Frankfurt

In 1994 Frankfurt am Main celebrated its 1,200 anniversary by moving rapidly ahead for its continuing growth in trade and traffic for the next millennium. In the heart of the European continent, it is often the gateway for most visitors to Germany. Its Main River put it at the crossroads of prehistoric trade routes linking the Mediterranean with Northern Europe. Frankfurt is far more than an arrival terminus or a place to conduct business in its bustling commercial district. This imposing city of steel and glass is also filled with some of the greatest museums in Germany. Of course, there are banks, and Frankfurters often call their city ...

In 1994 Frankfurt am Main celebrated its 1,200 anniversary by moving rapidly ahead for its continuing growth in trade and traffic for the next millennium. In the heart of the European continent, it is often the gateway for most visitors to Germany. Its Main River put it at the crossroads of prehistoric trade routes linking the Mediterranean with Northern Europe. Frankfurt is far more than an arrival terminus or a place to conduct business in its bustling commercial district. This imposing city of steel and glass is also filled with some of the greatest museums in Germany. Of course, there are banks, and Frankfurters often call their city "Mainhattan," or Manhattan on the Main, but there is culture, plus riches, for the sightseer, at least enough to occupy two busy days. From Goethe's House to the Römerberg, much of the old has been restored or rebuilt, since Allied bombs in World War II destroyed much of the city. The reconstruction was done with sensitivity, allowing for "green hearts" such as parks, gardens, and a surrounding forest. Contemporary skyscrapers were broken up with well laid out pedestrian precincts for shopping and strolling — along with plenty of outdoor cafés.

About the Expert

Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince have written many guidebooks for Frommer's, including Frommer's France and Frommer's Germany.