Embracing Frankfurt's rich cultural heritage and winter appeal, actor Neha Sharma recently embarked on a solo trip to the Germany city. During her visit, she delved into the legacy of the well-known German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe while exploring the Frankfurter Goethe Museum.
Though Frankfurt is often associated with its towering skyscrapers, bustling trade fairs, and financial hub status, the city hides a treasure trove of lesser-known gems waiting to be explored. Away from the crowds, these offbeat locations—from serene gardens to secret museums—offer a deeper insight into the city’s rich history, culture, and vibrant local life. Taking inspiration from Sharma's travel diary, Outlook Traveller has chalked out five unusual locations in Frankfurt that are worth seeing, regardless of your interests—history, the outdoors, or unusual encounters.
Literature and history buffs should not miss the Frankfurter Goethe Museum, which is dedicated to Germany's most well-known author, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The museum, located close to Goethe's birthplace, provides an intriguing look into the life, writings, and world of the well-known statesman, poet, and novelist. Explore its 14 chambers, which are stocked with rare manuscripts, personal belongings, and paintings by Goethe. Each artefact here gives a glimpse of German life in the 18th century.
The adjacent Goethe House has been painstakingly rebuilt to replicate the furnishings of his childhood home, allowing guests to travel back in time and discover the setting where the renowned philosopher was raised and where he composed some of his earliest writings.
The Palmengarten provides a verdant haven in the middle of the city, but most tourists travel to Frankfurt's busy streets and riverbank promenades. For those who enjoy plants and peace, this enormous botanical garden is ideal. The garden, which first opened in 1871, has plants from all over the world—from the tropical tropics of Southeast Asia to the dry savannahs of Africa. The glass conservatories, which contain rare plants, fragile orchids, and tropical rainforests, are beautiful. Palmengarten is a welcome respite from the bustle of the city, whether you're taking a stroll in the rose garden or venturing off on a paddleboat trip in the central pond.
Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle is a secret gastronomic treasure that foodies shouldn't miss. With more than 60 exhibitors offering gourmet snacks, fresh fruit, and international pleasures, this indoor market is a sensory extravaganza. Kleinmarkthalle provides a more local experience than tourist-heavy restaurants, where you can enjoy Italian, Greek, and Turkish specialities together with classic German cheeses, sausages, and freshly baked bread. As you peruse the stalls and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy a glass of Apfelwein (apple wine). Kleinmarkthalle is the ideal spot for a relaxed meal or to cop some unusual gastronomic mementos.
The Dialog Museum in Frankfurt offers one of the most unusual and provocative experiences. Here, visually challenged guides lead guests through a sequence of totally dark rooms, making it difficult for them to see in normal situations like crossing the street, shopping, or enjoying a drink. The experience cultivates empathy, providing visitors with a new outlook on the world. The Dialog Museum is sure to make an impression and serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Although Sachsenhausen is well-known for its apple wine taverns, this historic quarter offers much more to see. Alt-Sachsenhausen's cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes have a quaint, vintage feel to them. Outside the pubs, tourists can discover unique shops, quirky art galleries, and peaceful areas perfect for taking in the atmosphere. Don't miss the Museumsufer, a landscape along River Maine, that is home to a number of museums, such as the German Film Museum and the Museum of World Cultures. When here, enjoy scenic views of Frankfurt's skyline while taking a leisurely stroll down the river for a more laid-back experience.