Most people visit Frankfurt out of necessity rather than
out of choice. Even many inhabitants concede that taking a closer
look might well be a condition for falling in love with the
city.
But it has its vistas: Almost 100 high-rise buildings,
mainly banks or office blocks, project up into the sky epitomizing
the city's thriving economy. The modern architecture and financial
clout that characterise the city give it a decidedly American
feel, hence nicknames like 'Bankfurt' or 'Mainhattan'.
Frankfurt's economy is based on two pillars: banking
and international fairs. Among many others Germany's
national bank has its base here. Frankfurt's character
has always been strongly secular, as befitting a cosmopolitan
trading centre, accordingly the city was among the first to
embrace Luther's controversial ideas.
Frankfurt is a big player in the global trade fair business.
Annually an average of 80 fairs and exhibitions attract a large
numbers of visitors from all over the world. One of the highlights
is Frankfurt's book fair.
The biggest book fair worldwide dates origintaes in the 15th
century. Its popularity has increased ever since.
Frankfurt can also boast various cultural highlights:
Goethe's birthplace
and the Museumsufer, an embankment crowded with museums, are
just two of the many that come to mind.
And if all the sightseeing and cultural activities become too
much hassle, it is always fun to experience Frankfurt's
own speciality called applewine in a cosy tavern.
