Many of Frankfurt's museums are free on the last Saturday of the month
SaTOURday - free entry
On the last Saturday of every month the museums of Frankfurt open their doors and offer free entrance, this event is known as SaTOURday. There are a few museums who exempt themselves from SaTOURday as follows:
In August and December there is no SaTOURday at any museum
The following museums do not participate in SaTOURday and still charge an entrance fee, but check the Museumsufer website in case additional museums are added to the list:
The Film Museum (Deutschen Filmmuseum)
EXPERIMINTA Science Centre
Goethe House Museum (Goethe-Haus)
Communication Museum (Museum für Kommunikation)
Senckenberg Natural Science Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg)
The Palm Garden (Palmengarten)
The Städel (although not on the Museumsufer exemption list, a reader recently reported that he had to pay despite it being SaTOURday)
A huge variety of museums within walking distance
During the winter months the museums are great places to go and get away from the cold outdoors and there are 34 museums to choose from. Information about the museums can be found, in English, on the Museums Embankment website.
The variety of museums is astounding; modern art, classic art, photography, film, natural history and many of them are within walking distance of each other along the Museumsufer on the south bank of the River Main (see image below and this map link will take you to the original map)
The curators have done an incredible job of raising the profile of Frankfurt's museums and, as a result, World class exhibitions regularly visit the city and for example the Schirn Art Hall has worked in conjunction with the Tate, London and the Centre Pompidou. Many of the museums have a cafe, accessible without paying an entrance fee, that offer freshly made lunch options, drinks and cakes too.
Map of the Museums located centrally in frankfurt
Value for money cards
If you live in Frankfurt and like to visit the museums frequently then the Museums Embankment card is great value for money and, once bought, offers free entrance to over 34 museums and all exhibitions. Just ask for a museums card at the reception of any museum when you visit. You'll be issued with a temporary paper pass which is usable until your official pass is sent in the post.
Adult card - 89€ annually (2023)
A family of two adults and two children 150€ annually
Students (between 6 and 18) 45€ annually
Value for tourists and visitors
If you are simply visiting Frankfurt then an alternative option is the MuseumsuferUfer ticket which offers free entrance to 39 museums and exhibitions for two full days. It costs just 21€ (2023) or for a family of two adults and two children, a ticket costs just 32€. Again, just ask at the reception when you visit the first museum and they will issue the ticket. If the museums are closed on one of the days you are visiting (museums are shut on Mondays) then the ticket is valid for the following day.
The Städel museum, opposite the Holbeinsteg (bridge) on the Museumsufer
Cycle along the Nidda river
A walk, or cycle ride along the Nidda river taking in nature and parks, an airfield and the pretty towns of Höchst and Bad Vibel.
Updated 10.02.2023
The Nidda river originates to the east in Vogelsberg and runs downstream to join the River Main at Frankfurt-Höchst. The river arcs around the north of Frankfurt and has an excellent cycle path offering a gentle, almost no gradient, cycle ride with lots of varied and interesting sights along the way.
The cycle path is accessible from many points around Frankfurt, and you can cycle along the river bank for as far, or as little, as you like. One option is to cycle in one direction and travel back on the S-bahn train. S-bahn stops along the way: Bad Vilbel, Frankfurt-Berkersheim, Frankfurt-Eschersheim, Frankfurt-Rödelheim, Frankfurt-Nied and Frankfurt-Höchst.
From Höchst to Bad Vibel (about 23km)
Whether you start or finish your cycle ride in Höchst, the old town is worth a look around. The old castle is impossible to miss and in the heart of the pretty medieval town square.
To find the cycle path, head down to the river bank. Cycle along the bank in the direction of Frankfurt. At the junction of Seilerbahn and Amtsgasse, there is a wooden bridge and a signpost. Follow the signpost pointing towards Nied, and you are on your way.
Continue along the cycle path and past the Grill'sche Weg in Nied, where there is a small lake and a picnic spot for grilling. Just beyond Nied you pass under the motorway bridges (which are very low, so duck down as you cycle under!) After the bridges are numerous Schrebergartens to your left, and signs and pathways pointing to various Gaststätte. All the Gaststätte offer hearty food and refreshment, Haus Biegwald, and Gaststätte für Jedermann to name but two. You'll also see a few of the gardens have bee hives and one even offers honey for sale.
Next, the path leads you through Solmspark, a park with beautiful, soaring, trees and then onto the well maintained Brentanopark. On the left bank of the river, opposite Brentanopark is the pretty Petrihaus, a former place of 'retreat' for the Brentano family and saved from demolition in 1999.
At the end of Brentanopark, the cycle path takes you onto a bridge and across to the leftbank of the river. If you stop on the bridge, you might catch sight of the coypu who populate the Nidda. The local Gaststätte at the bridge has a biergarten and terrace overlooking the river (and has Weizenbier for 3,20€). However, if Indian food is what you are craving then cycle on for another kilometre to find Restaurant Nidda, with a terrace overlooking the river and serving plates of delicious Indian cuisine.
The next section of the river offers open fields and meadows, a real feel of escaping the city but it's not long before you discover yet another urban point of interest along the Nidda - Römerstadt On the left bank, as you continue to cycle upstream, you'll spot some more Schrebergartens and a large fortress like wall. Beyond this wall is Römerstadt, a former Roman settlement and better known today as an area of 1930's housing designed by the architect Ernst May. The Ernst May Haus is open to the public, but check opening times.
After Römerstadt, use one of the bridges to cross over to the right bank and continue on your journey. In 5km you reach the old Bonames airfield, a nature conservation area. The airfield itself is on the left bank and the old runway and air traffic control tower are still there. (Unfortunately, at the time of updating this blog, the excellent Tower Cafe was listed as being closed) If you are cycling through on a Sunday morning, the Fire Engine Museum is also open from 09:30 to 12:30.
The final stretch of this cycle ride takes you back along the right river bank through bucolic scenery and onto Bad Vibel. A small town famed for it's natural water source. It has a cute little old town, a pretty park and is rightly proud of it's Burgfestspiele, an old castle converted to an outdoor concert venue. It also has a quite a few ice-cream cafes, Eiscafe Milano is one of my favourites, and after that long cycle ride you deserve a treat, right!
Frankfurt Höchst
Timber-framed medieval houses, a market, a castle and a ferry boat too. Many of the reasons to visit Frankfurt-Höchst.
Sometimes written Hoechst, this little town in the western suburbs of Frankfurt has beautiful, timber-framed, medieval housing, an old town square, a delightful castle (the former residence of the Archbishop of Mainz), and a beautiful riverside along the Main.
Höchst is just 15 minutes by train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and can be reached using the S1 or S2 trains. It is within the Frankfurt travel zone area and the trip is covered by daily, weekly and yearly travel cards. To find the old town, alight at Frankfurt Höchst, exit the station to the south and head along Justinuskirchstraße.
It is also a very pleasant cycle ride to Höchst travelling west, out of Frankfurt, along the south bank of the river Main towards Schwanheim. As you draw level with Höchst, on the opposite riverbank, there is a small ferry boat which shuttles passengers to and fro, across the river, for just 1,50€ (1€ for children. The ferry does not run on Monday or Wednesday). Once on the Höchst riverbank, you are directly in front of the old city gate and walls. Walk through the gate and you enter the old town. Alternatively, you can take refreshment at the Alteschiffsmeldestelle, an open air cafe 100m to the west of where the ferry docks.
Höchst castle has some lovely grounds to explore and is in the heart of the old town. The small square as you approach the castle has plenty of quaint places to eat and relax in. From the square it is possible to walk down and through the gate of the old town walls and to the river bank.
Close to the castle is Justinus Church, one of the few, almost complete, early medieval churches in Hessen. Open to the public from 2pm- 5pm, Tues - Sun during the summer months, it also has a pretty flower and herb garden worth visiting too. In the corner where Justinusplatz meets Badstubengasse, there is a small wine garden associated with the Winzerverein Deidesheim. It’s only open Saturdays and public holidays, but if it is open, pop in.
Just taking a walk through the streets of old Höchst will provide the quaint sight of beautifully restored medieval, timber houses. Streets of note are: Burggraben, Antoniterstraße, Kronengasse, and Alt-Höchst. On Bolongarostraße 152, is the Kronberger Haus which hosts the Höchst Porcelain Museum. The museum is small but it's a must for anyone interested in porcelain and pottery manufacture, open Sat & Sun from 11am - 6pm.
On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning a market is held at Höchster Markt, lots of fruit and vegetable stalls and a flower market outdoors. In the indoor market is a good variety of diary, meat and delicatessen stalls. The coffee stand is particularly popular. Outside, on the north-eastern corner of the market place is Cafe Piccolo, serving delicious ice-creams. At the eastern side of the market place is a large, ugly, pink building which is an old air-raid shelter built during World War 2. However, it is the former site of the local synagogue which was destroyed to make way for the shelter. Take a look through the binoculars stationed outside the bunker to see image of the former synagogue as it previously stood.
Whilst in Höchst, take some time to visit the church of St. Josef, on the corner of Hostatostraße and Justinuskirchstraße. Plain on the outside but a treasure of early 1900's architecture on the inside.
Beer, oh beer!
Not just known for apple wine, Frankfurt has some great bars for discovering craft and draught beers too!
Frankfurt is one of the few German cities that is not known for its beer….rather, it is a city know for its apple wine taverns and the numerous wine regions nearby. Indeed, it’s local brewery, Binding, is looked down upon by just about every German I’ve ever met. However, there are some great places to discover beer and spend an evening enjoying a pint, or two, so read on for some bars that specialise in having a wide selection of craft and guest beers. (PS If you have further beer bar suggestions, leave a comment!)
Naiv (Fahrgasse 4, City Centre) https://www.naiv-frankfurt.de/ Naiv has it all…guest beers, a restaurant, pizzeria and a bottle shop. Naiv has taken over the south stretch of Fahrgasse, close to the Alte Brücke. Lots of seating outdoors for summer nights and lamps to warm cooler evenings. This is a great place to hang and appeals to all.
Wir Komplizen (Egenolffstraße 17 Nordend) https://www.wir-komplizen.de/ A little piece of Berlin vibe in Frankfurt. Wir Komplizen has some great beers on tap and offers a menu with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. They even bake their own bread. Enter the coutyard to find the main entrance. Once inside there is plenty of seating and a small beer garden at the back of the property.
Brew Dog (Kaiserstraße 51, Bahnhofsviertel) https://www.brewdog.com/eu_de/frankfurt Less than a hop, skip and a jump from the main station, this bar is perfectly placed for travellers and commuters alike. Regularly changing tap beers and guest draughts to choose from and the bar serves hearty plates of food too!
Braustil (Oeder Weg 57, Nordend) https://braustil.de/en/ Braustil is a brewery and has the novelty of its bar being an old petrol station, just a short walk north from the city centre. It serves its own beers on tap, and has a good selection of bottled guest beers too. Food can be ordered from neighbouring the cafe and consumed on-site.
Drinksmith (Wallstraße 14, Sachsenhausen) https://drinksmithbar.com/ Drinksmith is very much a bar, but one that specialises in beer and cocktails. Situated right on the border of Old Sachsenhausen, there are plenty of eating options nearby before or after an evening at Drinksmith.
Frankfurt Christmas Market 2022
Frankfurt doesn’t just have one of the best and most expansive Christmas markets….it also has lots of other festive fun around the city. So this page is dedicated to highlighting where a variety of Christmas festivities can be found in and around Frankfurt. I’ll be offering updates of local information, such as where the best Glühwein is to be found, on my Facebook page. In the meantime Merry Christmas!🎄
Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Christmas market in the city centre will be spread over the Römer and along the Neue Kräme onto Hauptwache. Daily until 22nd December, the stalls will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, and on Sundays from 11 a.m. onwards. There is lots of additional information regarding special events such as steam train rides, artists markets and where to find gluten-free treats on the Frankfurt Tourist Board website.
Gibson CityXmas
Opposite the Old Opera House, at Opernplatz 2, you can’t miss the huge, lit-up, reindeer which marks the site of the Gibson CityXmas oper-air bar and market. The market is open from 4pm until 11pm Mon - Thurs, from 2pm until midnight Fri - Sat, and until 9pm on Sundays. Full details can be found on the CityXmas webpage.
Christmas Garden
Running until January 15th 2023, Deutsche Bank Stadion Park will be decorated with millions of lights and feature a variety of culinary stalls. Various themed worlds and installations will invite visitors to marvel. In addition, there will be mulled wine, roasted almonds and many other delicacies. Details about entrance fees and opening times can be found on the Christmas Garden web page.
Christmas in the Palmengarten
The Palmengarten will be decorated at Christmas time with poinsettias, amaryllas and Christmas roses. In addition, twinkling lights will dance around the blossoms to create a Christmas atmosphere. The Palmengarten invites its visitors to the Christmas Lights Special from 10th December until 8th January 4 pm to 9 pm.
Christmas creative market - Dornbusch
The Christmas creative market invites visitors to the Kreativwerkstatt from November 28th until December 2nd.
Artists' Christmas Market 2022
Integral to the Frankfurt Christmas Market is the Artist’s Christmas Market, where artists exhibit their work in the Paulskirche and the Römerhallen. The exhibition in St Paul's Church is scheduled to run from 21st November to 22nd December from 12 noon to 8pm. The exhibition in the Römerhallen is expected to take place from 2nd to 22nd December. Peer behind the large Christmas tree to find the entrance to the Römer. Admission is free.
Pink Christmas Market
This year, the Pink Christmas Market will once again be held on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz. From 22nd November to 22nd December various stalls will be offering food and drink (and somewhere to sit!!) including vegan and gluten-free options.
Sachsenhäuser Christmas Market
Stroll through the atmospheric Sachsenhäuser Christmas market at the Goetheturm. From 21st November to 22nd December, mulled wine, roasted almonds and many other Advent delicacies will be on offer on the south side of the Main. During the week, the market opens at 4 pm, on weekends from 1 pm.
Around Lokalbahnhof
Lokalbahnhof is associated with being a bus (numbers 30 & 36), tram (numbers 15, 16 & 18) and S-Bahn stop. Many alight here on their way to a night out in Alt Sachsenhausen or for a meet-up with friends in the Brückenviertal. Rarely does anyone talk of Lokalbahnhof as a destination in it’s own right. But that’s about to change, so read on…
As you step out of the S-Bahn the immediate attraction is the Alte Liebe bar. Long established in Sachsenhausen, Alte Liebe relocated to the corner of Darmstädter Landstraße and Mühlbruchstraße approximately four years ago. With the vibe of a traditional pub, regualr revues and even musical bingo nights, the Alte Liebe attracts a loyal following.
Directly opposite Alte Liebe, across the busy Darmstädter Landstraße and on the corner of Hedderichstraße is Eiscafe L’Incontro. A long standing, family run, Italian gelato cafe. If you get the chance, try the Joghurt-Birne ice-cream. It’s delicious, and you can’t find it anywhere else in Frankfurt!
L’Incontro is at one end of a row of shops on Darmstädter Landstraße. Over the past two years, new retailers have taken up vacant space and there is now a mix of independent stores which serve the local community. Møbel (no. 50) has some great present ideas and is worth a browse. Blumenlokal (no. 44) is the “go-to” flower shop in the area and most recently Barrio cafe (no. 42) has opened up and has already attained a reputation for its breakfasts and freshly prepared lunch menus.
Another well established and popular bar and restaurant is Lokalbahnhof, Darmstädter Landstraße 14. Cosy in the winter and with a small outdoor garden open in the summer, Lokalbahnhof offers large plates of hearty food and, a not too shabby, variety of vegan and vegetarian options too.
A little further up and on the other side of Darmstädter Landstraße at number three, is Kaliko. Small and quaint, with a great menu that has weekly updates, Kaliko is a rarity among restaurants in that it is open on a Monday but be aware it is closed to on a Saturday!
Leaving Darmstädter Landstraße and walking along Dreieichstraße will lead you to number 54 and the Harmonie Art House Cinema. This cinema specialises in showing films in the original language and has a very nice bar area to and a selection of small snacks.
Directly opposite the Harmonie cinema is a shopping complex, the Meichsner & Dennerlein bookstore has a lovely selection of postcards and greetings cards. Meanwhile outside the Rewe supermarket exit is a book exchange. It’s a tall glass cabinet where books are donated and anyone can help themselves.
If flat whites and other speciality coffee brews are your thing, then you only have to walk up Dreichstrase a little further and turn right into Große Rittergasse to find Café Under Pressure, Große Rittergasse 20.
By the end of an afternoon browsing and getting to know Lokalbahnhof a little better, a glass of wine might be in order. Urbans & anders, Dreieichstraße 20, stands on the corner where Große Rittergasse leads into the night life of Alt Sachsenhausen. It’s a friendly wine bar with some excellent German wines among its list of wines by the glass and bottle.
I hope you enjoy getting to know this little area of Frankfurt. If there is something I have missed out, add a comment and I shall investigate!
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free restaurants in Frankfurt
Updated January 2025 - please check the individual websites for opening times.
It can be difficult to find vegetarian, vegan and gluten free restaurants in the centre of Frankfurt so I've listed some of the places that I like, which offer something for alternative appetites. I've used the following markers at the beginning of each restaurant for easy identification:
V = Vegetarian
VG = Vegan
GF = Gluten free
If you know of any other cafes or restaurants to add to the list…send me a comment!
Near the main station (Hauptbahnhof) and Willy-Brandt-Platz
V - Saravanaa Bhavan (Kaiserstr. 68) is 100% vegetarian and serves the best Indian food in town. Try the dosa, it's a good as any in India! Close to the main station in the Bahnhofsviertal.
V, VG & other allergens - Kaiserzeit (Kaiserstr. 59) close to the main station is an organic bakery which opens early (7am) to cater for the breakfast crowd. It identifies all manner of options and allergens including wheat-free and lactose-free (no GF though!)
V, VG, GF - Beets & Roots (Kaiserstraße 44) Fresh bowls and a menu that clearly states allergens. Plenty of choice.
V, GF - Pizzeria Scicilia (Niedenau 9) on request this tiny, basic pizza place serves up excellent, gluten-free, pizza. Close to the Bahnhofsviertal however it is slightly off the beaten track and only opens: Mon - Fri from 11:30a - 3.30pm.
V, VG - Elaine’s Deli (Taunus Tor 1-3) in the park at the base of one of the office buildings, Elaine’s Deli has varied and delicious bowls, salads and freshly made sandwiches. Opens at 07:30 on weekdays.
Frankfurt city centre - vegan, vegetarian and gluten free cafes and restaurants - click here for interactive map
In the city centre and old town
V, VG, GF- Mainkai (Mainkai 15) is just south of the Cathedral in the old town. It's known for it's breakfasts and offers plenty of choice for vegetarians and also some gluten-free and vegan options. At the weekend reserving a table for breakfast is advised!
V, VG, GF - Metropol Cafe (Weckmarkt 13-15) is right behind the Cathedral. Plenty of seating inside and on a sunny day it has a lovely garden to relax in. Metropol is popular with the locals at the weekend and has the option of a vegan breakfast. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available at other times of the day.
V, VG - Lebegesund (Kleinmarkthalle) A market stall perfect for lunch tucked away at the back of the Kleinmarkthalle. Lebegesund offers a variety of vegan dishes to take away.
V, GF - Isabella Glutenfreie Patisserie (Neue Kräme 29) 100% gluten free and not just cakes either! Filled sandwiches and croissants too.
V, VG - Zeil-Kitchen (Zeil 92) In the heart of the shopping area. Exclusively vegetarian with some vegan options and allergens also listed.
V, VG & other allergens - Kaiserzeit (Börsenplatz 1) An organic bakery which opens early (7am) to cater for the breakfast crowd. It identifies all manner of options and allergens including wheat-free and lactose-free (no GF though!)
V, VG, GF - Fit Kitchen (Töngesgasse 11) Although focussed on low-carb there are vegetarian and vegan options to. Their menu clearly denotes other allergens.
V, VG Badias (Römerberg 6a, by the Schirn Art Gallery) Lovely vegetable platters and fresh food in the heart of the “new” old town. GF* Badias does not formally offer GF food for coeliacs. If you however, just have an intolerance, there are plenty of dishes without gluten ingredients.
Sachsenhausen
V, VG, GF - Mystery of Pizza (Brückenstr. 36) It’s a small restaurant so make sure you reserve. Delivery and collection service also offered.
A walk (or cycle) from Fechenheim to Rumpenheim
Fresh air and feeling at one with nature away from the noise and bustle of city life. This stretch of the River Main is particularly beautiful with weeping willows gracing the river banks and, at arrival in Rumpenheim, a small “Schloss” in the heart of this quiet town.
Getting there
Simply take the number 11 tram (direction - Schießhüttenstraße) and alight at Arthur-von-Weinberg-Steg, also listed as Fechenheim Post on google maps, where the pedestrian bridge takes you over to the other side of the river and where the walk begins.
This area is away from any roads, the only noise pollution is that of the birds. Some people like to take a picnic and find a sunny spot along the river bank to enjoy the peace and quiet. The route mapped out is simple, just follow the river bank to Rumpenheim.
For an interactive map use this link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1zIaIRHLtRwx7z_kCd7LznQSlXpDcyfwD&usp=sharing
Rumpenheim
Rumpenheim is a quiet place. The highlight is the old Schloss, was founded in 1678 as a manor house and in the late 1700 extended to become the building recognised today. The Schloss is divided up into private apartments, but it’s park is a public area. Rumpenheim is home to many artists, and one weekend a year artists open their doors for the Rumpenheimer-Kunsttage, taking place on the 18th & 19th September 2021. Check the link for more information and possible changes due to CoVid restrictions.
Route to the Rumpenheimer und Bürgeler Kiesgrube
Taking the small streets out Rumpenheim will lead you past riding stables and towards the Rumpenheimer and Bürgeler Kiesgrube, a nature conservation area. It’s also home to a pond that is open to the public for bathing.
Heading back to Frankfurt
From here it’s an easy stroll back to the river bank and the Arthur-von-Weinberg-Steg o catch the number 11 back into Frankfurt city centre. If you are on your bike, head back to the river bank and follow the river, on the southside, for a beautiful ride back towards Frankfurt (the northside of the Main is very industrial and not worth following).
Coffee, Kaffee - the best Espresso bars in Frankfurt!
In the morning it has to be a cappuccino, no wait, perhaps you’re a flat white drinker, or maybe you like your coffee simply black, hot and strong? Frankfurt has quite the variety of espresso bars to indulge whatever coffee you prefer, so here’s the insider knowledge of where to quaff your coffee!
Wackers (Kornmarkt 9) - my go-to coffee fix. A traditional rosterei, selling bags of whole beans as well as fresh cups of the stimulant. My take on their freshly prepared coffee is that it’s strong and slightly bitter, a style long associated with Germany. Cappuccinos pack a punch without an extra shot and are served cup sized (125ml). Pots of kaffee milch (a little like evaporated milk that one gets in the UK) are distributed amongst the tables for those who like a splash of milk in their Americano. There’s no fresh brewed filter or hand pour coffee here, instead it’s all about the traditional values of a coffee house. It’s possible to pick up a ham or cheese roll, or pastry in the morning and some good cakes in the afternoon, but that’s about it!
The Espresso Bar (Schäfergasse 42-44) - to me, this is the best of the Italian espresso bars in Frankfurt. Barely more than a hole in the wall with place enough to stand and drink, serving seriously good espressos and cappuccinos. Proper cup sized portions, none of this over-sized, laden with milk, nonsense from these people! Good, strong, with a very slight bitterness. You know you’re getting a coffee hit when you drink here. Italian pastries are also available.
Hoppenworth & Ploch Altstadt (Markt 22) - a decent espresso bar in the middle of the old town. It’s more “new school” in it’s style of coffee; mellow, has flavour but lacks that hint of bitterness that I personally like. It’s a popular place and rightly so with seating indoors and outdoors in the pretty market square. H&P have other cafés around Frankfurt where they indulge with pour over and other coffee options which promote their own roasted beans. Meanwhile, this cafe in the Altstadt focusses on the espresso bar concept, and has a few cakes and pastries to snack upon too. (There is also a pop-up H&P by the Old Opera House, Opernplatz 2)
Espresso Espresso (Braubrachstr. 28) - a good espresso with a very slight bitterness that gives the coffee some depth and works well as a cappuccino. It’s a small espresso bar along a street which oozes continental style. Not much space indoors but on warmer days there is space outside to watch the locals pass by (and the trams too). A small selection of pastries and cake is available to stave off the hunger pangs.
The Holy Cross Brewing Society (Fahrgasse 7) - more than just an espresso bar, the HCBS does a full range of coffees and is the place to go if you like pour-over and filter styles. It’s popular, although it’s my least favourite for espresso style coffees. Again, very “new school” in terms of no bitterness at all in the coffee and the mellowness borders on being too subtle if you like milk in your coffee. Small plates of food are available for breakfast & lunch and locals come here for the variety of top branded roasted beans on sale.
Café Under Pressure (Sachsenhausen - Große Rittergasse 20) Another great espresso bar, beloved by the locals. Admittedly I tried the pour over coffee and found it too weak, but the espressos are tasty and spot on. Cappuccinos are correctly proportioned, and smooth (meaning without bitterness which for me is a negative, but for many a positive!) Ample seating and a few tasty snacks too. If you are in Alt Sachsenhausen, hop across the street to Under Pressure, it’s the best espresso bar in the area.
O’Heim (Oppenheimer Landstr. 48) the cappuccinos here follow the “new school” of mellowness and are as good as any of the others mentioned on this page. The additional draw however, is the cakes and snacks, home-made and super delicious! Perhaps it’s those wonderlicious cakes that also draw in the mum & pram set - you have been warned!
Hoppenworth & Ploch (Nordend - Friedberger Landstr. 86) I’ve mention H&P above in the City Centre section. This is their flagship store and coffee is taken very seriously here and includes the pour-over (read: takes forever to make) style and filter coffees featuring their own roasted brands. Smooth, palate gentle espressos entice the young hip crowd in but don’t let that put you off. There is plenty of seating inside and good snacks to compliment which ever coffee style you prefer.
How to download and use Voicemap for your Walk-Frankfurt audio tours
How to...
download and use Voicemap
In conjunction with the Walk-Frankfurt audio guided tours, here is a how-to guide on downloading and using the voicemap app.
How does VoiceMap work?
VoiceMap uses your phone’s GPS to play commentary automatically. Once you have the Voicemap app and have downloaded an audio tour, plug in your earphones, press start , and put your phone away. A voice will tell you where to go, and the next part of the story will only play once you move on. You can walk at your own pace, and stop for pictures along the way. Just listen out for directions, and if you can’t remember where to go, take a look at the map on your screen.
How do I install the app?
You can download the app for Android devices in the Google Play Store, and iPhone in the App Store. Just search “VoiceMap” and look out for the red headphones icon. Once it’s installed, sign up.
Why do I have to sign up?
Once you download a VoiceMap tour, it’s yours forever. You need to have an account so that you can access your tours.
Do I have to be near a WiFi network?
You can use WiFi or data to download the app and the tour. Wait for all the files to download, and then you can disconnect and turn off your mobile data. All the audio files and maps will work offline. Make sure you don’t put your phone on airplane mode. That turns your GPS off, so nothing will play.
How much does the app cost?
The app is free to download. Frankfurt tours are individually priced, starting at $4.99.
How do I play the audio tracks?
Don’t worry about it! VoiceMap will take care of all that. You don’t need to manually play, pause or skip to the next track. The app does all of that for you.
How do I start?
Once the tour has finished downloading, just press start and the tour will begin right away. If nothing is playing:
- check you are on the right tour,
- check you are close enough to the start point. Voicemap tells you how many meters to the start point and starts automatically once you arrive.
What's my password?
It’s the password you entered when you signed up to the Voicemap App. If you can’t remember, you can reset it at the website (voicemap.me) or in the app.
Can I listen to a route I’ve downloaded more than once? Do routes expire?
Once you download a tour, it’s yours to keep. You can delete it from your phone, and still
re-download it at any time in the future.
Nothing is playing! What do I do?
Check the following:
1. Is your GPS turned on? VoiceMap needs GPS to be enabled to play audio.
2. Is your phone on airplane mode? If yes, turn it off. Airplane mode disables your GPS.
3. Have you allowed VoiceMap to access your location? If not, go to your location settings and allow the app to use your location.
4. Did you allow all the tracks to download completely?
5. Is your volume turned up, and are your earphones working properly?
Can I stop a tour?
You can stop whenever you like. The tour will resume automatically when you reach the next point of interest. Just make sure you don’t close the app, or you’ll have to start from the beginning. Remember that when you start walking again, it’ll carry on automatically, so put your earphones in before you get going.
Are there other tours?
As well as the Walk-Frankfurt walking tours, VoiceMap offers tours in over 45 cities, each one unique and created by passionate locals. You can browse the city list to see what’s available.