Frankfurt am Main (German: Frankfurt am Main) is one of the largest cities in Germany, located in the southwest of the country near the central region. It is the capital of the state of Hesse. Frankfurt am Main is one of Europe’s leading business and financial hubs, hosting the headquarters of the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The city’s airport is the third-largest in Europe, serving over 50 million passengers annually. Additionally, Frankfurt hosts the annual International Motor Show, one of the largest automotive exhibitions in the world, as well as the renowned Frankfurt Book Fair.
Frankfurt am Main stands out strikingly among most German cities with its ultra-modern skyline, excellent infrastructure, and skyscrapers. Its historic appearance was largely lost during the bombings of World War II. Interestingly, Frankfurt is one of the most expensive cities to live in Germany. The city’s economy is driven by financial institutions, trade fairs, and transportation. Frankfurt is also a major educational and commercial center.
The River Main
The city stretches along both banks of the River Main, with the historic center located on the northern shore. Geographically, it lies in the Upper Rhine region. Frankfurt has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature exceeds 10 °C (50 °F), with over 600 mm of precipitation per year. Summers are comfortably warm, while winters rarely see temperatures drop below freezing. Snow cover lasts no more than a couple of weeks per year.
History & Interesting Facts
Roman settlements existed near the historic Römer district as early as the 1st century AD. The city’s foundation was linked to an ancient river crossing, with “Frankfurt” literally meaning “ford of the Franks.” The first written mention of the city dates back to 794 during the reign of Charlemagne.
Frankfurt quickly became a key center of the Holy Roman Empire. From the late 9th century, kings, and emperors were elected here and crowned in Aachen. Between 1562 and 1792, coronations took place in Frankfurt am Main.
The historic city center
The first trade fair was held in 1150. In 1240, Frankfurt received imperial privileges, and in 1372, it became a free imperial city. During the Thirty Years’ War, the city remained neutral but suffered from a plague epidemic. Interestingly, during the Napoleonic Wars, Frankfurt was occupied multiple times by French troops but retained its rights and freedoms until the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. After the 19th-century revolution, the first German Parliament was established here. Later, the city became part of Prussia.
World War II left deep scars on Frankfurt. Bombings destroyed much of the historic center and old districts. Only a few historic buildings were restored post-war, leaving the old Frankfurt visible only in paintings, old photos, and engravings.
How to Get There
Frankfurt am Main is the heart of central Germany and a major national transport hub, making it easily accessible.
Frankfurt Airport is the third-largest in Europe (after London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle) and the ninth-largest globally. It connects the city to nearly all major destinations worldwide, featuring multiple terminals and cutting-edge facilities.
Frankfurt am Main
From the airport, you can reach the city center via taxi, bus 61 (to Südbahnhof), or suburban trains S-Bahn (lines S8 and S9) to Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
Frankfurt has several train stations: Hauptbahnhof, Airport, and Südbahnhof. At Hauptbahnhof, you can purchase 5- or 10-day travel passes for trains across Germany.
The city is also connected via multiple autobahns.
Important: If traveling by car, avoid rush hour. Traffic jams—even on highways—can be massive (by German standards).
Boats on the River Main
For city transport, use the U-Bahn (metro), trams, and buses. S-Bahn lines connect the city with the airport and suburbs. Metro stations are marked with a blue “U,” while S-Bahn stations have a green “S.” Bus tickets can be bought from drivers; metro/tram tickets are available at station vending machines. Frankfurt uses a zonal fare system, with single-ride, day, and group tickets available.
Hotels & Hostels in Frankfurt
Shopping
Frankfurt am Main is one of Germany’s best shopping destinations, offering everything from luxury brands to affordable discount stores. The main shopping street is Zeil, one of Europe’s busiest, lined with shops and malls. Nearby areas like Liebfrauenstraße, Schillerstraße, and Kaiserstrasse are also popular. Schweizer Straße features traditional souvenir shops and local goods.
Food & Drinks
Frankfurt offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options, from high-end restaurants to budget-friendly cafés. For food, visit Grosse Bockenheimer Straße; for nightlife, explore Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim, Bornheim, or Nordend.
Panoramic view of Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt’s trade fair tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the city hosts numerous internationally significant fairs, festivals, and exhibitions. The Messe Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest exhibition centers, home to events like the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair in October.
Landmarks & Attractions
Many of Frankfurt’s historic sites and medieval buildings were destroyed or damaged during WWII, altering the city’s historic character. However, traces of its past remain.
Römerberg – Frankfurt’s historic center
The Römer district is the historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring buildings from the 14th–15th centuries, many of which were destroyed in the war. The Römer City Hall, built in the 14th century, is a highlight of the old market square.
One of the most beautiful religious structures is the medieval St. Nicholas Church, first mentioned in the 13th century and rebuilt in Gothic style in the 15th century.
St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral is Frankfurt’s largest religious building, constructed in the 14th–15th centuries. This Gothic cathedral features a 95-meter tower and was the site where 30 Holy Roman Emperors were elected and 10 crowned.
St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church, a Protestant church from the late 18th century, holds great national significance as the seat of Germany’s first Parliament.
Old St. Justin’s Church
Other notable religious sites include the city’s oldest building, Old St. Justin’s Church (9th century), and St. Catherine’s Church, the main Protestant church, built in the late 17th century.
Frankfurt’s skyscrapers
Frankfurt’s skyscrapers are iconic, including the Commerzbank Tower, one of Europe’s tallest at nearly 300 meters. The best views are north of Schweizer Platz.
Frankfurt also offers a rich cultural scene, from museums and exhibitions to theaters.
Marseille: Where Antiquity Meets Modernity Under the Southern Sun
Marseille is more than just a travel destination—it’s a living history infused with diverse cultures. Every stone in the Old Port carries memories of ancient Greeks, while the narrow streets of Le Panier still echo with medieval trade.
This southern French giant dazzles with contrasts: grand basilicas stand beside Arab quarters, luxury yachts dock near old fishing boats, and the aroma of bouillabaisse mingles with spices from local markets. Marseille doesn’t try to please everyone—it simply lives, as genuine and open as the Mediterranean sun.
If Paris symbolizes France’s heart, Marseille is its soul. This soul resonates in the rhythm of waves that have crashed against its stone quays for over 2,500 years.
