Frankfurt is one of the most modern cities in Germany, maybe even Europe. From its bustling airport and growing finance scene, Frankfurt is becoming a very popular destination. It is my favorite city in Germany. Nothing beats its old town, green spaces, and bright people. These are the things I recommend doing in the city of Frankfurt.
Biking
Frankfurt is a very environmental friendly city, so getting around by bicycle is very common. I was awful at it though. Being from a small town in Minnesota, I only had ever biked on paved trails next to the highway, never in a city. I was constantly running into things and always missing the sharp turns, but it was a fun way to see the city. We even got out of the city a little bit and explored Höchst. If you want to live like a local in Germany, then you should rent a bike and explore.
Hesse Park
Hesse Park is basically a historic park made of old buildings they moved from all over the state of Hesse. It is a great way to see traditional architecture and experience authentic culture. It is a beautiful walk and you can also go inside some of the buildings. Some are stores and restaurants, while others have exhibits. It is a great way to get out of the city and learn a little bit about Germany.
Go to a Bakery
Baked goods and bread are a specialty of Germany, which is probably why Germans eat bread at every meal. I ate so much bread in Germany, which was awesome because bread is my favorite food. Going to the bakery to get bread is like the German equivalent of Americans going to the grocery store to get milk. Germans always have at least three different types of bread in their pantry. If you want to experience the daily life of a German in Frankfurt then you should check out a bakery. They aren’t hard to find. They are literally everywhere.
Get Spaghetti Ice Cream
Spaghetti ice cream is pretty much an ice cream sundae that looks like spaghetti. The ice cream is shaped like spaghetti noodles, then it is topped with strawberry sauce and white-chocolate, and then it is usually served with a waffle cookie. This isn’t traditional, and actually it is a pretty recent thing, but it is something unique to Germany. Don’t leave Germany with out trying it. You will want to be able to say that you have had spaghetti ice cream.
Go to Main Tower
Main Tower is a skyscraper in the heart of Frankfurt’s modern skyline. Take the elevator up and get an amazing view of Frankfurt. It makes the big city look small. You are able to see beyond the city and view the fields and hills that surround it. Within the city you can see the old town, the river, the bridges, downtown skyscrapers, and apartments on the outskirts. It is worth everything to see a view like that.
Walk the Bridge and the Old Town
You have to walk the Iron Bridge to Frankfurt’s old town. It is a cute old bridge that has been covered with locks. It isn’t just a tourist attraction. Most people walking the bridge are natives. The ones who take pictures, like me, are the tourists. It’s not much, but it is a fun entrance to the old town. The old town is the cutest part of Frankfurt. There are old buildings, street musicians, and vendors. It is the kind of place you would imagine when thinking of Germany.
Eat a German Breakfast
There is nothing I love more than a German breakfast. Everyday for me was a buffet of Muesli, yogurt, variety of bread, jam and cream cheese, fruit, and coffee. I most definitely adopted this breakfast when I got home and I most definitely gained a few pounds. If the Germans can do it, why can’t I?
Listen to German Radio
I remember listening to the radio one day and I heard the name “Notre Dame.” I don’t speak German, so I had no idea what was happening. Then I heard my German family talking to each other, in German of course. I had no idea what was going on, so I looked at the news on my phone. There is was. The Notre Dame cathedral was on fire, a landmark of the country bordering us. It was insane, but there was also something so interesting about listening to the radio in another language. Occasionally you catch something you understand and then you have to try to figure out what they are saying about it. The music itself is also really interesting. I heard songs that I heard before in the United States, I heard songs that I had never heard before that were in English, and occasionally I would hear a German song. Most music was in English except for an ocasional Spanish and German song. I discovered that a lot of German artists actually sing songs in English, which explains why I heard some English music that I had never heard before.
Buy Birkenstocks
Listen to me. Just do it! I have been to Germany twice and both times I bought Birkenstocks. They are so much cheaper in Germany, since they are a German shoe company. I think both times they were about $20 cheaper than they were in the United States. Of course that still is about $70, but it is worth it. They are my favorite shoes. They are so comfortable, go with everything, and are durable.
Get Outside
Frankfurt is known for its outdoor areas. It is a very green city. I highly encourage getting outside, either on a walk or a bike ride. The city is beautiful and there is so much to see. I’m sure you will be able to find one of the many little parks around the city.
Go on the Autobahn
Just imagine! You are in a tiny European fiat. You have the hood down and the wind in your hair. You are listening to a German radio station. You look out to see rolling hills, blue skies, and the ocasional little house. You look forward and see a long road going into the hills. You don’t know how fast you are going, but either way you feel alive. This was my experience on the autobahn. It was a little experience, but one of the most memorable. This is one of the times I’ve felt the most happy.
Order Apple Wine
Apple wine is unique to Frankfurt. I have a friend from Germany who says she doesn’t like apple wine because it reminds her of drinking apple juice growing up. Not everyone likes it, but you can’t go to Frankfurt without at least trying it. I found a German restaurant in Minnesota that sells apple wine. I made my parents get some and they actually loved it. You never know. Apple wine might be your new go-to drink.
There is so much more to do in Frankfurt, like visiting a market or beer garden. These were just some of my favorites, but honestly anything you do in Frankfurt will be amazing. The city is so full of life, while also feeling old. This city will give you a unique experience compared to no other, so just make sure you get out, meet people, and explore.
The Journal of Wanderlust 