Germany, Frankfurt - An Alpha World City

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Prior to the year 2000, I have never visited Europe before, much less Germany. But from the start of the millennium, I have visited Europe many times both on working trips as well as personal holidays.

Being a major air hub in Europe, I naturally get to travel to Frankfurt on numerous occasions during my frequent trips to the continent. 

Frankfurt (officially known as Frankfurt am Main) is part of the German state of Hessen. This city is a centre of commerce, culture, tourism and traffic. Besides being home to one of the world's busiest airport in the world, Frankfurt is also home to the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. 

The Bear and the Bull, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany (2004)

Personally, I have always been fascinated with how Frankfurt city planners managed to ensure that the city's unique timber framed buildings (in the "old town" district a.k.a Altstadt) are preserved alongside the towering skyscrapers. Its many high-rise buildings have earned Frankfurt the nickname of "Mainhattan", after the local Main River and Manhattan of New York. 

Facade of the Römer, Altstadt, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

Building with traditional German architecture in the Old Town, Altstadt, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

Square in front of the Römer, Altstadt, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

Walking through the city, I also realized that the German do love their beer. Its much easier to get myself a beer than a glass of fruit juice or drinking water!

Sidewalk cafe, Altstadt, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

Sidewalk cafe, Fressgass, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

Despite being a major commercial center, Frankfurt also has many parks. The 2 botanical gardens of Frankfurt and the banks of the Main River further add to the "greenery" of this city.

Many museums are located along or near the Main River and these museums certainly contributed to the cultural life of Frankfurt.

If you are visiting Europe, do earmark this wonderful city into your itinerary. You will be surprised how much you will enjoy Frankfurt!

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is just minutes from the Old Town on foot, Altstadt, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

Flags of the EU, Germany and Frankfurt (back to front), Altstadt, Frankfurt, Germany (2004)

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