in this sleek boutique. The trendy neighbourhood is also home to other design shops, including BoConcept.
Jazzkeller
Louis Armstrong is among the many stars to have visited this intimate underground jazz club. Open only for events, live gigs are held most nights. Buy tickets at the door an hour before the show, but get there early because it’s first-come, first-served.
Kleinmarkthalle
Frankfurt’s legendary indoor market is chockablock with local delicacies, such as tangy mustards and apple-based spirits at Hessenshop; and French Camembert and Spanish cheeses at Käse Thomas.
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