FRANKFURT MONEY'S MULTIPLE SHADES

A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY YET MODERN TO BE THE FINANCIAL HUB OF EUROPE, FRANKFURT OFFERS UNPARALLELED WALKING TOURS, HISTORY, ROMANTICISM AND APPLE WINE!

- Lakshmi Hariharan

FRANKFURT IS A perfect amalgamation of a bustling corporate metropolis and a charming, walkable historic city. When I think of my trip to the city, I think of the fantastic local feast I enjoyed as I sat soaking in the culture and history of this scenic place with a glittery skyline.

To anyone planning a trip to Germany, I’d say arrive at Frankfurt and then set out to explore the country. It is known as the financial capital of Europe, and that might give one sort of corporate vibes. However, I’d like to assure you that once you step foot here, you’d realise that it is full of cultural delights, local wonders and gothic style architecture.

Of course, Frankfurt is very powerful as a business and financial hub and is also referred to as the ‘Manhattan of Germany’. It houses many important financial institutions and hosts some of the world’s largest trade fairs. But along with this, is a charming old town, gorgeous streets, a world of museums and a lot of local flavour. It offers a treasure trove of little-known sights to a visitor who takes time to pause.

It’s best explored on foot or a bike, like most of the European cities steeped in history. You could peddle away without a care on one of the several designated bike lanes or simply enjoy the sights as you walk on the pedestrian-friendly streets.

I chose to fly Lufthansa from Mumbai to Frankfurt Main airport. I landed there at 7:50 am local time, and had an entire day to explore. The Frankfurt airport is Europe’s second busiest with several flights from India like Air India, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad to name just a few.