Frankfurt, Germany

Where is Frankfurt, Germany?

Frankfurt is located in western Germany, in the state of Hesse. It is the fifth-largest city in the country and sits centrally along the Main River, which runs through the heart of the city. Frankfurt is about a 2-hour drive from the Luxembourg border. It’s also an easy 5-6 hour drive from Berlin (Germany’s largest city) and Hamburg (Germany’s second-largest city), though high-speed trains are a quicker option for traveling to these destinations.

What is Frankfurt, Germany Like?

Frankfurt is a melting pot of cultures, with over 180 nationalities calling this city their home. This diversity is reflected in the food scene, which offers cuisines from all around the world. Frankfurt is also the financial center of Germany and home to the European Central Bank. It is a hub for both finance and foreign trade. The city’s modern business district, filled with skyscrapers, contrasts with its historical districts, which were rebuilt after World War II. Frankfurt draws over 6 million visitors each year, offering something for everyone—whether it's food, culture, or history.

7 Things Frankfurt is Famous For:

1. Frankfurt Stock Exchange
   Frankfurt is home to one of the world’s most important stock exchanges. Established in 1585, it has become a central hub for global trade and finance. Located in the Bankenviertel (Banking District), the modern exchange operates with an electronic trading system, making it highly efficient and innovative. The exchange continues to help boost the growth of business and progress in Frankfurt, Germany.

2. The Main River
   The Main River, a tributary of the Rhine, flows through Frankfurt. The city’s name, Frankfurt am Main, literally means "Frankfurt on the Main." This river is central to the city’s history and daily life, with plenty of walking paths, bridges, and river cruises for visitors to enjoy.

3. The Römer
   The Römer is Frankfurt’s medieval town hall, dating back to 1405. It’s located in Römerberg, a historic square in the heart of the city. Although the Römer was damaged during WWII, its exterior was preserved and rebuilt in its original timber style. It’s a must-see for history lovers wanting to explore the heart of Frankfurt's old town or just for those wanting to experience a piece of German charm.

4. Commerzbank Tower
   The Commerzbank Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Europe! Built in the modern post-WWII era, it stands as a symbol of Frankfurt's blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can examine the innovative design while enjoying the city’s stunning skyline from anywhere around the city.

5. Frankfurter Kranz
   The Frankfurter Kranz is a traditional dessert cake, originating in Frankfurt in the 1800s. With layers of butter sponge cake, buttercream, and fruit jam (usually red currant, raspberry, or cherry), this rich cake is decorated to look like a crown, symbolizing its association with high society. It’s still a popular treat at many local bakeries -where you can grab a slice today.

6. Städel Museum
   The Städel Museum is one of Germany’s most famous art museums, founded in 1815. The museum features a wide range of art, from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces. Visitors can explore everything from Renaissance to Baroque to modern art. It’s a must for any art lover visiting Frankfurt or those who appreciate random moments of creativity.

7. Grüne Soße (Green Sauce)
   A local specialty, this cold sauce is made from seven herbs—parsley, chives, sorrel, borage, cress, chervil, and tarragon—blended with sour cream, Greek yogurt, quark, vinegar, and seasoning (but recipe can vary). It's typically served with hard-boiled eggs and potatoes. The sauce also pairs wonderfully with Frankfurt’s popular Apple Wine. You’ll find it served at many beer gardens around the city along side the green sauce.

What We Did in Frankfurt, Germany

Our time in Frankfurt was short but sweet. Here’s what we packed into our weekend:

• Arrival: We flew into Frankfurt from Rome (FCO to FRA) and rented a car from SIXT. We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn Frankfurt City Center, which was conveniently located near the center of town - for easy walking just about anywhere. After checking in, we headed to Atschel for dinner, but due to kitchen issues, we ended up at Apfelwingaststätte Klaane Sachsehäuser. It was a lively Saturday night, and while the wait was long, getting any food was worth it! We tried the Frankfurter Grüne Soße, non-alcoholic apple wine, and spaetzle. The green sauce with potatoes and hard-boiled eggs was my favorite—it was fresh, tangy, and flavorful.

• Sunday Adventure: We drove north of Frankfurt to explore a beautiful forest area my brother-in-law grew up near by and loved playing in as a child. It was peaceful and perfect for a stroll, especially with my 1.5-year-old nephew. Later, we visited some family and attended a church service, where everything was spoken in German!

• Afternoon in Bad Homburg: In the afternoon, we visited Bad Homburg, a quiet town northwest of Frankfurt. We grabbed baked goods from Huck’s Lieblingsplatz (a local bakery), and while they weren’t the most mind-blowing, they were still a tasty lunch. Then we explored the Kurpark, a sprawling park with well-maintained gardens, fountains, and even a Japanese garden. The park was a lovely adventure from the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt. We also checked out Schloss Bad Homburg and Erlöserkirche, then had dinner at Troja Grill, a Turkish restaurant. While the food was good, it was not our favorite, but I’d love to try 480Gradi – Pizzeria Napoletana next time.

• Monday Sightseeing: On Monday, we spent the morning in the city. We visited the Opernpl, Frankfurter Römer, Frankfurt Cathedral, and a cute pottery shop called Töpferei Bauer. We also stopped at the Kleinmarkthalle (an indoor food market) and did some shopping at Zara and Bären-Treff Candy Store. After a light lunch at Hazar Döner, we drove along the Rhine River to see some castle ruins. We stopped at a castle for a quick tour, but it had closed by the time we arrived, so keep that in mind if you plan on visiting these sites - go earlier in the day! For dinner, we had fresh, healthy food at Stadt Salat, a salad and bowl spot. The food was tasty, though a bit on the pricey side, but so worth the price for lots of whole, fresh ingredients.

• Departure: After a restful night at our hotel, we left Frankfurt and continued our journey to Wurzburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Food Places I Want to Try Next Time

• Bona’me: A Kurdish restaurant offering dishes from southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, Syria, and more. Their menu includes quinoa pastas, hummus, fresh salads, and beyti. The food looks vibrant and full of flavor!

• Hamptons: A fresh, modern ice cream shop with 100% natural ingredients. Their strawberry and vanilla bean ice cream flavors are calling my name.

• Restaurant GIOIA: A Mediterranean restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta, salads, and delicious desserts. I’m especially excited to try their focaccia with three dips and the Margherita pizza.