Frankfurt am Main

Real animals a thousand times over in one of the oldest zoos in the world. Frankfurt Zoo has over 4500... animals - from the tiniest birds to the tallest giraffes. There is a dwarf goat enclosure without fences or gates, where children are encouraged to get 'hands on'. The famous animal park was opened after a citizens' initiative in 1858. Back then, the focus was on relaxation and the opportunity to observe animals. The zoo director Bernhard Grzimek, who was very popular in the media, made real achievements when it came to rebuilding the complex after the Second World War. Building work continues all the time, in order to provide species-appropriate space for the animals where possible and to give visitors an insight into their way of life at the same time. Major attractions include the cat jungle, the Grzimekhaus of nocturnal animals, the aquariums, the African savannah enclosure and the aviaries. more

The core district of the south Main quarter is one of the oldest parts of the city. Once a working class... quarter, Alt-Sachsenhausen has now transformed itself into a picturesque area to be enjoyed where the chic seeks its nightly amusement. The legendary atmosphere that once made the name of this quarter a synonym for rustic cider drinking culture is now hardly to be found in Sachsenhausen, but there are pubs where "the stuff" is still available - more here than anywhere else. The main permanent areas in this going-out area are the Große Rittergasse and the Kleine Rittergasse and the Rauschergasse, Textorgasse and Klappergasse. Not far away, the "Museumsufer am Mainkai" (museum embankment along the Main quay) where imposing villas of the grand bourgeoisie house one museum after the other, testifies to the golden age when the city coffers were so well endowed that there was also an open ear for culture. The "Städelsche Kunstinstitut" (City Art Institute), a magnet for art enthusiasts from around the world, offers not only an extensive collection of international rank, but also interesting temporary exhibitions. more

This spacious complex of buildings with its splendid façade of staggered gables facing the Römerberg... evolved from eleven patrician houses with several courtyards and wings that the city council bought up gradually from 1405 to combine into an impressive town hall complex. Arches were created under the arcades on the ground floor that were used as market halls when trade fairs were held. The name "Römer" initially referred to the middle of the three central houses, and was subsequently applied to the whole complex. The Römer attained its pre-eminent historic significance as the historic cradle of the German Empire from 1562 when the coronation banquets of the German Emperors were held here. In the upper floor of the house "Zum Römer" the lovingly restored Emperor's Room recalls this event, now used for banquets and receptions. 52 German Emperors and Kings have been preserved for posterity in life-sized portraits, created in the 19th century by an initiative of the citizen's committee. more