Home to some of Europe’s most influential financial institutions and with excellent international connections, Frankfurt is often overlooked as a destination for business, banking and short stopovers. However, this picturesque city is fascinating to explore and has much to offer a passing visitor. On a break between meetings or on a limited layover, maximise your time in Frankfurt with our three-hour guide.
Our short itinerary begins at Villa Kennedy, where guests can make complimentary use of a bicycle, available from our Concierge. Pedal or stroll down to the museum embankment and along the Main river towards the Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge), where you’ll cross into the Altstadt (nicknamed the New Old Town), enjoying views over the glittering river.
Stop to admire the triple façade of the Römer, or City Hall, and continue on to Frankfurt Cathedral. This striking Gothic building houses a medieval cloister museum, which exhibits beautiful artefacts from the cathedral treasury alongside 7th century Merovingian finds. Between April and October, visitors are invited to ascend the spire. Rising to 95 metres, it offers incredible panoramas over Frankfurt’s old-meets-new skyline.
All that exploring is thirsty work, so take a seat at the Balthasar Ress Weinbar & Vinothek for a taste of its acclaimed Rheingau wine. This distinguished winery produces Villa Kennedy’s own unique cuvée and is delighted to show our guests around their vintages and winemaking techniques.
Head back through the Altstadt’s pretty squares and streets until you reach the Nizza embankment, then make your way along the river, past cafés, restaurants, boats and parks. Stop and sample a scoop of exquisite Italian gelato at Aroma Eis Manufaktur, or cross the Main in the direction of Villa Kennedy and take your pick of home-baked cakes, pastries and quiches served al fresco at the Café im Liebieghaus. Part of the world-famous Liebieghaus sculpture museum, which displays over 3,000 works spanning five millennia, this pretty terrace café is a Frankfurt institution. From there, it’s just moments to Villa Kennedy.
If you’re stopping over in Frankfurt, discover our Luxury Stopover Package, including return airport transfers, use of the Villa Spa, an Anti-Jetlag Massage and €85 credit for Gusto restaurant. Day-use rooms are also available. For more information or to book, email reservations.villakennedy@roccofortehotels.com or call +49 69 717 12 1430.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
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