Frankfurt is the financial centre of Europe, home to the European Central Bank and about 400 others from around the world. This lends the city a cosmopolitan, international feel, which is reflected in everything the city has to offer. For the shopper, there is no end of malls, department stores and boutiques - visit Peek+Kloppenberg for all your designer names under one roof. Cuisine is widely varied --beside the local, Oriental and Mid-Eastern communities are well represented. Check out Sachsenhausen for the centre of Frankfurt's pub and club district (here, the Irish rule supreme!) or head to the Airport(!) for a 24-hour clubbers paradise.
Quick Tips:
If there's a performance on in the Opera House, don't miss it. For live music of a different kind, Frankfurt has an endless cycle of top international acts (The Smashing Pumpkins were a highlight for me). Visit the Roemerplatz(the old city square) which has been restored after the complete devastation of World War II. The suburban rail system reaches the heighbouring cities of "Golden" Mainz (Gutenberg's home) and Darmstadt (the state capital), which are worth a visit for their museums.
Best Way To Get Around:
Transportation couldn't be easier --the clicheé of the punctual, organised German is true. The rapid S-Bahn connects airport, Central Station and all the suburban areas; the U-Bahn(underground) and Strassesbahn (street trams) serve the inner city. All-inclusive day tickets are available from vending machines for about 10€, or from the helpful people at the Hauptbahnhof tourist desk --they speak English.