Photography by Sarah Wilson
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
4 hours from Frankfurt
Rent a bike, and explore this city of canals like a local. Start your exploration of Amsterdam on a canal cruise. There are lots of options, but Our House—in partnership with Amsterdam Sailors—offers snacks, organic wines, and beer on its tours. If you enjoying being on the water, Bloemenmarkt is Amsterdam’s floating flower market. It’s picture-worthy year-round but especially beautiful in spring, when the tulips are in season. No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Ann Frank House, especially if you’re traveling with children. Pictures, quotes, and artifacts tell the story of Ann’s life in her former home. For art, head to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum for impressive collections.
READ MORE: Direct flights from Lambert to Europe are back. Consider booking a trip to these 6 destinations
Photography by Jen Roberts
Berlin
Berlin
4 hours, 20 minutes from Frankfurt
Berlin is a sprawling megalopolis known for its booming art scene, nightclubs that go late (or early, depending on how you look at it) into the morning hours, and some of the best coffee in Europe. This modern city also has a turbulent past, and visitors have to grapple with the juxtaposition that exists in today’s Berlin. The best place to do this is the East Side Gallery, where international artists have painted murals on 1.3 kilometers of a remaining portion of the Berlin Wall. The outdoor gallery opened in 1990 and was given memorial status a year later. With 2,711 large concret slabs, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is another must-see memorial. For the grittier side of Berlin, head to Berghain, the city’s most exclusive nightclub, located in a former East German power station. What once was an air field where dive bombers took off during World War II, Tempelhofer Field is now a park where visitors can stroll the runways.
Photography by Jen Roberts
Paris
Paris
3 hours, 40 minutes from Frankfurt
Paris is often typecast as the world’s most romantic city. People romantacize walks along the Seine, with the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the background. And sure, everyone should experience this cliché version of Paris, but the city has so much more to offer. Begin by exploring the galleries and cafés of the Marais neighborhood. On Rue Chapon, you’ll find Café Loustic, one of the city’s first specialty espresso bars, with strong coffee and delectable pastries. The Marché d’Aligre has been in existence since before the French Revolution. Go for the experience of a French market, and pick up items for a picnic in nearby Place des Vosges. Don’t forget to take in the views and the art at Centre Pompidou. For village charm and expansive views, take the metro to Montmartre, where you can enjoy street performers on the steps of the Sacre Coeur and artists painting in the main square. There are also plenty of options for sweet and savory crepes in the neighborhood. In the Left Bank, head to Shakespeare & Company bookstore, and then visit Luxembourg Gardens, where you can people watch and read that new book from Shakespeare & Company. In St. Germain, sip an espresso or slurp an onion soup at the iconic Café de Flore, where Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Truman Capote, and others found inspiration.
