Starting Summer 2015, German airline Condor will add a direct flight from PDX to Frankfurt, Germany to their growing North American repertoire.

While PDX already has non-stop flights available to Tokyo, Amsterdam, Calgary, and (soon) Iceland, easier access to Frankfurt (FRA) opens up an established gateway for other destinations worldwide. But don’t be too quick to write Frankfurt off as merely transit hub. With a little exploration you may just find yourself wishing you had a longer layover. 

Straddling the Main river, Frankfurt is best known for housing the European Central Bank and one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. If this doesn’t pique your interest to stay and explore however, don’t worry. Frankfurt (Or "Main-hattan" as it has been playfully dubbed for it’s NYC-worthy skyline) is abound with activities far from the world of suited, yelling, financiers.   

Eins!
A cultural must-see, Romerberg is the impressive central square in Frankfurt’s Altstadt (Old Town). This picturesque plaza is enrobed with history, where as early as the 12th century it was the grounds for large trade fairs and festivals that drew merchants from across Europe. Time your trip right and catch the largest book and auto motor fairs in the world still being held in this square.

Zwei!
Spend a leisurely afternoon in the Palmengarten, Frankfurt’s central outdoor park. This botanical garden boasts numerous greenhouses, including the Palmenhaus, one the world’s largest, and the Blutenause, home to rare tropical fauna.  For a serious study, immerse yourself in the Palmengarten’s Tropicarnium greenhouse complex, which features exotic climates from the African savannah to mountainous rainforests.

Drei!
There is no better place to tickle your tastebuds than at Klein Markt Halle, Frankfurt’s expansive indoor market. Containing a smorgasbord of both local foods and delicacies from around the world, take the time to wander through the stalls and sample exotic fruits and delectable fresh baked goods at your leisure. Just be sure not to miss out on trying “Apfelwein,” Frankfurt’s signature apple cider. Prost!