Frankfurt, located in central Germany along the Main River, is a surprisingly family-friendly city, combining modern high-rises and educational attractions with expansive green spaces and interactive museums. Family highlights include the renowned Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the Palmengarten botanical gardens, and the Frankfurt Zoo – all conveniently located within the city. Here’s what our time in the city looked like…
Where to Stay
Capri by Fraser is a four star apart hotel in the heart of the city and next to Messe Frankfurt, the world’s largest trade fair. The family and pet friendly accommodation is not only trendy, but designed to help protect the planet.
The 153 rooms feature fully equipped kitchenettes and the open plan layout allows for huge comfy beds and a spacious dining and lounge area in the studio apartments. Many visitors come for work and the rooms have complimentary Wi Fi and a generous work station, with a home entertainment system for down time.
As part of the hotel’s bid to help the environment, kitchen equipment and condiments are delivered to the room on request as is house-keeping (no cleaning is rewarded with a free drink in the bar) and there is a water refilling system on each floor. The downstairs has a high performance gym and easy on the eye reception area with work stations, a bar and well stocked mini shop.
Breakfasts are satisfying with German favourites such as cheese pretzels and mini Frankfurters alongside a selection of local cheeses and meats and hot options. The hotel is linked to the main tram and bus system, but it’s just as easy to walk everywhere and on weekends, as the businessmen depart, leisure visitors can pick up a bargain at this top quality establishment.
Junior Loves: The amazing deals at the weekend - hotels slash their prices once the business people have left.
Höchst mit Schloss und Altstadt, Frankfurt
Bethmannpark, Frankfurt
In the centre of the Römerberg stands the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice)
Palmengarten, Frankfurt
What to See and Do
A fun way of retracing Frankfurt’s history is through Time Ride, which gives a 360 degree panoramic view of 2000 years of history though interactive goggles, all while riding on a improvised horse and carriage.
City planners have ensured that old traditional parts blend in well with new modern skyscrapers needed to house the many banks and financial institutions, and a bird’s eye view is best seen at the main tower, which has a spectacular platform on its top floor . Here it’s easy to spot all the main sights and on a clear day, you can see for miles.
With a nod to its outdoor life, Frankfurt boasts a lovely botanical garden in the heart of the city. The Palmengarten is an oasis, with water features and plants from across the world, as well as a beautiful butterfly house.
The Romantic Museum and neighbouring Goethe House are a must for culture vultures, interested in writing and paintings and the Städel Museum houses over 700 years worth of stunning art.
Strolling through the North End of the city is rewarded with a lovely Chinese garden and water pagodas, tucked in the lovely Bethmann Park and a chance to see some of 300 little water houses from the 19th century, which sold mineral water to make up for the undrinkable tap and are now used as food, drink and cultural outlets.
Berger Street is home to many up and coming trendy shops and restaurants and a short tram ride out of the city to District Höchst, gives a chance to see the area full of quaint houses and a castle ruin.
One of the nicest trips is on a boat down the Main River, a chance to relax and take in the greenness of this lovely and under rated city.
A Wasserhäuschen (literally “little water house”) in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district is a traditional small kiosk or drinking hall, serving as a neighborhood gathering spot, casual open-air bar, and a distinctive feature of the local cityscape.
Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Frankfurt Green Sauce) is a traditional Hessian specialty
Royal Slice - don't miss the Frankfurt Crown!
Tucking into a soft and creamy Frankfurt Crown Cake (Frankfurter Kranz) is like sinking into a plump pillow.
The hazelnut brittle outside belies the dreamy vanilla buttercream and tangy red jam inside, it’s topped off with a ring of vibrant cherries, a delicious treat and best served at the Goldene Waage coffee shop where the Frankfurt Crown is hand-made and devoured alongside a cup of the finest coffee. Entering through the historic wooden door and it’s like travelling back 200 years.
Waitresses are dressed in traditional black and white outfits and glide seamlessly around the café which has been lovingly restored using historical photographs and plans, with the stucco ceiling and wood panelling particularly impressive.
It’s a stone’s throw away from the equally stunning Inn at The Chicken Market, set on the cobblestones of the historic old town and serving up traditional dishes such as schnitzel and the Frankfurt green sauce, a blend of seven herbs, a creamy base of yoghurt or sour cream and boiled eggs. And to wash it down, the traditional apple wine served in a Bembel, a grey stoneware jug with a blue pattern.
Junior Fact File
Getting there: Direct flights from UK Frankfurt take 90 minutes – and a 15 minute ride via public transport ends right in the heart of the city.
Accommodation: Capri by Fraser is an ideal hotel, close to the city centre and main attractions and with all the comforts of home. Special offers including free breakfast when booking in advance.
Tourist information: The Frankfurt Card is great for transport and discount and offers on attractions and hospitality . The ever friendly tourist information is available via
