Frankfurt am Main

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For years, revealing oneself as a native of Frankfurt took courage, as the city was viewed as one of Germany’s least appealing places—boring and impersonal. Its quality of life was largely confined to the subculture, with the shopping mile Zeil resembling a row of lifeless department stores and nightlife limited to a dreary red-light district. Attention came mainly from protests and riots. However, this image has transformed. Designers have replaced demonstrators, and the city has undergone a postmodern makeover. With the highest cultural budget in Germany during the affluent 80s and 90s, the municipality invested in art and culture, revitalizing the city. Today, apart from some peripheral areas, Frankfurt is stylish and luxuriously modernized. The historical Römer has become a beloved plaza for locals and a popular photo spot for tourists. Cultural attractions like the Museumsufer, Alte Oper, and Kunsthalle Schirn reward residents for years of reconstruction. Frankfurt now boasts a striking skyline and impressive museums, making it the envy of many. Despite soaring rents and a bustling atmosphere, the city retains a provincial heart, blending megalomania with village charm and a rich tapestry of cultures, reflecting a long tradition of business and tolerance.