Frankfurt: Mainhatten charm with an apple

You’ve arrived in Frankfurt, received our always-generous welcome at the Avani Frankfurt City Hotel hotel and would like a quick view of what the area has to offer. The best place to start an investigative stroll is in the lively Bergerstrasse, just a few minutes away from our doors. There you’ll be able to soak up some of the atmosphere as you pass by a variety of trendy cafés, bars and restaurants, many with terrace seating which is suitable during the colder months too thanks to some inventive heating solutions.

If you prefer something more historical, I recommend the Brückenviertel area of the Sachsenhausen neighborhood, on the other side of the river Main. Small, privately owned shops and quaint cafés where you’re invited in to relax and ponder your next stop. On your way back to the hotel, you will pass the Schweizerstrasse so why not get an early taste of our famous apple wine in the very traditional restaurant Apfelwein Wagner. What a start.

International shops and market surprises

In less than five minutes from leaving the hotel you’ll be confronted with a plethora of shops on the long street that is simply known as Zeil. National and internationally known windows can be found here for most of your purchasing needs or for just a chance to see what’s on offer. If more luxury is desired, work your way down the main railway line that runs parallel to Zeil to the Goethestrasse, home to the likes of Chanel and Gucci. At the other end of the financial scale, Frankfurt really knows how to do local markets and every Thursday and Saturday the Konstablerwache offers up some regional delicacies, while the Schillermarkt at the beautiful Eschenheimer Turm adds a tasty apple wine option to go along with a traditional shopping experience.

Main River’s Museum backdrop

Frankfurt has as good a selection of museums than that of Berlin, and the watery backdrop just adds to their appeal. A 20-minute walk from the hotel sees you reach the splendid Mainufer, also called Museumufer, which is a well-known stretch of museums that line the embankment of the Main River. The diversity of the museums is what I enjoy most making a walk by the water so much more. The world-renowned Städel art gallery is always worth a visit, and other favorites of mine include a collection of works by local 19th century artists, an exhibition giving the tale of Frankfurt’s Jewish community, and the history of the German movie industry among many others. Pop in and see what rocks your boat.

At night choose from taverns to opera

The nightlife in Frankfurt suits all tastes. One place I love going to when the sun’s long gone is the Alte Oper to take in one of its varied musical items. Its name translates as ‘Old Opera’ and this was the original city opera house before being destroyed by the bombing of the Second World War, after which it was completely rebuilt then reopened in the 1980s. Constantly changing concerts, performances and musicals make the Alte Oper particularly exciting and it’s within walking distance from the hotel.

Another great option is the English Theater on Gallusanlage. You’re guaranteed to find something you’ll enjoy and the professionalism shown by all those that work there is exemplary. As an added bonus, the onsite bar, called James– the Bar, is an integral part to the atmosphere they create and includes a gallery as part of its stylish two-floor layout. Just south of the river is the area of Sachsenhausen there are a selection of taverns that will keep the beer and apple wine flowing in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Frankfurt gastronomy throughout the day

Leonhard’s Skylounge is just 10 minutes from the hotel, past the MyZeil shopping mall and offers you an impressive buffet selection, which you can enjoy along with the stunning skyline from the restaurant’s lofty position. Perfect for a lunch engagement. Another place I am always keen to point out is Buena Vista on Grosse Eschenheimer Strasse, especially if you’re after a taste of Spain. Try their delicious hot and cold tapas or take control and grill your own steak at the table over a lava rock, removing it when it reaches your preferred doneness. More international fare is served up at our very own Mainhatten Restaurant where you can choose from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian dishes, as well as some more locally inspired cuisine.

Talking of local food, we cannot ignore the ubiquitous sausage of the city. The Frankfurter comes in various forms and since 1929 will only carry the official name Frankfurter Würstchen if it has been made in the region. Here you can be sure that it will be boiled to perfection, and then pick a tempting topping – my favorite being sliced pickle and crispy onions for that added crunch. More traditional fare is found at Zu den 12 Aposteln and is the place to go if you want to try Frankfurt's national green sauce dish with potatoes and 2 half-eggs. It’s just around the corner from our hotel so I’m a regular guest of theirs and often order the delectable Apostel schnitzel.

Despite the popularity of the sausage and meat dishes, if vegetarian options are preferred you will not have far to go. Most menus give a wide range of tasty alternatives and there are also restaurants that cater solely for vegetarians and vegans. Try out Ginkgo on Berger Strasse where they look to cater for everybody.

Must try the Express tram

A great way to see the city is on the Ebbelwei-Express, a small tram that takes you around all the major points of Frankfurt. Your hosts will also keep you refreshed with the national drink Ebbelwei if that takes your fancy. See the city from a different perspective on the Maintower observation platform. Standing 200-meters above the streets you can reflect on places you’ve been and possibly spot new adventures to be had.

Find a city escape in our tropical garden

For garden and plant lovers, we recommend the Palmengarten in the Westend district, which is open all year round and offers constantly changing exhibitions. With plant life from all over the world, the botanical gardens delight those that visit and there are tours to enhance your knowledge of what you see. Depending on the time of year that you will be visiting – we can give you more details upon request – there are rowing boats on the lake, miniature golf courses and even a small railway to entertain you. But it truly is the collection of flowers, shrubs and plants, all set in wonderful landscaping, that capture the imaginations. Out of interest, the 30-minute walk to or from the hotel goes through some of the most expensive streets of Frankfurt so you have a chance to admire the magnificent old buildings as you stroll.

Kids love animals, past and present

The Palmengarten is a winner for all the ages and for further family activity I’d recommend Frankfurt Zoo, located in the center of the city. It has all that you would expect from one of Europe’s greatest zoos, with a few surprises thrown in. Young guests always enjoy the Senckenberg Museum, the largest natural history museum in Germany, where they get to interact with all kinds of captivating exhibitions, with dinosaurs usually getting a lot of eager attention.

Spa relax just outside Frankfurt

If you’re keen to see more than just Frankfurt during your stay why not jump on the S-Bahn train and take the 30-minute ride to Bad Homburg. Once there, stroll through the old town, take in the beautiful spa gardens, visit the museums and generally be pleasantly absorbed by this small historical city. For pure relaxation book yourself into one of their great thermal baths and large saunas, and don’t worry about being rushed out as it’s open all the way through to midnight.

About Melanie Trulli

My name is Melanie Trulli. I have been part of the NH Group for more than 8 years and during this time I ran several departments in different cities until I got the chance to hold the position of the Guest Relation Manager at the NH Collection Frankfurt City about one year ago. The philosophy that we cultivate is to make a home away from home for our guests and to make every day of their stay special. This does not always mean knowing our guests, but always knowing exactly what they need. This is very exciting and means that no two days are the same. Taking care of your wishes, making recommendations, planning your day together are only a few of the details that make my job so unique and you are always the focus. The greatest appreciation that we receive for this is from our guests who look back on us positively and leave our house with a smile. There is no better feeling than heartfelt thanks for our daily efforts to ensure the best for our guests.