Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in Europe. With an intriguing mix of finance and the arts, modernism and traditionalism, Frankfurt fuses it all into one big culture pot. And don’t worry if you’re not completely au fait with the German language. Almost 180 different nationalities reside in Frankfurt so multilingualism is part of daily life.

The best way to explore Frankfurt's leafy green suburban areas and the ancient narrow streets between the beer taverns is on foot.

Your first port of call should be the Main Tower. Take the elevator, which comes complete with a bell-boy, to the viewing deck. At 200m it offers the best views of the city. Look out for the Deutsche Bank towers, the Commerzbank Arena where England won their opening World Cup 2006 game and the infamous Euro sign in Willy-Brandt-Platz that is lit up in bright blue at night, symbolising the home of the European Central Bank. In the evening a bar opens just below the viewing deck serving lethal cocktails. Germany is a leading player in contemporary and innovative art and Frankfurt is a great place to explore the country's artistic heritage. There are 13 museums dedicated to different genres and forms of art, from classical paintings to video installations.

The Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit, even if it's just to admire the unusual triangular shape of the building that the locals lovingly nickname the "slice of cake". There are over 40 rooms on offer, with an ever-changing programme of art.

After a day sightseeing, there is nothing more relaxing than a walk in the Palmengarten (botanical gardens) in Bockenheim. Filled with exotic plants, palm trees and water features, it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Frankfurt comes alive at night with restaurants cooking every type of cuisine and classic cocktails bars serving drinks late into the night. For excellent homemade food that isn't expensive head to Restaurant Walden (Kleiner Hirschgraben). Meat, fish and vegetable dishes are the order of the day here. Check out the unusual d?cor of the restaurant as well, with pink plastic 1940s chairs, large fur rugs and art deco chandeliers. And for after-dinner drinks, Trinkhalle (Obermainanlage), one of the chicest retro bars in the East End is the place to be.

If you fancy more of a cultural evening, the English Theatre is the perfect place to spend a few hours watching classic comedy by Noel Coward and dramatic masterpieces by Shakespeare. The theatre always attracts a good crowd so book early.

On a final note, a word of warning for the girls: leave your Manolos at home when visiting Frankfurt. Even the sturdiest high-heel won't withstand the small cobbles that characterise the city streets!