Frankfurt has a cultural budget exceeding that of any other European city, with major museums on the Museumsufer and a thriving independent art scene. Special events for the FIFA World Cup include giant floating screens on the River Main and the SkyArena, lighting up the city's skyline (3-5 June).

Museum Mile: Museumsufer
A direct rival to Berlin's Museumsinsel, the Museumsufer is a collection of ten museums right in the centre of the city. Highlights include the Deutsches Architektur Museum (German Architecture Museum), Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum) and Städel-Museum (an art museum).

World-Class Shopping: The Zeil
Originally a cattle market, the pedestrianised Golden Mile of the Zeil is now home to department stores, clothing shops, shoe stores and furniture outlets and is famous around Germany.

Financial Powerhouse: The Banking District
Frankfurt is also known as Bankfurt due to its financial importance. Home to the European Central Bank and Commerzbank, a wander around this sector to check out some of the most impressive skyscrapers in Europe is well worthwhile.