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Frankfurt, located in central Germany, is the fifth-largest city in the country by population and one of the most important financial centers in Europe.
As of recent estimates, Frankfurt has a population of approximately 760,000 people within its city limits, while the entire metropolitan area, known as the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region, is home to over 5.5 million residents.
The city covers an area of approximately 96 square miles (248 square kilometers), making it a compact urban center with a dense population.
Despite its relatively small size compared to other major global cities, Frankfurt plays a significant role in global finance, commerce, culture, and transportation, thanks to its central location and efficient infrastructure.
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While Frankfurt, Germany is renowned for its modern skyline dominated by skyscrapers and its role as a financial hub, the real gem of the city lies in its historic core. The historic part of Frankfurt, centered around Römerberg and the surrounding Altstadt (Old Town), showcases the city's rich history dating back over a thousand years.
No visit to historic Frankfurt is complete without a stop at Römer, the city's iconic town hall. This stunning medieval building, with its distinctive stepped gables and picturesque façade, has been at the center of Frankfurt's history for centuries.
Inside, you'll find the Kaisersaal, a lavishly decorated banquet hall where numerous imperial elections took place. The Römerplatz, surrounded by quaint half-timbered houses, is a delightful square where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal while soaking in the historic ambiance.
For architecture and history enthusiasts, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, commonly known as the Kaiserdom, is a must-visit. This imposing Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 14th century, has witnessed coronations of emperors and served as the venue for important historical events.
Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city, and explore the interior to marvel at its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate sculptures.
Frankfurt's Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) is a cultural haven along the banks of the River Main. This district boasts a remarkable concentration of museums, many of them housed in grand historic buildings.
You can explore art, archaeology, film, and even an extensive collection of antique artifacts at the Liebieghaus. The Städel Museum, one of Germany's most important art museums, offers an impressive array of European masterpieces. A leisurely stroll along the Museumsufer allows you to soak in art and history at your own pace.
Crossing the river to Sachsenhausen, you'll discover another layer of Frankfurt's history. This charming district is known for its traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns and half-timbered houses.
Whether you're interested in architecture, art, or simply soaking in the ambiance of centuries-old streets, Frankfurt's historic core promises an enchanting and educational adventure.
One of the standout highlights of historic Frankfurt is Römerberg, the charming and historic square at the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town).
The name of this main square in Frankfurt's Old Town translates to "Roman Mountain."
Römerberg is a picturesque ensemble of beautifully restored medieval buildings with distinctive stepped gables, including the iconic Römer, Frankfurt's city hall since the 15th century.
This square has been a focal point of Frankfurt's civic and social life for centuries, hosting markets, and fairs.
Today, it is still a center of cultural activity for the city, surrounded by cafes, shops, and museums, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich history and architectural heritage of Frankfurt.
When visiting historic Frankfurt, be sure to indulge in a cappuccino at one of the charming local coffee shops scattered throughout the city.
For me, one of the my favorites to do while traveling is taking the time to sit down and truly savor the moment. There's something special about finding a little cozy café, especially one with a beautiful view, where you can unwind and observe life happening around you.
It's also the perfect time and setting to check in with family or look back through your pictures from the day.
The airport code for Frankfurt, Germany is FRA, and it is an international airport known for its large size and extensive global connectivity.
Here you can access the map for the airport!
The addition of "am Main," meaning "on the Main," refers to the river that flows through the heart of the city. This distinction not only helps geographically, especially when discussing locations or directions within Germany, but also adds a sense of uniqueness and historical context to the name.
However, it can create all kinds of confusion if you're not a native German speaker. I got totally confused coming into Frankfurt on the train and thought I had arrived at the train station when I was actually in the airport. Yes, it was that confusing!
Eventually, I figured it out! Yep, it was after a lot more time had elapsed than I'd like to share!
Unlike the Hauptbahnhof, which is centrally located in the city, the airport is situated a bit farther away, around 6 miles southwest of the downtown and historic part of Frankfurt.
Frankfurt's central train station is called Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (often abbreviated as Frankfurt Hbf). It is one of the largest and busiest train stations in Europe, let alone Frankfurt itself.
Located in the heart of the city, it serves as a major transportation hub connecting local and regional trains, as well as international routes across Europe.
The station is expansive, with multiple levels and platforms catering to various train services.
The walk from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central train station) to the historic part of Frankfurt typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your pace
Alternatively, you can also take a short tram ride or use other public transport options (such as Uber) from near the station to reach the historic part of Frankfurt quickly and conveniently.
I do recommend either taking the tram or calling an Uber. The central station area (Bahnhofsviertel) is known for its red light district, and the area right near the central station is not the safest. Try to avoid being at the station or around this area late at night, especially if you are traveling alone.
