Guide to Frankfurt Hotels and Attractions

Frankfurt has been known as a major trading portal since the 13th century. Frankfurt is still a major commercial and manufacturing centre and also has the home of the European Central Bank. There are many places you can dine in Frankfurt and they offer an excellent selection from Thai and Japanese to Mediterranean and the always delicious German style food. If you like sausage, then you will love the German style sausages as they are world famous and amazingly yummy. This is where Americans have gotten the famed Frank from, as the actual name in Germany is called a Frankfurter. The great thing about German cuisine is that the service charges are included in your bill so there is no extra tipping needed. If you stay in a hotel it is recommended you tip the cleaning staff 3 Deutch Marke. Germans are well known for their particular demeanour and enjoy welcoming the tourists.

Frankfurt's zoo is one of the most attractive in Europe, and is very popular. Wildlife can be watched on ten hectares (30 acres) of land. The obvious highlight is the Grzimek Haus, where artificial darkness is created in order to observe nocturnal animals going about their business.

Between 1562 and 1792, German emperors were crowned in the Cathedral of St Bartholomew, hence its other name – the Kaiserdom (Emperor Cathedral). This Gothic cathedral has a red sandstone façade and is one of Frankfurt's most recognisable landmarks. The present structure was rebuilt after World War II but contains a number of original carvings. A museum full of ancient archaeological findings is joined to the cathedral. There are also great views of the city from the tower.

The Palm Garden is a wonderland of tropical plants and exotic birds. Hidden away from the bustle of the centre, the attractions of this botanical garden include glasshouses, 300 different palms and a boating lake. There are occasional concerts staged here in summer.