4. Explore Frankfurt’s historical and modern architecture

Frankfurt is a puzzling scrapbook of architectural styles, with reconstructions of historic buildings standing alongside skyscrapers designed by internationally renowned firms. Some of Germany’s tallest buildings are here – hence the city’s nickname, “Mainhattan” – though there’s been an effort in recent years to reclaim Frankfurt’s past after centuries of architecture was lost to bombing during World War II.

Around Römerberg, once a key site of the holy Roman empire, half-timbered houses and “creative replicas” of previously existing buildings have been built. Between 1950s apartment blocks, Frankfurt Cathedral and the postmodern Schirn Kunsthalle, a development called Neue Altstadt has seen architecture firms put their own spin on traditional gabled homes, from faithful reconstructions to modern interpretations. Architecture buffs should consider booking a guided tour with Guiding Architects; expert architects will lead you around the city’s biggest landmarks.