Neighbouring Frankfurt am Main, the vibrant city of Offenbach am Main winds along the southern bank of the Main River. Although its history dates back to the 10th century, this small city is now shaped by a contemporary creative flourish. After arresting an industrial decline, Offenbach am Main has reinvented itself in recent years with funky bars, boutique shops, and large green spaces.

The city is becoming a popular overnight alternative for visitors coming to Frankfurt am Main. Both cities are along the water and are connected by a dedicated riverside walkway and cycle path. An international community gives the city a very multicultural character, while it’s also become a place for local artists. Offenbach am Main was Germany’s leather capital, and this is celebrated at the Deutsches Ledermuseum.

Offenbach am Main is on Frankfurt’s suburban rail network. Four S-Bahn lines connect the city with its larger neighbour while Offenbach Hauptbahnhof is on the regional train network. Local transport connections intersect at Marktplatz, where it’s easy to switch from trains to buses. The heart of Offenbach am Main is closer to Frankfurt City Centre than many of Frankfurt’s suburbs. It’s a leisurely one-hour walk along the river or a shorter trip by bicycle.

Several traditional buildings survived the war and piecing them together provides a journey through the city’s history. Explore the Neo-baroque Busing palais in Busing park, the 16th century renaissance Isenburg Palace, then the facade of the neoclassical Rumpenheimer Schloss.