FRANKFURT (am Main), Germany – 4K HDR walking tour (with captions)

FRANKFURT (am Main), Germany – 4K HDR walking tour (with captions)

Welcome to Frankfurt am Main! Our walk begins at Willy-Brandt-Platz, home of the Euro Sculpture. We continue into the city center along the main shopping street, the Zeil, which feels calm on this public holiday. Later, we cross to the Sachsenhausen bank of the River Main and follow the riverside path before returning to the Old Town. Via the Eiserner Steg, we enjoy sweeping skyline views. This leads us to Frankfurt’s historic heart: the Römerberg, with its timber-framed houses, the Cathedral, and the New Old Town. Our tour concludes as we loop back toward the river. Now let’s begin! As the locals say, “Gude!” – Let’s explore Frankfurt with POPtravel. Here is the start of our walk. The Euro Sculpture at Willy-Brandt-Platz is 14 meters tall and displays the euro sign circled by 12 yellow stars. It was designed by the artist Ottmar Hörl and installed in 2001 to mark the introduction of the new currency. Frankfurt became the seat of the European Central Bank in 1998, positioning the city as a key financial center. The sculpture is a popular background for photos and a frequent site for protests. Its blue and yellow colors mirror those of the European Union flag. Standing here, we are at a crossroads of finance and policy. The plaza is named after Willy Brandt, who was German chancellor from 1969 to 1974. From this symbol of modern Europe, we now turn to the city itself. Let me give you a quick overview. Frankfurt am Main has approximately 770,000 residents, making it Germany’s fifth-largest city. It is a major transportation hub with one of Europe’s busiest airports. The skyline is defined by the towers of banks and corporations, earning it the nickname “Mainhattan”. The River Main flows through the city’s heart, giving Frankfurt am Main its full name. Now we turn into the next street. Friedensstraße means “Peace Street” and connects Willy-Brandt-Platz with the Römerberg area. The name was given in 1866 following the peace treaty that ended the Austro-Prussian War. This area blends 19th-century architecture with modern office buildings and hotels. Today, Friedensstraße is part of Frankfurt’s busy inner-city ring. Here, history meets the daily pulse of trams and traffic. On our left rises a significant structure. The Commerzbank Tower opened in 1997 and is 259 meters tall. It was the tallest building in Europe until 2003. The British architect Norman Foster designed the tower to include nine sky gardens, which allow natural light into the offices. The Commerzbank Tower remains the tallest building in Germany. Its full height, including the spire, surpasses most buildings in other major European cities. As we continue, look ahead on this street. Kaiserstraße was laid out in the 1870s as part of a major urban expansion. It connects the central train station with the city center. Near the intersection with Friedensstraße stands the Kaiserbrunnen, a fountain with allegorical figures. Close by is the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, which opened in 1876. The hotel has hosted numerous prominent guests over the decades. Walking here feels like a journey through Frankfurt’s grand 19th-century past. Let’s take a moment for the city’s economy. Frankfurt established itself as a trade center with fairs recorded as early as 1240. The city minted its own coins in the Middle Ages and later became home to the German stock exchange, founded in 1585. The Messe Frankfurt is now one of the world’s largest trade fairgrounds. In 1998, the European Central Bank selected Frankfurt for its headquarters. Banks, consulting firms, and law offices define the modern economy. The airport, opened in 1936, grew into a major European logistics hub. Today, finance, logistics, and technology drive the city’s growth, with over 200 foreign banks based here. On our right is a monument to a world-changing invention. The Gutenberg Memorial at Goetheplatz was erected in 1858. It honors Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of printing with movable type. A central bronze figure shows Gutenberg holding a page of print. He is flanked by his partners, Peter Schöffer and Johann Fust. The sculptor Eduard Schmidt von der Launitz designed the monument. Its creation was funded by donations from citizens and publishers. The pedestal features reliefs depicting the history of printing. The monument survived World War II with only minor damage and recalls Frankfurt’s historic role in early book fairs. Quick note about the locals here. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Frankfurt in 1749. Anne Frank, whose diary is known worldwide, was also born here, in 1929. The city was home to the sociologist Theodor W. Adorno for much of his life. Paul Ehrlich, a Nobel Prize winner in medicine, studied and worked in Frankfurt. The Rothschild banking family began its ascent here around 1760. The expressionist painter Max Beckmann taught at the local art school, the Städelschule. Frankfurt’s notable names span from literature and philosophy to finance and music. Before we move on, note the station below. The subway station Hauptwache opened in 1968 as a central hub for the U-Bahn network. It connects several U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines, serving around 180,000 passengers daily. The name is taken from the old guardhouse that stands above it, built in 1730. Trains run every few minutes, linking the suburbs to the city center. Frankfurt’s public transport network includes trams, buses, subways, and regional trains, making exploration without a car straightforward. On our right is a historic landmark. Café Hauptwache is located in a baroque guardhouse dating from 1730. The building was reconstructed after World War II and has since operated as a café. It is one of the city’s most recognizable meeting spots. From its terrace, you can watch the flow of people across the square. Let me tell you a quirky local story. The children’s book *Struwwelpeter* was written by Heinrich Hoffmann in 1845. Hoffmann lived and worked as a physician in Frankfurt. The book’s cautionary tales about misbehaving children became famous around the world. Ahead is a museum with a modern beat. The Museum of Modern Electronic Music, or MOMEM, opened in 2022. It is dedicated to DJs, club culture, and the history of electronic sound. The exhibits explore the development of techno and house music. The museum acknowledges Frankfurt’s significant role in the German electronic music scene. Before we reach Zeil, notice the church. The St. Catherine’s Church stands at Hauptwache and was constructed between 1678 and 1681. It is the largest Protestant church in Frankfurt’s city center. The church is dedicated to the early Christian martyr, St. Catherine of Alexandria. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was baptized here in 1749. The baroque interior was restored following damage in the war. Services, concerts, and events are still held here. Now we turn to a piece of street art. *David and Goliath* is a large sculpture from 1983. The artist Stephan Balkenhol created it from two massive stone blocks. The title alludes to the biblical story, but the artwork presents it in a minimalist form. It stands near the beginning of the Zeil, often surprising passersby with its simple monumentality. As we step onto this street, notice the atmosphere. Zeil is typically Frankfurt’s busiest shopping street. The wide promenade is a primary destination for residents and visitors alike. Over there stretches the main shopping mile. The Zeil has been a commercial street since the 14th century. Its name derives from a German word for “row,” referring to a row of houses that once stood here. Today, stores range from large department stores to international brand outlets. At over one kilometer in length, the Zeil is one of Germany’s highest-grossing retail streets. Now let’s take a look inside this mall. MyZeil opened in 2009 and is part of the Palais Quartier complex. It offers about 52,000 square meters of retail space spread across several levels. The shops include fashion retailers, electronics stores, and cafés. A large fitness center and entertainment venues are located on the upper floors. A long escalator runs through the building’s central atrium. MyZeil attracts both local shoppers and tourists. Let me point out a design feature here. The mall was designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. Its glass facade is shaped by a vortex-like funnel that draws light into the building. The structure consists of thousands of individual glass panels. The interior escalator is 46 meters long, one of the longest unsupported escalators in Europe. At night, the glass facade reflects the city lights. This modern architecture contrasts with some of Frankfurt’s older buildings. Before we move further, a word on the economy here. Frankfurt is Germany’s main financial center and home to the European Central Bank. The stock exchange is among the ten largest in the world. Salaries in the finance and consulting sectors are above the national average. In 2023, the average monthly gross salary in Frankfurt was over 5,000 euros. Banking, aviation, and technology firms drive the demand for skilled workers. The city also hosts Messe Frankfurt, a global trade fair hub. This attracts professionals from across Europe, though high salaries are matched by high rental costs. Here we stop by a playful fountain. The Brockhaus Fountain was created by the artist Lutz Brockhaus between 1980 and 1984. It was carved from a single 38-ton block of marble. During its creation, the sound of the work was a notable feature on the Zeil. Today, people often rest here while shopping. The fountain features three abstract figures that can be interpreted in different ways, adding a touch of art to the busy street. Let me point out a key fact about the city’s people. Over half of Frankfurt’s residents have a migration background. The city includes communities from Turkey, Italy, Croatia, and, more recently, Syria and Afghanistan. Immigration has shaped the local food, shops, and neighborhoods. Since the 1960s, guest workers played a role in the region’s economy. Today, people from over 180 nations live in the city. Cultural festivals and events reflect this diversity, giving Frankfurt a distinctly international character. Before moving on, ideas for side tours. The Rhine Valley, with its castles and vineyards, is about an hour to the west. Wiesbaden offers thermal springs and 19th-century spa architecture. Mainz is home to the Gutenberg Museum and a large Romanesque cathedral. To the north, the Taunus hills are popular for hiking. Darmstadt features Jugendstil art at Mathildenhöhe. Aschaffenburg has a Renaissance palace on the River Main. Many of these destinations are reachable by train in under an hour. Now we touch on a more complex topic. The street we are on is calm, but Frankfurt also faces challenges in its Bahnhofsviertel, or station district. This area is known for open drug use and related social issues. The city implements various programs for housing and treatment. Police, health services, and non-governmental organizations work in the district daily. While tourists may not see these issues outside of that specific quarter, they are part of Frankfurt’s urban reality. The contrast between the financial district and the street-level struggles is notable. Awareness of this helps to understand the whole city. On our left stands an old stone wall. The Staufenmauer is a remnant of a medieval wall built around 1180. It once protected Frankfurt’s early city core. The wall stretched for about 2.4 kilometers and was fortified with gates and towers. This is one of the longest surviving sections. After 1333, Frankfurt expanded, and a new, larger wall was built. Most of the original Staufenmauer was removed in the 18th century. The visible stretch was damaged in World War II bombings and partly restored after 1945. These stones are a reminder of the small medieval town that grew into today’s metropolis. Here we notice photos on a wall. Frankfurt was heavily bombed during World War II, and a large portion of its housing was lost. After 1945, new residential buildings were constructed in a simple, functional style. Speed and cost were priorities during the reconstruction era. Many districts still feature this plain postwar architecture. Today, glass towers and historical reconstructions stand alongside these functional blocks. Now we turn onto a busy road. Kurt-Schumacher-Straße is named after a prominent postwar Social Democratic politician. The street runs from the Konstablerwache area toward the River Main. It is part of the inner-city ring road and carries a high volume of traffic. Shops and offices line both sides, with a mix of 1950s and more recent facades. Over there stands a unique museum. The Museum Judengasse at Börneplatz opened in 1992. It is built over the excavated foundations of houses from Europe’s first Jewish ghetto, which was established in 1462. Exhibits explore Jewish daily life, traditions, and culture in early modern Frankfurt. The site is an extension of the main Jewish Museum located nearby. On our left is a historic church complex. The Heiliggeistkirche, or Church of the Holy Spirit, belongs to a former Dominican monastery. The monastery was founded in the 13th century and the church was rebuilt after extensive war damage. Today, it hosts religious services, lectures, and concerts. The monastery complex also serves as a center for Protestant regional administration and theological studies. Let’s take a moment to compare faiths here. Frankfurt’s population is religiously diverse; about 20% are Catholic and 16% are Protestant. The Evangelical Church of Hesse and Nassau is the main Protestant body in the region. Catholic parishes belong to the Diocese of Limburg. The two denominations often cooperate on cultural and charitable projects. Religion in Frankfurt reflects Germany’s broader balance of confessions. Over there we spot the VGF and Stadtwerke offices. Stadtwerke Frankfurt manages the city’s energy, water, and waste services, while VGF operates the trams and subways. Energy prices in Germany have been a major topic since 2022. The city is investing in renewable energy and district heating to manage long-term costs. Public transport fares have also been adjusted but remain a key part of city life. Utilities are a constant subject in local politics. Let’s pause for something lighter. Frankfurt plants around 250,000 flowers in its public spaces each year. Parks like the Palmengarten and Grüneburgpark are known for their floral displays. The city even has its own rose variety, named ‘Frankfurt am Main.’ Urban bees benefit from these flowers as well. The seasonal blooms add color to the city’s squares and streets. Now we step onto one of Frankfurt’s oldest bridges. The Alte Brücke, or Old Bridge, was first mentioned in historical documents in 1222 and has been rebuilt many times. For centuries, it was the only bridge crossing the Main in Frankfurt. The current structure is 237 meters long and has eight arches. In the past, a chapel and a mill stood on the bridge. Destroyed in World War II, it was reconstructed by 1965. A sculpture of Charlemagne on the bridge tower recalls the city’s link to the Holy Roman Empire. The bridge leads directly into the Sachsenhausen district, known for its apple wine taverns. From here we enjoy one of the best city views. The Frankfurt skyline includes the Commerzbank Tower, the European Central Bank, and the Main Tower. From the bridge, we can also see the small Maininsel island below. The building with a classical portico on the island is Portikus, a contemporary art gallery. It opened at this location in 2006. Inside, rotating exhibitions present international artists. The portico on its facade was salvaged from the old municipal library, which was destroyed in the war. The setting on the river gives the gallery a unique backdrop. Across the river stands a special museum. The Ikonen-Museum, or Icon Museum, opened in 1990 in the former refectory of the Teutonic Order. It holds over 1,000 Orthodox icons, making it one of the most significant collections of its kind in Germany. The exhibits showcase Russian, Greek, and Balkan works dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The quiet galleries offer a contrast to the busy atmosphere of Sachsenhausen just outside. Here we arrive at the southern riverbank. The Sachsenhäuser Ufer is part of Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment, or Museumsufer. The promenade is lined with trees, benches, and paths for walking and cycling. Residents use the area for jogging, skating, or relaxing by the River Main. Across the river, the skyline view is particularly impressive. Street festivals and a large flea market often take place here. Over there lies a curious old river arm. The Deutschherrnufer connects to an area that was once a side channel of the River Main. This branch of the river was largely filled in during the 19th century. The Alte Brücke originally spanned both the main river and this side arm. Today, the Maininsel marks the point where the waters once divided. River engineering projects altered the landscape for shipping and flood control. Walking here reveals layers of the river’s history. Let me point out some noisy visitors. Canada geese have been living along the River Main since the 20th century. They were introduced to Europe as ornamental birds but have since established wild populations. The geese feed on the grass along the riverbanks and are often seen swimming in groups. In the summer, goslings can be spotted with their parents. They add a touch of wildlife to the urban riverside landscape. As we spot more birds, think of city nature. Frankfurt has over 40 parks and numerous green spaces. The riverbanks are home to ducks, swans, and herons. The Palmengarten displays plants from different continents. The city’s green belt connects woodlands and meadows in a protective ring. Bats, foxes, and hedgehogs also live within the city limits. In spring, cherry and magnolia blossoms appear in many areas. Nature here provides a balance to the glass and concrete of the city center. Before we continue, watch the bikes pass. Frankfurt has an extensive network of cycling routes. The Mainradweg, a long-distance bike path, runs along the river for 600 kilometers from its source to its confluence with the Rhine. Cyclists here enjoy smooth, car-free riverside paths. Bike rental services make it easy for visitors to explore on two wheels. Commuters and leisure riders share the paths. The network continues to expand with new, protected lanes added each year. Here’s a quick look at the city’s athletic life. Eintracht Frankfurt is the main football club, founded in 1899, and plays its home games at Deutsche Bank Park. The team won the UEFA Europa League in 2022, which led to major city-wide celebrations. Basketball fans follow the Fraport Skyliners, who have been playing since 1999. The city also hosts the Frankfurt Marathon each October, an event first held in 1981. Ice hockey and American football clubs also have a steady following. Rowing regattas take place on the River Main. Fitness and cycling are popular recreational sports, and local parks are often filled with joggers. Before we cross, here’s a small fact. A green sauce called Grüne Soße is a local specialty made with seven specific herbs. It is typically served with potatoes and boiled eggs, especially in the spring. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was said to be fond of the dish. A festival is held each spring to celebrate the sauce. A meal in a traditional Frankfurt restaurant may well include Grüne Soße on the menu. Now we arrive at a famous crossing. The Eiserner Steg is a pedestrian bridge first built in 1869. It connects the city center with the Sachsenhausen district. Destroyed at the end of World War II, it was rebuilt in 1946. The steel structure spans 170 meters over the Main. Around 10,000 people cross it on foot each day. An inscription in Greek from Homer’s *Odyssey* decorates the bridge. The Eiserner Steg offers an excellent skyline view, especially at sunset. It remains one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. On this side lies a row of museums. Schaumainkai is the heart of Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment. The Museum Angewandte Kunst, or Museum of Applied Arts, opened in its current building in 1985. The architect Richard Meier designed the white structure. The museum holds a large collection of objects related to design and crafts. The collections range from furniture and fashion to East Asian art. Schaumainkai also hosts a popular flea market on Saturdays. Other museums here include the Städel Museum and the German Film Museum. As we pause, look at the railings here. The Eiserner Steg is covered with “love locks” placed by couples from around the world. The keys are often thrown into the Main as a symbol of enduring commitment. The total weight of the locks is now several tons. From the bridge, you can also see the Köln-Düsseldorfer tour boats departing sometimes. These vessels offer cruises along the Main, some including onboard dining. River tours provide views of both the skyline and the green riverbanks. The Main is also a working waterway, so you will see freight ships passing by. Here we finish crossing and meet more people. The riverbanks are filled with walkers, cyclists, and families. On sunny days, crowds gather to eat ice cream or relax on the grass. Street musicians often play near the bridges. Joggers weave between strollers and people sitting on benches. The lively scene shows how Frankfurt uses its river as a central public space. Over there stand two museums side by side. The Junges Museum Frankfurt offers interactive exhibits designed for children. Kids can engage with crafts, historical printing techniques, and city history in a playful way. Next to it, the Historisches Museum Frankfurt covers the city’s entire past. Its collection includes medieval artifacts, architectural models, and objects from daily life. Both museums are located on the Römerberg, near the river, and provide context for the historic buildings we will soon explore. Now we stand at Frankfurt’s historic heart. The Römer has been the city hall since 1405 and is recognized by its stepped gable facade. Its name, meaning “Roman,” may derive from early Italian merchants. Next to it is the Alte Nikolaikirche, a church first consecrated in 1290. The church once served as a chapel for the city council. The timber-framed houses surrounding the square were destroyed in World War II and reconstructed in the 1980s. The Römerberg was the site of coronation banquets for Holy Roman Emperors until 1792. Markets and festivals have been held here for centuries. Today, it hosts the annual Christmas market and other city events. On this square, notice the street performers. Artists might balance on objects or pose as living statues for coins. They attract visitors with their costumes and skills. These performances add a playful element to the historic square. Street art here continues the long tradition of fairs and public gatherings. Crowds often pause to watch, take a photo, or make a small donation. The blend of history and entertainment makes this spot memorable. To our left stands the Fountain of Justice. The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen was first erected in 1543 on the Römerberg. It depicts Lady Justice holding scales and a sword. Unlike many such statues, she is not blindfolded. In the past, wine reportedly flowed from the fountain during imperial coronations. The current bronze figure dates from 1611. The fountain survived the war and was restored, remaining a central landmark on the square. Here we arrive at a rebuilt quarter. The New Old Town opened in 2018 after a decade of construction. It occupies a 7,000-square-meter area between the Römer and the cathedral. Thirty-five buildings were constructed, including 15 faithful reconstructions of pre-war houses. The other buildings are new designs that complement the historic style. Narrow alleys like the Krönungsweg, or Coronation Path, recreate the route once taken by emperors. Archaeological finds from the Roman and Carolingian periods have been preserved in an underground exhibition space. Today, shops, cafés, and small museums occupy the buildings. Over there you see a modest fountain. The Stoltze-Brunnen was erected in 1895 in honor of the poet Friedrich Stoltze. It originally stood on the Hühnermarkt before being moved after the war. In 2018, the fountain was returned to its historic spot within the New Old Town. The bronze statue shows Stoltze, who is remembered for his witty works written in the Frankfurt dialect. As we just passed some small shops, a thought. Popular gifts include the traditional apple wine glass, known as a Geripptes. Spice mixes for Grüne Soße are sold for home cooking. Models of the timber-framed houses are also common souvenirs. For a sweet treat, Bethmännchen, a marzipan cookie, is a local specialty. Frankfurt souvenirs often reflect the city’s food, culture, and history. Now we enter the great cathedral. The Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus is 95 meters high and built in the Gothic style. Construction of the current church began in the 13th century on the site of earlier chapels. From 1356, the electors of the Holy Roman Empire chose their king here. From 1562 to 1792, emperors were also crowned in the cathedral. The interior contains stained-glass windows, historic chapels, and tombs. The tower can be climbed via 328 steps for panoramic city views. Fires and war bombing damaged the church over the centuries, most recently in 1944. It was restored by the 1950s and serves as both a Catholic parish and a symbol of national history. Back outside, let’s touch on faith and strife. Frankfurt was a free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire. It remained predominantly Catholic until the Reformation in the 16th century. From 1533, Lutheran services were permitted. Conflicts arose during the Thirty Years’ War, but the city maintained a mixed-faith population. After 1806, under Napoleonic influence, the church’s political power decreased. In the 19th century, Catholics, Protestants, and Jews all contributed to civic life. The cathedral retained its role in imperial tradition until the end of the empire in 1806. On our right stands a mix of old and new. The former Hauptzollamt, or Main Customs Office, now houses an exhibition space for the Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK). This historic building was once used to levy duties on goods transported along the river. Today, it displays contemporary art, often featuring photography, installations, and video works. The Zollamt venue connects Frankfurt’s trading past with its current creative scene. Let me point out a museum dedicated to words. The Stoltze-Museum honors the poet and satirist Friedrich Stoltze. He was born in Frankfurt in 1816 and wrote primarily in the local dialect. His texts often criticized politics and social conventions in the 19th century. The museum is operated by a local foundation. Exhibits show manuscripts, portraits, and original editions of his work. Visitors learn about his advocacy for democracy and free speech. Stoltze’s humor is still considered part of Frankfurt’s character today. Now let’s slip into a hidden courtyard. The New Old Town features several small inner courtyards behind the timber-framed houses. These spaces were rebuilt to reflect medieval urban design. Some are home to shops and cafés, while others offer quiet corners for rest. Nearby is the Struwwelpeter-Museum. It tells the story of Heinrich Hoffmann’s famous 1845 children’s book. Visitors can see original drawings and editions in many languages. The museum explores how the cautionary tales spread worldwide and also shows Hoffmann’s life as a physician and author. Over here stands another historic fountain. The Minerva-Brunnen was first built in 1894 on the eastern side of the Römerberg. It depicts the Roman goddess Minerva with her helmet, spear, and a shield bearing the head of Medusa. The fountain was destroyed in 1944. A faithful reconstruction was installed on the square in 1983. This site once hosted public markets and courts since the 15th century. The figure symbolizes wisdom, arts, and crafts. Let me add a few more details here. The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen once stood at the center of the emperors’ coronation banquets. Wine was said to have been pumped into its basin during the festivities. The statue’s scales symbolize fair judgment over the city. Merchants gathered near the fountain to celebrate trade fairs and legal agreements. The fountain has long been a stage for civic rituals and remains a central meeting spot on the Römerberg. Here we leave the New Old Town behind us. Limpurgergasse is a narrow lane leading from the Römerberg toward the Mainkai, the river embankment. The street features a mix of reconstructed houses and newer buildings. It guides us directly toward the river promenade, bringing us back to the open views of the Main. As we walk, a note on tourism. Frankfurt welcomed about 6 million overnight visitors in 2019, before the pandemic. Many arrive for trade fairs at the Messe Frankfurt. Business travelers often fill hotels during the week. On weekends, tourists explore the museums and the Old Town. A large number of visitors come from the USA, the UK, China, and the Netherlands. River cruises also bring groups directly to the Mainkai. Events like the book fair and the marathon add to visitor numbers. Now we step onto the riverside promenade. Mainkai stretches along the north bank of the River Main. It was once a busy port for shipping and trade. Today, it is a wide walkway lined with trees and benches. The skyline is visible across the water from here. Cyclists, skaters, and walkers share the space. On certain Sundays, parts of the road are closed to cars. River festivals and markets are often held on the quay. The Mainkai combines water, history, and daily life. Looking around, notice students relaxing here. Goethe University is the largest university in the city, founded in 1914. It has several campuses, with the main one located at Westend in the former IG Farben Building. Around 45,000 students are enrolled across many disciplines. The Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences offers more practical courses. The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management attracts students from around the world. The city also has academies for music and art. As we leave the Main, let’s talk about events. The Main Festival in August is one of the oldest public festivals, dating back to the 14th century. The Museumsuferfest in late summer draws millions with art, music, and food. The Dippemess, a traditional folk fair, takes place in spring and autumn. The Christmas Market on the Römerberg is among Germany’s oldest, first mentioned in 1393. The Frankfurt Book Fair each October is the world’s largest event for the publishing industry. The Luminale light festival illuminates the skyline every two years. Together, these events keep Frankfurt’s cultural calendar full year-round. Here we see a museum with deep roots. The Archäologisches Museum Frankfurt is housed in a former Carmelite monastery. Its collections cover regional history from the Paleolithic era to the early Middle Ages. Exhibits feature Roman finds, Celtic artifacts, and medieval objects. The Roman town of Nida, once located near modern-day Heddernheim, is a major focus. The cloister walls still bear Gothic frescoes from the monastery period. The museum combines local history with broader archaeology. Now we move onto a postwar road. Berliner Straße was built in the 1950s through the area destroyed by the war. It cuts through the Old Town with wide lanes and functional, concrete-framed buildings. Frankfurt today consists of 46 districts, each with its own character. Sachsenhausen is known for its apple wine taverns. Bockenheim has many students and cafés. Bornheim is sometimes called a “village” within the city. The Westend is home to consulates and historic villas. Each district contributes to the city’s mosaic. On this street stands a famous birthplace. The Goethe-Haus is where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in 1749. The original family home was destroyed in 1944 and carefully rebuilt by 1951. Inside, the rooms are furnished to reflect the 18th-century style of his youth. Manuscripts and drawings by Goethe are also on display. The adjoining Goethe Museum explores his work and his era. The house attracts literature enthusiasts from all over the world. Goethe remains Frankfurt’s most famous son. Let me highlight more thinkers here. The Frankfurt School of social theory was formed in the 1920s, with key figures like Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno. They were pioneers of critical theory. Paul Ehrlich, the Nobel Prize winner, developed the foundations of chemotherapy here. The poet Friedrich Stoltze captured city life in his dialect writings. Anne Frank, born in Frankfurt, became known worldwide through her diary. Contemporary authors and philosophers continue this intellectual tradition. Frankfurt has long been a crossroads for ideas. Back at Goetheplatz, recall this monument. The Gutenberg Memorial honors the inventor of movable-type printing. Gutenberg’s press, developed around 1450, launched an era of mass communication. This invention helped spread knowledge more rapidly than ever before. The first major book printed with his method was the Gutenberg Bible. Frankfurt’s book fairs are a direct legacy of this printing revolution. Here we stand again by Goethe’s monument. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote *Faust*, a dramatic poem he worked on for most of his life, and *The Sorrows of Young Werther*, a novel that brought him fame in 1774. He collaborated closely with Friedrich Schiller in Weimar. Goethe studied law but also pursued science, publishing works on color theory and botany. He traveled to Italy in the 1780s, an experience that shaped his views on art. His poems, plays, and novels influenced German Romanticism and world literature. He died in 1832. Let me point out something practical. Frankfurt has over 170 public fountains. Some are historic stone basins, while others are modern drinking fountains. Many provide free drinking water, which is welcome on hot days. The Römerberg alone has several decorative fountains. In other districts, fountains are sometimes combined with art installations. The public utility, Stadtwerke, maintains them. Locals often refill water bottles here, especially while cycling. Over there lies a famous food street. Kalbächer Gasse and Große Bockenheimer Straße together form the “Freßgass”. The nickname, meaning “eating alley,” has been in use since the 20th century. The street runs between Opernplatz and Börsenstraße. It is lined with restaurants, bakeries, and delicatessens. Office workers often come here for lunch. Since 1977, the Rheingau Wine Festival has been held here annually. The Freßgass connects dining, shopping, and city life. Talking of food, a few highlights to note. Try Apfelwein, or apple wine, served in a ribbed glass called a Geripptes. Grüne Soße, the seven-herb sauce, is a spring and summer specialty. Handkäse mit Musik is a sour milk cheese served with an onion vinaigrette. Frankfurter Rippchen are cured pork chops, often served with sauerkraut. Frankfurter Würstchen are thin, smoked sausages. Bethmännchen are marzipan cookies typically eaten around Christmas. The local food reflects both tradition and the city’s agricultural surroundings. Now we arrive at a grand square. The Alte Oper opened in 1880 as Frankfurt’s opera house. It was designed by the Berlin architect Richard Lucae in a Neo-Renaissance style. Destroyed by bombing in 1944, it remained a ruin for decades. A citizens’ initiative campaigned successfully for its reconstruction. The Alte Oper reopened in 1981 as a concert hall and event venue. Today, it hosts classical concerts, musicals, and conferences. The surrounding square is a popular location for open-air events. Before we leave, one quick opera story. The term “opera,” meaning “work” in Italian, combines music, drama, and stagecraft. The first recognized opera was Jacopo Peri’s *Dafne*, performed in 1598. Frankfurt’s Alte Oper opened in 1880 with a performance of Mozart’s *Don Giovanni*. Famous singers train for years to master demanding arias. Costumes for historical productions can be elaborate and heavy. Opera is performed in many languages, including Italian, German, French, and English, and remains a global art form. Now we stand in a green belt around the city. Taunusanlage is part of Frankfurt’s Wallanlagen, a ring of parks created on the site of the old city fortifications. It stretches around the inner city. The park is named after the Taunus hills, which are visible to the north. Trees, ponds, and lawns make it a popular spot for a lunch break. Monuments here honor German literary figures like Goethe and Schiller. Nearby skyscrapers rise above the leafy paths. The park connects the city’s history with its modern, bustling life. Let’s talk about staying safe here. Frankfurt is generally a safe city, but some areas require caution. The Bahnhofsviertel, near the central station, has a visible drug scene. It is best to be mindful there, especially at night. Pickpockets can be active in crowded areas like the Zeil and at public events. Keep valuables secure on public transport. Parks are safe during the day. The emergency number in Germany is 112. Police are present around major stations and squares. Taxis and public transport are reliable options for returning late. Quick note on local etiquette. A common greeting is “Guten Tag”. It is customary to wait for the green light before crossing the street. Recycling and waste separation are taken seriously. On public transport, people generally speak quietly. Tipping in restaurants is common, usually 5 – 10% by rounding up the bill. Most shops close by 8 or 9 p.m. and are closed on Sundays. Punctuality is valued. Following these customs helps ensure a smooth visit. Finally, here’s how locals spend Sundays. With most shops closed by law, Sunday is a day for leisure. People visit cafés, parks, and the riverside. Museums are open and can be busy. Many go hiking in the nearby Taunus or Odenwald hills. Churches hold services, often with organ music. Flea markets or festivals sometimes take place along the Mainkai. Boat cruises on the river are also a popular weekend activity. Sundays here are focused on relaxation, nature, and culture. Let me share some Frankfurt talk. The word “Babbel” means to chat. “Äbbelwoi” is the local term for apple wine. A “Handkäs” is a type of sour milk cheese. A “Bembel” is the stoneware jug used to serve apple wine. “Gude” is a casual local greeting, like “hello”. “Stöffche” is another nickname for apple wine. The “Ebbelwoi-Express” is a special tram that serves cider onboard. These words add local color to daily life. Now a quick word on politics. Frankfurt’s city government has been led by mayors from both the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in recent decades. The current mayor is Mike Josef of the SPD. The city plays an important role in federal politics and is home to the European Central Bank. Local debates often focus on housing affordability, transportation, and social integration. The city council has 93 seats distributed among several parties. Frankfurt’s politics reflect both German and broader European issues. Here we return to where we started. The Euro Sculpture at Willy-Brandt-Platz reminds us of Frankfurt’s role in finance. The 14-meter-tall sculpture is a symbol of the common European currency. It was installed in 2001, near the former headquarters of the European Central Bank. Today, we have circled back after our tour through the city’s heart. From here, the River Main is just a short walk away, connecting the themes of finance, history, and leisure that we have explored. On this square stands a playful fountain. The Märchenbrunnen was built in 1910 by sculptor Friedrich Schierholz. Figures show fairy tale characters like Little Red Riding Hood. The fountain was damaged in the war but later restored. It stands in Günthersburgpark as a favorite for children. The sculptures bring stories to life in stone and water. Finally, a note about the Hauptbahnhof. Frankfurt’s central station opened in 1888 and was one of the largest in Europe at the time. Its grand facade combines Neo-Renaissance architecture with large iron-and-glass train sheds. Today, it serves around 500,000 passengers daily. For this walk, however, we leave the station for another tour. Let’s wrap up what we’ve seen today. We began at Willy-Brandt-Platz with the Euro Sculpture. From there, we explored the banking district and historic squares like Goetheplatz. We crossed the Römerberg with its town hall and fountains. The New Old Town showed us reconstructed medieval streetscapes. Along the River Main, we saw bridges, the city skyline, and the Museum Embankment. We touched on local food, apple wine, and festivals. The tour led us through green parks and past modern landmarks. Frankfurt has revealed its medieval roots and its role in global finance. Here nearby stands a museum of memory. The Jewish Museum Frankfurt opened its first location in 1988 at the historic Rothschild Palais on the Mainkai. It explores 800 years of Jewish life in the city. The exhibits include religious artifacts, personal letters, and works of art. A second site, the Museum Judengasse, shows the archaeological remnants of the former ghetto. The museum preserves the complex history of Frankfurt’s Jewish community. Now we close the walk with some rest. Main Nizza is a riverside garden on the north bank, near the theater. Palm trees and Mediterranean plants give it a southern European atmosphere. A café and beer garden serves drinks and light meals. Locals gather here after work to relax by the water. From the benches, the skyline and river traffic are visible. The park is a calm spot after a day of city sightseeing. It shows how Frankfurt blends leisure with its urban environment and is a nice place to end today’s walk. Before we go, one last reminder. If you enjoyed this tour, please like and subscribe to POPtravel if you haven’t already. More walks await in cities across the world and even several from Frankfurt were recorded over the years. See you on the next journey!

Let’s discover Frankfurt am Main in Germany on a sunny summer day!

Our walk begins at Willy-Brandt-Platz, site of the Euro Sculpture. We head into the city center to walk along the main shopping street, the Zeil. Soon we are crossing the Alte Brücke to the Sachsenhausen bank of the River Main. The route follows the Main a bit and then crosses back into the Old Town via the Eiserner Steg.

This brings us to Frankfurt’s new historic heart, the Römerberg, with its timber-framed houses and the Cathedral.

Our tour concludes by looping back towards the Main river.

As the locals say, “Gehmer!” – Let’s explore Frankfurt with POPtravel.

For more Frankfurt tours, see: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=poptravel+frankfurt and the POPtravel Germany playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaxUrZNxL7WIjMRmNovvVd3ZfEOpI8BdH

Timeline:
00:00:00 Route Preview
00:01:00 Start of walking tour at Willy-Brandt-Platz
00:03:19 Friedensstraße
00:04:56 Kaiserstraße
00:07:14 Roßmarkt
00:13:38 Zeil
00:23:10 Fahrgasse
00:26:45 Kurt-Schumacher-Straße
00:32:07 Alte Brücke
00:35:26 Sachsenhäuser Ufer
00:43:17 Eiserner Steg
00:48:37 Römerberg
00:54:42 New Old Town
01:10:10 Limpurgergasse to Mainkai
01:12:38 Mainkai
01:15:33 From Main to Seckbächer Gasse
01:17:43 Seckbächer Gasse
01:19:32 Berliner Straße
01:21:11 Großer Hirschgraben
01:23:01 Am Salzhaus / Roßmarkt
01:28:45 Kalbächer Gasse
01:32:51 Opernplatz
01:35:54 Taunusanlage
01:48:04 Untermainanlage
01:51:13 Main Nizza

Credits:
Captions created with help of LLMs, OpenStreetMap and Wikipedia contributors – among others.

Filmed in June 2025

Camera: Osmo Pocket 3 in 4K60
Mic: Zoom H1n

#poptravel #frankfurt #germany