ΠΛΕΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΟΙΝΟΠΑ ΠΟΝΤΟΝ ΕΠ ΑΛΛΟΘΡΟΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ [while sailing over the wine-dark sea to men of strange speech]. Homer book I line 183.
And this quotation sits above the Main’s Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge).
Most apt for Frankfurt – a city that houses over 180 nationalities and whose population is 40% “foreign”.
Foreigners have been flocking to Frankfurt for centuries – it is has been hosting trade fairs since 1240 and there are still traces of old Roman settlements. However the city was named after later settlers – the Franks and their ford over the Maine river.
On many levels this is a Capital city. Germany’s skyscraper Capital: Germany’s Capital of capital, Capital of Jazz and Capital of Art.
Frankfurt’s position as a key European banking and business city along with the city’s skyscrapers, featuring amongst the tallest in Europe, has given rise to its nickname, Mainhattan.
Germany is great for Jazz & Blues and Frankfurt’s Jazz festival and clubs are rated the best in Germany.
Like Berlin, Frankfurt’s nightlife is amazing ranging from high end venues for the well- heeled to more affordable and some great speakeasies (just be prepared to talk you way into some).
And for art Frankfurt is blessed with museums and galleries covering all areas of art and history as well as being great for opera, and the classical music.
Facilities for exhibitions, congresses and conferences are equally impressive – ranging from Frankfurt’s Messe Exhibition Halls through hotels able to host over 1,000 pax and museums with event space.
And for Incentives, hotels ranging through boutique, designer and modern to classical luxury.
Frankfurt is undergoing a renaissance covering hotels, culture and nightlife. Dining is a pleasure, enjoy fine dining 53 storeys high, Michelin starred art on a plate or try a micro-brewery in a pub.
For the adventurous there is even an Indian restaurant that serves fillet of bison, pheasant breast, reindeer, rattlesnake, scorpion, crocodile or even grasshoppers. Seem a strange menu for an Indian restaurant!!!! Well it is an American Indian restaurant.
A little further afield you may find excellent wineries in the Rheingau wine region.