Frankfurt, officially known as Frankfurt am Main, is the fifth biggest city in the whole of Germany and the largest city in the state of Hessen. Frankfurt is nestled along the Main River, and is touted as the hub of the German financial and transportation industries. It houses the Federal Bank of Germany, the European Central Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Trade Fair.
Visitors are greeted by a busy airport, which also happens to be the biggest employer in the region. Frankfurt Airport is, in fact, the second largest airport in Europe, with traffic reaching up to 50 million people annually. The Frankfurt Central Station, on the other hand, is among the biggest major stations in Europe. Finally, the Frankfurter Kreuz is considered as a major artery that winds into continental Europe.
Among other German cities, it is Frankfurt that is undoubtedly modern and the most business-like. It is lined with skyscrapers filled with expatriates and Germans alike that come to Frankfurt to pursue their businesses or their careers. But not all that happens in Frankfurt has something to do with business. Frankfurt is also home to major events such as book fairs, consumer goods expos, and musical instrument fairs that happen annually. Frankfurt showcases its rich culture, history and tradition via its many museums. To balance out the old school charm, modernism comes alive at night, via Frankfurt’s lively clubbing scene.
If you want to experience Frankfurt the way most tourists do, you can schedule your visit at around the same time as the festivals. But beyond the festivals, Frankfurt—when it’s quiet—is also a great place to unwind for a break from the city or for a vacation that is longer than a weekend.
For tourists who feel like seeing the sights of Frankfurt, a good place to start is the Main Tower. The 200-meter tall Main Tower is the city’s highest view deck. You can drink in the breathtaking view of the city below from this spot, while enjoying dinner and cocktails in the resto-bar on the 53rd bar. From there, you can choose what you want to do: relax in a botanical garden, hit the museums, check out the 14th-century architectural wonders, or experience local color in one of the bohemian villages.
Anything is possible in Frankfurt. All you need is a steady supply of wanderlust, an open mind, and tireless feet and you can see the different worlds within this city that is bursting at the seams.