Everything is big in Frankfurt. It is the fifth-largest city in Germany, the largest financial centre in continental Europe and home to several large banks and the stock exchange. With the international airport, the railway central station and its highway interchange the city is one of the busiest transport hubs in Europe. Frankfurt also hosts one of the world's largest trade fairs, like the International Motor Show and the world's largest book fair. It is ranked as #7 in Mercer's annual 'quality of living' survey, but it is also the most expensive city in Germany, and the 10th most expensive city in the world.
Frankfurt Shopping Mall MyZeil, an architectural wonderland
And because Frankfurt has a very untypical skyline by German standards, we Germans refer to it as Mainhattan, a word merged from the river Main, and Manhattan.
Now 'tis is the season for our traditional Christmas markets, and of course we had to have a mug or two or three of likewise traditional mulled wine (Glühwein). Roland had curry wurst and I had potato pancakes. The place was packed with people but that obviously is part of the event. It was nice to hear and watch so many people from all over the world enjoying our annual pre-christmas ritual.
 |
| Oddly reminding us of a Dr Who X-Mas Special |
 |
| on right: Römer, the city hall |
 |
| Römerberg, rebuilt after WWII |
 |
| The Old Opera |
Yes, we certainly liked the buzz of this cosmopolitan city for a change.
Ah Frankfurt, spent many a weekend there staying with friends and going to see the sights. Nice set of pictures, especially the night shots.
ReplyDeleteThe friend I visited this past week gave us some Glühwein as part of the festivities, it wasn't as good as I remembered it being....of course, the last time I drank it I was at the Christkindlmarkt!
You have to have Glühwein in the right environment. This stuff is actually much too sweet, but somehow it still works fine when you are on a Christmas Market!
DeleteI love the night photo with the purple. I'd just like to be there. Not Christmas, but summer would be nice.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I will be in Frankfurt during summer season as it looks like our project will spread into fall. Maybe we can present some summer photos then!
DeleteOh nice! Germany Christmas market with Glühwein! This is something we truly miss here in California or wherever we would go in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteFrankfurt is the most expensive city in Germany? It trumped Munich? Hm, I didn't know that. Glad you had a great weekend and this explains what you needed your boots for other than St. Nicholas. :-)
Nice photos. Unfortunately my only experiences with Frankfurt have been in the airport transit lounge. Must change that one day.
ReplyDeleteThere is indeed more to Frankfurt than the airport, although it appears to be covering about half of the city...
DeleteWow that mall is something else. it looks huge and complex.
ReplyDeleteThe city at night looks wonderful. To take in the sights of the market must have been enchanting.
Yes, indeed it was a very enchanting night! Despite a poor weather forecast we even managed to not have any rain!
Delete