Frankfurt: More Than an International Airport

If you've ever visited Germany, chances are great you've arrived or departed at the Frankfurt International Airport.

Frankfurt's Airport is one of Europe's busiest and gateway to other destinations in the world. Most travelers don't spend much time in Frankfurt, but head on to other more well known tourist destinations in Germany such as Berlin, Munich or Hamburg.

However, Frankfurt has a lot to offer for the international traveler.

Apart from being the financial center of Germany, Frankfurt is also the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

In Frankfurt you'll find an eclectic mix of old and new, history and technology. Frankfurt's proper name is: Frankfurt am Main, but it also has a nickname - Mainhattan - due to its many skyscrapers.

Frankfurt - A Walkable City

From Frankfurt's airport you can easily reach the city center by train in less than an hour.

One of the best places to start exploring the city is the Haupwache, a historic underground station in Frankfurt. From the Hauptwache, you can reach the Alte Oper in an easy five minute walk.

The Alte Oper - an old opera house - hosts over 600 events yearly. In front of the Alte Oper is a large water fountain - one of the favorite places for locals to enjoy the sunshine and meet friends. Many international designers, jewelers, and delicacy stores are located around the Alte Oper, which makes for excellent shopping and sightseeing.

Frankfurt is a great city to explore on foot. But Frankfurt's transportation system is also excellent. You can take the subway, which will stop at all major attractions throughout the city.

Another must-see in Frankfurt is the Roemer

The Roemer are Gothic style patrician houses with stepped gables, built between the 15th and 18th century. The central building serves as Frankfurt's town hall, and on weekends you can often see photographers taking pictures of newlyweds at the town hall steps.

Known as the cradle of German democracy, the Paulskirche is a historic symbol for freedom. It's situated closely to the Roemer.

Close to the Paulskirche is the river Main. Here you will find the Eiserne Steg - the Iron Bridge. The Eiserne Steg is another famous sight in Frankfurt which you shouldn't miss. If you walk across, you'll arrive in charming Sachsenhausen - one of Frankfurt's most popular suburbs.

A less known Tip for Frankfurt - The Ebbelwei Express

Another way to explore Frankfurt is to take the Ebbelwei Express.

The Ebbelwei Express is an historic tram that leisurely passes many of Frankfurt's attractions. Hop on or off at any given stop, yet you'll get the most of it if you take the full tour, which takes approx. 1 hour. It operates during the weekends and serves apple wine (cider). The apple wine is called Ebbelwei - a Frankfurt specialty.

Included in the ticket (EUR6) is your choice of wine, juice or water, and pretzels. The Ebbelwei Express is a fun way to see Frankfurt and meet other travelers.

So next time you stop over at Frankfurt's International Airport, consider staying a few days in Frankfurt.