"Deutschland" Germany by skullcrusher

Ignore any negative stereotypes you´ve heard about Germans and German society. This is a wonderful country to visit. I have traveled through this country many times and have visited some of the main cities on occasion. I discuss Berlin on a seperate page.

FRANKFURT: Several people argue that the people in Frankfurt generally are not very friendly and that it´s not really a German town (due to the fact that so many people from other countries live there). Despite the detractors, whom are correct in many ways, I still find Frankfurt to be a good place to hang-out for a few days or even a week.

It has some very good museums: my favorites being the Liebieghaus (Museum of Ancient Sculpture) and the Stadelsches Kunstinstitutes which showcases some excellent gothic paintings.

The nightlife scene ( I admit it can be quite sleazy ) is very active and "in your face" with something to do no matter what your proclivity may be. Take a stroll through the RLD area near the Main Train Station in the evening and you´ll see what I mean.

The fact is that Frankfurt happens to be a major international hub and this not only makes it an interesting city but also serves as an excellent base for excursions to other areas of Germany and other countries as well.

COLOGNE: Though it also has a large immigrant population, Cologne has maintained a more relaxed and ''German'' feel to it. Certainly, the highlight is a visit to the very large Dom\Cathedral which is right beside the Hauptbahnhof (which is noteworthy for it´s eateries, transport services, post, etc). It also has some good museums, plus many other good photo opportunities as you wander around the city.

For shopping: if you are a music lover then definitely drop by the Saturn House (Hansahochaus). Built in 1925, it used to be the tallest building in Europe. Now it contains the world´s largest record\CD shop and you can find some really good deals here. If you want to get a nice gift for your mother or girlfriend then pick up some ''Eua de Cologne'' from the 4711 house. It´s located on Glockengasse street.

MÜNICH: a beautiful and historic town nestled in the heart of Barvaria. This city is best known for the annual "Octoberfest" event when hordes of people invade the town and indulge in the many varieties of that delightful poison ...... BEER!!

HAMBURG: In the northern park of the country. Hamburg is a nice city that has some good parks, museums, and old buildings. In the downtown the ruins of St. Nikolai Church has a lift you can take to the top for good views of the city. I was also quite impressed the the Rathaus (town hall). The city has many afflient residents; unfortunately it also has a lot of druggies, homeless, & criminal types. With a large "sin-city scene", this town reminds me a lot of Frankfurt.

• Pros:Good beer, excellent variety of food, and orderly society
• Cons:Weather that´s often not much better than Britain