Frankfurt am Main is a city of two faces. On the one hand, it attracts tourists with historic buildings and mansions restored in the traditional style. On the other, there is a modern financial district with skyscrapers and headquarters of the world’s biggest financial institutions. The latter place is called “Mainhattan” which refers to Manhattan and the nearby Main River. When you’re there, look out for the tallest building in Germany – the Commerzbank Tower which rises 256 meters. Another interesting spot is the Main Tower. For €6.5 you can reach the observation deck and admire the panorama of the city.
If you love tradition, head to the Altstadt (Old Town). Although about 70 percent of the buildings were destroyed in the World War II bombings, the district looks as astonishing now as it did in the past – all thanks to the excellent reconstruction work. What is worth seeing there? Certainly, the 14th-century Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, the Goethe House, and Römerberg, one of the Europe’s most charming squares. There is the town hall surrounded by beautiful mansions with half-timber work as well as many bars and restaurants serving local specialties and beer.
When you get hungry, go for traditional hessian food. The first point on the list is Grüne Soße (green sauce). It’s made of mixed herbs (such as chives, parsley, sorrel, and cress) blended with yogurt or cream. It’s served with potatoes, asparaguses, eggs, or meat. You might also want to try Lumpen und Flöhe (a dish consisting of sauerkraut, bacon, and caraway seeds), Kartoffelklöße (potato dumplings stuffed with meat), and Handkäse (pickled cheese with onion rings). It tastes best with apple wine (Apfel Wein) or beer. It’s also worth checking out restaurants in the district of Sachsenhausen, e.g., Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal and Apfelwein Wagner. In the neighborhood of Bornheim and Berger Straße, a high standard is offered by Apfelwein Solzer.
