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World > Germany > Frankfurt-am-Main
City Guide Frankfurt-am-Main
Overview
General Information
Frankfurt am Main is one of the most important communication junctions in Europe. Located in the Hessian part of West Germany, Frankfurt presents itself with a diversity of facets in the fields of culture and attractions. But also modern business life shapes the city’s image by providing many fairs and market spaces. The contrast between modernity and old-world quality could not be bigger: the skyscrapers of Frankfurt are the highest in Europe and also contribute to the city’s characteristic reputation as a banking city. Not for nothing the smallest metropolis in the world, with its 650.000 inhabitants, is called “Mainhattan”. The old parts of the city create a romantic feeling and built up a sharp contrast to the modern world. One third of Frankfurt’s locals have a foreign background which makes the city not only appear individual and lively but also presents it as a multicultural melting pot. Many of the common street parties and open air festivals are determined by an international or South-European ambience. Frankfurt spreads the flair of modernity and open-mindedness consisting of a mix of worldly open atmosphere and Hessian cosiness.
Weather
The weather in Frankfurt is characterised by the bordering mountains and the low position of the Main valley. Located in the temperate zone Frankfurt’s climate is formed by mild winters, early spring time and an inconsistent summer as well as a mild autumn time. The average temperature is 10 °C, although the warmest months between June and August have a temperature of 25 °C and the coldest, from December to February, 0 – 1°C. During the winter months the temperature can fall below 0 despite the mildness of the time and even snow fall is not impossible. In summer temperatures can heat up to 30 °C and more. Therefore Frankfurt can be an attractive destination during the whole year.
Language
The official language in Frankfurt am Main is German. Due to the high amount of foreigners living in the city, other languages are very common as well. English is widely spoken and understood.
Religion
Frankfurt is characterised by a huge variety of different cultures and religious groups. Immigration has always been a big issue for the city but since the 90s the allocation has changed drastically, meaning religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and others have reached a number of 25%. The rest of 75% is determined by Christians.
Currency
The currency used in Germany is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 and the coins in use are €2, €1, € 0.50, € 0.20, € 0.10, € 0.05, € 0.02 and € 0.01.
Tipping
Usually, invoices in cafés, bars and restaurants include service costs; nevertheless, it is common to give a 5 – 10 % tip, anyway. Other services such as staff in hotel or taxi drivers also expect a tip of 10%.
Taxes
From January 2007 taxes for purchased products and services rise from 16% to 19%. Not included are staple foods, magazines, books and tickets. Some shops which show the sign “Tax Free” refund taxes to people whose residence lies outside the EU. At the time of purchase a “Tax Free Shopping Cheque” needs to be filled and must be presented to the customs authority. After that you will receive your refund either cash (at the airport) or via bank transfer (to the quoted address).
Telephone
To call Germany you first have to dial +49 and then for Frankfurt (0)69. On most of the inner city places are public telephones which can be used with telephone cards or coins. Telephone cards are available with a value of € 5 or € 10 Euro in post offices, telephone and train station shops as well as kiosks.
Internet
There are numerous internet cafes and lounges in Frankfurt. Most of the time snacks are served as well as in the Shisha Bars (Enter@net) in Treistraße 20. More internet cafes: CybeRyder: Töngesgasse 31, Saturn Internet Cafe: Bergerstraße 125-129, Deutsche Bibliothek: Adickesallee 1 (kostenfrei), Dow_Street Internet Lounge: Zeil 5, etc. There also many cafes with so called „hotspots“ (W-LAN) where you have to bring your own laptop in order to use the offered service.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110 Fire brigade: 112 Ambulance: 112
Opening times
The opening times in the financial centre are similar to the ones in other bigger German cities. Banks exist in various forms and are usually open from morning to midday. The same applies to post offices.
Public holidays
1. January (New Year’s Day) Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday 1. May (Labour Day) Ascension Day Whitsun Wäldchestag (Whitsun Tuesday) Corpus Christi 3. October (German Unification Day) 6. December (Santa Claus) 25. December (Christmas Day) 26. December (Boxing Day)
Safety
Like many European cities Frankfurt am Main is a relatively secure city. Nevertheless, it is recommendable to watch out for pickpockets, especially at the train stations and on public transportation. In general, there are no insecure places in Frankfurt. After 9 pm security checks all public transportation and during the night it is advisable to ascend train compartments with passengers.
Sightseeing
Discovering Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main is tempting and worth a visit thanks to its numerous attractions and the rich mixture of historical and modern architecture. Hauptwache and Römer create a harmonious interplay with the famous skyscrapers of the city. Frankfurt has many faces: next to the modern skyline including the buildings of the Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank, Frankfurt has a beautiful nature protection area inside the GrünGürtel and a diversity of city parks, two zoos and the Palm Tree Garden. Due to the many different cultures and religions coming together the atmosphere of the city appears to be very colorful and lively. A distinctive ambience is given by the Shores of the river Main with its richness of worldly known museums. Most of the sights are close to each other and easily reachable while walking through the city centre. Even if it gets too much, the system of public transportation is well completed and is an easy way to get around the city. Velotaxis are a good alternative too. A special tour through the Main metropolis can be enjoyed via historic train, tram or „Ebbelwei-Express“. Another possibility to get to know Frankfurt is via water. For this a sightseeing cruise the river Main would be the best option. For discoveries and views close to the sky, the Main Tower offers a good opportunity. Also a sightseeing flight is a very nice possibility to have a closer look on the city.
Römerberg and Römer
One of the most known attractions in the main metropolis is this pentagonal square between the Römer, the Ostzeile, the Old Nikolai Church and Frankfurt’s “Gud Stubb”. The Well of Justice, which stands in the middle of the square, was built in the middle of the 16th century. For the coronation of emperor Matthias the well spent red and white whine out of special made eagle and lion heads. The Römer, which is Frankfurt’s city hall, exists already more than 600 years and is of long nationally historic importance. Only a few hundred meters away from the shores of the Rhine, the questions of kings and emperors have been discussed. The monumental building, which initially consisted of many different middle-class-houses, is still today a entanglement of corridors and the richly decorated balcony presents the pride of the civil Renaissance in Germany. The square used to be the centre of the city where a lot of fairs were held. After the foundation of the new city hall, the place was renamed to “Römerberg”.
Banking Quarter and Main Tower
Frankfurt’s banks with its impressive skyline shape the cityscape. Among this modern architecture where many branches of national and international banks have their seats, the European Central Bank, the German Central Bank and the Hessian Federal State Central Bank have an office. Due to the big amount of high buildings, this part of Frankfurt is often called “Mainhatten”. The twin towers of the German Bank, the biggest skyscraper of Germany and the residence of the Commerzbank are arguably the best known high-risers of the city. The building of the Commerzbank was built in 1997 by Sir N. Foster in a completely new style. Beside the 45 office levels, the building includes gardens of various types of vegetation (Mediterranean, Asian Ect.) and a central atrium. Therefore the offices are flooded with light and the gardens can be considered as a natural air conditioning. Since 1975 buildings are constructed in this extraordinary way and every new house seems to shine in a more modern and newer light than the ones before. Right in the middle of the city, on the border of city centre and banking quarter, the Main Tower is located, which offers an amazing view in 200 metres height. As the first tower being open to the public, the Main Tower is a common attraction especially after nightfall. In the integrated restaurant/ bar you can enjoy Frankfurt’s beauty from a different angle. Opening times Main Tower: Sun - Thurs 10 am – 9 pm (winter: 10 am – 7 pm) Fr and Sa 10 am – 11 pm (winter: 10 am – 9 pm) (possible closures due to weather conditions)
Stock Exchange
The Stock Exchange has always played an important role in the development of Frankfurt’s trading history. The business started in 1585 with an exchange office for coins. Since the middle of the 18th century, Frankfurt belongs to the most important banking centres of the German Reich. In the 19th century when many joint stock companies were founded, the Stock Exchange moved into a new pompous building. The front is decorated by a bear (Baisse) and a bull (Hausse), which are the symbols of the Stock Exchange. Guides: Mo – Fr 10, 11 and 12 am
Hauptwache
Built in 1671 in baroque style and initially meant as a military building and prison, the Hauptwache is the actually heart of the city. Nearly 170 after the construction, the Prussian military moved out of the location and since then many changes took place. In 1968 the building was dislocated together with the gable relief of J.B Schwarzenberger and renewed. The nice and cosy café exists already for more than a 100 years and the main traffic junction of the metro and S-Bahn lines emerged over the years.
Main Train Station
Built as the biggest train station of the country at the end of the 19th century, the three winged, symmetric building has 24 platforms and has neo-classical extension built between 1912 and 1924. The building officers J.W. Schwedler and H. Eggert worked on the impressive hall and the roof of the train station. Initially, the station was located outside of Frankfurt but by extending the city, the building got more and more integrated and with it, it received its central position: in the triangle of Frankfurt’s fair, the river Main and the city centre. Today the train station hosts around 70 shops and eateries and more than 1100 trains and 35.000 travellers pass it every day.
Kaiserstraße
This street lies in the station area behind the Central Station, being the last pompous and glamorous street in Frankfurt. This 30 m connection to the city centre goes back to the best known architects of the period of promoterism. Bordered by impressive sandstone buildings, the Kaiserstraße used to have a high crime rate and due to the Red Light district also a bad reputation. But since the 70s the region has changed immensely. Modern office buildings, quality hotels, divers shops in international ambience, an attractive weekly market, restaurants and cafes and new facades shape the new face of the Kaiserstraße whereat combination of nobility shops and erotic boutiques creates a certain attraction.
Mainufer
Frankfurt’s shores of the river Main have a beautiful promenade, several green spaces and bridges which attract a lot of people. On the north side the station area and the Untermainkai are located, on the south side Sachsenhausen and the Schaumainkai. From here sightseeing ships are taking off and many museums draw people’s attention.
Museumsufer
With its incredible cultural activities and offers the Museumsufer can be called one of the most important locations for musuems not only in Germany but in whole Europe. More than 14 museums of different thematic fields string one after the other and lure with an immense cultural variety. Every year Frankfurt hosts the “Museum’s Night” (Nacht der Museen) at the Museumsufer.
Nizza Park
Constructed by S. Rinz and A. Weber in 1860 the more than 4 ha big park of the old Winterhafen was rebuilt and improved about a hundred years later. This garden like space always had a Mediterranean ambience with many exotic plants. In 2000 the garden was extended with a variety of southern plants and moreover changed according to the plans of the parks and garden department R. Gesell–Schulte. The 800 m Nizza park which gives the impression of the Côte d''Azur, is close to the north shore of the Main (Untermainkai) as well as west and east of the Untermain bridge. Many nice cafes attract with beer gardens and terraces, which are especially on warm summer nights.
Eiserner Steg
This distinctive steel construction, from which you can have an impressive view on Frankfurt’s skyline and the Museumsufer, is used as a passenger bridge that connects the Old Town with Sachsenhausen. The constructions finished in 1896 and since then it contributes to the city’s multifarious face. It embodies the progress of the former industrial time and is today an important and known architectural monument of Frankfurt. On the side of the Old Town many sightseeing ships have their docking station, in Sachsenhausen some restaurant ships invite for a great dinner and for all sportive ones, there are shops for renting rowing and paddleboats.
Flea market at the Schaumainka
Every Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm there is a flea market going from Holbeinsteg to Eiserner Steg. Here you can find nearly everything from art to usual second hand articles.
Holbeinsteg
When the city plans for the Museumsufer were initiated in the 1980s, this blue rope bridge with its steel pillars was constructed. Since 1990 the Holbeinsteg connects Sachsenhausen with the Museumsufer. A nice speciality of the bridge is the effect lightening of different spots, which illuminate it with spherical light.
Weseler Werft
he shipyard which is located at the Obermainkai used to be a floating area and a staple market for timber. Between 1908 and the 1980s the Eastern industrial and trading harbour was located over here. In 2000 the Weseler Werft was finished within the reconstruction of the green areas. The new living area also offers a lot of space for events close to the Mainufer.
Zoo Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s zoo is one of the most famous and most visited zoos of Germany. The 13 ha embracing space was founded by the vet M. Schmidt in the middle of the 19th century. Many exquisite facilities can be viewed, for example the exotarium from 1957 which is equipped with a hall for reptiles, a matching climate room and many other departments of the same topic. Twice a day visitors can experience a tropical thunderstorm which not only gives the impression of a natural environment to the animals but is also a spectacular event for all people coming to the zoo. In the Grzimek House some unknown nocturnal animals can be seen. The hall for birds from the 1960s and the free flight hall belong to the most impressive ones in Europe. A special feature of the zoo is the participation in the European Programme for Maintenance of Breeding (EEP), which is committed to the preservation of endangered wildlife habitants. Opening times: Summer: daily 9 am – 7 pm, winter: daily 9 am – 5 pm
Parks and Gardens
Frankfurt am Main has many green areas, recreation areas and natural environments. Trips to the Nidda, the confluent to the Main, to the Regional Park Rhein-Main, to the nature protection area are worthwhile. Many of the routes lead through interesting villages and cities as well as to Germany’s biggest inner city forest, the City Forest. But also inside the city there are a lot of places to relax, for example the Grüneburgpark, the Günthersburgpark and the Holzhauspark. Also some small parks give some rest and depict the oases amidst the turbulences of the city life.
GrünGürtel
The 80 km² big GrünGürtel, which belongs to the landscape conservation area since 1994, is the most important and varied recreation area south of Frankfurt’s city centre. The area is a combination of the three green landscape areas Stadtwald, Niddatal and Berger Rücken which include various forests, floodplains, hills and other natural conditions. The gardens, fruit fields, dunes and creeks offer enough space for plants and animals. The GrünGürtel is located inside the Regional park Rhein-Main and the entrance is free of charge.
Nizza Park
Constructed by S. Rinz and A. Weber in 1860 the more than 4 ha big park of the old Winterhafen was rebuilt and improved about a hundred years later. This garden like space always had a Mediterranean ambience with many exotic plants. In 2000 the garden was extended with a variety of southern plants and moreover changed according to the plans of the parks and garden department R. Gesell–Schulte. The 800 m Nizza park which gives the impression of the Côte d''''Azur, is close to the north shore of the Main (Untermainkai) as well as west and east of the Untermain bridge. Many nice cafes attract with beer gardens and terraces, which are especially on warm summer nights.
Grüneburgpark
The Grüneburgpark, which was established in the 14th century as a castle like courtyard, is the biggest coherent public park inside the city. Enormous grasslands and romantic paths are surrounded by exotic trees and bushes. The garden constructor H. Siesmayer, who also built the Palm Garden south west of the park, arranged the Grüneburgpark in an English style. At the place of the former orangery, a Greek orthodox church is now located. Furthermore there the Goethe University and the Botanic Garden are enclosed in the park. The in 2005 established Korean Garden is a luxurious present from the country Korea itself. The park also offers facilities for open air cinema, concerts and other events.
Palm Tree Garden
This fascinating garden has many beautiful and exceptional plants. Founded in 1868 by the gardener and architect H. Siesmayer as a community house it gathered the famous plant collection of the duke Adolph from Nassau. Only a few years later the actual park was created and since then more and more improved and expanded. Today the greenhouses are equipped with the latest technologies in order to create a matching climate for the varied biota and their development. Visitors can view the colourful and rich collection of plants as well as fascinating examples of exquisite plants, for example sarcophagus plants and lithops which look like living stones. There are also many events and exhibitions displaying more details from the animal and plant world. Another highlight is the Papageno – music theatre where jazz, blues and international music is presented. For all those who don’t want to explore the park walking can choose the Palm Express at the entrance. Opening times: Feb – Oct 9 am – 6 pm, Nov – Jan 9 am – 4 pm
Liebfrauenkirche
The late gothic church which is located on the Liebfrauen Hill was established in the 14th century as a chapel of Mary at the Staufen Wall. Famous architects expanded the church over the centuries. The arrangement of the southern façade and the Three Kings Portal probably derive from the architect Gerthener. The new construction of the bell tower, the new sacristy and the higher choir were built by J. Östreicher. Sind 1917 the church is used as monastery church of the Capuchin monastery. Many things of the pompous rococo interior were destroyed in WWII. Left are only some nice figures of the altar. During the reconstruction the ceiling was replaced by low wooden ceilings, whose arrangement was implied by ribbed net. The hill was formerly used as horse and ox market. In the middle the oval Liebfrauen Well of 1771 is placed. This well shows very lovely ornaments. Opening times: Daily 5.30 am – 9 pm
Paulskirche
The Paul’s Church used to be the Protestant main church of Frankfurt and was constructed in many steps between 1790 and 1833. In 1848 the Seat of the First German National Congregation took place on which the present constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany is based. For this reason the church enjoys a worldwide reputation. WWII left its traces on this church and in 1947/48 the church was reconstructed as a symbol of German Democracy to its original state as a parliamentary building. Today cultural and political events as well as award ceremonies take place – it is considered as political memorial and event location. The church’s bell tower with its 16 bells is the second largest of Frankfurt. Furthermore the building possesses a 28 m high plenar hall and a foyer where an exhibition displays the history of the church. The lower level is also used for changing exhibitions. Opening times: Daily 10 am - 5 pm
Cathedral
Actually the cathedral has never been seat of the bishop. The name comes from the fact that the dignified cathedral St. Bartholomäus was used as a location for the German Choice of Kings since 1356 and after that also as coronation church for German emperors. The Church Salvator from 840 was used as a basis for the construction and the development of the cathedral. 600 years later the cathedral was finished. Included was a new choir. But in 1867 the cathedral got devastated by a fire and rebuilt in new gothic style by F.J Denzinger. The present tower is one of the most beautiful and most unique in Europe and was completed after the drawings of the medieval master architect M. Gertner. Between 1950 and 1953 the massive damages of WWII were abolished and the cathedral reconstructed. Still today pieces of art and clerical treasures from the 15th century are displayed. A nice combination of old and new is presented by the high-contrast exhibition of contemporary art in the courtyard. Opening times: Museum: Tues – Fr 10 am – 5 pm, Sat and Sun 11 am – 5 pm, closed on Mondays
Old Nikolai Church
In 1290 the church was dedicated to St. Nikolaus, the bishop on which the Nikolaus festivities on the 6. of December are going back. It was established on the south side of the Römer Hill. The small royal Palatinate chapel before 1200 was used as a basis for the Old Nikolai Church and from the 14th century on the church was used more frequently for services and prayer of the city council. From the middle of the 15th century an extensive renewal and reconstruction work started from which an amazing tower and a levelled roof result. The tournaments, games and coronations on the Römer Hill could be watched from the gallery and the extended podiums. The Old Nikolai church is one of the oldest Protestant churches of Frankfurt. It is the only church which plays to melodies of the 47 voiced glockenspiels at 9 am, 12 am and 5 pm. Opening times: Summer: Daily10 am – 8 pm Winter: Daily 10 am – 6 pm (at Avent until 9 pm)
Dominican Monastery
The former Dominican monastery is today the seat of the Protestant Regional Alliance. Furthermore, the building is used as an event location for conferences, concerts and exhibitions, which are connected to the series: “Art at the Dominican Monastery”. The convent was built in 1233. After many varied centuries it fell into municipal possession. The gothic place was destroyed in WWII. The architect G. Scheinpflug reconstructed the Dominican monastery according to the old ground plans and old proportions but still in the style of the post-war period. Conserved is solely the choir of 1470 in late gothic style.