It's reputed to be dirty and dangerous at night – but the Red Light District has transformed a lot over the past years and somehow it attracts me and always means a fun night. It's these contrasts, the colours, the liveliness, the many people in the street, the unseen world of the city that makes it exciting for me.
The atmosphere is unlike any other area I know in Frankfurt. It is the habitat of prostitutes and drug addicts, but it is also home to different cultures and some of the trendiest restaurants in the city in beautiful houses from the late 19th century. I love having a look around the little green-groceries offering fruit and vegetables from all around the world, maybe the biggest variety in Frankfurt.
The best night in the district for me is having dinner at Club Michel (check the Club Michel article) going for drinks at Chez Ima and then dancing the night away at Pik Dame (check the Pik Dame article).
The "Bahnhofsviertelnacht", night of the Red Light District, is probably the best event. It takes place once a year and allows an insight to various places that are usually inaccessible or not desirable to be at: for example different brothels, a drug addiction help center, but also the shoemaker with his little hammer museum. There are lots of people in the street, there is live music everywhere and the atmosphere is nothing but special. Keep an eye out for next year's date.
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