Discover our Germany!
Frankfurt City of Contrasts
Frankfurt am Main is a metropolis at the heart of Europe characterized by compelling contradictions. The traditional and the modern, business and culture, big-city bustle and tranquil havens all exist happily here side by side. Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan city, an important financial services centre and the venue for major international trade fairs including the International Motor Show (IAA) and the International Book Fair. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene and benefits from excellent transport connections.
Places of Interest
Goethe House, birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, provides a fascinating insight into upper-middle class life in the mid-18th century. Of all Frankfurt's buildings, St. Paul's Church has perhaps played the greatest historical role: this is where Germany's first freely elected parliament met in 1848. Römerberg square and the old town hall, known as the "Römer", are the very heart of the old quarter.
Impressive Banking District
The best view of Germany's foremost financial centre and its unique skyline can be gained from the banks of the river Main. The viewing platform 200 meters up the Main tower offers great views over the city and the river Main as far as the Taunus hills. There are also restaurants and bars at lofty heights.
Römerberg Square and "Römer" Town Hall
The old city centre with its magnificent half-timbered buildings was rebuilt in 1986 based on historical plans. Frankfurt's first bank was established in the 17th century in a building on the corner of Römerberg square, known as the "Grosser Engel" (Great Angel). Three former patrician town houses dating back to the 14th century form the striking Gothic triple-gabled facade of the Römer town hall - Frankfurt's famous landmark. The historical town hall is still the Frankfurt mayoral residence.
St. Paul's Church
St. Paul's Church built between 1789 and 1833, is the original national symbol for freedom and democracy in Germany. In 1848 the church was the seat of the first German national assembly, whose proposals formed the basis of Germany's present constitution, the Grundgesetz. Since its reconstruction after the second world war, St. Paul's is no longer used as a church, but concentrates on its role as the "cradle of German democracy". It hosts prize ceremonies and various other political and cultural events.
Shopping
From the exclusive boutiques of Goethestrasse to the popular department stores on the Zeil and the upmarket shops on Schillerstrasse selling porcelain and household goods, Frankfurt has something for everyone. The shopping streets of the individual districts of Frankfurt are quieter, and this is where to go for junk shops selling odd items and curiosities. There is a flea market on the banks of the river Main every Saturday morning with all sorts of odds and ends, antiques and clothing.
The "Zeil"
The central shopping area at the heart of Frankfurt city centre is the Zeil, with the Zeilgalerie mall and various department stores. From up-market designer goods to simple products, the range of clothing in particular is very extensive. Zeil is Germany's busiest shopping street - not just on Saturdays.
Goethestrasse and Fressgass'
Goethestrasse is where the top international designers have their shops. Exclusive stores offer discerning shoppers the finest of goods. Even window-shopping is something of an experience. And when you need a little fortification, you're just a few steps away from "Fressgass', the stretch of Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse between Opernplatz and Börsenstrasse which is also known as "gourmet paradise".
Bornheim, Bockenheim and Sachsenhausen
If expensive designer brands are not your thing, head for Bornheim, Bockenheim or Sachsenhausen. Berger Strasse, Leipziger Strasse and Schweizer Strasse have lots of little boutiques, second-hand stores and cafés where you can enjoy a stroll and a bit of shopping in a multicultural environment.