IF Berlin is seen as Germany’s political heart, Frankfurt is definitely the country’s financial heartbeat. Millions of people stop at Frankfurt International Airport every year without ever getting to know a city that combines all the characteristics of a vibrant metropolis and a cozy village. Frankfurt is a city of extremes; the mixture of old and new, urban and rural, concrete and green is what gives the city much of its charm.
Frankfurt’s cityscape is as flamboyant as its past. It looks back on an exciting history that stretches back 1200 years. The city has been one of Europe’s financial powers since the Frankfurt Stock Exchange was established in 1583. Its economic power is displayed in its skyline which is impressive for European standards and which is dominated by the Commerzbank Tower designed by star architect, Lord Norman Foster. Frankfurt is, however, much more than mere concrete. Many historic buildings are scattered through the city. Most of the tourist attractions are situated in the city center. Less than a stone’s throw from the Commerzbank Tower is the luxurious 125 year-old five star hotel, Frankfurter Hof. A building that dominated Frankfurt’s skyline from medieval times onwards is St. Bartholomeus’ Cathedral constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Gothic structure was the scene of coronations for Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The cathedral is not far from the Schirn Museum of Arts and Frankfurt’s ancient city center, the Roemer, which was totally destroyed in World War II and was then rebuilt stone by stone.
Although Frankfurt’s suffered a great deal in World War II, there are still areas that survived the destruction. Westend is located just outside the city center and is surrounded by Frankfurt’s greenbelt. It is defiantly worthwhile taking a stroll through this luxurious residential area with its Gruenderzeit, Art Deco houses and its many parks.
The Old Opera, one of two opera houses in Frankfurt, stands at the beginning of one of Germany’s busiest shopping streets, the Zeil. This pedestrian area takes its visitors on an exciting journey and emphasizes Frankfurt’s status as a metropolis. Fressgass and Goethe Street are the upper part of the Zeil and feature lavish shopping and gourmet dining. Goethe Street is an extravagant shopping experience while Fressgass is Frankfurt’s culinary heart. It gives visitors the chance to relax in cafes, bistros or restaurants that line the street.
In summer the southern bank of the Main — the river upon which Frankfurt was originally built — is a popular meeting point for people of all ages. They enjoy the impressive views of the illuminated skyline at night which can also be enjoyed from one of the many floating restaurants or while ordering a kebab from a floating kebab stand. The southern bank is also referred to as Museum Riverbank. The German Architectural Museum, the German Cinematic Museum and the Museum of Communications are just a few of the 13 museums on the riverbank.
Traditionally Frankfurt has been a center of trade. The city with the highest GDP in Europe, it contains the headquarters of a large variety of companies and institutions — the European Central Bank and the German Central Bank to name but two.
The International Motor Show is held in Frankfurt every two years and the city has long been renowned for its International Book Fair.
Frankfurt is situated in a densely populated area which has somehow managed to maintain elements of its rural character. The cities of Mainz and Wiesbaden and the Taunus region are all near the city. Mainz is famous for its carnival, its historic city center and its Roman ruins. The city’s most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg who invented printing. Wiesbaden, the Hessian capital, was known in the 19th century as the “Nice of the North.” Today its sophisticated atmosphere still persists. Its luxurious spas and fine gardens are a positive experience for every romantic. The Taunus belongs to the German highlands. Many historic villages, castles and natural parks are located in it and Frankfurt’s efficient transportation system makes traveling in the city and the region very easy and comfortable.
The city offers warm hospitality to all visitors and its multicultural character is immediately apparent. Petra Roth, the city’s mayor, is quoted on Frankfurt’s webpage: “People from over 170 different nations live in Frankfurt. We want those people to feel the city is their home.”