Stop over: Frankfurt

Frankfurt am Main. Photo / Getty Images

Germany’s beating heart is an eclectic mix of the old and the new

Berlin and Munich might be the obvious stopover choices in Germany, but Frankfurt, the largest financial capital in continental Europe, shouldn't be overlooked. Mixing the old and the new, it is considered the beating heart of Germany, with cosy pubs and historic settings in-between skyscrapers and banking headquarters. Here are some must-sees.

Night at the museum

Many consider the highlight of the cultural scene to be the Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment. Eleven well-known museums line the Main River. Leading the charge is the Stadel art gallery, a prominent fine-art museum with a strong focus on old masters and classical modern art. There are also film, Jewish and communication museums.

Opera star

As in many European cities, opera is a stand-out in the city's arts scene. The Frankfurt Opera House has been named Opera House of the Year three times. Wonderful theatre is also a feather in the artistic community's cap - more than 20 venues entertain the crowds. Be sure to visit the English Theatre and International Theatre Frankfurt for productions in English, and The Old Opera House for some classic beauty.
A kids' paradise
Dotted around the town are Forest Playgrounds. Scheerwald has a revolving sprinkler for hot days, a mini-golf course, roller-skating rink and ping-pong tables. Look for Germany's tallest wooden observation platform, the 43m Goethe Tower, built in 1931.

Bookworms delight

The world's largest trade fair for books is held annually in mid-October to showcase the biggest and brightest in publishing. More than 7000 exhibitors from 100 countries attend and the public can attend for two of the five days. If your literary juices are flowing, it's worth visiting Frankfurt Goethe House, the birthplace of author and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Eat up

The home of the Frankfurter sausage specialises in more than meat. Its famous green sauce of hard-boiled eggs, oil, vinegar and herbs is slathered on almost everything. Wash it down with the potent, tart Apfelwein.

• www.frankfurt-tourismus.de