If Frankfurt is the gateway to Europe, just what exactly do you get when you arrive? This German city has been and will continue to be a fascinating city for all. It is the business heart of Germany, but it is quickly being recognized for its other attractions, making it a must-visit European city.

   

Get right into the heart of it all at Römerberg, the old center of Frankfurt. You’ll gaze at the historical buildings dating back to the 14th century; few originals remain after the destruction of WWII, but many have been rebuilt. This picturesque place is where large trade fairs were held, since its wide, open space is perfect for setting up shop. Even hundreds of years ago, Frankfurt was becoming an international capital, drawing merchants since the 12th century from Italy and France.

Frankfurt is not only the financial capital of Germany, but also of the European Union. The European Central Bank calls Frankfurt home and is the place where price stability is maintained within the Eurozone. The building may not be open to the public, but you can at least shop for souvenirs at the gift shop. The best souvenir is a typically touristy photograph in front of the recognizable and large neon Euro sign in front of the entrance.

 

Get your Economic textbooks out and recall what market trends are. If numbers aren’t your thing, just remember that the bull market and the bear market describe upward and downward market trends, respectively. Without going into extreme technical analyses, these terms are visually embodied at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Say hello to the statues of the symbolic bull and bear at the entrance. You can also find a similar bull in New York City, also located in the Financial District.

 

Frankfurt is such a walkable city that you’ll find no problem walking over the Eiserner Seg, or the Iron Bridge. This pedestrian bridge was built in 1869 and has stood the test of time. It links the historical Old City Center with the modern Sachsenhausen area known for its restaurants, pubs and museums. Walk over the bridge at sunset for stunning views of the skyline and the Main River. The bridge itself is also picture worthy with its shiny iron exterior contrasted against the lit up skyline on the water.

A view from the top is always best, especially at the Main Tower in Frankfurt. Frankfurt is nicknamed “Mainhattan” after Manhattan in New York City for its skyline of modern buildings. The Main Tower may not be the tallest, but this high rise is the only one with a public observatory platform at 200 meters. The views are just as good during the day as they are at night. You’ll be able to spot all of the famous attractions and also watch the city come to light in the evening.

Photos: irenetong, stripeybaz, deepfrozen, 25831000@N08