Frankfurt

Frankfurt, on the banks of the River Main, is Germany's financial capital and home to the European Central Bank. Its skyline of skyscrapers, unusual for the country, has earned it the nickname 'Mainhattan', best viewed from the Eiserner Steg bridge or the riverside promenades. The historic centre, Römerberg, was rebuilt after the war around timber-framed houses and the old town hall, one of the few remaining traces of the city's medieval architecture. St Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Städel Museum, renowned for its collection of European paintings, are among the city's key cultural attractions. The southern bank of the Main, Sachsenhausen, is known for its traditional taverns serving Apfelwein, the local cider, often paired with regional specialities such as Frankfurter sausages. The city also hosts major trade fairs, including the Frankfurt Book Fair, and has one of Europe's busiest international airports, making the region easily accessible. The climate is temperate, with mild summers well suited to riverside walks and visits to the numerous museums lining the Main.