Happy residents whose city offers a river like the Main. Which has also been qualitatively enriching the lives of all of us for some years now through its diverse added offerings. For what a difference a rich, creative offer of cafés, sunbathing lawns and barbecue areas makes to life, I could experience just last weekend in one of my other favourite cities: Antwerp. The river there, the Schelde (Sjelde), is much wider than the dear Main; the Belgian port city itself is a little smaller, but just as exciting, because it is full of contrasts, as Frankfurt. But life on the water is only slowly being rediscovered there. Here we are already further ahead. Even if, funnily enough, there seem to have been close ties between Hesse and Flanders, because in the north of the diamond city I came across a piece of home with the "Hessenhuis" and a "Hessenstraatje".
Back to our small, Hessian metropolis, where numerous places along the Main River give rise to a holiday mood, both at the weekend and after work: Five fine favorite spots I share with you today.
The Maincafé: Centered right across from the skyline and to be found with permanent sunshine on the Sachsenhäuser Ufer, directly below the Städel Museum. Unbeatable therefore. Also the offer of deckchairs and blankets, if it shivers, is a plus. Of course, something like this doesn't stay undiscovered for long. That's why it's usually packed. I get around the lack of space with my own portable beach chair. Much nicer ;-) The food and drink offer is solid, including cake, coffee and cider. <link http: maincafe.net _blank>
One man's joy is another man's sorrow: while "Hibbdebach" on the south shore enjoys the sun, "Dribbebach" used to be in the shade. This is also the only small shortcoming of the restaurant "Mainnizza", which sees itself as a "living room on the Main" and offers "Sunday roast like at mother's" among other things. On the first floor at street level, stylish eatery and on weekdays also canteen of Bankhaus Metzler. Downstairs on the "Nizzapromenade" self-service restaurant with snacks and soda - so an ideal mix. <link http: mainnizza.de _blank>
The rowing village in the direction of Oberrad. Should I really not tell, because it is already better to reserve if you want to be on the safe side to find a place. Five garden pubs of various rowing clubs are lined up here just before the Gerbermühle. Don't be impressed by the unpretentious exterior of the pubs: snuggled up in a garden chair outside like at grandma's, your afternoon coffee with a slice of cheesecake in front of you, your parasol open because it's drizzling a bit - it's hard to beat the atmosphere with a direct view of the Main! And the "Platzhirsch" is now also tempting with its cool Bavarian ambience: <link http: www.platzhirsch-am-main.de _blank>
At the other end of the river, the deck chairs of the "Restaurant Druckwasserwerk" are also in demand in the Westhafen, there is even a small beach, just below the railway bridge: The former industrial annex is the only preserved historic building of the Frankfurt commercial port and is worth a visit for that reason alone, also perfect for a bike tour! <link http: www.restaurant-druckwasserwerk.de _blank>
www.restaurant-druckwasserwerk.de
Where to barbecue? At the Licht- und Luftbad in Niederrad, of course. Quick as a flash to reach by bike. Expanded and rebuilt, delicious cakes with a small children's playground and lots of greenery. Sizzling with disposable grills is no longer tolerated. Who does not bring a standing grill, the park keeper offers to borrow for about five euros. <link http: www.lilu-frankfurt.de _blank>
That's not the end of the list, after all. Where are your favorite places? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or FB with your own suggestions!
Sabina Brauner is on twitter @WentoManderly and <link https: de-de.facebook.com people sabina-m-brauner _blank>FB.