Abhinav Kaushal (as told to Neha Mehrotra)
24-Jul-2026
The apple wine and strolling at the Kleinmarkthalle are a given, but here is why Mainhatten, alias Frankfurt, is more than just a layover city.
Once tagged as the city of suit-clad bankers, Frankfurt today is a synonym for pulsing modern Germany. The city is not only the financial capital but also Germany’s coolest city, where it doesn’t take much digging to find a striking juxtaposition of medieval times and towering skyscrapers. From the lively green urban spaces to the half-timbered streets of Römerberg and the striking skyline views from the Main Tower and the vibrant Sachsenhausen, where locals gather around for Apfelwein (apple wine), the city is always thriving.
Compact and wonderfully walkable, most of Frankfurt's highlights are just a stroll away. During the Germany Incoming & Brand Summit 2026, I had the opportunity to spend 48 hours exploring the city on foot, uncovering the many layers that make Frankfurt far more than Germany's financial hub.
The Germany Incoming & Brand Summit 2026
(Image Credits: GNTB/Florian Trykowski)
The Germany Incoming & Brand Summit 2026, organised by the German National Tourist Board, held in Frankfurt, brought together international journalists, tourism boards, architects, chefs and cultural leaders to discuss how modern Germany is presenting itself to the world. A country where heritage remains central, the summit explored how the focus is expanding to include sustainability, cultural diversity, nature, quality of life, and authentic local experiences. The summit highlighted three key aspects of Germany: 'Innovative', 'Authentic', and 'Liveable', and through guided neighbourhood walks, architectural tours and conversations with local experts, I was offered a far more nuanced introduction to the country’s intention.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Frankfurt
Begin with Frankfurt's Green Heart: Start your morning where the city slows down. Stroll along the River Main, where locals jog, picnic and cycle against the backdrop of one of Europe's most distinctive skylines. Continue to the Palmengarten, Frankfurt's sprawling botanical garden, where tropical glasshouses, rose gardens and shaded walking trails offer a welcome escape from the bustle of the city. If time permits, wander through the adjoining Grüneburgpark, a favourite among residents for leisurely afternoons beneath centuries-old trees.
(Image Credits: GNTB/Dagmar Schwelle)
Wander Through the Old Town: In the afternoons, you can take a walk to the cobbled streets of the Altstadt, which lead to Römerberg, Frankfurt's postcard-perfect square framed by reconstructed half-timbered houses and the historic Römer town hall. The famous Kleinmarkthalle, an indoor hybrid market, is just a quick 3-minute walk from the historic Römerberg square. The market houses over 60 traders selling international goods, fresh produce, and local foods. It's a fantastic spot to grab a quick, authentic local lunch or shop for regional delicacies like Frankfurt Green Sauce. Continue through Römerberg before descending into the Kaiserpfalz Franconofurd, where the foundations of a 9th-century imperial palace reveal Frankfurt's origins as a seat of Carolingian power.
(Image Credits: GNTB, Francesco Carovillano)
Spend Evenings along the River Main: The River Main is far more than a picturesque backdrop—it's the city's social artery. On any given day, its promenades are alive with runners, cyclists and families enjoying the open green spaces, while river cruises offer an altogether different perspective of Frankfurt's striking skyline. Rent a bicycle, pause for coffee at one of the waterfront cafés, or simply settle on the grassy banks as locals do.
(Image Credits: GNTB/Florian Trykowski)
Frankfurt is also known as "Mainhattan", a clever portmanteau of Main—the river the city lies on—and Manhattan, New York's iconic skyscraper district. As the only city in Europe with a dense skyline of towering skyscrapers, a must-experience is seeing the city from above. The Main Tower remains one of the few skyscrapers in the city with a public observation deck, offering sweeping views across the financial district, the River Main, and the church spires that punctuate the historic centre.
A Contemporary Cultural Landmark: Standing proudly on the Museum Embankment, SCHIRN Kunsthalle Frankfurt has become one of Germany's leading venues for modern and contemporary art. Unlike a traditional museum with a permanent collection, the Kunsthalle is celebrated for its ever-changing programme of ambitious international exhibitions, bringing together works by renowned artists alongside emerging voices. Even if contemporary art isn't ordinarily on your itinerary, the striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions make it a worthwhile stop.
Dine and Wine: For your meals, make your way to Sachsenhausen, where timber-framed taverns serve the city's signature Apfelwein (apple wine), a tart, cider-like drink best enjoyed alongside hearty Hessian classics such as Grüne Soße—a herb-laced green sauce traditionally served with potatoes and eggs—Frankfurter sausages or a crisp schnitzel. Beer lovers, meanwhile, will find no shortage of lively breweries and beer gardens where regional lagers and wheat beers are poured with equal pride.
(Image Credits: GNTB/Florian Trykowski)
Frankfurt's dining scene also reflects the city's remarkable reinvention. Former industrial buildings and riverside warehouses have been transformed into some of its most sought-after restaurants and bars. One such address is OOSTEN, housed in a former riverside mill, where expansive terraces overlook the Main and the city's skyline provides a memorable backdrop for fresh Mediterranean delights and cocktails.
Before You Leave
Forty-eight hours may not seem enough to understand a city, yet Frankfurt revealed itself to me in surprising ways. Far more than a stopover city or a financial powerhouse, Frankfurt is a destination best explored at a leisurely pace.
Cover Image Credits: ??GNTB, Francesco Carovillano
