Frankfurt
Frankfurt combines a compact global business centre with varied residential districts and large green landscapes. The banking skyline gives the inner city its most recognisable image, but only a short distance away the Römerberg, cathedral and reconstructed old town recall Frankfurt’s history as a free imperial city, trading centre and place of imperial elections and coronations. The Main divides and connects the city at the same time: promenades, bridges and the Museumsufer form a continuous cultural and recreational corridor along its banks. Beyond the centre, Gründerzeit quarters such as Nordend or Sachsenhausen contrast with modern estates, former industrial areas, village-like districts and the orchards, woods and Nidda valley of the GrünGürtel. Hauptbahnhof, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and the international airport reinforce its transport-hub role. What makes the city distinctive is the close proximity of finance, international everyday life, historic neighbourhood structures and extensive greenery: the skyline is always present, but it is only one layer of a much more diverse city.