Glinting with glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. It is home to the European Central Bank and has made itself a high-powered finance and business hub with one of the world’s largest stock exchanges. This makes it a great place to move to for your new tax job relocation. Despite being an economic powerhouse of Germany and Europe, Frankfurt is still often referred to as “the world’s smallest metropolis” due to its cosy small-town feel.
LIFESTYLE
Frankfurt is a multicultural, cosmopolitan area providing expatriates of all ages and backgrounds with many opportunities and experiences.
Travelling in Frankfurt is very easy due to the city’s excellent rail network, river transport and the Autobahn Road system. The International airport is also a 20-minute journey from the city centre, making business trips and weekends away very simple and easy – the airport handles over 57 million passengers each year!
Did you know that Frankfurt is the birthplace of famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe? His former home is now the Goethe House Museum, which is one of 50 Museums in Frankfurt. Also on offer in the 2,000-year-old city is a famous opera house (Alte Opera House pictured), a thriving theatre district, a zoo, pedestrian shopping streets and scores of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. For expatriates with older children then the nightlife and entertainment scene in Frankfurt is bolstered by a spirited student population.
The River Main flows through the heart of Frankfurt which adds to the city, especially on sunny days. There are many paths and tracks which can be explored on foot, via bike or using skateboards and roller skates – something for everyone to try! Frankfurt is also the only German city to have a towering skyscraper skyline and this combined with the river has meant that Frankfurt is often referred to as “Mainhattan”.
Expats will often talk about how very easy it is to get over the feeling of being “new” or an “outsider” due to the almost 200 nationalities that make up Frankfurt’s diverse and varied culture. With so many cultures, Frankfurt offers a huge variety of cuisines which can be found throughout the city and there are also some very useful ethnic grocery stores near Frankfurt’s Hauptbahnhof (the main train station).
LOCATION
Living in Frankfurt can be anywhere from the city centre to the many towns and suburbs that make up the wider area of Frankfurt. Towns in the Taunus area (45-minute drive) which are north of Frankfurt and Wiesbaden and Mainz (35-minute drive) to the west, are particularly popular among expats with families. All three areas offer several international and bilingual schools to choose from and there are many expat clubs focused on children and adults alike. Closer to the city, suburbs like Nordend-Ost and Kornberg are family-friendly areas that have a lot of open space and parks. Inside the city, Niederrad and Westend are the two most popular expatriate locations for working professional couples. The Westend is also home to some of the top legal and financial firms in Frankfurt. Frankfurt’s Hauptbahnhof (central station) is easily accessible from both suburbs with many bars and restaurants that line the streets.
THINGS TO DO
Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth-largest city and has been a welcoming location for expats from across the world thanks to the exceptional economic and career-enhancing prospects the city has to offer. Whilst Frankfurt is a bustling hub for ambitious expats specialising in many professions, it is also home to remarkable architecture combined with fascinating culture and history, meaning there is plenty to see and enjoy throughout the city. From exploring Old Sachsenhausen and the famous German markets to try local cuisine and getting to know the locals, to immersing in the fantastic culture and architecture of Römerberg and Museumsufer district.
THE OLD TOWN CENTRE OF RÖMERBERG
Situated in Frankfurt’s old town is the idyllic square of Römerberg, offering not only a stunning picturesque backdrop but also an abundance of attractions and activities for a wholesome yet relaxing day out. Exploring Römerberg takes you back in time to experience what Frankfurt was like back in the 15th century, boasting a rich history and fascinating culture. This area is a pedestrian-friendly public square where you can access the Historical Museum, Old and New Town Halls and Werthein House which was the only building to survive the 1944 air raids.
MUSEUMSUFER MUSEUM DISTRICT
A collection of 16 impressive historic museums known as the Museumsufer line the banks of the river Main, delivering a variety of unique architecture and sculptures. This collection of museums started with the Stadel Museum, a historic art exhibition in the centre of the cluster, and slowly transformed into a group of remarkable galleries. A must-see, as well as the Stadel, is the extraordinary Museum of World Culture which is known as one of Europe’s top ethnological museums, holding over 65,000 relics from all over the world. Learning about Frankfurt’s history rather than tax could be a nice change for tax expats.
FRANKFURT’S MAIN TOWER
To discover a change of scenery from the historic areas of Frankfurt, the stunning and contemporary Main Tower situated in the heart of the Innenstadt district, offers exceptional viewpoints of the city and beyond. The Main Tower is the fourth-tallest building in the whole of Frankfurt and even has an open observation deck spanning the whole city combined with a luxury restaurant with spectacular surroundings. Enjoy a remarkable view of the city in daylight or appreciate the spectacular panoramic view of the evening lights thanks to this 200m high structure entirely built of glass.
THE PALM GARDEN
Escape the hustle and bustle of the lively city of Frankfurt by exploring the tranquil Palm Garden, situated in the Westend-Sud district. Presenting a magnificent 54-acre garden of tropical flowers and plants from all across the globe, expats can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day here whether you are discovering Frankfurt solo or with family. Events also take place within the gardens, from educational talks to festivals and exciting exhibitions to allow expats and tourists alike to learn more about the magnificent botanicas.
EISERNER STEG
There are scenic views galore in the beautiful city of Frankfurt and a lovely day welcomes a walk along the Eiserner Steg, a large footbridge connecting to the Sachsenhausen region across from the city centre. Expats can appreciate the incredible views seen from all angles of the Eiserner Steg whilst having the perfect photo opportunity of Frankfurt’s phenomenal skyline come day or night. Built in 1869 and stretching over 150 meters, this has become one of Frankfurt’s iconic attractions with fascinating views of the River Main as well as the Museumsufer District.
KLEINMARKTHALLE MARKETS
Discover the interesting delicacies of Germany at the bustling Kleinmarkthalle market, boasting over 60 stalls specialising in tasty foods enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike. Expats are spoilt for choice at the Kleinmarkthalle, whether you are keen to try new delicacies, buying local produce for home cooking or sourcing some fine wine. This market spans over 16,000 square feet and is located in the heart of Hasengasse, close to a variety of shops, cafes and museums, whilst just being a short walk from the river Main. Having so many amenities is ideal for tax professionals working in the city.
FRANKFURT ZOO
Enjoy something a little different by visiting the marvellous Frankfurt Zoo, spanning over 11 hectares and even open 365 days a year. Germany’s second oldest zoo is almost 150 years old, founded in 1858, and is home to over 4,500 exotic animals, making this an unmissable experience for expats to discover over 500 species whilst enjoying entertainment throughout the day. The zoo is located in the Innenstadt region, which is the central city district of Frankfurt, meaning you don’t need to venture too far out of the city.
FRANKFURT CATHEDRAL
Further, soak up Frankfurt’s intriguing history by visiting Frankfurt Cathedral, and also known as the Emperor’s Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, which dates back to the 1300s. This marvellous structure is the largest religious building in the city, sitting at 328-feet-tall and allowing visitors to climb up near the top to enjoy fantastic views all across the city. Situated in the centre of Frankfurt am Main, this Cathedral also hosts occasional concerts and recitals, enjoyed by tourists, expats and even the locals.
OLD SACHSENHAUSEN
Sachsenhausen is a unique and quaint village in the heart of Frankfurt, offering plenty of shops, restaurants and bars perfect for expats to meet the locals as well as admire the old-fashioned, historic buildings. Located south of the River Main and lined with rustic cobbled streets, this area of the city offers a lively nightlife combined with rich culture and an incredible atmosphere. You don’t have to walk far to the next nearest attraction, as Sachsenhausen sits close to the Musueamsufer district where you can explore the collection of impressive museums at the riverbank.
THE OLD OPERA HOUSE
The Old Opera House, also known as the Alte Oper, is a famous concert hall located in the district of Innenstadt, rebuilt in 1981 to restore its impressive structure. Hosting over 300 concerts a year, expats wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to experience one of the grand performances this venue has to offer. The Old Opera House now also has a drama theatre called the Schauspiel Frankfurt and is just a short walk away from high street shops and other incredible attractions such as Frankfurt’s Main Tower and Frankfurt Zoo.
If you are interested in a move to Frankfurt or anywhere else in the world and would like to speak to Kingpin International about International Tax Opportunities, please contact a member of the team. Alternatively, please browse our current International Tax vacancies.