Rachel here, reporting for blog duty!

As a person with loads of German heritage, I was pretty stoked to take a tour (even a virtual one) of Frankfurt. And the city did not disappoint! Then again, what’s not to like about a place where the original frankfurter (the predecessor to my favorite food on the planet, the hot dog) was conceived?

Frankfurt is chock-full of cool stuff. I was particularly swayed by its foodie offerings. For folks like me who can’t stomach beer but love pub culture, the charming apple wine district (Sachsenhausen) seems like a dream come true. Speaking of food, you can find more details on “Munch Alley” (Fressgasse) here.

If you’re a museum nut, that “Museum Riverbank” (Museumsufer) is a can’t-miss, I’m thinking. One good way to scope out the city might be via a guided walking tour; if you’re an independent sort, there are even self-guided apps! A more colorful sightseeing option would be the Apple Wine Express. Oh, and we didn’t get a chance to mention it in the episode, but the Frankfurt airport (the second largest in Europe) is itself is a worthy attraction (my partner raves about its efficient, well-organized wonderfulness). If you’re game, you can even take an “airport experience” tour!

Practical Info

How to Get There:  Given that Frankfurt is considered the transportation “hub” of Germany and Europe, getting there should be a breeze. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is your best bet if you’re flying into Germany from the U.S. or another international location. If you’re coming from Europe or other parts of Germany, you have a variety of transportation options.

Visa Requirements:  U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to visit Germany, unless they’re staying for more than 90 days. For other countries, see the list here:

When to go: Frankfurt’s temperate climate makes it popular to visit most of the year (except for late winter), but spring through fall is the most popular (and touristy) period. NOTE: Conventions and trade fairs in the spring and fall (September and October) can make things even more hectic — and expensive. Frankfurt hosts lots of festivals and events throughout the year (you’ll see a sampling below).

Upcoming Events: 

Frankfurt Christmas Market — November 23-December 22, 2011

Apple Wine Festival — August 12-21, 2011

Frankfurt Salsa Festival — January 12-15, 2012

Mainfest  — August 3-6, 2012

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