Things to Do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt occupies a unique position in Germany's landscape - it's simultaneously the country's financial powerhouse and a surprisingly livable city that hasn't lost its soul to skyscrapers. While most German cities keep their business districts modest, Frankfurt actually embraces its role as a banking capital, creating a skyline that's genuinely impressive by European standards. You'll find this creates an interesting dynamic where gleaming towers sit alongside reconstructed medieval squares and world-class museums line the riverbank. The city tends to surprise visitors who expect either sterile corporate efficiency or traditional German charm - Frankfurt delivers both, often within the same neighborhood. What makes Frankfurt particularly appealing is how compact and walkable it remains despite its international importance. The Altstadt reconstruction project has given the city back some of its historical heart, while areas like Sachsenhausen maintain that authentic German neighborhood feel where locals still gather in traditional apple wine taverns. It's the kind of place where you might find yourself discussing art at a museum in the morning, watching traders rush past at lunch, and ending the evening in a cozy tavern that's been serving the same regional specialties for generations.

Frankfurt's dining scene reflects its international character while maintaining strong regional roots. The city's signature dish is apple wine served with traditional Hessian fare like Grüne Soße (green sauce made with seven herbs) and Rippchen (cured pork chops), best experienced in Sachsenhausen's traditional taverns. That said, Frankfurt's role as a financial center has attracted restaurants from around the world - you'll find excellent Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern options, particularly in the Bahnhofsviertel area. The weekly farmers' markets, especially the Saturday market at Konstablerwache, offer regional specialties and international foods. For upscale dining, the city has earned several Michelin stars, while food trucks and casual spots around the university area provide budget-friendly options that locals actually frequent.

Frankfurt works well year-round, though spring through early fall offers the most pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities. May through September provides warm temperatures perfect for enjoying the riverside paths and outdoor dining in Sachsenhausen, while the Christmas markets in December create a genuinely magical atmosphere in the reconstructed Altstadt. Winter can be gray and damp, but it's also when you'll find the city at its most authentic - fewer tourists means more interaction with locals, and the museums and apple wine taverns provide cozy refuges. Summer tends to be the busiest season, but Frankfurt's business focus means it never feels overwhelmingly touristy even during peak times.