Frankfurt surprises anyone who knows it only from its airport. Yes, it is Germany's financial centre, with a skyscraper skyline that earned it the nickname Mainhattan, but at its feet lie a rebuilt old town, a riverbank with museums and a cider tradition that sets the tone of the weekend. It is an excellent base for a couple who want to combine a city, good rail connections and a compact lifestyle scene.
What to see
Start at the Römerberg, the square of rebuilt half-timbered houses, and walk down to the Main to follow the Museumsufer, the row of museums on the south bank. At dusk, cross one of the pedestrian bridges to watch the skyscrapers light up. In Sachsenhausen you will find the Apfelwein taverns serving local cider in stoneware jugs alongside hearty Hessian dishes. The Palmengarten and Grüneburgpark are good choices for a quiet morning.
Club Emmanuelle, in Rödelheim
The lifestyle club we can describe from its official website is Club Emmanuelle, at Westerbachstraße 70, 60489 Frankfurt, in the Rödelheim district. The site presents it as a private club with a family atmosphere, more than twenty years of experience and an insistence on respect and consent: in its rules, "alles kann, nichts muss", everything is possible, nothing is compulsory. It sits in a commercial estate, in a back courtyard, near Rödelheim station; from Hauptwache or the main station you can take the S3, S4 or S5 to Rödelheim and continue on bus 55. It opens Tuesday and Wednesday from 19:00 to 00:00, Friday from 20:00 to 01:00 and Saturday from 20:00 to 03:00, with one Sunday a month on special hours; it is closed Monday and Thursday. The published couples' rates are 30 euros midweek, 70 euros on Fridays and 80 on Saturdays, with different prices for singles and for special events. The dress code asks for erotic, well-kept clothing, nothing scruffy. Read our venue page before going and confirm everything with them by phone, because prices and hours can change.
Getting around
Frankfurt has a very complete S-Bahn, U-Bahn and tram network, and the central station connects with the main German and European cities. If you are here for work or passing through, the airport is well connected to the centre. For a club in an industrial estate, check the last connection or book a taxi.
When to go
From April to September the Main comes alive; in December the Römerberg Christmas market is one of the best-known in the country. Frankfurt hosts large trade fairs, during which hotels get more expensive: check the calendar before booking.
Safety tips
The area around the central station sees heavy night-time traffic, so take extra care with your belongings. The emergency number is 112. For official travel advice and health recommendations, read our guide to safety in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and our first visit to a German lifestyle club guide.
A weekend plan
Saturday: Römerberg, Museumsufer and an Apfelwein dinner in Sachsenhausen. Sunday: a slow brunch, the Palmengarten and a walk along the Main. If you want to add a club night, book in advance, bring cash and plan your trip back before you go.
Where to stay
The area around the central station offers many beds and good connections, though with an intense nightlife atmosphere. Sachsenhausen and the Westend have more character. If you are going to Club Emmanuelle, consider staying near the S-Bahn line that goes to Rödelheim to simplify the return. During trade fairs, prices rise sharply.
What to eat
Try green sauce (Grüne Soße) with egg and potato, Frankfurt sausages and, of course, Apfelwein. In covered markets, such as the Kleinmarkthalle, you can have a snack of local produce without booking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Club Emmanuelle? By the S3, S4 or S5 to Rödelheim and bus 55 to Gaugrafenstraße, according to the club's website; if you return in the small hours, check the last connection first.
How much does it cost? Published rates depend on the day and the guest profile; see our guide to entry prices.
Do I need to book? The club asks visitors to register beforehand.
How do I get home safely? Read our guide to a club outside the centre.
Small local manners that are appreciated
In Germany punctuality is valued and shops are usually closed on Sundays, so buy ahead. Many bottles and cans carry a deposit (Pfand) that you recover at supermarkets. In restaurants it is usual to round the bill up rather than leave a fixed percentage, and to state the total when paying. On public transport, validate your ticket if the system requires it and respect reserved seats. And in any nightlife setting the same golden rule applies: ask before touching, accept a no the first time and never take photos of anyone without permission. That basic courtesy is what keeps a city with an open scene comfortable for everyone.
