Zeil (Shopping Lane), Frankfurt
Once the center of a large cattle trade in Frankfurt, this busy lane has been one of the most famous shopping venues in Germany since the end of the 19th century. The Zeil is a shoppers鈥� paradise where visitors with varied budgets can find a range of products suiting their pockets, from mid-priced supermarket fare to high-end merchandise. Luxury goods, designer brands, handicrafts, clothes by young Frankfurt designers, and more are found here in rich supply. There are outlets of all the major German retail chains, plus those offering products from the Frankfurt area.
The name Zeil dates back to the 14th century, and is derived from the German word Zeile, which means "row". Originally, it referred to a row of houses on the eastern end of the north side and was not extended to the entire street until later.
Prior to World War II, the Zeil hosted an array of grand buildings, most of which were destroyed and never rebuilt. Its western part, between two large plazas 鈥� Hauptwache in the west and Konstablerwache in the east, is now a pedestrian zone. These plazas serve as major intersections for underground trains, trams, and buses. Following a major renovation in 2008-2009, the Zeil pedestrian zone was extended to the west, as far as the B枚rsenstrasse.
The three edifices dominating the Zeil today include the Zeilgalerie, a 10-storey shopping center with a unique spiral design, home to many music- and electronic stores and restaurants. Another grand is a shopping center, called the Palais Quartier, a blend of Modern and Baroque architecture; it has a spectacular vortex-like glass fa莽ade, glass columns, and irregularly shaped ramps. And finally, the 12-storey Beehive House, a commercial and office building, which is also one of Frankfurt鈥檚 earliest skyscrapers.
Why You Should Visit:
A unique shopping experience in what could be referred to as an "outdoor shopping mall"; a perfect place to acclimate to Europe if you arrive in Frankfurt 鈥� fun to shop, eat and explore, while admiring the architecture. As a bonus, you don't need to worry about cars while crossing the street either.
The name Zeil dates back to the 14th century, and is derived from the German word Zeile, which means "row". Originally, it referred to a row of houses on the eastern end of the north side and was not extended to the entire street until later.
Prior to World War II, the Zeil hosted an array of grand buildings, most of which were destroyed and never rebuilt. Its western part, between two large plazas 鈥� Hauptwache in the west and Konstablerwache in the east, is now a pedestrian zone. These plazas serve as major intersections for underground trains, trams, and buses. Following a major renovation in 2008-2009, the Zeil pedestrian zone was extended to the west, as far as the B枚rsenstrasse.
The three edifices dominating the Zeil today include the Zeilgalerie, a 10-storey shopping center with a unique spiral design, home to many music- and electronic stores and restaurants. Another grand is a shopping center, called the Palais Quartier, a blend of Modern and Baroque architecture; it has a spectacular vortex-like glass fa莽ade, glass columns, and irregularly shaped ramps. And finally, the 12-storey Beehive House, a commercial and office building, which is also one of Frankfurt鈥檚 earliest skyscrapers.
Why You Should Visit:
A unique shopping experience in what could be referred to as an "outdoor shopping mall"; a perfect place to acclimate to Europe if you arrive in Frankfurt 鈥� fun to shop, eat and explore, while admiring the architecture. As a bonus, you don't need to worry about cars while crossing the street either.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Frankfurt. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Zeil (Shopping Lane) on Map
Sight Name: Zeil (Shopping Lane)
Sight Location: Frankfurt, Germany (See walking tours in Frankfurt)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Frankfurt, Germany (See walking tours in Frankfurt)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Frankfurt, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Frankfurt
Creating your own self-guided walk in Frankfurt is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
The German city of Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, has a long and complex history, spanning more than a thousand years. The Romans established a military camp called "Nida" in the area that is now Frankfurt, on the northern bank of the River Main, in the 1st century AD.
The town itself was founded by the Franks, a Germanic tribe, in the 9th century. Its name comes from... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The town itself was founded by the Franks, a Germanic tribe, in the 9th century. Its name comes from... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Shopping Streets
Frankfurt may well be an international business center in the first place, but not everything, by far, revolves here around finance. The city can also provide a top shopping experience for those seeking to invest in international and best German designer merchandise.
"Frankfurt is a shopping paradise - if you're a bird!" they say. This is a humorous way of saying that Frankfurt... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
"Frankfurt is a shopping paradise - if you're a bird!" they say. This is a humorous way of saying that Frankfurt... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Today Frankfurt is a predominantly secular city, but it still has a significant Christian presence.
The history of Christianity in Frankfurt dates back to the Middle Ages when, as a free city-state, it became an essential segment of the Holy Roman Empire. As the city grew, so did its Christian community. Several important churches appeared during that period, including the Old Nicholas Church... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The history of Christianity in Frankfurt dates back to the Middle Ages when, as a free city-state, it became an essential segment of the Holy Roman Empire. As the city grew, so did its Christian community. Several important churches appeared during that period, including the Old Nicholas Church... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Jewish History Walking Tour
The history of Jews in Frankfurt dates back almost 900 years, which is more than in any other German city. Attesting to this fact alone is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, the Old Jewish Cemetery of Frankfurt, first recorded in the 12th century.
At some point, the city was even referred to as "Jerusalem of the West", highlighting its importance as a center of Jewish life... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
At some point, the city was even referred to as "Jerusalem of the West", highlighting its importance as a center of Jewish life... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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