Frankfurt Feels: Rain, Römerberg, and Really Good Coffee
okay, so frankfurt. it wasn't on my 'must-see' list, honestly. i ended up here because a flight was cheaper, and honestly? i'm kinda glad. it's…a vibe. a very specific, slightly damp vibe.
let me back up. i'm a freelance photographer, mostly shooting gigs and events, but i've been trying to squeeze in some personal projects. i needed a city that wasn't completely overrun with tourists, but still had something to offer. frankfurt delivered. it's not postcard-perfect, it's…real.
i just checked and it's…a persistent drizzle, apparently. it's the kind of weather that makes you want to find a *cafe and just be for a while. which, naturally, is exactly what i did. a lot.
and the coffee. oh, the coffee. i'm not a total snob, but i appreciate a good brew. i stumbled upon a place called ["[Coffee Shop Name]" on Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/) - seriously, go. the barista looked like he hadn't slept in days, but he made a flat white that changed my life. or at least, my morning.
roemerberg is…well, it's what you expect. half-timbered houses, tourists snapping photos, the whole shebang. it's pretty, don't get me wrong, but it felt a little staged. i preferred wandering the streets around it, getting lost in the little alleys and discovering hidden bars and shops.
someone told me that the Apfelwein (apple wine) is basically liquid bread. i'm not sure about that, but it's definitely…an experience. it's tart, it's fizzy, and it'll sneak up on you.
my airbnb was in the nordend neighborhood. the neighbors are mostly students and young professionals, it seems. if you get bored, Wiesbaden is just a quick train ride away. i didn't make it there this time, but it's on the list for next time.
gear-wise, i kept it simple. my trusty sony a7iii, a 35mm lens, and a waterproof jacket (essential, obviously). i also brought a small tripod, which came in handy for some long-exposure shots of the main river.
*Camera: Sony a7iii
*Lens: 35mm
*Tripod: Manfrotto BeFree
*Waterproof Jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell
*Comfortable Shoes:* Seriously, don't skimp on the shoes.
i overheard someone complaining about the prices in the city center. i heard that the restaurants around the roemerberg are tourist traps. i mostly ate at smaller, local places, which were much more affordable and authentic. check out local food blogs for recommendations.
the weather data i've got says 9.1 degrees celsius, feels like 9.1, min of 6.97, max of 9.1, pressure at 1026, humidity at 85%. basically, it's damp. very damp.
frankfurt isn't going to blow your mind, but it's a solid city with a lot to offer. it's a good base for exploring the region, and it's a surprisingly good place to just wander and get lost. and the coffee? seriously, the coffee. you can find more info on Frankfurt Tourism.
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