Frankfurt 1-day itinerary

Start at Römerberg — Frankfurt's medieval heart, a square of half-timbered houses dominated by the Römer (city hall) with its stepped gable facade. The square was meticulously rebuilt after WWII bombing destroyed 95% of the old city. Walk through the DomRömer Quarter — 35 reconstructed historic buildings including Haus zur Goldenen Waage. Visit the Kaiserdom (Imperial Cathedral, free) where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned.

Cross the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) to the Museumsufer — the "Museum Embankment" with 13 museums along the south bank of the River Main. Visit the Städel Museum (€16) for Old Masters through contemporary art — Vermeer, Rembrandt, Monet, and Richter. Then cross back and ride the elevator to Main Tower's observation deck (€9, 200m) for Frankfurt's best skyline view. Lunch at Kleinmarkthalle — a food hall with 60+ stalls.

Cross to Sachsenhausen — Frankfurt's cider quarter. Walk through the cobbled lanes around Schweizer Straße to an Apfelwein (apple wine) taverna — Wagner, Dauth-Schneider, or Adolf Wagner (no relation). Order a Bembel (blue-patterned jug) of Apfelwein (€2.50/glass) with Handkäs mit Musik (marinated cheese with onions) and Grüne Soße (Frankfurt's signature green herb sauce with eggs). This is peak Frankfurt.