Frankfurt Travel Guide
Travel guide to Frankfurt, Germany with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Frankfurt sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Frankfurt Overview
Frankfurt, the fifth largest city in Germany, is known as a major financial capital, being the home of the European Central Bank, Germany's stock exchange and national bank. The sheer power of the city cannot be underestimated in this regard, setting European policy and driving the whole of the European economy in many ways, with a host of commercial banks also here.
The financial district of the city is filled with towering skyscrapers, modern icons of the wealth being generated here. It makes for an interesting contrast though, since the city also has a long history, reflected in some wonderful architecture that still stands today. It is also so much more than a powerful economic force, with many museums and galleries here, along with a number of universities and seats of learning.
The city has often been called the gateway to Germany, having such outstanding communication links, both historically and currently. This has created a multi-cultural society, where differing cultures have embraced and joined together to create this distinctive atmosphere of togetherness. The sheer range of different foods that can be had here for example is unbelievable, a little like having your own international food fair in the city.
Frankfurt is a city that can be recommended to anyone. It has the strong economy that allows service industries to flourish yet retains a real old world charm in its historical areas.
Top Frankfurt Attractions
An iconic building in the city is "the cathedral", a gothic place of worship from the 14th century that stands some 95 metres tall. It's proper title is Saint Bartholomeus cathedral, and it is the main one in the city. It has major historical significance in that Emperors were crowned here, reflecting its importance in the city since early times.
Shopping in Frankfurt
The main shopping area in Frankfurt is called the Zeil, a centrally located area populated by department stores and major retail chains. The choice and quality of goods is excellent. For something more exclusive Goethestrasse is full of designer stores and high quality, expensive goods. A point to remember here for the visitor is that the VAT of 16% can be claimed back on purchases.
Frankfurt Sporting Events
Football is a major part of the city's sporting background, with local side Eintracht Frankfurt being a well known name in European competitions, although currently going through a relatively unsuccessful period. Of course the FIFA World Cup is hosted by Germany in 2006, with Frankfurt hosting a number of group qualifying games as well as one of the Quarter Finals.
