Audio Guide: Old Town Walking Tour (Self Guided), Frankfurt

The German city of Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, has a long and complex history, spanning more than a thousand years. The Romans established a military camp called "Nida" in the area that is now Frankfurt, on the northern bank of the River Main, in the 1st century AD.

The town itself was founded by the Franks, a Germanic tribe, in the 9th century. Its name comes from the Old High German "Franconofurd," which means "ford of the Franks" and refers to the shallow place on the river that the Franks used for crossing on foot.

Frankfurt grew rapidly in the Middle Ages, becoming a free city-state and an important center for trade and commerce. It was granted a charter, in the 12th century, to hold its own markets and fairs. A remnant from the medieval period that is still in place is Römerberg, a public square and popular spot, home to the iconic Römer, Frankfurt's city hall.

In the 16th century, the city had the world's first stock exchange established and the Frankfurt Cathedral (also known as Cathedral of St. Bartholomew) became a coronation site for all the kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire ever since.

A humorous proverb goes "All roads lead to Rome, but all alleys lead to Frankfurt." It probably harks back to the days of the Holy Roman Empire, reflecting the idea of Frankfurt being an important transportation hub, and its narrow, winding streets – an important part of the city's charm.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Frankfurt was a center of the Reformation and the Enlightenment, and in the 18th century, enjoyed rich cultural and intellectual life. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born, lived, and worked here. His birthplace house is now a museum.

During World War II, Frankfurt was heavily bombed and suffered extensive damage, but was rebuilt after the war and has since become a thriving modern metropolis. The Main Tower, a 56-storey skyscraper, is a post-war addition to the landscape which offers a tremendous panorama of the city and the surrounding area from its observation deck.

“The real Frankfurt is hidden in the alleys of the Old Town,” they say, suggesting that the Old Town is the best place to experience the true spirit of Frankfurt and its history. You are welcome to put this proverb to a test and explore the many attractions of the Old Town of Frankfurt yourself on this self-guided walking tour.