Sonamu
I spend a lot time on Berger Straße as I live round the corner, so it’s definitely ‘my hood’. I can’t tell you how many times I walked passed Sonamu and said, “we must go there!” Finally, we did! Some of our best mates from Berlin came to visit us, one of them being Korean/German suggested we go there as she had mentioned it’s delicious. Well, she was right. I could have eaten two whole dishes, not because I was hungry, but because I just wanted more! Sonamu is not your typical Korean restaurant. It’s actually quite pricey for Korean food, but unlike your typical Korean restaurant it cares about design and the environment in which you eat it. You can already tell by the outside of the building that it’s going to be pretty special inside. It’s minimal, almost like your sitting in a very special sauna, and that my friends, is ok by me! Definitely give this restaurant a try! Good to know:
Address: Hours: Additional Info: instagram | facebook Price Guide: €€
Berger Str. 184
60385 Frankfurt am Main
Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Monday, closed
Senger Soft Toys
You could almost imagine your own mum and dad cuddling up with one of these gorgeous teddies when they were but wee ones…such is the timelessness of the design of the Senger soft toys! All Senger toys are lovingly handmade in Obersinn Germany. Volker and Sabine had a clear mission, to create robust (but not boring) friends for life for little people (and/or their parents) using ecologically responsible materials. Thus each of their creations is made using organic cotton and stuffed with sheep wool sourced from Eifel. Now 30 years on they stay true to what they set out to do and continue to create little creatures that bring comfort and warmth to anyone who needs them (ok ok they are not free, you do unfortunately need to buy them, but damn you’ll be pleased you did!)
The Night Market
Looking for something to do on a Saturday with the fam? Well, let me tell you about The Night Market. It’s an uber cool market that takes place in the uber cool AtelierFrankfurt Studios in Ostend. This market brings together fashion, food, music and drinks all under one roof. During the day you can enjoy a beer and live music in the courtyard and at night when the kids are sound asleep you can come back and enjoy a boogie with some majorly cool techno djs. It’s a great place to discover new artist and designers, buy some vintage and meet some new people! Check out their website for their next market! Address: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: € – €€€ (depending on how much you buy:)
Schwedlerstr. 1-5
60314 Frankfurtam Main
StijlMarkt
I first went to this lovely StijlMarkt back in the fall when it was cold and miserable. As I walked inside, the market filled me with warmth and happiness. Set in the West End part of the Goethe University, it’s full of German based designers. It’s a great market to discover new brands, meet new people and eat and drink and be merry. Feeling hungry and thirsty? Then head out to the courtyard area where there are some scrumptious food and drink options provided by some glorious food trucks. Janice and I discovered some lovely wine brands this last time. We bought a bottle and sat outside in the courtyard while chatting with our neighbours at the table. It was a very lovely afternoon. If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or for some inspiration then definitely head to the StijlMarkt! FYI: StijlMarkt is a German pop-up showcasing independent designers from all over Germany. Check out their website to find out where they are popping up next! Also check out their online platform. Address: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: there is an entry fee, € – €€€, depending on what you decide to purchase
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main – Campus Westend
Nina-Rubinstein-Weg
60323 Frankfurtam Main
Bornheim Food Market
There is one thing I love about German cities, especially Frankfurt, the food markets. Germans take great pride in their food markets. This is awesome. We have two local food markets near us, Bornheim Food Market and Konstablerwache. Located on the every so popular Berger Staße, this market is full of gorgeous vegetables, yummy sausages and beautiful flowers. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs! You can catch this market on a Wednesday and a Saturday. It’s a great way to start of your Saturday morning! Good to know:
Address: Hours:
Berger Str. 194
60385 Frankfurt am Main
Wednesday, 8am – 6pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Kleinmarkthalle
No visit to Frankfurt is complete without a visit to Kleinmarkthalle! Not only is it wonderful to find inspiration for your weekly menu but it a great spot to meet friends for a quick bite to eat and catch up! Kleinmarkthalle is a 1500 sq\m indoor haven for anyone with a passion for local fresh produce & imported delicacies (the irony doesn’t escape us). Firstly, just wander the isles and allow the colours, aromas, tastes, sounds and touch to awaken each of your senses. Home to 156 stalls there is definitely something for everyone. If you not looking to do your weekly shop head ‘upstairs’ for a cheeky glass of wine and a bite to eat (get there early if you want a seat or want to see what it’s like when you can swing a cat, it really starts to buzz!) Next, head all the way downstairs to the fishmonger and choose your fish. Honestly, it doesn’t come much fresher than this, you can pick one as it swims in the tank. Of course we realise this isn’t for everyone and you can get your fish already too! Also, the butchers are another thing of wonder and are very open to chatting and offering advise on the best cuts and which variety of sausage to try. Seriously I had no idea there were so many choices and I’m South African. It’s a fantastic day out for any guests visiting too! Finally, another must visit market is Frankfurts largest farmers market, Konstablerwache Market. Address: Hours: Additional Info: websiteAbout Kleinmarkthalle
Hasengasse 7
60311 Frankfurt am Main – Altstadt
Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm
Saturday, 8am -4pm
Sunday, closed
Konstablerwache Market
Lovingly nicknamed ‘Konsti-Markt’, Konstablerwache Market is Frankfurts largest farmers market and tt has everything you need for your weekly shop. Not only is it smack dab in the middle of Zeil, but this market is full of fresh veg, scrumptious cheeses, meats and fresh flowers. And once you’ve done all your shopping, sit down and have a nice glass of wine while eating a bratwurst. Started by group of farmers and townspeople at the end of the 1980s who had the goal of creating a farmers’ market in downtown Frankfurt. Not only have they gone from strength to strength but in 2019 they celebrated the 30th anniversary! Also, Konstablerwache Market is the perfect stomping ground to explore local dishes and delicacies. Not only is it ideal to try Grüne Sosse (green sauce, a tangy sour cream blended with herbs) but it’s a good place to try your hand or rather tastebuds at Handkäse with Musik (“hand cheese with music”). Admittedly this pungent and oddly translucent cheese topped with chopped onions and caraway seeds will not be everyone’s cup of tea! To summarise cured meat, hearty German brown bread and assorted cheeses along with beautifully fresh produce make for the perfect day out! It should be noted if the weather is less than awesome the Kleinmarkthalle is another market that shouldn’t be missed and is all inside! Good to know:
Address: Hours:
About Konstablerwache Market ‘Konsti-Markt’
Try local dishes and Hessen favourites
Konstablerwache
60313 Frankfurt am Main
Thursday, 10am -8pm
Saturday, 8am -5pm
Bunca Barista & Caterer
Bunca Barista & Caterer definitely mean business! They can be found further along just off the famous Kaiserstraße (ie towards the Innerstadt) & the clientele definitely reflects this! We popped in around lunch time on a week day and the place was buzzing with your corporate crowd all out in force getting their caffeine buzz on! The service was lightening quick which was a really nice surprise when you saw how many people they were serving! Also, my coffee was absolutely delicious (I had hints of aniseed coming through which may well and truly be bollocks but I loved it!) Indoor and outside seating Address: Hours: Additional Info: instagram | facebook Price Guide: €€
Kirchnerstraße 4
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Monday-Friday, 8am -6pm
Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Sunday, Closed
Sabai Thai Spa
Where do you go when you really need a massage? Well let me tell you about Sabai Thai Spa. Sabai was recommended by several people here in Frankfurt. I stopped in and made my appointment for a 60 minute massage for the next day. When I arrived I sat in the cafe and had a wonderful lavender tea while I waited for my appointment. Their cafe serves an assortment of fresh teas and spring rolls which are delicious. My masseuse was super accommodating and gave me a wonderful 60 minute massage. After my appointment I had my nails done where everyone was super lovely and chatty. I highly recommend this spa. On the other side of the road you can book a spa day and enjoy spa treatments. Address: Hours: Additional Info: website
Fichardstraße 35
60322 Frankfurt am Main
Monday – Friday, 11am – 8pm
Saturday, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, Closed
Dylus
Walk into Dylus and you are quietly filled with a confidence that they know what they doing when it comes to hair! The space is beautifully done, clean lines, products for days, lighting that’s kind (ones head popping through a black coverall is almost never flattering!) and you don’t have to sit directly on top of another client! Bert was kind enough to squeeze me in (must have heard the desperation in my voice as I quietly asked over the phone whether anyone spoke English) and took me under his wing, as my German is nowhere near ready to communicate the in’s and outs of a new hairstyle and his English is perfect! Every girl needs a “Bert” and a Dylus in their life because lets face it life is too short for bad hair! And believe me I’ve had my fair share of bad hair where a paper bag would have been appropriate! Good to know:
Address: Hours:
Börsenplatz 13–15
60313 Frankfurt am Main
Sunday & Monday closed
Tuesday-Friday, 9:30am – 7pm
Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Frau Nellson
Frau Nellson, situated at Brückenstraße 41 in Sachsenhausen, offers a delightful selection of items that bring joy to children’s eyes. And, the assortment of exquisite organic children’s clothing, footwear, toys, furniture, and decor an absolute delight for the adults as well. As you explore the store, your children can have fun in the play area. Whether you are looking for a gift or some stylish clothing for your little one, Frau Nellson is the place to go! Located on the ever so stylish Brückenstraß in Sachenhausen, you won’t miss this corner shop as their windows are full of stylish, eye-catching goodies. You’ll find brands such as Little Label, Sense Organics, Ferm Living, Bisgaard, Cam Cam Copenhagen, and so much more. Address: Hours: Additional Info: website| instagram| facebook
What does Frau Nellson offer?
Brückenstraße 41
60594 Frankfurt am Main
Monday, Closed
Tuesday – Friday, 10:30 am – 6 pm
Saturday, 10:30 – 4 pm
Sunday, Closed
Hunky Dory Bar
Think The Great Gatsby meets the 21st century whilst serving up a mean cocktail! In other words, an absolute dream of a cocktail bar! Firstly, stepping inside Hunky Dory you might be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time! The owner, Armin, takes you on a journey as you look around his bar! Glasses collected from bazaars on his many journeys around the world. For instance telephones that went out of service decades ago, here however they are a direct line to the bar! As you continue to look around you find mannequins, badminton racquets, Persian rugs and a treasure trove of other items that leave you wondering where in the world they came from. Secondly, for the final ‘accessory’ and finishing touch look no further than the very stylish Barmen! Moreover, charismatic, charming and ‘Quirky opulence’ come to mind with cocktails to match. For instance Kings Punch, Monkey Say Monkey Do, The Gingerbread man are just a few of the drinks you’ll find on the menu. The devil is all in the detail, nothing being left to chance and nothing too much to ask!
Address: Hours: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: €€€The Vibe
The Service
Good to know:
Baseler Str. 10
60329 Frankfurt am Main
Sunday & Monday, closed
Tuesday – Friday, 6pm – 2am
Saturday, 7pm – 2am
Affenzhan Backpacks
Affenzhan backpacks are more than a just backpack for your child! They are a buddy to head out into the world with and have an adventure! Namely Olivia Owl, Ulrike unicorn, Lilly ladybird, Emil elephant, Willi whale, Timmy Tiger! Meaning there is almost certainly a ‘partner in crime’ to suit every little adventurer out there! Things to tickle your little ones fancy: Things to tickle responsible parents fancy: Finally the best bit about Affenzhan Backpacks? Well, our little adventurers are doing their bit for the planet! These little buddies are made using recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate, just incase you’re interested) bottles. So, can we get a whoop whoop!? Good to know:
Local stockist: Sonny Lemon website | instagram | facebook Price Guide:
Nens Company
We love when we can shop local… and it doesn’t get more local than Sachsenhausen! Nens produces handmade natural, vegetable tanned, breathable, chromium-free and skin-friendly leather shoes in their workshop just across the river (I guess this probably depends on where you live ????) – the Nens company founder Petra Bormann comes from a long line of shoes makers so it’s definitely in her blood! Nens pride themselves on sourcing all their materials right here in Germany and insuring that all cowhides are organically vegetable tanned (we had to google this process!), also the shoeboxes are locally produced and the boxes are stapled as opposed to glued! Fun fact…on Wednesday you can stop by and watch the shoe process step by step through a large glass pane. Good to know:
Address: Local stockist: Sonny Lemon Additional Info: website Price Guide:
Diesterwegstraße 20
60594 Frankfurt am Main
Sonny Lemon Kids Store
Nestled at the top end of Bornheim, Frankfurt, lies a delightful haven for families: a charming kids’ store that embodies the warmth and care of a true family business. Sonny Lemon is more than a store; it’s a feeling, an experience. Sonny Lemon is the brainchild of Sonja and Oliver. And the pair of them have done a beautiful job of making shopping with or for kids into a truly ‘Sonny’ experience! There’s even Lego laid out to keep busy little fingers, well, BUSY! A child’s first pair of shoes is such a milestone and an emotional step, so having someone who truly appreciates, understands and helps you savour the moment is truly special. If you are wondering whether this mythical creature exists. Absolutely, he does, and his name is Oliver! Of course, Sonny Lemon isn’t only about first shoes; it literally is a mother’s (or fathers’) heaven. It offers everything from a wide range of trendy and comfortable clothes for your little ones to a variety of toys that stimulate their imagination to accessories that add a touch of cuteness to their outfits. Finally, they have all those unique items you didn’t even realise you needed, all under one roof. As previously mentioned, Sonny Lemon is more than a store; it’s an experience. I mean, there are even bunnies in the window! What’s not to love?! Address: Hours: Additional Info: instagram | facebook
About Sonny Lemon
What do they offer?
Heidestraße 147
60385 Frankfurt am Main
Monday 2pm -6:30pm
Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6:30pm
Saturday 10am – 6:30pm
Sunday Closed
Kumi Mood
One of the perks of being an adult is that you can choose to what degree you grow up…Kumi Mood allows you to blur those lines! On first impression many of their products may appear to be purely for kids, the great thing about impressions though? They can change! Their products are little pieces of art to brighten not only your child’s room but also yours! Supporting small local businesses, all their wooden products are manufactured in Erzgebirge, Germany (hmmm we’re going to have to google that!) and packaged in cardboard boxed with the idea that they can be reused in the playroom or office! Hidden in his shell on the right is the cutest little tortoise! What’s not to ❤️
Frau Ottilie Maps
Education should never be boring…it should enchant, inspire and with any luck entertain! Frau Ottilie are a young illustration company based in Mainz (doesn’t get more local than that!) – their products are just beautiful! Colourful, entertaining & completely enchanting! Posters, maps, school schedules, books to record all your little humans firsts – honestly their products bring a smile to our face and most importantly our little people!!
Alte Oper
The original opera house was destroyed in WWII and now in its place stands Alte Oper (Old Opera) a concert hall and conference centre. Worth noting though, whilst it is still called ‘Oper’ the actual Frankfurt Opera has in fact moved to a new location and more modern building nearby. With more than 450 events a year, Alte Oper provides a fantastic venue for both adults and kids alike. Whilst you take a minute to admire the building, the gorgeous fountain in the centre of the square provides a perfect distraction for little people. The kids program was of particular interest to us as we believe it is important to build kids horizons allowing them to appreciate and form opinions on all forms of cultural expression from a very young age. Under the banner “PEGASUS – experiencing music!” the kids program (ages 0-21) is presented. The concerts and events are hugely popular and are often sold out as soon as advanced booking is available, as they say, ‘only the die hard parents get the tickets’ – just kidding, but be quick and organised if you want to go! Good to know:
Additional Info: website Price Guide: € – €€€Alte Oper Activities and Events
