Frankfurt

The city of Frankfurt offers a refreshing blend of traditional and modern textures in an urban setting. Skyscrapers glimmer behind historic timber wood houses and designer stores line the streets between ancient cathedrals. Over a half a million people reside in Frankfurt, but they are mostly immigrants and business people who drift into the city for a while and then travel to their next destination. A city of constant movement, transport and change, it’s no shock that Frankfurt is home to the largest stock exchange on the continent of Europe. Although there are plenty of historical attractions to visit during your stay, this section outlines some of the less traditional activities to explore while in Frankfurt.

Must-See Attractions

Palmengarten was created in 1869 to protect the Duke of Nassau’s ever-growing plant collection. Today, the glass structures of the Palmengarten are home to thousands of exotic plants. Visitors can wander the aisles of this botanical masterpiece alone or by guided tour. In the summer, the Palmengarten is a popular venue for concerts and festivals, so chances are good that there will be an event during your stay. Some of the most popular attractions are the Festival of Lights in June, the Autumn Festival in September and the Orchid Festival in October. For more information about Palmengarten, visit www.palmengarten.frankfurt.de/englisch/englisch.htm.

If the festivals and outdoor concerts at the Palmengarten sparked your interest, consider attending an event at the Nokia Night of the Proms. In Europe, this is one of the most anticipated events of the year and it usually lasts from mid-October to the end of December. The Nokia Night of the Proms is recognized as the only music venue to combine the art and ambience of classical music with the energy and popularity of pop. Famous pop icons such as Meat Loaf and Chris de Burgh unite with the Novecento Orchestra, Fine Fleur Choir, and the Electric Band to perform hit pop singles laced with classical undertones. Visit www.notp.com for more information about admission prices and dates.

If you are vacationing with the family or simply love to learn, visit Zoo Frankfurt for an interactive zoo experience. This zoo offers many exhibits, including the Big Cat Jungle, without the hindrance of bars and chain link fences. These exhibits separate animals from visitors with a clear pane of glass or water-filled ditches to give onlookers an up-close and personal experience. Enjoy animals from all regions of the world as you stroll along the zoo’s neatly designed grounds. Visit http://www.zoo-frankfurt.de/index_e.htm for more information.

Best Place to Stay

This guide recommends the Maritim Hotel Frankfurt for your accommodation needs while in the city. This establishment is classified as a luxury hotel and is conveniently located in the middle of Frankfurt. While this hotel is in close proximity to the fairgrounds and the historic Festhalle event center, you can also enjoy ample shopping, restaurants and entertainment in the surrounding areas.