CITY CENTER. When it was built in 1880, the Alte Oper was celebrated for its architecture and excellent acoustics, and while Frankfurt has a more modern opera house now, it's no match for the original in terms of style and sheer elegance. Magnificent exterior details 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 is absolutely gorgeous, with high ceilings and an elegant red and gold color palette with sky blue and gilt accents. Like much of the city, the Alte Oper was nearly destroyed during World War II, and only narrowly missed being completely demolished by the city. It reopened in all its restored glory in August 1981, and continues to schedule a variety of classical concerts, operas, and jazz performances.

CITY CENTER. Originally known as the largest domed building in Europe, the Festhalle continues to impress with its 40-metre glass roof amd imposing facade with a semi-circular columned entry portico. Part of the historic Frankfurt Trade Fair Grounds, the space continues to be used for a variety of events, from political gatherings and sports competitions to concerts and conventions.

CITY CENTER. Performing arts from across the globe are celebrated with amazing variety. Concerts, dance and theater performances make up the bulk of the schedule, which might include an African music ensemble one night, a performance of Shakespeare in English the next, and a Polish folk dance troupe the night after that. Celebrate diversity by attending a show here!

WEST FRANKFURT. One of the best places in Frankfurt to catch a live show, the Jahrhunderthalle has 2000 seats and schedules everything from rock and pop to classical and jazz.

CITY CENTER. This has been the site of trade fairs and festivals for centuries, but during the 1900s the grounds became a cohesive unit. During the wars, 95% of the grounds were destroyed, but by 1948 the pride of Frankfurt had reopened for what would become an annual autumn fair. Today, the complex has some 475,000 square meters of open air space and exhibition halls, including the Festhalle. An array of trade fairs are scheduled throughout the year, including the International Book Fair in October, drawing more than 250,000 visitors over five days.