Once in Europe, it is easy and cheap to travel around. The best part about travelling in the off season is the cheaper deals and Christmas markets. I love Christmas, so to be in Europe during the holiday season was so much fun. For a little over 20 Euro I flew from Pisa to Frankfurt to experience the Christmas magic. Frankfurt is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Germany. Other cultural activities include any of the 20 or so museums, theatres and two opera houses. There are many green spaces and parks to enjoy for a walk.
When flying discount airlines it is remember that checked baggage will cost an arm and a leg at the gate. Travel light.
Everything costs extra so pack a refillable water bottle and snacks. When planning, pay attention to which airport the flight is arriving. Frankfurt has two airport, the Hahn airport is 120 km outside of the city. I bought an airport shuttle bus ticket at the same time as my plane ticket. This saved me time and money. There was a huge line-up of travellers, most of whom had to wait for the next shuttle bus and pay 5 Euro more than I did.
I stayed at Frankfurt Hostel which is across from the Frankfurt main train station.
I booked a 10 mixed bed dorm. Because the hostel is slow during the winter staff moved me into a four-bed dorm. It was empty until the last night. The hostel was clean, had a good breakfast and coffee in the morning with a great bar for cheap beers at night. Staff were friendly and the Wi-Fi was fast. Frankfurt hostel is within walking distance to the city centre. The weather was cold and rainy so there were many stops to get hot mulled wine, coffees and snacks. Mostly hot mulled wine.
The Frankfurt Christmas market spans over many streets and squares in the downtown core.
There are stalls to buy crafts, clothing, decorations, food and drink. I bought the cutest porcelain replica of the city hall for my Mom’s Christmas village. The main hub of the market in located in historic Römerberg square. Römerberg square has been the seat of the Frankfurt city administration since the 15th century. It reflects perfectly what I imagine an iconic German town square to be. World War II saw the destruction of the original timber houses in the square. They were rebuilt in an effort of cultural preservation. Opposite these charming houses is the Römer town hall, built in medieval era.
Frankfurt is a blending of modernity and old world. It is the largest financial centre in Europe and home to the European Central bank. It is also one of the few cities in Europe with many skyscrapers. The Zeil shopping district is an example of modern architecture. I love the amazing buildings and the skylight going through the main Zeil mall. Frankfurt is unique in that, you can walk along a modern suspension bridge right onto a cobbled street where towers and sky scrappers stand together.
Frankfurt has great restaurants and street food.
I, however, wanted only the most authentic food experience so, speaking to locals I was able to eat my way through traditional fare. Restaurants are a loud, raucous affair of communal tables, beer, sharing and love. I was filled with meat, cabbage, carbs and happiness. I have a soft spot for sauerkraut, so I gravitated toward anything served with it, including sausages and apple dumplings. Everything is washed down with beer. Delicious German beer. I stumbled onto a charming little 12-seater pub called Hexenhaus. My roommate practiced her German with locals and they encouraged us to try the Frankfurt specialty Apfelwein, a sour apple cider. One of the cobbles outside of the bar was a golden apple
Transit runs on what is complete German Efficiency. Always on time and so easy to navigate, I did most of my travel on foot, not wanting to miss anything. There was always something to see that could be missed on the metro, but it was also rainy and cold, and busses have heat.