9 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Frankfurt

Thousands of loved-up couples have left colourful padlocks on the railings of this pedestrian bridge as tokens of their ever-lasting devotion. But even if you’re not quite ready to pledge your undying love, the spectacular views of the Main River and the downtown skyline, known as Mainhatten, make the Eiserner Steg worth a visit. Make sure you check out the view of the beautiful riverside museums lining the Sachsenhausen bank.

Prepare for a sensory overload when you visit the Dialog Museum, where you step into the shoes of a blind person for a while. You’ll be guided by blind or visually impaired experts as you make your way through various pitch-black themed rooms, where you’ll be forced to rely on your other senses. Will you be brave enough to take on everyday activities, such as crossing the road, in total darkness?

Designed to resemble a hungry hand reaching to the skies for help, the Luftbrückendenkmal in Frankfurt commemorates the Berlin Airlift in 1948. This is when the Allies dropped vital supplies by air into West Berlin, which had been isolated by a Soviet blockade. Known as the “candy bombers”, the pilots dropped candy as well as supplies to help lift the spirits of the children living there.

While the sight of an old tram crashing into the subway wouldn’t usually be something to celebrate, the one at Bockenheimer Warte subway is well worth hopping off the subway to have a peek at. Designed by architect Zbigniew Peter Pininski, the entrance looks like an old tram car half buried in the rubble. When you’ve taken the obligatory selfie, it’s perfectly safe to climb down the stairs into the main station. Platform 9¾, eat your heart out!

Standing as a monument to Germany’s most famous author and poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, his birthplace makes you feel as though time has stood still. The imposing 18th-century building in the Innenstadt district is stuffed full of period furniture and artworks; it gives a real insight into how Goethe spent his youth. The Goethe Museum is next door and showcases a collection of paintings from the era as well as special exhibitions.

While the rest of Germany swears by beer, Frankfurt’s favourite drink is apple wine. Frau Rauscher, a feisty German woman from nobody-knows-when, achieved legendary status thanks to her love for apple wine. As legend has it, she used to unabashedly pinch apple wine from patrons enjoying a drink outdoors. When admonished, she would spit the drink back and go on a drunken rant about there being no need for hassle as the drink was already “returned.” In a corner of the cobbled Klappergasse lane, you will find a spitting statue of Frau Rauscher outside an eponymous restaurant.

While you are never too far from a playground in Germany, few are as enchanting as Waldspielpark Goetheturm. This playground sits in the lap of a pristine forest and delights little ones with slides, a splash pool and a maze. This forest was Goethe’s favourite spot to pen his iconic words. This is a wonderful place to bring a picnic, go on a lazy stroll or simply enjoy precious solitude.

As part of the Frankfurt art initiative Komische Kunst (Comic Art), artist Friedrich Karl Waechter decided to give a tree at Lake Jacobiweiher, near the Oberschweinstiege, a voice to express itself. The tree looks perfectly normal until you get close, and then out of nowhere you are sprinkled on! Once passers-by get over the initial shock, it usually tickles their sense of humour. A sign near the Pinkelbaum (peeing tree) reads, “For 300 years I was peed on, starting today I pee back” (translated from German).

Frankfurt is the business hub of Germany and home to large banks and the stock exchange. It’s only fitting that the financial heritage of the city is celebrated with a Money Museum (Geldmuseum der Deutschen Bundesbank). Walk through the process of money printing and the role of the European Central Bank, explained through interactive displays – seriously, it’s actually much more fun than it sounds. And the best part? It’s totally free to visit.