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 | Frankfurt - Old-fashioned modernity |
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Being one of the most important communication and traffic junctions of Germany, Frankfurt is a modern though traditional city with a pulsating life in most imaginable ways. My first visit to this contrasting city, though, was characterised by disappointment and confusion. Although everybody knows that Frankfurt is a modern banking centre with skyscrapers hosting the offices of the best known banks and companies, it was a sort of a shock to walk through a forest of glass and steel. Impressive but also back-breaking was the impression this huge modern buildings had. Embedded and only some steps away from these huge giants, the Old Town is located.
One of the most important attractions is without doubt the Römer, which is Frankfurt’s city hall and counts already over 600 years. From here it is easy to reach the shores of the river Main which is covered by numerous bridges of different value. The Eiserne Steg, a steel construction which was finished in 1896 and connects the Old Town with the part of Sachsenhausen, is arguably the most popular. From this bridge one can enjoy a nice view over the Museumsufer and Frankfurt’s skyline. This area of Frankfurt is often crowded when the city celebrates one of its many parties such as the Museumsuferfest, Sound of Frankfurt or the “Museum’s Night”. Then the shores of the Main are packed with people and there is nearly no escape. Being stuck on the bridge between thousands of people is nothing for delicate minds but nevertheless an experience that is worth being made. Thousands of lights, sounds and smells enrich the atmosphere, big screens on skyscrapers present movies or pictures and fireworks light up the sky. During the Museum’s Night most of Frankfurt’s museums open their doors and can be visited with a pre-purchased ticket that is valid for all attractions in the city during that night. And as Frankfurt has so many of them, it is worth to make a choice before starting off into the night because without it you will be completely lost and disoriented.
Apart from its festivals, Frankfurt offers a lot for party lovers and night owls. As the city itself, the nightlife combines traditional taverns and pubs with hot spot clubs and the latest scene cafes. No matter if techno, lounge, rock, jazz, blues or hit charts there is something for everybody. Going out in Frankfurt is deeply rooted and very varied. Also restaurants offer a wide range of food that leaves no wishes open. Thanks to the many nationalities that come together in this metropolis the cuisine is influenced by different tastes and spices. But also traditional afflicted people don’t need to starve as Frankfurt also offers many old taverns with traditional German cuisine and the popular apple wine. But also other wine is worth being tasted as the region around Frankfurt has some excellent white wines with perfectly match with the rather heavy food of the German kitchen.
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As mentioned before, Frankfurt is a communication and traffic junction with an excellent public transport system. Underground trains and S-Bahn take passengers across the borders of the city to Mainz, Darmstadt, Wiesbaden and others. Trams and busses are also a good alternative to the very often crowded metro lines. The point where everything comes together is the Hauptwache in the city centre or the Main Train station from where numerous trains go to most of the European cities. Fully developed with numerous shops and food stores the train station provides nearly everything that is needed for a successful journey or just a desire for something sweet. Also very impressive is the airport which is only 15 minutes train journey away from the main train station. Perfectly equipped and spread over two big terminals the airport is the 2nd biggest airport in Europe. More than 110 airline companies fly to over 330 national and international destinations.
But despite all the advantages and immense impressions Frankfurt leaves on people, it is a city of contrast and changes, presenting poverty and wealth, modernity and old world quality, German traditions and foreign customs right in front of your eyes. And sometimes the contrast is a little too big as that it can wipe off the disappointment of the first impression.
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