Travel Talk with Ed Finn

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Saturday, 9 December 2023 - 14 minutes

As a travel journalist with a large penchant for Germany, I recently found myself back in one of my all-time favourite cities there—Frankfurt. This vibrant metropolis, often affectionately referred to as Mainhattan due to its skyline reminiscent of Manhattan in New York City, never fails to captivate me with its unique blend of modernity and rich history.  I always opt to stay at the Hilton Frankfurt Centre, a luxurious haven in the heart of the city that happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

My go-to choice, the Hilton Frankfurt Centre, has become a home away from home for me over the years. The hotel's commitment to excellence, coupled with its prime location, has always made it the ideal base for my explorations. To mark its quarter-century milestone, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the affable General Manager, Marc Snijders, a dear friend and steward of this special establishment.

Reminiscing about the hotel's journey, Marc shared insights into the Hilton Frankfurt Centre's evolution over the past 25 years. From its inception, the hotel has been a beacon of hospitality, welcoming guests from around the globe with its impeccable service and luxurious amenities. Marc's passion for ensuring guests have a memorable experience was palpable as he recounted stories of the hotel's growth and the countless people that he has welcomed over the years.  

Our conversation naturally transitioned to the city itself, and Marc, being a Frankfurt enthusiast like myself, eagerly delved into the best things to see and do in Mainhattan. Frankfurt's skyline, dominated by sleek skyscrapers, is a testament to its status as a global financial hub. Yet, beyond the glass and steel, the city boasts a rich cultural tapestry.

One highlight that Marc recommended again was the iconic Römer, Frankfurt's historic city hall. Nestled in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), the Römer's medieval architecture and the surrounding cobblestone streets provide a charming contrast to the modernity just a stone's throw away. Strolling through this area, one can't help but feel the echoes of centuries past.  Many European cities have spent decades carefully reconstructing historic buildings destroyed during the First and Second World Wars, but only Frankfurt has bothered to recreate an entire district as it was at the turn of the last century.

The DomRömer Quarter is Frankfurt's ‘new’ old town, spread across 7,000 square metres between Cathedral Square and the medieval Römer building that was more than 90 percent destroyed during the wars. The development opened in May 2018 and includes 20 new buildings and 15 replicas, including the Stadthaus community and conference centre. Expect to find thriving cafés, shops and a handful of decent museums.

For art enthusiasts, Marc recommended the Städel Museum, a cultural gem housing a vast collection of European masterpieces spanning seven centuries. From Renaissance classics to contemporary works, the museum offers a visual journey through art history.

Of course, no visit to Frankfurt is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Marc enthusiastically suggested a visit to Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling market where locals and visitors alike converge to savor a diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and mouthwatering delicacies. It's a sensory experience that encapsulates the city's gastronomic diversity.   The 1,500-square-metre Kleinmarkthalle, where nearly 160 market stalls flog local food, flowers and other produce is a must do.  From cured meats and wine to honey, dried fruit, nuts, handmade pasta and cheese, just about every craving is catered for.  As well as regional delicacies, you’ll find imports from all over Europe and beyond. Don’t miss the terrace bursting with flower boxes on the second level – the small family-owned plonk shop serves wines that pair very well with the food bought downstairs.

Discover the best of Frankfurt café culture on the picturesque upper Berger Straße. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a weekly farmers’ market is held near the Bornheim Mitte metro station, between the old clock tower (Uhrtürmchen) and Saalburgstraße. Pass that and head north, away from the city centre, to the dozens of restaurants and bars that offer outside seating at the first suggestion of spring in the air. The half-timbered buildings are all original and date from the 1600s. When the sun sets, the street glows with candles and lanterns. While Berger Straße is an excellent destination for a reliable German meal, you could also try Spaghetti-Eis – vanilla ice cream squeezed into spaghetti-like noodles, served with strawberry sauce – from one of many nearby ice cream parlours.

Beer? Sorry, not the libation of choice in Frankfurt. Apfelwein (apple wine), a light and tart drink of fermented apples, is the state beverage, and you can combine it with a tour of the city’s major sights on the weird and wonderful Ebbelwei-Express. Set to a boisterous soundtrack of German drinking music, this vintage tram stops at 29 landmarks in a round-trip tour lasting approximately one hour – whew! Luckily, the ticket is valid all day, so you can get off and on as much as you’d like and take the tour at your own pace. Downloading the accompanying podcast (there’s no guide onboard) will give you an overview of the monuments and memorable sights along the way. A bottle of apple wine and a bag of pretzels is included in the ticket price.

Back at the Hilton Frankfurt Centre, the celebration of its 25th anniversary was in full swing. The hotel had curated special experiences for guests, including exclusive dining events and spa packages. It was a testament to the Hilton's commitment to creating lasting memories for its patrons. The tradition of the Champagne and Lobster brunch is a sumptuous event not to be missed and there are regular dates to book for this up to May 2024

For great offers and packages to stay at Hilton Frankfurt City Centre visit - Hilton Frankfurt City Centre

For detailed information on visiting frankfurt check out - https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/

Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin twice daily to Frankfurt with fares from €49 each way

This March Aer Lingus are offering special fares of just €9.44 from Dublin to Frankfurt - www.aerlingus.com 

Lufthansa also flies daily to Frankfurt from Dublin and Ryanair flies a little further away to Frankfurt Hahn

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Frankfurt's Home-Brewed Beer Scene

No visit to Frankfurt is complete without tasting its home-brewed beer. Many residents testify that Frankfurt’s beers exemplify the spirit of the city. These are the 5 best breweries you absolutely have to visit.

BrauStil

Located north of Innistrad, BrauStil offers an amazing array of craft beer that’ll make even a non-drinker convert. It has a cozy interior and a delightful garden, in which you can subject your taste buds to a blissful tasting experience of amazing beer and fresh food. The service epitomises the city’s welcoming nature, whether you are going alone or with company

Alt-Oberurseler Brauhaus

Alt Oberurseler Brauhaus is a brewery located in the heart of Oberurseler, some 25km away from Frankfurt’s Innistrad. It offers the complete Octoberfest experience with large meal portions and amazing beer. If you love pork, order Schweinshaxe, and Orscheln-Maibock – you’ll be amazed.

It features large inside area and a terrace, which offers that specific ‘German Pub’ experience.

Brauereigasthof “Zur Mainkur”

One of the best inn-breweries in Frankfurt, it is located on the eastern edge of the city, on the northern bank of Main. It has a long history and the lack of electronic distractions like wireless and TV will help you enjoy its hearty portions and delightful homebrewed beer. The meat is cooked to perfection, and Bier-Hannes Mai-Bock is truly an amazing beer to go along with it. Additionally, once you are done with the meal, you can take a walk on the bank of Main River and enjoy the scenery.

If you wish to experience the local way of life, this inn is ‘a must’.

Schöfferhofer Weizenbier

Schöfferhofer Weizenbier is world-renowned brewery located in southern Frankfurt. It exports beer all across the world, and every restaurant in the city offers its wide variety of beers. From fruit scented to dark and heavy, Schöfferhofer Weizenbier has something for every beer lover.

Moreover, Schöfferhofer Kristallweizen is probably the most delicious light-golden beer you will ever taste. If you prefer dark beer, Schöfferhofer Dunkles Hefeweizen is the right choice for you.

Binding-Brauerei

Binding-Brauerei is located just north of Schöfferhofer Weizenbier in southern Frankfurt, and offers a wide variety of high-quality beers for every beer lover. Binding supplies the German and European markets with world-class Frankfurt beer. In Binding-Brauerei you can learn about their brewing process and sample their beers.

The staff is friendly and engaging. BBK Märzen is a great

tasting amber-colored seasonal beer which offers a unique tasting experience.

Clausthaler

Dry Hopped and Clausthaler Golden Amber are a very food choice if you prefer

low-alcoholic beers. However, if you want to taste the hard stuff, Kutscher Alt is an amazing chestnut-brown beer, with a bite!

In Summary

For me I must say that Frankfurt’s breweries are definitely among the best in the world!

Frankfurt Card

The Frankfurt Card offers free travel on all public transport within the Frankfurt city limits (zone 50) including Frankfurt International Airport (FRA; zone 5090). This travelcard is available for one or two days and offers up to 50 % discount on city tours, museum admissions and further attractions.

Where to get the Frankfurt Cards?

The Frankfurt Card can be ordered online - just print it to use it. Moreover, the Citycard is available in many ticket points - even at the airport.

The Frankfurt Card basic can also be easily booked online and immediately used digitally.

https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/

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