![]() |
City Guide - Frankfurt - Key Attractions | ||
![]() |
||
Key Attractions Römerberg This low hill, the heart of the old city was in 1240 the site of the city's first trade fair. The Römerberg is bordered by the popular half-timbered houses (Fachwerkhäuser) reconstructed after total destruction in 1945, and the former court chapel - the Nikolaikirche (Church of St Nicholas). The main attraction, however, is the red sandstone Römer - Frankfurt's city hall since 1405. The coronation of German emperors was celebrated by banquets in the Kaisersaal (Emperor's Hall) on the upper floors. Portraits of 52 emperors from Charlemagne to Franz II now hang from the walls. Römerberg Transport: U-Bahn Römer. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1300 and 1400-1700. Admission: DM2 by tour only (closed during official tours and ceremonies). Sankt Bartholomäusdom German emperors were crowned in the Cathedral of St Bartholomew between 1562 and 1792, hence its other name - the Kaiserdom (Emperor Cathedral). The Gothic cathedral has a red sandstone façade and is one of Frankfurt's most recognisable landmarks. The present structure was rebuilt after World War II but contains a number of original carvings. There are great views of the city from the tower. Römerstrasse Transport: U-Bahn Römer. Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri 1430-1800. Admission: DM2. Städelsche Kunstinstitute und Städtische Galerie (Stadel Art Institute and Municipal Gallery) An exemplary and comprehensive collection of European painting from the fourteenth- to the twentieth-centuries is housed in this museum, commonly known as just Städel, on the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). German masters such as Cranach, Holbein and Beckmann are displayed alongside the likes of Botticelli, Rembrandt and Rubens. Sculptures of the nineteenth and twentieth century can be viewed in the Gallery and the Sculpture Garden. Schaumainkai 63 Tel: (069) 605 0980. Fax: (069) 610 163. Transport: U-Bahn Schweizer Platz. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1700 (Wed until 2000). Admission: DM8, free Sun. Museum für Moderne Kunst Designed by Hans Hollein, the outside of the Musueum of Modern Art alone would count as one of the city's major attractions. It is therefore a bonus that this museum filled with a superb collection of post-war art, predominantly by German and American artists. Römerstrasse 10 Tel: (069) 2123 0447. Fax: (069) 2123 7882. E-mail: mmk@stadt-frankfurt.de Website: www.frankfurt-business.de/mmk Transport: U-Bahn Römer; or S-Bahn Konstablerwache. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1700 (Wed until 2000). Admission: DM7. Frankfurt Zoo The zoo is one of the most attractive in Europe, and very popular. Wildlife can be watched on ten hectares of land. The obvious highlight is the Grzimek Haus where artificial darkness is created in order to observe nocturnal animals going about their business. Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16 Tel: (069) 2123 3731. Fax: (069) 2123 7855. Website: www.zoo-frankfurt.de Transport: U-Bahn Bockenheimer Warte. Opening hours: Apr-Sep Mon-Fri 0900-1900 and Sat and Sun 0800-1900; Oct-Mar daily 0900-1700. Admission: DM11. Palmengarten The Palmgarden is a wonderland of tropical plants and exotic birds. Hidden away from the bustle of the centre, the attractions of this botanical garden include glasshouses, 300 different palms and a boating lake. There are occasional concerts in summer. Siesmayerstrasse 61 Tel: (069) 2123 3939. Fax: (069) 2123 7856. Website: www.stadt-frankfurt.de/Palmengarten/ Transport: U-Bahn Bockenheimer Warte. Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800. Admission: DM7. Goëthe-Museum and Goëthe-Haus Completely destroyed by Allied bombers in 1944, the house where in 1749 Goëthe was born and brought up was rebuilt after the war and restored to its original eighteenth-century appearance. Visitors can see the family music room, library and living room and Goëthe's own puppet show and study. Next door, the Goëthe-Museum displays German paintings and sculpture from the late Baroque period up to early Romanticism. There are daily guided tours of the house at 1030 and 1400. Tours of the museum can also be arranged. Grosser Hirschgraben 23-25 Tel: (069) 138 800. Fax: (069) 962 0395. Website: www.Goëthehaus-frankfurt.de Transport: U-Bahn/S-Bahn Hauptwache. Opening hours: Apr-Sep Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat and Sun 1000-1600; Oct-Mar Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat and Sun 1000-1600. Admission: DM7 (concessions available). |