---
title: "Frankfurt"
description: "Frankfurt travel guide — Römerberg, Main River banks, Sachsenhausen cider district, and why Germany\'s financial capital has more soul than its reputation suggests."
url: "https://viatravelers.com/destinations/frankfurt/"
published_at: "2023-10-12T04:22:39-06:00"
updated_at: "2026-06-15T17:23:02-06:00"
author: "Kyle Kroeger"
categories:
  - "Europe"
  - "Germany"
---

Frankfurt anchors Germany’s financial sector as “Mainhattan” while preserving medieval heritage along the River Main, where towering skyscrapers housing European Central Bank and international corporations overlook reconstructed Römerberg square with its colorful half-timbered buildings rebuilt after WWII destruction. The city’s cultural significance extends through Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), a 1980s-designed cultural district featuring world-class institutions including Städel Museum’s 700-year art collection spanning Botticelli to contemporary works, plus Historisches Museum Frankfurt built over 11th-century Staufer Castle foundations. Authentic experiences include Kleinmarkthalle’s international food market serving traditional Frankfurt sausages and regional specialties, Main Tower observation deck offering panoramic views across Europe’s banking epicenter, and river walks connecting Holy Roman Empire coronation sites with modern art installations. The city balances international business culture with German traditions through seasonal festivals, Christmas markets, and neighborhood bistros serving regional Hessian cuisine alongside cosmopolitan dining reflecting its multinational population.