Unashamedly high-rise, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced 'mine') is a true capital of finance and business and hosts some of Europe's key trade fairs. But despite its business demeanour, Frankfurt consistently ranks high among Germany's most liveable cities thanks to its rich collection of museums, expansive parks and greenery, a lively student scene and excellent public transport.
RömerbergSQUARE
The Römerberg is Frankfurt’s old central square. Ornately gabled half-timbered buildings, reconstructed after WWII, give an idea of how beautiful the city’s medieval core once was. Looming above it all is grand old old town hall (Römer) where scores of Holy Roman Emperors celebrated their coronations. For a who's who, visit the imposing Kaisersaal (Imperial Hall; enter from Limpurgerstrasse).
KaiserdomCATHEDRAL
Dominated by an elegant Gothic tower (95m; can be climbed), begun in the 1400s and completed in the 1860s, Frankfurt’s red sandstone cathedral is an island of calm amid the bustle of the city centre. From 1356 to 1792, the Holy Roman Emperors were elected (and, after 1562, consecrated and crowned) in the Wahlkapelle at the end of the right aisle (look for the modern 'skull' altar).
Museumsufer FrankfurtMUSEUM
Collectively known as the Museumsufer, more than a dozen museums line up along the south bank of the Main River. The most famous is the Städel Museum, a renowned art gallery, but fans of architecture, archaeology, applied arts, film and ethnology will also get their fill. Bus 46, which leaves from the Hauptbahnhof several times hourly, links most museums.
Städel MuseumMUSEUM
Founded in 1815, this world-renowned art gallery has a truly outstanding collection of European art from the Middle Ages to today. Feast your eyes on stunning works by some of the biggest names, including Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne. Contemporary art by such hotshots as Gerhard Richter and Francis Bacon is shown in a recently added subterranean extension lit by circular skylights.
Main TowerVIEWPOINT
Frankfurt's skyline wouldn't be the same without the Main Tower, at 200m one of the tallest and most distinctive high-rises in town. A good place to get a feel for ‘Mainhattan’ is 200m above street level, on the observation platform reached by lift in a mere 45 seconds. Be prepared for airport-type security. Closes during thunderstorms.
AIR
Frankfurt Airport (FRA; www.frankfurt-airport.com; W; dFlughafen Regionalbahnhof), 12km southwest of the city centre, is Germany’s busiest. S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 shuttle between the airport's regional train station (Regionalbahnhof) and the city centre (€4.35, 11 minutes) several times hourly.Note that Frankfurt-Hahn airport (HHN; www.hahn-airport.de), served by Ryanair, is actually 125km west of Frankfurt, near the Mosel Valley.
BUS
The Romantic Road Coach and long-distance buses leave from the south side of the Hauptbahnhof.
TRAIN
There are direct trains to pretty much everywhere, including Berlin (€123, four hours) and Munich (€101, 3½ hours).
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