The Beating Heart of the Eurozone – Frankfurt

Having once lived through the noise and fervor of Brexit as an outsider in London, I felt an almost immediate connection with Frankfurt the first time I walked along the banks of the River Main. There was something unmistakably distinct about this city — so different from Munich, Nuremberg, Cologne, or Düsseldorf. Those cities embody the more industrial, stoic image of Germany that we often carry in our minds. Frankfurt, however, feels different — lighter, freer, with a touch of London and perhaps a hint of Cambridge.

The river recalls the tranquil scenes of Cambridge’s waterways, while across it, the cluster of gleaming high‑rises — home to financial headquarters — evokes memories of Canary Wharf. Yet here, the atmosphere is more relaxed, more spontaneous, less bound by the rigid precision typically associated with Germany.

The Main River itself flows like a soft green ribbon, quietly stitching together the city’s past and present. Along its banks, walkways and parks stretch invitingly, urging passersby to stroll, cycle, or simply pause and take in the view. From the riverside, your eyes trace a skyline where shimmering glass towers converse with the spires of centuries‑old churches — a dialogue between modernity and history written across the horizon.

Museumsufer — The Cultural Promenade of the Main
Perhaps the most captivating stretch along the river is the Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment — a cultural corridor housing more than thirty museums. From classical art to avant‑garde design, from cinema to architecture, from human history to modern technology, this is a distilled tapestry of European civilization.

When buying tickets at any of these museums, you can ask for the Museumsufer Ticket (priced at €21). It’s a small red card, about the size of a business card, valid for two consecutive days. You’ll be asked to write your last name on it, which serves as your identification for entry — some museums may even check it against your passport, so be sure to fill it in accurately. Along with the card, visitors receive a detailed map listing all thirty‑nine museums, complete with their addresses and locations on both sides of the Main.

A Few Personal Recommendations
1). Städel Museum (Map No. 36)
A must‑visit for any art lover. From Rembrandt and Vermeer to Picasso, the collection spans more than seven centuries. Architecturally, it’s one of the city’s most graceful and meticulously designed museums.

2). Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum (Map No. 5)
An engaging, interactive journey through the evolution of cinema — from silent film to digital blockbusters. Great fun for both adults and children. You’ll find props from Star Wars and hands‑on displays of light, sound, and motion. Note: filming is not allowed inside, but photography without flash is permitted.

3). Deutsches Architekturmuseum (Map No. 4)
A treasure for architecture enthusiasts. Exhibits range from modern design concepts to intricate scale models of architectural classics.

4). Jüdisches Museum (Map No. 20)
A pure white building marked by a distinctive tree at its entrance. Inside, you’ll discover the intertwined history of the Rothschild family and the city of Frankfurt — a quiet yet profound space of reflection and heritage.