Monday, May 26, 2008

Frankfurt: the city in a suit

Jeff Mills chooses the best sights, hotels, restaurants and bars for business in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt rightly continues to stake its claim as one of the most important business and financial centres on the European continent. And although it often suffers from a somewhat staid reputation, look beyond the slick high-rises and you will find a city with a surprisingly vibrant lifestyle.


Much of the old town was destroyed during the Second World War – hence all the new buildings – but small pockets remain, including the attractive stretch of museums along the River Main, the imposing Cathedral and the cobbled square of Römerberg.

You could find yourself doing business in almost any part of the city, although the main concentration of commerce tends to be in the area around the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and towards the Borse (Stock Exchange) just a short walk away.

Top five sights

1. Römer and Römerberg


Statue of Justice in Romerberg Square, Frankfurt travel guide

The City Hall, with its gabled Gothic façade, is widely recognised as the city’s emblem and is where banquets were held to celebrate the coronations of the Holy Roman Emperors. The square was lovingly restored after it was damaged during World War Two.

0049 69 21 23 4814
www.frankfurt.de
The Römer is open daily 10 am-1 pm, 2 pm-5 pm
Free

2. The Goethe Haus and Museum

The birthplace of Germany’s most famous poet is today a sizeable museum, furnished with pieces which belonged to his family.

Großer Hirschgraben 23-25
0049 69 13 8800
www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and 10am-5.30 pm on Sun
€5 (£3.35)


3. Sachsenhausen

The old quarter of Sachsenhausen, on the south bank of the Main River, has been preserved, or at least recreated, as it once was. This is the area to find the “Ebbelwei” – apple wine – taverns.
Free

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

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