by Jurjen Drenth
FRANKFURT is not the first German city that springs to mind for a visit. The image is of the unattractive Manhattan-style bank quarter but the city actually has some charming areas, as I discovered when I hired a bike.
I suppose the first thing of note is that it is a cycling city — not what you expect. Wide streets lined with some 18th and 19th century houses are to be found between the Old Town and the bank area. My favorite discovery was the area around the Old Opera House. There was a plan to demolish it but it was saved and is now a jewel in the city’s crown.
Drinking an apple wine in one of the bars there is like being in a cosy village
The many beautiful museums also surprised me, with the Städelmuseum being my favorite. Not only does it have lovely art but it is also in a beautiful place to walk through. It is on the bank of the Main River, on the Sachsenhaussen side.
Drinking an apple wine in one of the bars there is like being in a cosy village, although it is a short walk from the old iron Eisener Steg bridge that connects both parts of the city.
Less well-known is that Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt and both houses where her family lived are still here. Goethe was also born here and the Goethe Haus is another must-see.
