Frankfurt/Main

doubt about it: the business of Frankfurt is business. Though not particularly large or beautiful, this metropolis a major player on the world's economic stage. The stock exchange, industrial giants and banks most notably is mirrored in the Main River, a strategic ribbon that has brought traders to town since medieval times.

These days, some of the world's biggest trade shows, including the famous Frankfurt Book Fair, take place in high-tech halls near the airport, the largest and busiest on the Continent. English is widely spoken, and the fact that rarely found elsewhere in the country. So don't think the city is all about work and no fun!

Locals definitely like to party, whether in cutting-edge clubs or traditional apple cider pubs. Culture vultures can swoop down on first-rate museums, galleries and the opera, while history currency in Frankfurt is the euro, which became Germany's official currency in 2002. It is divided into 100 cents.

Euro come in denominations of five, ten, twenty, fifty, 100, 200 and 500 notes and one, two, five, ten, twenty and fifty cent coins. Most business hotels exchange dollars and other major currencies, although rates are more favorable at banks or currency exchange offices, including those at the airport or main train station. the second busiest in Europe after London-Heathrow.

You'll arrive at one of two terminals, which are linked by a free, automated train called the Sky Line. Hiring a cab is by far the easiest or late-night rides. If you'd rather rent your own wheels, you'll find all major international car rental agencies represented at both terminals.

There are also clean, speedy and frequent downtown-bound Radisson is no ordinary hotel. Shaped like a giant glass-and-steel Ferris wheel, it has become an instant segues inside, where you can match your mood to four different room styles, from flashy to sophisticated, subdued to bright. An upbeat, contempo vibe pervades the entire hotel, aided by clever light effects, bold Wine Tower anyone?

Its two restaurants are no less striking. Coast is a brasserie and oyster bar, while the more casual Gaia makes culinary forays to the Mediterranean. Smoking is a no-no in more than half of the 428 rooms and suites, which sport the gamut of gadgets, including flat screen TVs, videos and free DSL and Wi-Fi.

There are nine conference rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a 6,500-square-foot ballroom. Relaxation zones include a health and beauty the 21st century. The generous lobby leads to a handful of eateries, including a French brasserie and the other paraphernalia.

Nearby is the 24-hour business friendly staff to help you ink that deal. Meeting up to 1,000. Executive-level rooms many of them nonsmoking offer plenty of extras, including snacks while taking in the stunning views.

Keeping up with your exercise routine is easy in the large, state-of-the-art fitness club with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Afterwards you'll sleep like a baby business since 1876, the Frankfurter Hof is among the city's most prominent defenders of the grand tradition, anything but stuffy. In fact, technology-wise this palatial property has always been on the cutting edge, in 2002.

History and character ooze from every paneled wall, sparkling chandelier and marble staircase. No Rolling Stones. From small meetings to full-scale conventions, you'll find a conference room that suits your needs, along with all the equipment you could ask for, including a simultaneous translation system.

the smallest ones provide plenty of elbow room. For a special culinary treat, book a table at the Gourmet-Restaurant Fran c ais, or go casual at Oscar's, whose decor pays tribute to Hollywood legends.
an atmosphere of effortless sophistication, this contender is a great place for feeding your luxury cravings.

villa, complete with towers, turrets and other fairytale flourishes. Most of the 163 spacious guestrooms and perfectly matches the historic mansion. The central a drink, snack or Mediterranean meal.

Off to the side are seven conference rooms, all with natural light and the latest technology. The grand ballroom is decorated has its own foyer. For the rooms Brit designer Martin Brudnizki has used wood, mirrors and warm, natural antidote to a busy day at work.

The main kicking-back zone, though, is the three-level spa with its breathtaking granite pool.
you're in town for extended business, one of the stylish fit the bill. Its 74 units occupy five upper floors and around the corner from Goethestrasse, Frankfurt's equivalent of Rodeo Drive.

Choose from six floor plans and styles ranging from clubby to fanciful to feminine. hot plate, microwave and refrigerator. Baths are immaculate and feature powerful showers.

Windows reaching down 180-degree city views. Naturally, you'll have all the latest communication devices to play with. Meeting facilities are choice but best suited for small gatherings.

center with sauna.
apple cider, is the quintessential Frankfurt experience. Sitting at long wooden tables, you'll be rubbing shoulders from Japan, the U.

S. and other far-flung corners of the world. The ambience is classic old-world Germany boisterous, casual, cheerful and so is the wooden d e cor and hearty food.

We can recommend anything served meat. Adventurous eaters might want to do battle with German dish that's done especially well here.
yet convivial, this charismatic trattoria is ideal for chilling out, alone or with colleagues.

Its buzzy scene draws an attractive, conversation-happy crowd of couples and cops, families and friends. Flavors dishes built around fish or expert cuts of lamb, veal or other meats, all succulently prepared and paired with creative side dishes. The wine list has interesting contenders from throughout the Boot and other countries.

with views of the fountain-studded square.
is a successful marriage of modern and old. Tucked behind an imposing glass front, it is integrated into the St a del, one of Germany's most comprehensive art museums.

A cafe-bistro in the daytime, the place turns into an upscale, elegant restaurant with live music at night. Settle down for fine, light German with a Holbein Freshness Drink, a unique blend of Kombucha and prosecco on ice. The decadent chocolate desserts, made with Valrhona, are worth the hip-expanding you need to impress those new clients, reserve a table at this exclusive restaurant, but book early or be feet above street level in just under a minute.

The panoramic views of the city skyline are, predictably, breathtaking. Fortunately, the kitchen's ambition is just as lofty. A small army of chefs can be observed cutting, chopping and whisking in the open show kitchen, saut e ed in vanilla oil and saffron butter.

There's a choice of three six-course menus, although you're free to mix and match if you like. Beware: the final price tag isn't easy on the wallet, and ride is downright tacky.
and sophisticated, Micro is a prime example of the new and style.

Austria-born chef Mario Lohninger is a wizard in the kitchen, where he puts a refined spin on classic dishes from around the world. Even simple pizza, schnitzel deft preparation and super-fresh quality ingredients. Music, light effects and shimmering curtains of silver threads give the dining room a relaxed, almost sensuous feel, making this a perfect place for unwinding after a day of desk duty.

On weekends, the place morphs into a nightclub after dinner.
to serve excellent food, you'll definitely want to make reservations at Silk. Just don't ask for a table.

You see, this is a so-called bed restaurant reclining on soft, cream-colored leather lounges. That is, after you've taken off your shoes. Bathed in milky light with a pink tinge, you relax to the sounds of gentle electronica.

From time to time, servers dressed morsels that are like culinary poetry. The menu changes with kumquats, gnocchi with porcini-and-pumpkin-seed pesto, or a rhubarb-asparagus gratin. Make reservations as early as possible, especially for Friday and Saturday nights.

It's in the same complex as the Cocoon Club, Frankfurt's most sizzling nightclub.
foodies for many years. The menu is as enticing as the are perfect for small gatherings, while couples might prefer retreating to a private niche.

Chef Martin G o schel head next door to the vaulted Palast-Bistrot, where ubiquitous high-rises. Decked out in dark wood, black leather and copper-toned walls, it's a haven of urban a stiff martini. The bartenders mix and pour with authority.

Soft jazz wafts through the air most nights. If you need to build up your stamina for drinking, put together a plate of sushi from the respectable menu.
brainchild of German star-DJ Sven V a th, one of the godfathers of techno, Cocoon Club takes clubbing to stratospheric levels.

It's an ambitious blend of cutting-edge sound, design and food and quite possibly one of the most extravagant clubs you've ever seen. floor, V a th and an international cast of guest and visual effects to whip the crowd into a frenzy. floor.

The wall is honeycombed with niches (cocoons) where people relax on softly upholstered divans. Three of these can be reserved and have their own minibars, dimmable lights and adjustable sound. Two gourmet eateries, is actually a very green city, but most of its parks and woods are relegated to the periphery.

An exception canyons. In the Palmengarten, a beautifully landscaped botanical garden, you can wander among roses and rhododendrons, and orchids or catch a concert, reading or exhibition. for tired feet.

Immediately north, the winding paths and playing pick-up soccer. Architecture aficionados should swing by the nearby Poelzig Building, designed as the headquarters of a giant chemical concern. The U.

S. Army moved in after World War II, but since 2001 lovers should make a beeline to this fabulous museum, of European masters in Germany. Wandering through its warren of galleries, you'll be able to trace 700 years worth of paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings presented in an attractive fashion.

All the heavy hitters are Van Gogh, C e zanne, Picasso, Bacon and Serra, to name a small selection. Part of the collection occupies late 19th century, while the rest is in a modern annex. A well-stocked bookstore invites browsing, while the break.

The St a del, as it is known locally, is just Bank) on the southern bank of the river Main.
isn't a bad seat in the house at this intimate, midnight-blue theater, which has gone through earlier incarnations as ssa ballroom and a Salvation Army headquarters. Since 1988, the venerable space has drawn tens of thousands of guests with its excellent line-up of magicians, clowns, acrobats and artistes from around the world.

You'll tiny bistro tables, sipping Champagne and cocktails. at the equally cozy Palast-Bar.