Frankfurt may be best known as the birthplace of Germany’s greatest writer, but there's more to the city than Goethe. Germany’s financial and business hub has played a key role in the country’s history and has many fine old buildings to prove it. It’s also a city of reinvention, with a new generation making their mark on this city.
This old heart
The Römerberg is Frankfurt’s grand old central square, seen at its very best during the city’s Christmas market in December. The square is lined with beautifully ornate gabled half-timbered buildings, rebuilt after the Second World War, the most notable of which is the iconic Römer, the city’s town hall since 1405. Nearby is the circular St Paul's Church (Paulskirche), which hosted the first German National Assembly after the March Revolution of 1848, as the country took its first tentative steps towards democracy.
A short walk from here is the soaring Gothic St Bartholomew's Cathedral (Kaiserdom) where kings were elected and emperors crowned over 450 years. Close by, the Goethe House and Museum stand on the site of his birthplace. The 17th century building, destroyed by bombs in the Second World War, has been faithfully restored.
High society
One of the tallest and most distinctive of Frankfurt’s many skyscrapers, the Main Tower, looms high over the city, some 200 metres above street level. Soar to the top of the observation platform, situated on the 56th floor and reached by lift in a mere 45 seconds. It’s surrounded by the skyscrapers that inspire Frankfurt's nickname of ‘Main-hattan’. Atop this forest canopy of business, you can enjoy unrivalled views of the entire city far below. Watch Frankfurt stretch out in front of you and marvel at the pace of life passing by. Make sure to stop off for a spot of lunch to accompany your fantastic vistas at the 53rd-floor restaurant, or enjoy refreshments at the cocktail lounge next door.
City of culture
Frankfurt has more than its fair share of museums and galleries, including the MMK (modern art), the Liebighaus (sculpture) and the Schirn (modern and contemporary exhibitions). If you only have time for one, though, make it the Städel, which showcases art from the Middle Ages to today. Founded in 1815, this world-renowned art gallery has an outstanding collection of European art from masters including Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne, as well as contemporary works by the likes of Francis Bacon and Gerhard Richter.
A Rhine romance
Make the most of Frankfurt’s geographical location and use it as a launch pad to explore the many historic towns and cities of the Rhine Valley. Just 44km west is the old cathedral city of Mainz, with a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. This is best seen in the excellent Roman-Germanic Central Museum and the Museum of Ancient Navigation, with stunning full-scale replicas of Roman galleons. Across the Rhine from Mainz stands the impressive city of Weisbaden, the state capital of Hesse. It’s one of Europe's oldest spa towns, with many of its hot springs still flowing today. South along the Rhine is the picturesque town of Worms, one of the oldest in the country, famous for its spectacular 11th-century Cathedral of St Peter.
Study in perfection
Further south from Frankfurt, on the banks of the Neckar River in the state of Baden-Württemberg, is the perfectly-preserved city of Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. It’s a popular destination due to its magnificent hilltop castle and the beautiful baroque buildings that line the streets of the Old Town. Whether it’s at the beginning or end of your visit, car hire in Frankfurt will truly allow you to delve into every nook and cranny of this wonderful area.
