Top Entertainment in Frankfurt am Main

Jahrhunderthalle

The Jahrhunderthalle (Century Hall) in Höchst is one of the biggest venues in the Frankfurt area. The list of artists who have performed here reads like a 'who's who' of popular culture. The hall, which encompasses a variety of facilities including the Spiegelpalast (Mirror Palace) hosts a wide variety of events including ballet productions, rock and pop concerts and anything which requires a large arena. Several conference rooms of different sizes make the ideal locations for seminars, workshops, conferences or business meetings. The restaurant and bar can seat a large number of guests. Hours vary with the events being performed.

Deutscher Sportpresseball

One of the highlights on Frankfurt's social calendar is the German Sportswriters' Ball. It takes place in the Alte Oper and has a long guest list, which includes top sports stars, actors, singers, politicians and other VIPs. The program includes a candlelit dinner and a host of live entertainment. Tickets sell quickly, so call well in advance for reservations.

Frankfurt Lions

Although the club is a relative newcomer to the circuit, the Lions have already caused a stir in the national ice hockey league. A team of 'real' men, the Lions are known for their short fuses and punch ups are a regular part of the show. Nevertheless, thousands of supporters always flock to the Eissporthalle in Bornheim to cheer their favourite team on.

Commerzbank Arena

Constructed from 2002 to 2005, the Commerzbank Arena is one of the world's largest convertible sports venues. The transparent roof gives the stadium an impressive cathedral-like feel, making this a worthy replacement of the old Waldstadion. The Stadium seats over 45,000 and there are several VIP boxes. Check the website for the complete list of the season's matches.

Alte Oper

The Old Opera House still looks as magnificent and imposing as it did when it was opened by Kaiser Wilhelm I in 1880. The building was financed by wealthy Frankfurt citizens and was designed in Italian Renaissance style by Richard Lucae. Destroyed in a 1944 air raid, it was rebuilt later and renamed the 'Old Opera Concert and Conference Center'. The main auditorium, the Grosser Saal with seating for about 2,450 people, is the central part of the building and is used for concerts and musical extravaganzas. Smaller rooms can be hired for functions, conferences, corporate events, receptions, product launches and so on. Visitors can obtain refreshments in the café, the restaurant or the bistro.

Royal Kino

With 722 seats and a 160m-long screen, the Royal is one of the largest cinemas in town. The interior, decorated entirely in red, dates from the seventies. While the large multi-screen complexes on the outskirts of town now attract more visitors, people are still drawn here by the nostalgic atmosphere. Even though the interior looks slightly worn, the technology is state of the art, and can easily hold its own against other, more modern cinemas.

English Theatre Frankfurt

Founded by American actress Judith Rosenbauer some 20 years ago, the English Theatre Frankfurt is located in the heart of Frankfurt's red light district. The charismatic old house, which used to be home to porno movies and peep shows, now features Broadway and West End shows, musicals and comedies. As there aren't many English language theatres in the region, the theatre is popular with school classes who come to improve their English. Visitors can relax in the bistro before or after performances.

Internationales Theater

Whether it be Chinese puppet theatre, Transylvanian folk music, French musicals or or Russian tragedies, the Internationales Theater unites the world of theatre under just one roof. Performances are put on either by local ex-pat theatre groups or by ensembles from abroad; most pieces are performed in English, Italian, Russian or Spanish. And best of all, visitors can get to know even more about foreign cultures in the bar after the show.

Kinocenter Hauptwache

Comprising of nine different screens (including the 564-seat Europa-Palast, Frankfurt's second largest cinema), the Kinocenter Hauptwache is a Mecca for film fans. This is one of the few places in town which opens its doors really early, with shows continuing throughout the day until late at night. Cheap rates are available on weekdays and for all late-night shows.

Filmforum Höchst

Filmforum Höchst has a special program which features children's films, cult movies and festivals, such as the annual Cuban film festival. The directors themselves are often present at the performances, which generally begin at 8:30pm. Children's films are shown every Friday and Sunday at 3p. Screenings take place at the Neues Theater Höchst.