Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main to the natives, is considered one of the two largest financial centers in continental Europe, and is the financial and transportation center of all of Germany. In terms of size, it is the fifth largest city in Germany, and the largest one in the German state of Hesse. It is situated by the main River, and it is the place of residence of the European Central Bank, the German Federal Bank, the Frankfurt Trade Fair, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the Frankfurt International Airport, and the Frankfurt Central station, the last two being one of the largest and busiest transportation terminals in the Europe.

Frankfurt is such a great city that it is the only German City listed as one of the world's ten Alpha world cities. As such, it's of little wonder that tourists in Germany try to include Frankfurt in their travels, if only for the splendid mix of history and modernization the city has molded itself into.

English speakers often refer to the city as simply Frankfurt though, this should be distinguished from another city also going by the name of Frankfurt Oder (a considerably smaller city in the German state of Brandenburg). It used to be called Frankfort-on-the-Main in English, which is a literal translation of its German name Frankfurt am Main. It is then turned into an acronym, FFM or Ffm, short for Frankfurt am Main.

Frankfurt is divided into two regions, north and south of the Main River. It has a rich 1200-year history. Much of it lay in ruins in the aftermath of the second World War, and the Frankfurt local government made it a point to modernize it instead of reverting to its old world feel. Because of these efforts, Frankfurt has grown to become Germany's cultural center and financial hub, home to many businesses, corporations, museums, theaters and galleries. One of its interesting historical facts is that it is the former home of the famed printer Johenss Gutenburg, and writer Wolfgang von Goethe, and is also home to the world-renowned German frankfurters.

Its most popular tourist sites include Goethehause (Goethe's childhood home), Städelsches Kunstinstitut (home of one of Europe's finest art collectctions, the Gothic St. Bartholomäus Cathedral, and the Sachsenhausen (Frankfurt's preserved old quarters-- the ones not ruined by war). It also attracts tourists with its two major international fairs-- the Spring and Autumn Fair, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.

For those worried about communication barriers, never fear. As a world city, most Frankfurt residents and businesses often speak English, since they are used to the presence of foreigners. The natives are actually very helpful and will offer directions if someone seems lost. All in all, Frankfurt is a memorable destination to visit, offering more than what normal travels have time to do.