Frankfurt Holidays

City break holidays to Frankfurt connect the old and the new. There’s a whole lot of history to explore behind its up-to-date image.

Skyscraper city

The city of Frankfurt straddles both sides of the Main river, and it’s around 19 miles away from the point where the river splits from the Rhine. It’s the largest city in the federal state of Hesse in southwest Germany. And, it’s also the only place in Germany you will find a skyline scene that looks like it’s been torn from a New York picture book. It’s got a bucket-load of things to add to your must-see list, including a massive collection of museums, and an arts and culture scene that’s open for business right around the clock.

City Breaks to Frankfurt

Frankfurt covers all angles when it comes to the city-break essentials – it secures the history factor with an army-load of museums along the banks of the Main. Things are headed up by the Stadel Museum – it’s home to some of Germany’s finest collection of art. Meanwhile, foodies are covered by a 1,500 square-metre market that stocks everything from cured meats to fine wines. And, active sorts can rack up their step count with a stroll around Frankfurt City Forest – it’s got a 450-kilometre network of hiking, running and cycling trails.

Festive Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of the big names on Germany’s Christmas market scene – it’s home to one of the oldest and largest anywhere in the country. It’s centred around a giant Christmas tree which takes prime position in the city’s old town centre. The market is fitted with over 200 stalls offering the likes of wooden toys, Christmas decorations and of course plenty of mugs filled with mulled wine. The markets aren’t the only thing that light the city up during the darker months – the city’s Christmas Garden takes centre stage in Deutsche Bank Park. Trees are lit up with disco-ball sized baubles and walls of water are lit up with thousands of lights.

At a glance

Get a widescreen view of the city from the top of Main Tower
Take a wander around the city’s reconstructed Old Town
Browse the huge collection of art work at the Stadel Museum

Swimming lakes

Frankfurt takes its spot just outside the centre of Germany, which puts the traditional meaning of a beach in short supply. What this place lacks in beach spots, it makes up with snap-worthy swimming lakes which make a great place to cool off in the summer months.
The big beach

Strandbad Langener Waldsee is around a 20-minute drive from the centre of Frankfurt. It’s the largest lake in the Rhine-Maine region. There’s a half-mile stretch of sand around one side of the lake, the rest is penned in by thick greenery.
The secret beach

Walldorfer Badesee is a lesser-trodden spot around a 20-minute drive from the centre of the city. It’s on the smaller end of the scale of Frankfurt’s swimming lakes. It comes with hammocks tucked away in trees, and small spots of sand sprinkled on the water’s edge.

Bargain Buys

Schaumainkai flea market is considered as the best one in town. It makes its mark along the southern bank of the river every other Saturday. You can pick up all sorts at this place – from piping hot mugs of wine to hand-made clothing and antique furniture.
Mid-Range Buys

Big name clothing and cosmetics brands all have a home along Zeil – it’s the city’s most popular shopping promenade. It’s home to over 80 stores and restaurants which are open all day long.
Designer Buys

Frankfurt’s premier shops are all grouped together on Goethestrasse – it’s the city’s high-end shopping street. The walkways along this road are lined by big-name designers like Chanel and Gucci. Plus, there’s top-end jewellery brands like Tiffany & Co and Cartier.

Laid-back evenings

Thanks to its status as Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt comes with a huge collection of trendy wine bars to unwind after a busy days sightseeing. And, on weekends you’ll usually find a Jazz band providing the soundtrack to your evening.
Lively evenings

Frankfurt’s well known for its house and techno music scene, and it’s been the birthplace of several big-name German DJs. A big collection of nightclubs pump out music from dusk until dawn every night of the week.

Frankfurters

The history of the frankfurter is somewhat disputed, but ask any local in Frankfurt and they’ll assure you that this sausage made its tracks in the city. This super-seasoned sausage is traditionally served up in a bun with a hearty helping of horseradish and mustard.
Frankfurter Kranz

The Frankfurter Kranz is one of the city’s staples on the dessert scene, and it can be found in bakeries right across the city. This triple-layered showstopper is filled with buttercream icing and strawberry or cherry jam. It’s topped off with an extra helping of icing and sprinkled with caramelised nuts and cherries.
Locally-brewed beer

Schofferhofer Weizenbier is an Oktoberfest favourite, and a big-hit all year round. This beer comes with a striking orange colour and a banana-like aroma. It’s brewed in Bavarian tradition using wheat malt in the city.
Frankfurt Green Sauce

This traditional dish appears on menus right around the city. Green sauce is made up of sour cream, boiled eggs and spices and herbs. And, it’s served up with potatoes and boiled eggs.
Apple wine

Apple wine has continuously taken the crown as Frankfurt’s favourite beverage for over 250 years. It’s served in pubs, and dedicated apple wine bars right across the city. This sour-tasting beverage is best served chilled from a traditional stoneware jug.