Three places in Frankfurt only insiders know about

Combining the rich culinary history of the Alps with techno music, restaurant and bar Heidi's dishes up the best of both worlds. Copper pendant lamps and reclaimed wood touches are unexpected accents in the interior. A seasonal menu featuring fondue and sausages celebrates Europe’s highest and largest mountain range, washed down with signature cocktails infused with home-brewed ginger beer. Some of Germany’s most renowned electronic DJs are tapped for a revolving calendar of events, which also includes dance performances, and a monthly brunch with bottle service.

There’s no party quite like a pontoon party, and Freigut’s MS Wodan, a 70-year-old barge cleaned up for the task, is the perfect platform. A 5,800-square-foot hybrid between snack bar and event location, Freigut has a dressed up half with lounge seating and a more casual space serving burgers and sausages. Even when there are private parties on in the formal area, the snack bar remains open to the public.  Don’t worry about the weather, you’re protected by sun and rain-resistant awnings. Both halves of Freigut deliver amazing views of the Frankfurt skyline, and the historic wrought iron Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) is just 30 feet away.

Cocktail haven Kinly Bar repeatedly lands on lists of the best bars in the world – so more than Frankfurt takes note when gastro entrepreneurs René Soffner and Radu Rosetti open something new.  Black Dog Temperance Society is an independent 70-seat establishment dominated by a 23-foot-long dark cherry wood bar counter positioned so you’re at eye-level with the bartender. That’s purposeful. The highly specialized mixology is a show to be observed. For instance, a salted caramel and cheesecake flavoured cocktail isn’t the creamy dessert drink you might imagine: it arrives crystal clear instead.

Discover Absolut hotspots hand selected by Time Out editors from around the world in London, Sydney, Melbourne and Berlin. Then, sign up to the Travellers Exchange to share your own favourites.