European City Tour: Frankfurt, Germany

Part of my 2011 European travel adventures

Frankfurt (am Main) is one of the most important German cities. When it comes to banks, business and transportation, there is no other city in Germany, that could top Frankfurt's importance for Germany, as well as whole central Europe. Most German train and highway routes pass through Frankfurt and in addition, one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world is located just few miles away from Frankfurt's center.

1. My impression of Frankfurt

I have to say I'm not too crazy about Frankfurt. Compared to other German cities, it's just big, loud and a little bit intimidating. It lacks the gemütlichkeit and the charm of the old times. Frankfurt is next to Berlin one of those German cities, that had a very rough past century. The city center was almost completely destroyed by the Allied powers during the World War II and had to be rebuilt. The medieval ambiance is only felt in certain parts, the rest is not too pretty. What does stand out are some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe, most notable the 259m tall Commerzbank Tower. I didn't have a lot of time to explore the city. The photos below are impressions of one afternoon and evening.

2. My photos of Frankfurt

From Bahnhofsviertel to the city center. The high rise is called Westendtower (208m).

Frankfurt is home to a lot of Turks and people from all over the world.

The 264m tall Commerzbank Tower on the left and the 148m tall Eurotower on the right.

Occupy Frankfurt movement infront of the Eurotower, which inhabits the ECB.

The 155m tall Deutsche Bank Twin Towers.

Goetheplatz.

Goetheplatz.

Roßmarkt with food and drinks typical for the Christmas time.

This street is called Die Zeil, it's Frankfurt's largest pedestrian street.

Die Zeil once more.

I ate a German sausage here - how cliched.

I spotted the Frankfurt Cathedral and had to check it out.

The church, also known as Saint Bartholomeus's Cathedral, is truly impressive.

Its origins date back to the 13th century. I love the clock.

The huge Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, main railway station.

The inside is covered by a huge roof.

The very popular Frankfurt Christmas market.

3. Frankfurt in conclusion

I guess Frankfurt is one of those cities, that gradually grow on you. I've been there twice and it looked a little better to me the second time, but it's still by far not a city I would visit during my holidays. For that I'd rather choose Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin or Munich. I haven't see much outside the Bahnhofsviertel and the Innenstadt, that's why I'm not the most objective source on Frankfurt, but I still hope that you liked some of my impressions.