Flights of Fancy

6 reasons the amazing city of Frankfurt has become an international Pride mecca

Frankfurt, Germany, is host to one of the most glorious Pride celebrations in the world — and now it’s easier to enjoy than ever.

German airline Condor offers non-stop flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport direct to Frankfurt. And not just any flights: Passengers receive complimentary checked baggage, beverages and meals as well as in‐flight entertainment, all included in the base fare.

That makes it easier and more comfortable than ever to not just partake in Pride but visit the historic city that is also Germany’s financial capital.

Frankfurt Pride is just the first reason to check out this European destination.

Here are six reasons to visit Frankfurt, starting with Pride 2018.

1. Frankfurt Pride: Christopher Street Day — July 20-22, 2018

Photo: Frankfurt Pride

Germans know how to party, and Frankfurt Pride takes full advantage of the country’s knack for good times. Known as Christopher Street Day (yes, named for the famed site of the Stonewall Riots), Frankfurt Pride features people of all sorts in fabulous attire (or lack thereof). CSD celebrates equality and freedom with a parade and parties spread over three days in the city’s numerous outdoor venues, bars, and discos.

2. The Bermuda Triangle

Frankfurt’s queer ’hood sits in Alte Gasse, north of Konstablerwache, a central square. The locals refer to the area as the “Bermuda Triangle” party because tourists can disappear there for long periods before re-emerging. The city of Frankfurt does not require bars to close, so many stay open for entire weekends, especially during Pride. Each bar or café has a special character, ranging from dive-pub to dance party fueled by house music.

Some of the best are these:

  • Autographs Bar, a chic bar with an international flavor.
  • Central, a chic cocktail bar featuring a mixed gay/not-gay crowd.
  • Comeback, a cruisy bar.
  • Bar.Café Switchboard, an all-volunteer café where all the proceeds go to charity.
  • Zum Schwejk, a laid-back bar catering to the bear crowd.

3. Frankfurt am Main

The city’s full name is Frankfurt am Main (“mine”), or simply FFM. It’s built on both sides of the Main River, with scenic walking and biking trails. They’re great for folks wanting to stay in shape — or for anyone who fancies a romantic riverside stroll within the city.

4. The museums

Frankfurt is Germany’s financial capital, and it is rich in culture, in art and in history. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the city’s first-rate museums:

  • The art in the famous Städel Museum includes master painters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt.
  • The German Film Museum traces the history of cinema, including its German roots.
  • Frankfurt’s Museum für Moderne Kunst, or MMK, the museum of modern art, features more than 5,000 works by renowned artists, including Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

5. The beer & Apfelwein

What trip to Germany would be complete without sampling its beers and ciders? Frankfurt features a number of classic beer gardens. Much like the city’s club scene, each Biergarten has its own style and flavor. Here are three to check out.

  • Zur Sonne: Built in 1768, this traditional garden is packed all summer.
  • Apfelwein Solzer: Guests interested in local apple wine should make a stop at this indoor/outdoor tavern. Solzer also offers a number of wines from the area, including some fermented on site.
  • Dauth-Schneider: This cozy beer garden features traditional German cuisine alongside some tasty beers, all housed amid gigantic brewing barrels. The garden’s close proximity to the river also makes it great for an after-beer stroll.

6. Easy access

Photo: Condor Airlines

Condor offers flights from New Orleans to Frankfurt on Thursday and Sunday on a Boeing 767. There are three different classes on all flights: In addition to Economy Class, Premium Class and Business Class are available.

All Condor passengers receive complimentary checked baggage, complimentary beverages and meals and complimentary in‐flight entertainment included their base fare. Condor’s business class features reclining seats (170 degrees), a personal in‐seat, premium touch‐screen (15 inches) entertainment system, power and USB ports at every seat and gourmet, five‐course meals with complimentary wine, beer and cocktails and an in‐flight, well‐being amenity kit.

Business class passengers also have access to priority check‐in and business class lounges at most airports. Premium class features seats with added legroom, leg rests and adjustable headrests, a premium in‐flight, in‐seat entertainment system with extended programming, USB ports at every seat, premium meals and complimentary beverages and an in‐flight, well‐being amenity

The Frankfurt Airport serves an impressive 207 destinations in 111 countries. That includes Condor Airlines and its non-stop service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The Frankfurt Airport also offers easy access via air or rail if you want to visit other European destinations. Start your trip in Frankfurt and then train it to popular gay ’hoods in Cologne, Munich, Berlin, Brussels, and Zurich. You’ll get there in four hours or less.

Visit Condor Airlines

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