Situated on the River Main and the fifth largest city in Germany, Frankfurt is a hub for many global and European corporate headquarters and has one of the busiest airports in the world. Because of its status, there are plenty of things going on in the city for visitors, including the biennial International Motor Show (most recently held in September 2019) which has been running since the late 1800s, Musikmesse, the biggest music industry trade fair in Europe which next takes place early April 2020, and the annual Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world’s largest trade fair for books.
Image Credit: Matthias Ripp
Top sights in the city:
- Paulskirche - This church served as the seat for the first German national assembly in 1848. Today it is used as a venue for various presentations and events
- Domturm - Frankfurt Cathedral’s tower is open to the public and offers a beautiful panorama from 66 above over the city.
- New Old Town - After years of reconstruction, the area between the Römer City Hall and the Emperors’ Cathedral is now completed. Here visitors can enjoy a shopping spree, relaxing with a coffee, or exploring a museum in this reclaimed part of the city’s history.
- Historic Old Town of Römerberg - This area was rebuilt to match the original plans in 1986, showcasing the traditional half-timbered architecture from days of yore.
- Römer - The three-gabled City Hall has served as the seat of the Lord Mayor since 1405. It’s formed of two former houses, Römer and Goldener Schwan, and the Emperor’s Hall, built in 1612, is a venue for receptions and ceremonies up to this day.
- Main Tower - Completed in 2000, the rooftop observation platform standing at 200 metres above the Frankfurt streets offers spectacular views of the city and the region.
- The Zeil - The pedestrian promenade is a shopper’s paradise with department stores, big High Street names and speciality shops. MyZeil shopping centre is home to numerous retailers behind an impressive curved glass facade.
- River cruises on the Main - Numerous river cruises are available which provide an alternative view of Frankfurt’s impressive skyline.
- River cruises on the Rhine - Day trips to the Rhine River valley are a popular excursion from Frankfurt. Travel through the Loreley Valley to St Goar and St Goarhausen, an area inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The valley is covered by vineyards and you can spot a castle every few minutes.
- Frankfurt Stock Exchange - This is one of the most important financial and banking centres in Europe. The Visitors’ Centre offers introductory tours and a chance to view the trading floor, but you’ll need to register in advance.
Image Credit: Lars Steffens
At this time of year, the traditional Christmas Market is also an incredibly popular destination and draw to the city. It’s one of the largest in all of Germany and can be found in the historic quarter. It’s taken place in the city for over 600 years.
As well as the expected Christmas market treats of baked apples, roasted nuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine, Frankfurt’s market has developed its own specialities: rectangular Brenten and mounded Bettmännchen are based on baked marzipan mixes, and Quetschemännchen are figures made of prunes and nuts. Enjoy them at the base of the 30 metre high Christmas tree, listening to the trumpets and bells emanating from St Nicholas’ Church.
Image Credit: Kiefer
Title Image Credit: Sergei Gussev (Image Cropped)