Things to do in Frankfurt

Cycle alongside the Main River

If you’ve been drinking a few too many beers, blow away the cobwebs with a cycle up the city’s Main River. The Nidda Route is flat and perfect for beginners and takes in sights such as Bolongaro Palace and the picturesque suburb of Höchst. Get yourself sorted for wheels by Next Bike (www.nextbike.de/en/frankfurt).

Embrace some nature at the botanical gardens

Set over 50 acres and with more than 6,000 species on-site, the city’s Palmengarten (www.palmengarten.de) is a kaleidoscopic journey through the planet’s natural delights. Open since 1871, it contains flowers and fauna from the world over, and there are tours available for the wannabe botanist.

Get a feed at Kleinmarkethalle

Whatever the weather, the indoor Kleinmarkethalle (kleinmarkthalle.de/) is a magnet for foodies keen to fill holes in bellies. It’s got a diverse offering, and creaks under the weight of fruit, veg, pastries, tapas and, of course, wurst.

Get square eyed at the Film Museum

With permanent and temporary exhibits celebrating the history of celluloid, Film Museum (tel: +49 0 69 961 220 220; deutsches-filminstitut.de/) is an Aladdin’s Cave for any true film buff. It’s also got its own cinema for films it deems artistically notable.

Visit Goethe’s birthplace

For any fans of classic literature, a visit to the Goethe Haus (www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de) is a pinnacle of any Frankfurt visit. The house has been restored to reflect how it was when Goethe was born here in 1749, and next door is the Goethe Museum, where you’ll find the only picture gallery dedicated exclusively to the Age of Goethe.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

Gerbermühle

Housed in a former mill building on the south bank of the Main about 4km (2.5 miles) east of the main railway station, this small boutique hotel is where Goethe is said to have met Marianne von Willemer, who he'd later write poetry about. With only 19 rooms and suites, the hotel has very high standard in terms of comfort and service, offering a refreshing alternative to the major chain hotels that are so prevalent in Frankfurt.

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof

Destroyed during WWII and entirely rebuilt by hotelier Albert Steigenberger, this fantastic listed building combines historical glory and modern convenience. Despite the elegant furnishings, the discreet service and the majestic atmosphere, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof retains character and intimacy. The facilities are fantastic, including a wellness club and business centre. For very important guests, who require extra special treatment, the Presidential Suite even has bullet-proof windows.

Villa Kennedy

Now under the wing of the acclaimed Rocco Forte luxury hotel group the Villa Kennedy is firmly in the 5-star-plus category. Situated in the city centre, on the south bank of the Main and close to Sachsenhausen, the hotel consists of three buildings and the Villa Speyer, a building dating from the early 20th century. The Gusto restaurant vies with the very best in Frankfurt, while for those in need of rest and relaxation, there are full leisure and spa facilities including a swimming pool. The hotel also offers a number of meetings and events spaces for the business visitor and is a favourite with visiting celebrities too.

Hotel Palmenhof

The fine architecture of this elegant Westend building is more reminiscent of a historic palace than a modern hotel. However, the rooms of this small but stylish art nouveau residence, furnished throughout with sophisticated antiques, provide all the contemporary comforts of 21st-century business life. Satellite TV, private safes and wireless internet are basic standards in all rooms.

Maritim Hotel Frankfurt

Directly linked to the Trade Fair Centre, this very modern circular, glass hotel is most convenient for travellers visiting one of Frankfurt's numerous international fairs. The 5-star Maritim caters mainly for professionals, providing everything the sophisticated traveller expects, from extensive business facilities such wireless internet and digital fax machines to a laptop-sized safe. Excellent relaxation options are also available at the Maritim Sports Club.

The Pure

The Pure is one of the trendiest hotels in Frankfurt. Just around the corner from the main station this style haunt is decorated in a palette of white, white and white. The staff are warm enough to add a bit of colour and all rooms have flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and iPod docks. The lobby bar stocks an impressive range of single malt whiskies and there’s also a modest gym for more active types, as well as a sauna and steam room.

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