Frankfurt: Wasserhäuschen Tour – Discover the Real Frankfurt

Discover Frankfurt beyond its skyline on a relaxed walk through the city’s unique Wasserhäuschen and kiosk culture. These small neighbourhood meeting places reveal the Frankfurt locals experience every day. Start at Gude Wasserhäuschen, just before Friedberger Landstraße 107, with one included beer or non-alcoholic drink. Continue to Fein in the green Wallanlagen, pass the Kleinmarkthalle and explore the historic centre around Römer, Römerberg and St. Paul’s Church. Compare traditional Wasserhäuschen with Römer Shop Kiosk on Berliner Straße, then finish at Das Investment on Kaiserstraße near the financial district. Hear local stories, discover how the kiosks evolved and experience the contrast between historic Frankfurt and the modern banking city. The entire route is on foot: approximately 3 hours and 3 km. This is a cultural walking tour, not a pub crawl. Additional drinks and food are at your own expense. Please note: the live guided tour is in German.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   30 min

   Gude Wasserhäuschen: Start in Frankfurt’s Nordend at the kiosk just before Friedberger Landstraße 107. Discover where the name Wasserhäuschen – literally “little water house” – comes from and why these kiosks have been neighbourhood meeting places for generations. Hear stories of local everyday life and explore the question: what makes a real Wasserhäuschen? One beer or non-alcoholic drink from the available selection is included at this first stop.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   25 min

   Fein, Petersstraße 4: Discover a modern interpretation of the traditional Wasserhäuschen in Frankfurt’s green Wallanlagen. Learn how the former city fortifications became a green belt around the historic centre and how neighbourhood meeting places continue to evolve. Does a Wasserhäuschen have to look traditional, or is its social role what matters most? Additional drinks are optional and paid for individually.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Pass by the Kleinmarkthalle at Hasengasse 5–7. Hear about Frankfurt’s market traditions, regional specialities and international influences in a city shaped by trade and migration. This is an exterior pass-by on foot; an indoor visit is not included.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   20 min

   Explore the historic centre around Römer, Römerberg and St. Paul’s Church. See Frankfurt’s famous town hall and square, hear about imperial elections and coronations, and discover the role of nearby St. Paul’s Church in German democratic history. This outdoor sightseeing section brings together the Old Town and the contrast with Frankfurt’s modern skyline. Buildings are viewed from the outside.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   15 min

   Römer Shop Kiosk, Berliner Straße 42: Compare a modern city-centre kiosk with the traditional Wasserhäuschen seen earlier. If people buy a drink, chat and use a kiosk as a meeting place, does the building itself still matter? Discover another side of Frankfurt’s everyday street culture. Additional drinks are optional and at your own expense.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min

   Das Investment, Kaiserstraße 30A: Finish near Frankfurt’s financial district at a kiosk with a fitting name. Hear about Kaiserstraße, the banking city and the contrast between global finance and everyday street life. Reflect on the route from a neighbourhood Wasserhäuschen through the Wallanlagen and historic centre to modern Frankfurt. Additional drinks are at your own expense. The tour ends here.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Approximately 3 hours and 3 km, entirely on foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; most of the tour is outdoors. The live guide speaks German.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.