Frankfurt is Germany’s financial capital and an irresistibly captivating city that draws travellers and tourists from around the globe. With stunning buildings and tourist hotspots that will take your breath away, Frankfurt makes a dream destination.
Autumn is one of the ideal times to visit Frankfurt. Do so with Cathay Pacific routes like Hong Kong to Frankfurt and access is simple.
The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
Also referred to as Kaiserdom (Imperial Cathedral), although never serving as bishop’s church; rather, German kings and emperors were crowned here between 1356-1792.
The main entrance of the church can be found through its stone-vaulted atrium on its west facade, while its interior boasts a cross-shaped floor plan characterized by fine Gothic art – including highlights like retable from 15th century, Maria Schlaf Altar in Mary Chapel from 1434 and choir stalls dating from 1352.
Visitors to the cathedral can climb its 328 steps for breathtaking views from its observation platform, or visit its cloister and Dommuseum with exhibits of Roman Catholic liturgical vestments and relics such as a skull fragment from its namesake’s gravesite.
The cathedral is open to the public on Sundays and holidays for services as well as weddings and concerts, as well as hosting religious services on special days of the year. One of the best times to visit would be during Sunday services when organ music and singing fill the air.
The Stadel Museum
Johann Friedrich Stadel was a prominent Frankfurt banker who bequeathed his house on Rossmarkt along with an impressive art collection to the Stadelsches Kunstinstitut Foundation as an “adornment to this city and useful service to its inhabitants”. In 1815 – long before photography, typing and cycling had come about – Johann Friedrich Stadel gave away all of his assets for use by its foundation named in his honor. His will stipulated that this home for fine arts would serve to beautify it while at the same time providing education services.
Today, the museum fulfills its founding vision and stands among Germany’s oldest museum foundations. As an institution that provides meeting, exchange and exploration of world and history; while also continually realizing pioneering exhibition projects; providing art accessible to people of all ages; it continues to foster dialogue through art education for people of all ages.
The Stadel’s internationally acclaimed collection of Flemish and Dutch paintings begins with works from the Early Netherlandish period by artists like Jan van Eyck, the Master of Flesma, Rogier van der Weyden, among others. Moving through to its wings buildings are representations of main pictorial genres like altarpieces/devotional paintings/portraits/landscapes/genre scenes/still lifes.
Their latest addition is a 3,000sqm exhibition space beneath their garden which incorporates SEFAR Architecture fabric as an innovative lighting solution with unique glass apertures that appear to float above the ground – providing visual comfort while simultaneously reducing energy usage.
The Botanical Garden
Take some time out for yourself with at least an hour spent wandering its pathways – it may take more to see everything if wearing good walking shoes and carrying sunscreen are also included!
The Frankfurt Zoo is an absolute must for animal-lovers. Boasting over 6,000 animals under care, the Frankfurt Zoo is one of Germany’s largest and most beautiful zoos; home to educational exhibits as well as entertaining exhibits that make visiting an enjoyable experience. Situated near the northern section of Frankfurt city center, arrive early so as to beat crowds!
Making your way around the city is straightforward thanks to an efficient public transportation system. Buses are the primary mode of travel and tickets can easily be purchased at bus stations or online; alternatively you could rent a bicycle or join one of many guided tours available throughout.
The Romerberg is a pedestrian-friendly square in the Old Part of Berlin that showcases many historic buildings and statues, including one of its highlights: Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen in the middle of the square depicting Justice holding her scales is its centerpiece. On one side of this square stands St Paul’s Church (Paulskirche), built during the 17th century; German kings used this Gothic cathedral to be coronated. Nearby stands Stadel Museumsufer which houses one of Europe’s premier collections of classic art works.
The Iron Bridge
Friedrich and Adolf Stoltze were two acclaimed poets who lived near this bridge when it first opened, serving as its symbols of prosperity for Frankfurt locals at that time. Poets would often pen poems praising it in honour of events such as its opening.
Today, Frankfurt Bridge is home to modern businesses and skyscrapers as well as some of Europe’s premier museums, while maintaining a strong sense of history through medieval buildings, sculptures and the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – offering something interesting for every traveler visiting this vibrant city.
Altstadt (the old town) of Frankfurt offers one of the best opportunities to experience its history, featuring historic buildings, restaurants and shops as well as Romerberg square – home of an annual Christmas market!
Berger Street (or Berger Strasse), another great way to experience Frankfurt’s rich historical side, runs along its lower portion and provides independent boutique shopping opportunities. There are shops selling homewares, factory outlet goods, secondhand goods, as well as restaurants and coffee shops along its route.
The Goethe House
The Goethe House is an immaculately preserved writer’s home that welcomes visitors. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born here on August 28, 1749, and started writing his literary works here too. Although rebuilt after World War II, its original appearance remains true as precious furniture, authentic works of art, and valuable ornaments were carefully removed during wartime and returned back into place afterward.
Goethe wrote his celebrated works here on the second floor; including “Gotz von Berlichingen,” the prologue to “Faust,” and the play “The Sorrows of Young Werther” while sitting at his high-footed desk that still remains standing today. Additionally, this floor houses their family music room containing an exceptional pyramid piano dating back from 1745.
Next door to Goethe House lies the Goethe Museum, featuring paintings and sculptures from Goethe’s time as well as works by famed artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein – making this museum a must-see for art enthusiasts visiting Frankfurt. Additionally, shopping in Frankfurt offers something equally impressive; while main streets may boast big department stores for convenience shoppers; Goethestrasse boasts several boutiques selling European labels like Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo while Zeil Strasse provides plenty of large chain store options for shoppers looking for more upscale options – ideal for shoppers visiting Frankfurt!