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I n the 1990s, Frankfurt struck me as stark and austere. It was only in the early 2000s
that the city began to shed its image as a tough banking centre and drug hotspot.
Today, I would not want to live anywhere else. Frankfurt has developed enormously. I am
particularly delighted that Frankfurt RheinMain is World Design Capital 2026. Under the
motto “Design for Democracy – Atmospheres for a Better Life”, more than 2,000 events
and projects will explore how design can help shape democratic coexistence.
Saturday: Between Skyscrapers and Culinary Delights

r 10:00 – As a native Frankfurter, I still occasionally mix up Hibbdebach and Dribbdebach
– the local terms for the northern and southern banks of the river Main. The southern
side is home to many charming cafés, shops and, of course, the Museumsufer, with insti-
tutions such as the Deutsches Architekturmuseum (1) and the Museum Angewandte
Kunst (2). I often meet friends for brunch at Café Retablo (3), whose playful interior was
designed by Studio Aberja.
r 12:00 — Crossing the river Main via the Eiserner Steg brings you to the Römerberg (6)
and the New Old Town. Hidden on the first floor of Braubachstraße 30–32 is the Fotogra- Foto: Stefan Cop, Frankfurt
fie Forum Frankfurt (7). While not widely known outside photography circles, it regularly
presents internationally acclaimed photographers alongside emerging talents. Close by,
the Maria Concept Store (9) has long been a local institution for Scandinavian fashion Das Café Rondell (21) liegt idyllisch im Frankfurter Huthpark. • Café Rondell (21) is idyllically situated in Huthpark.
and design. I recommend Pizzeria Rimini (10) by the cathedral for lunch and a scoop of
ice cream from Pallina Gelato (11) for a perfect lunch.
r 14:00 — Frankfurt’s skyline has changed dramatically in recent years, with an impressive
wave of new towers reshaping the city’s silhouette. The banking district is best explored
on weekdays, when the streets buzz with activity. Among the most ambitious develop-
ments is FOUR (12) by UNStudio, a mixed-use ensemble intended to create a new urban
centre for Frankfurt. Although parts of the project are still under construction, the public
square between the towers is already spectacular. If you are planning to stay overnight,
the Kimpton Hotel (13) offers interiors that feel as though they belong in a Wes Anderson
film. For those wishing to continue their skyscraper tour, a walk along the Wallanlagen
towards the Alte Oper (14) is worthwhile. Also worth seeing is the rising Central Business
Tower (15) by KSP Engel, which will eventually also house an outpost of the Weltkulturen
Museum.
r 16:00 — After all that urban exploration, I suggest Café butter (16), a local favourite
since opening in 2024, or Bunca (17), which combines carefully designed interiors with
excellent matcha.
r 19:00 – A short trip to nearby Bad Soden is rewarded with dinner at bellasLOKAL (18). Foto: Norbert Miguletz Fotodesign, Frankfurt
Here, chef Isabelle Pering creates refined dishes from regional ingredients, served on cera-
mics by Frankfurt designer Viola Beuscher. Since being named “Rising Star of the Year” by
Gault&Millau in 2025, reservations have become essential. Those still full of energy can
continue the night dancing at Tokonoma Club (19) in Frankfurt. Die Schirn Kunsthalle (26) hat ihr temporäres Domizil in Bockenheim. • Currently based in Bockenheim.

Sunday: Between Nature and Urban Culture

r 10:00 — My Sundays usually begin at home with sourdough bread from ouwe bakery Zentrale Anlaufstelle: WDC-Hub im Museum Angewandte Kunst • Central point of contact: WDC Hub at MAK
(20) before heading outdoors. One of my favourite green spaces is Huthpark, where the
circular Café Rondell (21), created as part of the New Frankfurt programme a century ago,
remains one of the city’s hidden gems. Nearby stands another architectural highlight of
the movement: the Holy Cross Church (22), designed by Martin Weber and completed
in 1929.
r 14:00 — For visitors who prefer a more urban Sunday, Frankfurt’s gallery scene offers
plenty to discover. Galerie Jean-Claude Maie (23) consistently introduces fascinating
artists, while Galerie Heussenstamm (24) focuses on the urban context. The new Schu-
gar Rotariu Gallery (25) specialises in Eastern European art. The Schirn Kunsthalle (26)
is another essential stop. Due to renovation, it has temporarily relocated to the former
Dondorf printing works on the Kulturcampus, redesigned by raumlabor.
r 17:00 — To round off the weekend, enjoy an aperitivo at Cosmic (27) or Bistro Kismet
(28). Designed by Steffen Eberhardt, Cosmic evokes the spirit of the 1970s with its bold
red interior, while Kismet offers inventive contemporary interpretations of Indian flavour.

Further information on WDC 2026 events is available at www.wdc2026.org. Until the Foto: Ben Kuhlmann, Frankfurt
end of December, Frankfurt will serve as a platform for testing new ideas for a sustainab-
le, equitable and livable future

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