Frankfurt am Main - Economic Metropolis with Historical Charm

Frankfurt am Main, short "Frankfurt", lies in the south-west of Germany, south-east of the Taunus and on both sides of the Lower Main. With an area of 248.31 km² and a population of 701,350 people, is the biggest city in Hesse and the fifth biggest in Germany. It consists of 43 districts, is the centre of the Frankfurt-Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region with 2.2 million inhabitants and is an important international financial centre. In addition, Frankfurt plays a significant role as an industrial, trade fair and service centre. Its distinct skyline with dozens of skyscrapers have earned it the name "Mainhattan". They are among the highest skyscrapers in the whole of Europe. About a third of the city is part of Frankfurt's Green Belt (Frankfurter Grüngürtel), which contains the Frankfurt City Forest, one of the greatest city forests in Germany. Due to its position at the northern edge of the Upper Rhine Plain, Frankfurt is located in one of Germany's warmest regions with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. The average yearly temperature is 10.5 °C.

Frankfurt was first mentioned in a document in 794 and was soon one of the most important urban centres in the Middle Ages. During World War II, parts of the city were destroyed, which provided the opportunity to rebuilt it according to modern standards. One of the 3,000 half-timbered houses survived the war unscathed: Haus Wertheym am Fahrtor. The remains of the historical old town are located around the Römerberg, one of the best-known town squares in Germany. It accommodates the Römer, Frankfurt's city hall and its landmark. Famous sights are Frankfurt Cathedral, St. Paul's Church, the Alte Oper (the former opera house), the Eschenheim Tower and the former Hauptwache. There are several attractions which are connected to the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born in the Großer Hirschgraben in the city. Examples are the Goethe House, Goetheplatz with the Goethe monument, Goethestraße, the Goethe Tower and Goethe University. The historical architecture in the style of classicism and the Gründerzeit is particularly impressive. Important city districts are Bahnhofsviertel, Westend, Ostend, Nordend and Höchst. One of the city's highlights is its variety of museums, most of which are located at and close to the Museumsufer (Museums Riverbank). Interesting museums are the Portikus (Neuer Portikus), the Museum of Communications (Museum für Kommunikation), the Museum of World Cultures (Museum der Weltkulturen), the Liebieghaus, the Hessenpark open-air museum, the Museum of Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst), the German Architecture Museum (Deutsches Architekturmuseum), the Museum of Modern Art (Museum für Moderne Kunst), the Museum Giersch and the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Frankfurt offers a wide range of shopping facilities which cater for all tastes. In the Zeil, one of the country's best-known shopping streets, you find shopping centres such as the Zeilgalerie and the MyZeil. Goethestraße, which offers a number of international designer shops, is equally popular. A cosy meeting place is Hauptwache, which is also a popular starting point for experiencing Frankfurt's nightlife, together with Konstablerwache. Nearby, you see a number of bars and clubs. North of the Konstablerwache, you find the gay nightlife district. Travellers who are looking for a cultural experience can visit concerts and events here. Frankfurt's culinary centre is the Kleinmarkthalle. You can buy all kinds of food at over 150 stalls here on every weekday. The Freßgasse accommodates numerous restaurants and cafes. Specialities from the city are Frankfurter Grüne Soße ("Frankfurt green sauce", consisting of seven herbs) and Frankfurter Würstchen ("Frankfurt sausage"). Well-known sweets are Frankfurter Kranz (a butter-cream cake), Haddekuchen (gingerbread), Bethmännchen and Frankfurter Brenten (both pastries made with marzipan). Frankfurt Zoo, the Palmengarten, the Botanical Garden and the Grüneburgpark are popular family destinations. One of the city's trade fairs is the Frankfurt Book Fair, which takes place in autumn and is the greatest of its kind.

Travellers can stroll through the streets or along the Nidda in Frankfurt. Doing that, they see modern skyscrapers in the financial district and historical buildings in the surrounding districts. Holidaymakers who are not light on their feet can explore the city on a Segway. If you prefer going by bike, you use one of the cycling tracks, for example the Main Bike Path (Main-Radweg) or the Grüngürtelradrundweg. The Frankfurt City Forest is a great destination for walks through nature. Water lovers are drawn to the Rebstockbad water park, the Titus Thermen and the Panoramabad Bornheim. Golfers can pursue their hobby in the Golfclub am Niederrad, one of Germany's most beautiful golf courses.

Due to its central Position, Frankfurt am Main is an important European traffic hub. Frankfurt Airport is one of the greatest airports in the world and the city's main station is a significant rail hub. So, you can easily arrive in many ways.