Winter in Frankfurt: So Much More Than Just Bratwurst And Mulled Wine

It’s not often I go to the same place twice.

I’m one of those people that makes a list of places I want to go, ticks them off and then moves onto the next one.

But there’s something about Frankfurt that makes me want to pack my bags, jump into a taxi and fly back there tomorrow.

Why? Well a combination of stunning, traditional architecture, bucket-loads of culture, hearty, cheap and wholesome food, pints of beer (lots and LOTS of beer) and friendly locals makes Frankfurt an utterly charming city destination that’s the perfect place to explore all year round.

1 Mainhatten Skyline

Frankfurt is known to the Germans as ‘Mainhatten’ as it’s one of only a few German cities with a skyline and it sits on the River Main.

German film makers actually pay to film in the city’s urban streets and pretend it’s Manhattan as it’s cheaper to hire yellow taxis than it is to ship everyone over to film in New York.

It doesn’t quite have the bustling city atmosphere like that of Manhattan or London but it certainly has the unique views.

I took a trip up to the Main Tower in central Frankfurt to take a look at the stunning skyline for myself.

It’s the only public viewing platform in the city and at 200 metres above street-level, you get the most incredible 360-degree views.

One of the best things about looking at Frankfurt from above is getting to see the city’s famous financial district.

Frankurt is Germany’s financial hub, with the headquarters of Deutsche Bank and the European Central Bank located there.

You get to see these architectural wonders for yourself, as well as the River Main, the Christmas markets and the Old Opera House. An absolute must-visit and worth way more than the six euros ticket price.

But if you’re not a fan of heights, the skyline can also be viewed from the banks of the River Main, especially at night or viewed on a walking tour around the city.

2 Time For Tea

I’m a tea junkie – there, I said it. My working day is not complete without a mug or two of builder’s brew.

It turns out the people of Frankfurt have the same mindset as me, and like to team their teas with a fresh pastry or slice of cake.

During my weekend in the city, I tried Vanillekipfel (a sweet biscuit coated in caster sugar), Spekuklatius (gingerbread thins with flaked almonds) and Nusskuchen (a sweet, nutty loaf cake), all of which were wolfed down in minutes.

I’d suggest popping into the Backerei-Konditorei Café to try them out for yourself or pay a visit to Wacker’s Kaffee, one of the oldest coffee shops in Frankurt, for a delicious cup of Joe.

4 Let’s Communicate

Housed in the basement of the Museum Für Kommunikation (Frankurt Communication Museum) lies a permanent exhibition with nearly 1,000 exhibits, monitoring the evolution of communication.

It features seven sections, from letters and parcels, through to telephones and television to the internet and new media.

I never thought I’d get excited about stamps and letter-boxes but looking over relics from yesteryear was actually fascinating.

There are a number of other museums on the bank of the River Main but this was this one that I found to be most interesting and I’d definitely recommend paying a visit.

5 Christmas Markets

If it's that time of  year, forget Berlin and Stuttgart because Frankurt’s Christmas markets (set in the city’s Old Town) are actually the oldest in Germany and a must-visit for Christmas market junkies.

The markets are surrounded by traditional, timber-frame buildings, which make you feel as if you're in the middle of a real-life postcard.

They’re impossible to miss – just follow the smell of gingerbread, mulled wine and Bratwurst.

Speaking of sausages, it’s a cardinal sin to visit Frankfurt’s Christmas market without snapping up a German sausage – and for three euros a pop (WITH chips), you can’t afford to miss out.

I also indulged in some sweet delicacies, including the iced gingerbread, but the hot crepes, baked apples and almonds coated in pretty much whatever you fancy caught my eye too.

If the hustle and bustle of the markets gets too much for you but you still want to be surrounded by the festive atmosphere, I’d recommend the Pink Market.

Situated just behind St Catherine’s Church and less than a five-minute walk from Frankfurt’s bustling city-centre, the city’s gay Christmas market is more relaxed and care-free than the main market but still offers up delicious food and drink.

And the locals say the food and drink there is actually better quality because it’s a less touristy area.

But if there’s one drink you must try before you leave the markets, it’s the mulled cider. Deliciously sweet, the hot taste of apple soothed my throat and warmed up my thawed fingers a treat.

6 Listen Up, Honey

The 300-year-old timber-frame Wagners Honighaus located in Frankfurt’s Christmas market sells countless honey and beeswax gifts that are perfect for bringing home for loved ones at Christmas.

But if you want a taste of honey out-of-season, the Jumeirah Frankfurt Hotel houses a beehive on the top of its building.

Housing more than 40,000 bees, the honey from the beehive is used at the hotel's signature restaurant Max On One, where you can eat it straight off the honeycomb as part of its buffet breakfast.

The hotel also offers an amazing Skyline Honey Treatment in its spa that is total beeswax bliss.

The hour-long treatment consists of a full body scrub with granulated fruit and the skyline honey, followed by a relaxing head massage. Definitely one way to relax after a busy day sight-seeing.

7 Apple Wine

Hamburg has its fish, Munich has its beer and Frankfurt has its apples. Yep, the humble apple is Frankfurt’s famous fruit and they sure do make a big deal out of it.

Aside from the delicious mulled cider, the city also offers Apfelwein (apple wine), which is typically more bitter than cider.

Whatever you do, don’t assume they’re the same thing and order them synonymously - apple cider and apple wine taste VERY different.

For an authentic Apfelwein experience, I’d recommend visiting ‘Heimat’ – an open-plan wine restaurant where you’re sure to find something to suit your vino palate.

Still Not Convinced?

The city of Frankfurt is perfect to visit all year round, although it was freezing during December, so make sure to bring your warmest pair of ear muffs.

Of course, it is a lot busier during the Christmas season as tourists flock to the markets, so if you’re more interested in visiting Frankfurt as a whole, I’d suggesting visiting when these are packed up

Locals tell me that come springtime, they like to sit on the river-bank with a batch of sandwiches and a bottle of wine, watching the world go by.

Sounds like a perfect reason to return.

Sophia stayed at the Jumeirah Frankfurt (JFreservations@jumeirah.com). Deluxe rooms start from €300 (£235).

British Airways flies direct to Frankfurt from London, starting at around £180 return. Book at http://www.britishairways.com/.

She travelled to the airport for the early start using the Addison Lee app. The Addison Lee app is available to download now for free on iOs or Android. The app offers a pre-booking service, live mapping to track booked cars, and in-car 4G, so customers can stay connected, wherever they are in the capital.

[Copenhagen Christmas markets!]

[The best Christmas markets in the UK and overseas]