Sachsenhausen is Frankfurt’s characterful neighbourhood on the south bank of the River Main, an easy walk from the old town across the Eiserner Steg or Alte Brücke. Once associated with fishermen, tanners and apple wine makers, it retains a lived-in character alongside some of the city’s best-known cultural attractions.
The neighbourhood is the heart of Frankfurt’s Apfelwein tradition. In and around Alt-Sachsenhausen, traditional taverns serve the tart local apple wine, known in dialect as Äppelwoi, often poured from blue-patterned ceramic jugs called Bembel. Order a glass with regional dishes such as Handkäse mit Musik, a sharp cheese served with onions and vinegar.
Along the river, the Museumsufer brings together an exceptional concentration of museums. The Städel Museum is the standout for European art, while nearby institutions cover everything from film to architecture. The riverbank is pleasant for a stroll, with views back towards Frankfurt’s skyline; in late August, it becomes the setting for the lively Museumsuferfest.
For a quieter museum visit, try a weekday morning and check opening days in advance, as some museums close on Mondays. Alt-Sachsenhausen can be rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, so venture beyond its busiest bar streets for a more relaxed tavern. Schweizer Platz U-Bahn station is convenient for exploring the wider neighbourhood.