When you first arrive in Germany, you're most likely to arrive at Frankfurt am Mains international airport. Your initial thoughts might include, "where do I go next?" ,"what should I see first?" , and "where is the bathroom?!" Frankfurt am Mains international airport will undoubtedly have someone kind enough to lead you on your way as it has more than 40,000 employees working there. The area surrounding the airport since it's resurrection has become it's own city with it's own rules and regulations. The city includes a variety of stores for last minute shopping or browsing on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Through the airport there is conveniently a system for long distance railway travel. The local train known as the S BAHN can take you to such places as Munich, Cologne, or Hamburg among others. While waiting for your train you might enjoy some downtime at a casino, have drinks at a bar, or if you have more "adult" pleasures in mind there are bordelos and brothels for your convenience.
If you arrived at Frankfurt am Main to enjoy the multitude of pleasures specifically in Frankfurt there is of course a train that will take you directly into the heart of the city within around 15 minutes. From the moment you walk off the platform there is a barrage of artistic architecture. Frankfurt's skyline is unique for Europe with more than 30 skyscrapers. Among the largest and first noticeable would be Commerce Bank and Deutsche Bank headquarters-so should you need to change money and forgot to at the airport you'll have an opportunity once you arrive in the city.
The city center "ZEIL" is one of Germany's longest shopping districts. The area is blocked off for pedestrians to walk freely without concern for cars or other motor vehicles to encroach upon their pause for pictures and window shopping. As interesting as the skyscrapers may be, back through the streets there is much entertainment to be thrilled by. There are sporadic entertainers strewn through the street, who perform for your entertainment and would most appreciate any donation you might offer. The performers range from artists painting your portrait to painting the sidewalk, as well as musicians. The shopping area has a range of stores depending on your budget as well as kiosks for those of you looking to buy souvenirs. Should you be interested in the finer things there is a section walking distance from the ZEIL known as the Goethe StraBe which offers luxurious boutiques for those with more extravagant taste.
If you're looking for a cultural getaway you need not look far while in Frankfurt. The ZEIL is privy to a movie theater that exclusively plays films from the 50s to the 80s. There is also an Opera house known as Alter Oper that was built in 1880 and reconstructed in the 1960s to be used as a concert hall. If you're interest in history Frankfurt has a story to tell. The oldest and largest Lutheran church is set in Frankfurt. In St. Paul's church the first declaration of right was signs and it's first parliament was formed and held. Hitler was also sworn in as Reichskanzler there. West of St. Paul's Church is the birth house of famous German writer and polymath Johan Wolfgang von Goethe. Goethe's works span the fields of poetry, drama, literature, theology, philosophy, humanism, and science.
When crossing the river Main to Sachsenhausen, located on the south side of Frankfurt you might enjoy a pint at a village pub of a Frankfurt specialty "Apfelwein," (a delicious cider concoction) with some traditional German meals like rouladen or jaeger schnitzel. Your stomach will be full and your heart warmed by the polite nature of your surroundings. You'll have a great opportunity to walk it all off while visiting one of the many convenient museums ranging from art to history in the area. Every museum has something new and exciting to offer. You can spend days enjoying all the varieties as you learn of Germany and international cultural histories and artistic paradigms.
Before leaving Frankfurt city make sure take a trip, especially with the little ones to the Frankfurt Zoo. There you'll be able to enjoy a close encounter of the furry kind when visiting the animals. The Frankfurt zoo in some areas is more open to the public than Zoo's in the United States. The enclosures are wide and deep allowing the animals more range to walk around and socialize, but while having them in the open so that as a visitor you can feel more involved in your experience there. There are ponies to pet should you want to be more hands on. There are plenty of rest stops through the paths, and rest areas should you want or need to take a break and watch the animals for a while.
If you're visiting during August don't miss out on the 3 day festival in the city, the Museumsuferfest (Museums Riverbank Festival). As one of Germany's largest cultural festivals it can attract more than 3 million visitors a day. The festival includes numerous attractions including; live-bands, dance shows, several booths for crafts, jewelry, clothes and food from all around the world. If that weren't enough to make your eyes pop with excitement there is a fantastic firework display culminating the festival proceedings.
For those of you with a sweet tooth take a trip on Frankfurt's railways to Cologne and visit Cologne's own, Cologne Chocolate Museum. There you'll be privy to the warm aroma of chocolate that envelopes the building. With 2,000 exhibits and a 3,000 year span of chocolate history, you'll start by salivating over the 3 meter high chocolate fountain located near the entrance-what's even more delicious is that visitors are welcome to dip a waffle or treat of their liking into the fountain to start their savory journey.
If luscious chocolate hasn't soothed your sense, or luxury to you is leather throughout an Aston Martin, take a drive to Frankfurt's infamous auto show. There you can envelope yourself in the smooth shine of the newest models of your favorite auto lines. Since the auto show is an annual event there is always something new to see, making a trip that will continue to entertain for years to come.
From the moment you land to the moment you leave, Frankfurt has your senses engulfed in a veritable smorgasbords of assorted activities from culturally stimulating to soothing your hunger pangs. There is always something to do, and with the relaxed atmosphere and traditional sense in the air wherever you may travel there's no question why some call Germany, the Mother land.
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