Spread out between 1km and 2km northwest of the Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt’s famous trade fair grounds are anchored by the iconic MesseTurm , a 256m-high skyscraper nicknamed der Bleistift (the pencil) because its cylindrical core is topped by a 36m-high pyramid that makes its silhouette resemble a stubby pencil. The Messe grounds have absolutely nothing of interest to offer visitors except during trade fairs, which famously wreak periodic havoc on the local tourist economy.
