Generally, tourists visit the most popular sights in Frankfurt, and completely overlook the daily aspects of this special city. However, this guide was created to provide an alternative to the "commercial" side of Frankfurt. Here, you may enjoy the true daily life of Frankfurt.
1) Tower Bar & Restaurant
Tower Bar & Restaurant is located inside Eschenheimer Tower. Eschenheimer Turm was built between 1400 and 1428, and is the only tower (of 60 original Medieval towers) that remains to this day. The selection of food at Tower Bar & Restaurant, includes Italian or French breakfast, Ciabatta sandwiches, and a great selection of cocktails.
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2) Fressgass (Große Bockenheimer Straße)
Fressgass is the third largest pedestrian area of Frankfurt. Visitors will fall in love with the cafés, restaurants, and exclusive shops. In the summer, tourists will enjoy local entertainment on the street. In the beginning of June, Fressgass also presents an annual street festival which is worth attending.
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3) Cafe Hauptwache
Cafe Hauptwache has an unusual history. The building was once a prison and a police station, but is now beloved as a café situated in the heart of Frankfurt. By midnight, the café transforms into a "get-together" bar with plenty of international flair.
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4) Zeil
Once the center for large scale cattle trading, this old and busy shopping lane extends from the Konstablerwache Plaza to the Hauptwache Plaza in Frankfurt. The Zeil is a shoppers’ paradise where visitors with varied budgets can find a range of products from mid priced supermarket fare to high end brands. The Zeil has been Frankfurt’s retail hub since the 14th century. The name Zeil is from the German Zeile that means row. At first it meant a row of residential houses that later became the city’s popular marketplace. Before World War II the street had many grand buildings that were destroyed and subsequently restored. Three major buildings located on the Zeil are the Zeilgalerie, a ten storey shopping center with a unique spiral design. There are many music and electronic stores and restaurants in the building. Modern architecture and baroque are blended in another shopping center called the PalaisQuartier. The building has a spectacular vortex like glass façade, glass columns and irregular shaped ramps. The 12 storey Beehive House, a commercial and office building which is also one of the Frankfurt’s early skyscrapers is located on the Zeil. Visitors will enjoy the unique shopping experience offered by the shops at the Zeil. Products available include luxury items, designer brands, handicrafts, clothes designed by young Frankfurt designers, outlets of all major German retail chains and produce from the Frankfurt area.
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5) Sussmann's
Sussmann's is a little bookshop situated in the rear of St. Katherine Church. The shop offers not only an interesting selection of books and DVDs, but also a place where you can go to have a pleasant conversation with fellow book-lovers.
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6) Church of Our Dear Lady (Liebfraukirche)
Between the Zeil shopping street and the busy Romerberg square in Frankfurt lies this gothic style church that dates back to the early middle ages. The building is a functioning catholic parish church and Capuchin monastery. It is open to the public and the Capuchin fathers provide food for the needy and homeless near the main building. The Liebfraukirche was donated by a Frankfurt aristocrat, Wigel of Wanebach whose epitaph still remains in the church in 1322. His son Wigel Frog and his widow Catherine of Wanebach added a chapel and expanded the building. The small church building was further enlarged in 1344 and a three aisle gothic hall was constructed. In 1415 the façade of the church was adorned with what is considered its greatest treasure, a Tympanum depicting the Adoration of the Magi from the workshop of artist Madern Gertheners. In 1923, the Capuchin order made the church their home. The building was completely destroyed in World War II and remained in ruins till its recent reconstruction in 1956. Visitors to the cathedral can spend a few moments of peace and contemplation in the simple yet spiritual ambience of Liebfraukirche located in the busiest part of the city of Frankfurt.
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7) Cooky's
World renown DJ Sherry, a stable in the hip-hop and R&B scene, performs every weekend at Cooky's. DJ Sherry has worked with P Diddy and Xavier Naidoo in the past. Her music often draws a crowd in the 20's and 30's. The young generation goes wild over the numerous party lights and hip atmosphere.
8) Living XXL
Situated under a gigantic glass dome, Living XXL is one of the largest bar-restaurants of Europe. The style is very similar to restaurant concepts in Paris, London, and New York. Living XXL is also a club with events including "Living After Work", "Salsa Club", "Campus Night XXL" and "Tommy Steiner's Schlager Party." The club often hosts live performances from famous German pop stars.
9) Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)
The Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg) is a well-known place among the locals. Locals enjoy spending time walking over a bridge that is over one hundred years old. The Iron Bridge is also a wonderful place to take photos and admire the Main river.
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