When I landed in Frankfurt last month to begin my whirlwind European adventure, I expected the city to simply be a transit hub—efficient, functional, and a place to pass through. What I discovered instead was a modern gateway into Europe that offered not only convenience but also an unexpected mix of culture, history, and warmth. Frankfurt became both my entry point and my farewell stop, and in many ways, it framed my entire European journey.
Frankfurt as Europe’s Gateway
Frankfurt is home to one of the busiest airports in the world, Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and stepping into its sprawling terminals immediately set the tone for my trip. Immigration was swift, signs were multilingual, and trains connecting directly to the city center made my arrival surprisingly stress-free. For first-time visitors to Europe, this efficiency is invaluable—especially when you’re jetlagged and eager to hit the ground running.
What stood out most was how connected Frankfurt felt. Within minutes of leaving the airport, I was at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), staring up at departure boards that listed destinations across Germany, France, Switzerland, and beyond. Frankfurt really is the crossroad of Europe, making it the perfect launchpad for anyone exploring multiple countries.
First Impressions of the City
My first walk through the city revealed a fascinating duality. On one hand, Frankfurt is Germany’s financial powerhouse, with skyscrapers glinting in the skyline and business suits filling the streets. On the other, it hides cultural gems that most travelers overlook when rushing to catch their connections.
My final night in Europe brought me full circle to something I had quietly missed—Asian food. After 16 days of schnitzel, wurst, and bread, I sat down in Frankfurt to a steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho. The warmth of that meal wasn’t just about taste—it was comfort and familiarity in a foreign land.
The following morning, I attended a meeting with Frankfurt’s Tagalog-speaking congregation. For a Filipino traveler like me, it felt like home away from home. After the meeting, the congregation invited me for lunch. Sitting around a table with kababayans, sharing rice and Filipino dishes again after more than two weeks, was a moment of connection I’ll never forget. It reminded me that while Frankfurt is a modern European hub, it also offers space for cultural and spiritual belonging.
Why Frankfurt is More Than a Stopover
By the time I returned to Frankfurt for my outbound flight, the city felt less like a transit point and more like a gateway I’d grown to appreciate. It wasn’t just about convenience—though the airport and rail connections are world-class—but about discovering how much character a so-called “business city” can hold.
If you’re planning a European trip, don’t make the mistake of skipping Frankfurt. Use it as your entry and exit, but give yourself at least a day or two. Walk along the Main River, visit a museum, grab a Frankfurter sausage, and watch how seamlessly old Europe and modern Europe blend together.
Frankfurt wasn’t just a gateway—it gave me a sense of closure. From tasting pho after two weeks without Asian food, to eating rice again with fellow Filipinos at the Tagalog congregation, the city made sure I ended my trip both satisfied and grounded. It was the perfect farewell before flying home.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Airport Transfers: Take the S8 or S9 train from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes.
- Accommodation: Stay near the Hauptbahnhof for convenience.
- Getting Around: A Frankfurt day ticket (RMV Tageskarte) gives unlimited rides on S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Day Trips: From Frankfurt, you can reach Heidelberg, Mainz, or even Paris in a matter of hours.
Conclusion
My first impressions of Frankfurt were nothing like what I expected. Instead of being just a stopover, it became a meaningful bookend to my European trip—efficient, modern, and surprisingly full of charm. Frankfurt is more than a gateway; it’s a destination in its own right.
So the next time you’re planning a multi-country itinerary, consider beginning and ending in Frankfurt. You’ll find yourself not just passing through Europe, but stepping into it.
