Frankfurt: Advent stroll through Frankfurt’s New Old Town

If you’re visiting Frankfurt during the holiday season, a walk through the New Old Town combined with the Christmas Market atmosphere can be quite charming. While this tour isn’t a deep dive into history, it offers a cozy, festive experience perfect for those wanting a relaxed glimpse of the city’s beautifully reconstructed streets and buildings.

What caught our attention is the chance to see 15 reconstructions of historic sites, and the inclusion of a voucher for roasted almonds, which adds a tasty touch to the walk. Plus, the illuminated alleys at night create a lovely backdrop for photos and holiday cheer.

But it’s worth mentioning that some reviews suggest the tour might feel a bit rushed, with guides possibly in a hurry. This could impact the experience if you’re hoping for more storytelling or a leisurely pace. Still, it’s a good option for travelers looking for a short, budget-friendly tour to get a taste of Frankfurt’s festive spirit.

This experience suits visitors who want a guided overview without a heavy time commitment, especially if you’re keen on combining sightseeing with some holiday treats. It’s also accessible, making it suitable for most mobility levels. If you’re after a quick, festive jaunt with some delicious snacks thrown in, this could be a nice addition to your Frankfurt itinerary.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: The one-hour duration makes it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Festive Atmosphere: Illuminated alleys and historic reconstructions create a lively holiday vibe.
• Culinary Treats: A voucher for roasted almonds adds a tasty, authentic Christmas Market touch.
• Historical Highlights: Visit buildings like the “Rote Haus” and “Klein Nürnberg” on their original sites.
• Guide Quality: Some reviews mention guides who seem hurried, which might affect the storytelling aspect.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The tour kicks off in front of Frankfurt’s Emperor’s Cathedral St. Bartholomew on Domplatz, a central and iconic meeting point. From here, your guide takes you through the winding alleys and squares that make up Frankfurt’s New Old Town—a carefully reconstructed area meant to evoke the city’s historical roots.

What we liked is how the tour highlights 15 reconstructions of buildings that once stood on these sites. Buildings like the “Rote Haus”, “Rebstockhof”, and “Klein Nürnberg” are back on their original locations, giving visitors a visual sense of Frankfurt’s past. The “Goldene Waage”, a Renaissance half-timbered house from the 17th century, shines brightly again, making it a real photo-worthy stop.

The walkthrough is both informative and atmospheric. You’re not just walking past facades; you’re being guided through an environment that’s been reimagined to reflect historic Frankfurt, yet with a festive glow. The lighting at night enhances the charm, making it feel like a scene straight out of a holiday postcard.

A standout feature of the tour is the culinary stop at the Christmas Market, where you receive a voucher for roasted almonds of your choice. Market stalls are overflowing with festive offerings—glühwein, sausages, roasted nuts, and sweets. The almonds are a perfect snack to enjoy while wandering through the illuminated alleys, and being able to redeem the voucher directly at the market adds a convenient, authentic touch.

The guide, who is certified and speaks either German or English (depending on the day), shares tidbits about the buildings and the holiday traditions. However, as one reviewer pointed out, some guides might be in a bit of a hurry, possibly trying to stick to a schedule. This could mean less time for questions or storytelling, so if you’re hoping for a more relaxed, detailed history lesson, it might not meet your expectations.

The tour lasts around one hour, which is enough time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. The group size is manageable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, so it’s inclusive for most visitors.

Is it worth the price?

At $22 per person, this tour offers decent value if you’re looking for a quick, guided introduction to Frankfurt’s festive Old Town. The inclusion of the almond voucher is a nice touch, especially if you enjoy sampling local treats. It’s a budget-friendly way to get into the Christmas spirit and see parts of the city that are beautifully restored and illuminated.

While it’s not a deep historical exploration, it’s a charming, visual experience that pairs well with other sightseeing activities. If you’re short on time or want a guided experience that combines sightseeing with holiday treats, this tour fits the bill.

Practical tips for your visit

• Arrive on time: The meeting point is in front of the Cathedral on Domplatz, a well-known spot, but it can get crowded during peak season.
• Dress warmly: Since the tour is in December or winter months and takes place outdoors, layers and comfortable shoes are a must.
• Bring questions: If you have specific interests, don’t hesitate to ask the guide; just be mindful they might be on a tight schedule.
• Enjoy the market: After the tour, linger at the Christmas Market for more snacks, crafts, and holiday cheer.

Final thoughts

This guided walk through Frankfurt’s New Old Town offers a cozy, festive glimpse into the city’s efforts to reconnect with its historical roots. While the guide might be a little hurried, the overall atmosphere, historic reconstructions, and the chance to enjoy roasted almonds make it a worthwhile experience for those craving some holiday cheer.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a brief, guided taste of Frankfurt’s Christmas season without committing to a lengthy tour. If you enjoy seeing beautifully illuminated streets and sampling market treats in a manageable group, this stroll could add a memorable highlight to your holiday trip.

For visitors seeking a more leisurely or in-depth tour, or someone interested in detailed history, this might feel a bit light. But for a quick festive fix with some good photo ops, it hits the spot.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most travelers with mobility concerns.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, which is perfect for a quick overview without taking up too much time.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided walking tour led by a certified guide in either English or German, plus a voucher for a bag of roasted almonds of your choice from the Christmas Market.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in front of Frankfurt’s Emperor’s Cathedral St. Bartholomew on Domplatz, a central and easily recognizable location.

Is this tour only in December?
The tour is designed for the advent season, so it’s best enjoyed during December when the Christmas Market and festive lighting are in full swing.

Can I book this last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility for last-minute plans.

Is it a good experience for families?
While not specifically aimed at children, the short duration and festive atmosphere can make it suitable for families, especially those wanting a relaxed, holiday-themed walk. Just keep in mind the guide might be in a bit of a hurry.

How do reviews rate this experience?
It has a solid 4-star rating based on 3 reviews, with some noting that the guide seemed hurried, but overall, people enjoy the festive ambiance and the historic reconstructions.

If you’re in Frankfurt during the holidays and want a manageable, affordable way to soak up the Christmas cheer, this tour offers a simple yet charming experience. Just keep your expectations in check regarding pacing, and you’ll come away with some lovely photos and a warm holiday feeling.

You can check availability for your dates here: