What to see in Germany

Frankfurt

Rising from the banks of the river Main, in the Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region in the centre of the country, Frankfurt is the business and financial hub of both Germany and Europe. It is home to the European Central Bank and its characteristic futuristic skyline of towers and skyscrapers give it a delightfully modern appearance. It is a city of contrasts, with its population of both wealthy bankers and vibrant young students, so a trip to Frankfurt will open up both of these worlds to visitors. The city also has a fantastic U-Bahn underground system, making travelling around the city sights simple.

Visitors who enjoy a tour of Frankfurt are often delighted by its mix of architecture but most of all its old historic centre, known as Römerberg, which is centred around the Römer Square, with charming timber-framed buildings of different colours dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. This part of Frankfurt is named after the over 600-year-old town hall, with its quirky gable facade and balcony. It is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular attractions and during the festive season, the Christmas Fair, which is set out in the square outside the town hall, enchants visitors who feel as though they have stepped back in time, being surrounded by the old buildings.

Not far from the Römer, the Eisernersteg Iron Bridge, which connects the old town to the Sachsenhausen neighbourhood, offers fantastic views across the river and the cityscape. Once across the bridge, visitors on a tour of Frankfurt will arrive in the Sachsenhausen neighbourhood where the old-world pubs serving traditional cider and ‘ebbelwoi’ apple wine are always buzzing with friendly locals and tourists alike. This part of the town is well-known for its plethora of museums, on a range of subject from architecture to institutions specialising in art, film and culture. It is a great part of the city to spend a rainy day as you can always keep dry in the jolly pubs or soak up some culture in the museums.Another highlight of Frankfurt is the Gothic Cathedral, known locally as the ‘Dom’. It dates back to the 14th century and amazes visitors with its incredibly tall tower and intricate facade. It stands out proudly in the Frankfurt skyline and is the largest religious building in the city. Lovers of history will be interested to know that it was once the location of elections for the Holy Roman Emperor and today you can climb the 95-metre high tower to admire the city from above. Other unmissable sights on a holiday to Frankfurt include the beautiful Palmengarten Botanical Gardens, home to huge greenhouses and exotic plants from around the world, and the Hauptwache, considered the modern centre of the city and where you can explore the skyscrapers and important financial buildings, such as the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.