Frankfurt

Frankfurt sits in central Germany on the Main River as the financial capital with skyscrapers earning it the nickname Mainhattan. It’s the only German city with a proper skyline and hosts the European Central Bank and stock exchange. World War Two bombing flattened the city but workers rebuilt it with modern glass towers alongside reconstructed old town. Most travelers just pass through the massive airport but the city deserves a day or two. It works as a base for Rhine Valley trips or stopover between north and south Germany. The banking culture makes it expensive and business focused but neighborhoods outside the center keep local character.

Römerberg and Museum Embankment

Römerberg is the reconstructed old town square with half-timbered buildings rebuilt to look medieval even though they’re modern reproductions. The Römer city hall with stepped gables is the symbol of Frankfurt in use since 1405. The square hosts Christmas markets in December. Frankfurt Cathedral nearby is Gothic red sandstone where Holy Roman Emperors got crowned. The observation deck at Main Tower skyscraper has 360 degree views across the city from the 56th floor. Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge crosses the Main River with love locks covering the railings. Museum Embankment Museumsufer lines the south bank with a dozen museums including Städel with old masters and modern German art. The embankment fills with people sitting by the river in good weather. Palmengarten botanical garden west of center has huge greenhouses and gardens.

Sachsenhausen and Day Trips

Sachsenhausen across the river is the neighborhood with traditional apple wine taverns serving Ebbelwoi the local specialty in ribbed glass. The taverns have communal tables and Frankfurt dialect. The drink tastes tart and alcoholic like hard cider. Rhine Valley towns like Rüdesheim sit an hour away with castles and vineyards. Heidelberg sits close for the romantic castle ruins. Frankfurt feels less charming than other German cities but the transit connections and international vibe make it functional.

Food is green sauce with seven herbs over potatoes, frankfurter sausages, handkäse sour milk cheese, rippchen pork ribs, apple wine, schnitzel, international food everywhere.