What to do in Frankfurt during Lighting and Building 2016?

Light and Building 2016 started yesterday in Frankfurt, Germany. This is a major trade show for lighting that is visited by architects, interior designers and the industry. If you are attending the trade show, you also need to visit the city which has many attractions and places to see.

Where to Go

Römer: the historic “city hall” is actually a configuration of eight homes and was chosen as the seat of government in 1405. In the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal) you will be able to view 52 portraits of the Holy Roman Emperors from Charlemagne to Francis II.

Alte Oper: built in 1880, the Alte Oper has magnificent exterior details which make the building fun to see even from the outside. Inside, the main hall seats 2500, and several more intimate spaces accommodate anywhere from 10-700 people. The Restaurant Opéra has high ceilings and an elegant red and gold color palette with sky blue and gilt accents.

St. Leonhardskirche: an international/ English speaking Catholic parish is housed in this church with a typical German exterior constructed in 1219. Steeply sloping slate roofs and stucco walls conceal the low vaulted arches and primitive sculptures of early Gothic style within.

Places to Eat

Main Tower: one of the many skyscrapers that dot the city skyline, the Main Tower at the Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen is the perfect spot to see sweeping views of the cityscape below. Views from the observation platform of this 54-story tower are breathtaking and exciting.

What to do

Palmengarten: these abundant gardens are located south of the Sachenhausen region of the city and are popular with residents for picnics and strolls. The tropicarium shelters one of Europe’s largest and most attractive botanical collections, and is the perfect refuge on a rainy day.

Frankfurt Boat Tours: many companies offer sightseeing cruises of the Main River, and from the helms of these boats, views of the city are incomparable. To find a tour, which can range from half an hour to several days of viewing the Main and down to the Rhine, check local listings or be spontaneous and take a stroll by the river and hop on a boat from there.

Light and Building 2016