Attractions in Innenstadt (Frankfurt am Main)

Chinesischer Garten

Located next to the Bethmann Park and landscaped in 1990 according to the age old principles of feng shui, the Chinese Gardens are the perfect place to sit back, relax and meditate. The 'Garden of Heavenly Freedom' contains pagodas, sculptures and a host of exotic plants, but the undoubted highlights are the Jade Bridge and the Gallery of Aromatic Waters.Tai Chi groups meet here on Sundays, and watching their slow, careful movements, you are transported to the other side of the world, to the land of yin and yang.

Steinernes Haus

A wealthy trader from Cologne built this sturdy building in 1464. The impressive natural stone front was particularly unusual at the time, as most other buildings in the city were made of wood. The name, House of Stone, thus dates back to the early days. The building served as a warehouse for all kind of goods which were brought to the city to be sold at the market. Destroyed during World War II, the Steinernes Haus was rebuilt in 1960 and now hosts exhibitions by the Frankfurt Art Association. Guided tours are also available for visitors who would like to know more about this ancient marvel.

Tourismus+Congress GmbH

Tourismus und Congress GmbH is one of the main information centers for visitors to the city, as well as the organizational headquarters of Frankfurt's exhibition center. This is where you can obtain information on trade fairs like the International Motor Show or sports events such as the ATP tennis tour. Registration, press accreditation and help in finding hotels and parking are all part of the service. They can also provide information about organizing meetings and conferences and help with devising programs. As well as general tours of the city, there are also specialist tours with themes like architecture, crime stories or famous women. Numerous informative brochures are available.

Tourist Information Römer

Tourist Information Römer at the Römerberg contains maps and brochures about the history of the city, as well as information about its main attractions, museums and the current events and fests. There is an accommodation service and visitors can arrange a variety of tours and day-trips. The staff will be happy to provide visitors with tips about the city. The center is open on selected holidays. Check website for more details.

Rothschild-Palais ( Das)

Built in 1820-21 for the Jewish banker Joseph Isaak Speyer, this magnificent residence was bought in 1846 by Baron Mayar Carl von Rothschild, who then had it altered and extended. He used the villa as a summer residence and its splendid interior now gives visitors an insight into the lifestyle of an aristocratic German family. The staircase, with its mirrors and colored marble finish, leads down to several reception rooms, of which three still have their original decor. After the Baron's death in 1886, the Rothschild Library was installed. In 1928, the City of Frankfurt took over the house and moved a section of the municipal library here. The villa also houses a Jewish museum.

Rathaus (City Hall) Römer

Frankfurt Town Hall, as it stands today, is made up of a melee of different buildings. The first buildings to be constructed here were the Zum Römer House and the next-door guest-house, Goldener Schwan in 1405. At the beginning of the 20th Century, two building complexes (north and south) were erected next to Paulsplatz, and were joined by a bridge. Designed in a Renaissance and Baroque architectural style, these buildings fit in well with the earlier buildings. They are decorated with reliefs depicting local events, such as the the harvesting of cider apples. One particular draw is the exquisitely decorated Kaisersaal (Emperor's Hall) in the Rathaus. The Rathaus is the seat of the Lord Mayor of Frankfurt.

Deutsche Bibliothek

Every single book which has been published in West Germany since the War (as well as all German language publications between 1933-45) can be found on the shelves of Frankfurt's National Library. Since there was a parallel institution in the East German city of Leipzig, it was decided after reunification that there should be two national libraries, one in the East and one in the West. Each German publishing house is obliged to apply for a registration number and send a copy of every new book to either Frankfurt or Leipzig. Visit this store-house of knowledge for anything and everything German. Guided tours are conducted, check website for details.

Literaturhaus Frankfurt

This beautiful turn-of-the-century villa is a popular meeting place for bookworms, writers and publishers. Open all year round, the Literaturhaus (House of Literature) hosts readings by German and international writers 2-3 times a week and also puts on regular recitals, lectures, seminars and literary exhibitions. Visitors can discuss the merits of T.C. Boyle's latest novel or marvel at Harry Potter's latest adventures in the in-house café. Countless meetings and functions take place here during the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Kaisersaal (Emperor's Hall)

The beautiful, decadent Kaisersaal in the Römer City Hall stands as the building's largest draw. It's the home to a great many 19th-century paintings and as the name suggests houses the paintings of the German kings of the Holy Roman Empire. Back in the day, the room hosted coronation banquets. Today, the room is often used for hosting important events and festivities. Its stunning blend of Gothic and Medival Romantic architecture lend it an aura of mystery and elegance.

Karmeliterkloster

Built between 1460 and 1520, this historic monastery is worth a visit for its architecture alone. Yet there is much more to see than just thick brick walls. The refectory is considered to be one of the most beautiful Renaissance-period buildings in the city, and Joerg Ratgeb's frescos in the hallway rank among the most important wall-paintings in the whole of Europe. After the last monks (of the Karmeliter Order) left the monastery in 1803, it was turned into a military barracks. Nowadays, Karmeliterkloster is home to the Museum of Early History, the Institute of Urban History and a public art gallery.

Dompfarramt

Originally built as a parish church in 1235, an edict of 1356 decreed that all German emperors be elected here, thus conferring cathedral status upon the church. The cathedral was rebuilt several times over the years: after a devastating fire in 1867 and after World War II. The only parts of the original interior which survived are the frieze of St. Bartholemew, the choir stalls and the Maria-Schlaf altar. The tower contains a masterpiece of the early Renaissance period: a sculpture by Hans Backoffen portraying a scene from the crucifixion. The museum houses some of the cathedral's treasures.

Goethestraße

Goethestraße is Frankfurt's equivalent of Fifth Avenue or Oxford Street, although distinctly smaller and less crowded. This part of the city, between Alte Oper and Roßmarkt, is devoted to pretty much one thing: fashion! The street is lined by chic boutiques run by the world's greatest designers: Cartier, Chanel, Burberry, Jil Sander, Versace, Thierry Mugler and Tiffany, to name a few. Perfect for fashion victims!