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'Must-See', top attractions

Frankfurt, the city of contrasts

Frankfurt am Main, the metropolis at the heart of Europe, is defined by stimulating contrasts of tradition and modernity, trade and culture, business and tranquility. The famous international trade fairs held here, the financial business conducted, the city’s cultural scene and its accessible location all contribute to Frankfurt’s metropolitan reputation.

Skyscrapers

Frankfurt’s famed skyline features more skyscrapers than any other German city. Its formation and rapid expansion is largely due to the presence of many national and international banks which, alongside the stock exchange, the head office of the German Federal Bank and the European Central Bank, have turned the city into Germany’s premier financial centre.
Furthermore, Frankfurt is the leading service sector location, as evidenced by the Commerzbank skyscraper which, at 259 metres (not counting the 40-metre antenna) is Europe’s tallest office high-rise. Frankfurt’s skyline is ever-changing – the newest skyscrapers are already under construction and many more are in the design stages. One of the most notable attractions is the Main Tower, built by the Hamburg company Schweger and Partner and one of the first skyscrapers open to the general public. The Main Tower, which opened in the banking district in April 2000, offers a restaurant on the 53rd floor and a spectacular and panoramic observation platform on the 55th floor - 200 metres above Frankfurt.
Frankfurt´s urban development plan promises the competion of two new and spectacular high-rise projects in the coming years. The first of the two, a 150-metre-tall structure, will be the new home of the European Central Bank, while the second high-rise, bearing the name “FrankfurtHochVier” (or “FrankfurtTimesFour”), will be a combination office building, shopping mall, relaxation and activity venue.

The Dome

When Frankfurt was born, none of these developments were even hinted at. The former Roman city “Nida”, later part of the Carolingian Palatinate, emerged from the depths of history on the 22nd of February 794, to be mentioned in official documents as Frankfurt. The occasion was a convention of great significance for the whole of Europe - a German Empire synod held by Charlemagne. The city was named francono furd after its geographical location, being situated near a natural ford close to where the Main river meets the Rhine - right at the heart of the Franconian Empire.

Römer

Although never a bishop seat, Frankfurt’s Dom, or cathedral, was the place where German kings were chosen from 1356 onwards; German Emperors were also crowned there some 200 years later. The banquets that followed were held in the imperial hall or Römer, a building complex consisting of three half-timbered merchant houses. In 1405, the city purchased the complex and converted it to the town hall. Ever since, the three-gabled silhouette of the building has been the symbol of the city. Even today, Frankfurt’s city council - an elected municipal parliament - holds its meetings here. As far back as the Middle Ages, fairs and markets took place inside the town hall’s Römerhallen and on the Römerberg outside. Today, the Römerberg is in the heart of the old town centre and a popular tourist destination. And the Römerhallen are still in demand as a venue for a large variety of events.

St. Paul’s Church

Not far from the Römer is the St. Paul’s Church, where the first German National Assembly was held in 1848. Since then, the church has been known as the cradle of German democracy.

Museums

Due mainly to the 14 museums located on both sides of the Main, Frankfurt has developed a reputation as a significant cultural centre. The museum embankment represents a unique synthesis of renowned exhibition culture and far-sighted city planning. Several 19th century buildings worthy of preservation were gutted and given a new lease of life; their exteriors are still a characteristic feature of the riverbank. Many of the newer buildings and extensions are true architectural gems, designed by internationally renowned architects. The Museum of Modern Art, designed by Viennese architect Hans Hollein, is one such gem, the building being shaped like a slice of cake. Other highlights from Frankfurt’s range of museums are the German Architecture Museum and the Museum of Communication.

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Events, Cultural Life in Frankfurt

With its healthy budget for cultural events - unusually high for German local authorities - the city has been able to fund not only opera, ballet and theatre productions, but also numerous private theatres. Another symbol of Frankfurt’s commitment to culture is the Concert and Congress Centre Alte Oper Frankfurt, rebuilt after the Second World War to return it to its original Italian Renaissance style. The university, founded in 1914, carries the name of Frankfurt’s most famous son, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

More: Annual major events
  - more Web Addresses (e.g. Performing Arts) to be found on the 'Frankfurt Portal Page'

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

He was born in Frankfurt on the 28th of August 1749, spending the early part of his life here. His birthplace is one of Frankfurt’s most popular tourist attractions, and in 1997 the Goethe House was extended to also include the Goethe Museum.

FRA -- Frankfurt Airport

As the home of continental Europe’s largest airport (renamed Fraport AG after listing on the stock exchange in 2001), biggest passenger train station and a major overland traffic hub, Frankfurt is easily reached from within Germany and further afield. As organisers and participants at international congresses are pleased to confirm, more tourists and business travellers from other countries visit Frankfurt than any other German city.

Trade Fair Frankfurt (Messe Frankfurt) with its world-class fairs like the IAA (International Motor Show)

Thanks to its favourable traffic connections, Frankfurt is one of Europe’s oldest trading centres north of the Alps. The first trade fairs are known to have taken place here as early as the 11th century. Today, 10 centuries later, Frankfurt is one of the world’s most significant trade fair locations. Kaiser Friedrich II declared it the world's first trade fair city by way of imperial privilege in 1240.

Messe Frankfurt, the city’s trade fair organisation, can therefore trace 750 years of history and tradition. These days, the expo grounds west of the city provide the enormous national and international trade fairs held in Frankfurt with 475,000 sq/m of exhibition space in ten large halls. The best-known and most popular fairs are the Frankfurt Book Fair and the International Automotive Exhibition (IAA).

Bank and Business District Downtown

As the seat of the European Central Bank, Frankfurt’s claim to the status of a leading financial centre is strengthened by the fact that 229 of the 332 banks represented here (194 of these being foreign banks) have chosen to have their headquarters in the Main metropolis. Although the number of foreign banks has decreased noticeably over the last few years, this can mostly be attributed to mergers.

Frankfurt is also Germany’s advertising capital. Its creative thinkers come up with a sizeable chunk of the advertising slogans that entice us every day. Around 1,000 advertising and communications businesses responsible for product marketing and image development are based in Frankfurt.

Shopping, Seasonal Evnts, Suburbs & more

In contrast to the busy inner-city life and its internationally renowned shopping opportunities, the rural-style suburbs with their romantic half-timbered houses offer an idyllic village atmosphere that typifies German Gemütlichkeit, or cosiness.

After a day’s shopping in Frankfurt, an enjoyable evening can be had in a traditional apple wine pub in the Sachsenhausen district, or maybe at one of the countless jazz and live music venues. During summer, the popular street festivals come highly recommended. In the winter, a stroll across the traditional Christmas market on the Römerberg is not be missed.

A highlight on Frankfurt’s annual events calendar is the Museum Embankment Festival held in August – a spectacle of top-flight arts and culture. During the ‘Sound of Frankfurt’ music festival, thousands of cheerful young people party all night to an exhilarating array of well-known DJs on multiple stages playing techno, house, rock, rap and Latin American music.

Day Trips

Frankfurt is also an ideal base for day trips: the mountainous forest landscapes of the Taunus, Spessart and Odenwald regions are easily reached by car, public transport and even boat. The romantic Rheingau area, with its picturesque castles and vineyards, and famous cities like Heidelberg, Wiesbaden and Mainz, are also ideal destinations for relaxing holiday jaunts.

City Tour with the Ebbelwei-Express

The Ebbelwei Express is a tram tour through the city while you are enjoying a glass of Apple Wine and Pretzels. Don't miss it.
Please find the web link in our "Frankfurt Attractions" listings, see link further below.

Official web sites of Frankfurt attractions, sights, must-see's

Web site directory: Frankfurt attractions

Museums