Frankfurt: Things To Do

Applewine Express You can’t visit Frankfurt without trying apple wine, and a tour on the Ebbelwei Express trundles you around town while plying you with the brew. The entry fee includes a bottle of wine and a bag of savory biscuits. Stadtmitte; Kurt-Schumacher-St. 10; 011-49-69-21-32-2425; www.ebbelwei-express.com
culinary | tour | great value | wine

Deutsches Filmmuseum Numerous museums on the riverside give the southern edge of the Main the nickname of “Museumsufer.” The film museum shows old movies from the collection on a steady loop upstairs; exhibits downstairs illustrate the history of German filmmaking. Sachsenhausen; Schaumainkai 41; 011-49-69-212-388-30; www.deutschesfilmmuseum.de
culture | art | cinema

Goethe Haus A Mecca for the literati since it opened to the public in 1863, the Goethe Haus is decorated in eclectic 18th-century style. The museum library next door has hundreds of thousands of volumes and manuscripts. Altstadt; Grosser Hirschgraben 23-25; 011-49-69-13-8800; www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de
culture | museum | tour

Museum für Moderne Kunst The modern art museum’s boat-like design almost steals the thunder from the exhibits inside. Liechtenstein, Warhol, and Segal are among the major artists displayed. Aldstadt; Domstrasse 10; 011-49-69-21-23-0447; www.mmk-frankfurt.de
museum | trendy | art

Palmengarten Botanical Gardens Fifty acres of tropical trees, orchids, and ferns in greenhouses and within an outdoor garden provide a welcome sanctuary from the concrete bustle of downtown Frankfurt. A children’s train runs through the park and the Café Siesmayer has good food. Westend; Siesmayerstrasse 63; 011-49-69-2123-3391; www.palmengarten-frankfurt.de
family | outdoors | great value

River Cruise Get a unique view of Frankfurt’s famous skyline as you breeze by it on the Main River. Sightseeing boats leave often from the north bank, and you’ll get a touch of history as well as geography from the tour guides. Stadtmitte; Primus-Linie, Mainkai 36; 011-49-69-133-8370; www.primus-line.de (German only)
family | cruise | architecture | tour | smart splurge

Saint Bartholomeu’s Cathedral This red-sandstone church (the “Dom”) held the coronations of the Holy Roman Emperors, even though it didn’t (and still doesn’t) have a bishop’s seat. Built in the 14th century, it’s still the main church of Frankfurt. Stadtmitte; Domplatz 14; 011-49-69-1310-467; www.dom-frankfurt.de
architecture | tour | history

The Römerberg This historical market square has fronted the courthouse of Frankfurt since the original pre-Roman settlement. The irregularly shaped square is dominated by the “justice fountain.” Altstadt; between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
family | tour | history