Frankfurt has far more to it than its famous sausage, the Frankfurter. Affectionately known as Mainhattan, because of its proximity to the River Main and its large number of striking skyscrapers, Frankfurt is a trendy, cosmopolitan and cultural place to take a holiday. In spite of its reputation for being a favoured destination for businessmen, it has plenty of natural goodness in its surroundings, with large, green parks and the dazzlingly tranquil River Main. The culture vulture will be spoilt for choice on Museumsufer, a fascinating stretch of nothing but museums, while a nightlife rivalling the likes of Berlin can also be enjoyed.

As one of the premier industrial and financial centres on the continent, Frankfurt is a modern international metropolis that still retains much of its German cultural heritage.

Its nightlife and museums rival those of the capital city. Skyscrapers grow unbridled from the banks of the Main in Frankfurt's financial district, where the European Central Bank, which regulates the Euro; Brundesbank, the central German bank; and one of Europe's largest stock exchanges attract business travelers and residents from all corners of the world.

Next to the bustling modernity of the financial district reposes the restored Altstadt, or Old Town. Though it suffered heavy damage during World War Two, major reconstruction efforts have ensured that it is still a popular destination for tourists. A cluster of three dazzling 13th century mansions, now Frankfurt's city hall and open for tours, overlooks Altstadt's central Romerberg Square. Saint Bartholomew's Cathedral, the former seat of the Holy Roman Empire and the current main church of Frankfurt, is also a prominent eye-gripping attraction.

Those interested in literature should explore the Goethe House, birthplace of Germany's greatest writer. Those who want to frequent museums can have their fill along the Main's south bank, where they sit in a compelling array of contemporary architecture, giving rise to the area's informal name of Museum Embankment. Frankfurt also teems with clean, scenic parks. Many line the Main, and the Palmengarten botanical garden and park and the Chinese-themed Bethmann Park are particularly notable attractions.