One of the first things that may surprise you on arrival in Frankfurt is the Manhattan-like skyline of skyscrapers and modern tower blocks. Frankfurt is, and always has been, the financial centre of Germany with a thriving economy and the most important stock exchange in the country. As a result this city has become one of Germany’s most international cities and a place where the inhabitants speak far more English than elsewhere in the country which is handy if, like me, you don’t speak a word of German!

The city of Frankfurt is located on both sides of the River Main, but the centre is situated on the north side. The Frankfurter Stadtwald (Frankfurt City Forest) is located in the city itself and makes a lovely place for walks.

The city can be divided into 9 districts but the main ones of interest to tourists are: Altstadt (Old City), home to the spectacular Romer Square (City Hall Square), Innenstadt, where you will find the Zeil, Germany’s longest shopping street, Sachsenhausen, an attractive neighbourhood south of the river, full of cafes, bars and shops and Nordend, which is known as the “alternative” area of the city and a good place to come for concerts. There are plenty of nice areas where you can book accommodation in Frankfurt but it pays to be well-informed as the city has a red-light district that certain people may wish to avoid.

Frankfurt also hosts some very important trade fairs including the world’s largest music fair, Musikmesse and the world’s largest book fair Frankfurter Buchmesse. The city’s major festival is the Museumsuferfest (Museums Riverbank Festival). It is a 3 day festival run by the many museums dotted along both sides of the river and which stay open until very late, accompanied by live music, shows and a firework display.
If you are a Folkie like me, you’ll be pleased to here that Frankfurt’s oldest folk festival, the Dippemess still takes place in spring and autumn in the eastern part of the city. But if you prefer Rock, House, Indie, Pop and Latino music, The sound of Frankfurt music festival is ideal for you.
You see, there is a lot more to Frankfurt than first meets the eye!