Frankfurt

Most people visit Frankfurt because they have to. 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 give the city a decidedly American feeling, hence nicknames like 'Bankfurt' or 'Mainhattan'.

Frankfurt's economy rests 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 global trade fair business. An annual average of 80 fairs and exhibitions attract numerous visitors from all over the world. One of the highlights is Frankfurt's book fair. The biggest book fair worldwide dates back to the 15th century. Its popularity has increased ever since.

But Frankfurt also sports various cultural highlights: Goethe's birthplace and the Museumsufer, an embankment crowded with museums, are just two that come to mind. And if all the sightseeing and cultural activities become too much hassle it is always fun to try Frankfurt's speciality called applewine in a cosy tavern.

Language School in Aschaffenburg near Frankfurt