Frankfurt is a place we’ve been hearing a lot about recently, previously overshadowed by Berlin (and even Dresden) in the cool stakes slowly but surely this is changing…
Although it’s mostly been known as the beating heat of Germany’s financial sector, Frankfurt – with its fresh collection of sophisticated bars and Michelin-star eateries springing up all over the city – is slowly emerging as a new trendy travel destination. After a short flight from London we arrived in Germany’s fifth-largest city and made our base in the business district. Home to the European Central Bank, it’s just as impressive I expected with long clean streets punctuated by the odd shiny black limousine and eye-catching skyscraper which gleamed in the bright sunshine.
Although Frankfurt isn’t all work and no play and perfectly juxtaposed with its shiny, imposing financial district is the attractive old town which is known for its colourful collection of picturesque half-timbered houses. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, it’s being carefully and lovingly restored to its former glory with work likely to be finally completed in 2016. Although walking around you’d never be able to guess it had such a troubled past – today the pretty Gothic Centre looks immaculate with a maze of cobblestone streets and squares flanked by medieval churches, palaces and striking traditional half-timbered townhouses.
In spite of its importance and flourishing population, Frankfurt has more of a feel of a large town than a city and it’s a surprisingly relaxing place. Its charms aren’t as immediately obvious as say Paris or Bruges but Frankfurt is slowly gaining traction in the cool stakes. With its collection of beer gardens, street markets, opera and interesting museums, the city has always had a traditional side but now trendy Michelin-star bistros and swish fashion boutiques are springing up all over the place. Word seems to be getting out and visitors to the city are on the increase – in fact, visits to Frankfurt have doubled in the last 15 years.
With perhaps taking more than just a little inspiration from Berlin there’s also quite a handful of unique attractions too which are helping to set Frankfurt apart from other city break destinations. Think Ibiza-style DJ bars atop city-centre car parks, party boats on the River Main, bohemian neighbourhoods (Westend and Bockenheim), a thrift shop which only sells second-hand designer clothes (Kleidoskop), a hotel which is home to an old-school bistro (Oscars at Steigenberger Hotel) and even a luxury hotel which make its own honey (Jumeirah Frankfurt). There’s definitely a lot more to Frankfurt than people realise!
Where to Eat
We were lucky enough to dine in Lebua’s Breeze bar and restaurant. Located in the basement of the Five Star Steigenberger Hotel the award-winning restaurant has been world-renowned for its Asian gourmet cuisine and spectacular views in the “Tower Club at lebua” Hotel Bangkok. This is Lebua’s first establishment in Europe and after spending an evening there it’s definitely unlike any other place we’ve ever visited! They combine excellent food (with a la carte tasting menus choreographed by award-winning Culinary Creative Director Sam Leong), service, design and ambiance to create a very unique dining experience. For reservations head to Lebua Breeze Frankfurt.
18 Comments
Adam @ Round the World we go
21 October, 2015 at 1:48 pmLove the architecture Frankfurt offers – some fantastic photos, I’m going to add Frankfurt to the list of city breaks to go to next year!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2015 at 10:51 pmThanks Adam, Frankfurt does offer some very attractive architecture!
Kev Purdy
8 October, 2015 at 5:13 pmFantastic photos Becky and with the words too you’ve made Frankfurt look very enticing! Maybe I should consider a trip!
Becky Moore
15 October, 2015 at 1:49 pmThanks Kev!
Heather
27 September, 2015 at 11:35 pmI’ve flown in and out of Frankfurt so many times, but I can’t say I’ve ever really considered a quick layover to see more of the city. Maybe it’s time to consider a stopover the next time we fly through!
Becky Moore
5 October, 2015 at 2:18 pmIf you do, let us know how you get on! 🙂
Maddy
21 September, 2015 at 8:28 pmFrankfurt’s Old Town looks stunning! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’ve been to Dresden, and just from reading your posts, I can say that Frankfurt looks a lot more exciting already!
Becky Moore
23 September, 2015 at 9:25 amThe Old Town was really lovely – the buildings were so striking!
Escape Hunter
20 September, 2015 at 8:17 amI’ve been several times in Frankfurt, but have never had the opportunity to visit it thoroughly.
It’s an interesting city, but I never got a single glimpse of the old parts.
Becky Moore
20 September, 2015 at 3:31 pmThe Old Part is very attractive and it’s a city which is definitely getting more and more interesting as time goes on!
Scott B
18 September, 2015 at 10:07 pmGreat photos and you’ve sold it to me as well! Looks like Frankfurt has some interesting places to visit!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2015 at 10:25 pmThanks Scott, Frankfurt really surprised me too!
Pip
18 September, 2015 at 9:47 pmWe have been to Germany several times but have never visited Frankfurt, would love to stay in one of the hotels you’ve mentioned they sound amazing!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2015 at 10:26 pmWe stayed in the Steigenberger Hotel and it was gorgeous, very luxurious and very elegant!
Rav Muhammad
18 September, 2015 at 9:46 pmFunnily enough I keep hearing great things about Frankfurt recently too, maybe it’s worth checking out! Great photos by the way Becky!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2015 at 10:27 pmPleased you like the photos Rav, seems like Frankfurt is being talked about quite a bit recently!
Emma
18 September, 2015 at 9:40 pmI love your photos, I have to admit I never really thought of Frankfurt as a great travel destination but after reading this I may have to reconsider!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2015 at 10:28 pmYou need to scratch the surface with Frankfurt but when you do there’s a lot of cool places waiting to be discovered!