Frankfurt– The financial capital
With its tall skyscrapers, one of Europe’s biggest stock markets, the second largest airport (after London’s Heathrow) and a nightlife that rivals Berlin’s – Frankfurt is an exciting city to be in. Since the city is Germany’s financial centre, it’s visited by many business travellers, although it rivals some top tourist centres in the world when it comes to leisure travel too.
Frankfurt has numerous parks, museums and monuments that will keep you occupied for a good part of the time you’re here. Frankfurt also has a great nightlife and some chic shopping for those looking to stock up on some European fashions. There are also many classical music concerts and dance recitals playing in some or the other part of the city every day of the week.
PLACES to VISIT
- Romerberg: This historic is quintessential medieval Europe. Think stone mansions and cobbled streets. Many buildings were destroyed in the second world war but many have been reconstructed. Don’t miss to visit the world famous writer Goethe’s home which lies in the heart of the area.
- Zeil: This is Frankfurt’s glitzy shopping district, its New York equivalent of Fifth Avenue or London’s Oxford Street.
- Parks: There are numerous parks in Frankfurt, each verdant and charming. So much so that the old city walls of Frankfurt are now replaced by a botanic ring. Do visit the Palmengarten and the Benthmann Park which has Chinese gardens. Admission to the botanic gardens is 5 Euros for adults and 2 Euros for children.
- Museums: There are many here. The German Film Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Historical Museum and the Stadel Museum. Visit for a bit of ‘culture’.
TRAVEL TIPS
- The tourist office is in two locations: at the Hauptbahnhof, open Monday to Friday 8 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm; and in Römerberg 27, open Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
- The best way to travel around Frankfurt using the subway (called the U-Bahn), tram and bus.
- Frankfurt doesn’t really have any cheap hotels but you can get a good deal by comparing prices online.
BEST TIME to visit
Summer is the best time to go when the weather is mild and the temperatures average. For a more relaxed vacation, go during Spring and Fall as the temperatures are bearable this time and the crowds less.
BEST WAY to reach Frankfurt
- Air: Frankfurt is extremely well connected from the rest of the world by air. The airport is 7 km from the city centre.
- Train: The Frankfurt train station of Hauptbahnhof is one of the busiest in Europe. The arrival point for some 1,600 trains every day, Frankfurt is well connected to many countries in Europe by the rail network.
ACCOMMODATION
You might find it difficult to get any budget deals when it comes to accommodation in Frankfurt. Search thoroughly online and compare prices – you might be able to bag a good deal.