As the only German city with a skyline of modern office towers, Frankfurt earned the nickname “Mainhattan” (as in the Main River). Like New York, it is also a major global banking center, despite its moderate size of around 750,000 residents. We asked Souâd Benkredda, a Frankfurt native and managing director of German bank DZ Bank AG, what it's like to work in the city and what visitors shouldn't miss. His responses have been edited for clarity and length.
What surviving places did you enjoy as a child in Frankfurt?
The Palmengarten (a Botanical Garden) was and still is fun. There is a small pond where you can take a pedal boat. Wide steps lead down to the water. As a child, I always thought they were bent in the middle, because everyone walks in the middle.
What has changed since your childhood?
Frankfurt has become even more international than it has always been. Announcements on the form was not in English. Today, it is essential.
How do you get to work?
I usually take the train, because I live in the city center. It's faster than driving and I've never owned a car.
Where is your favorite place for a business dinner?
Mikuni is a quirky and fantastic Japanese restaurant. The owners prepare the freshly prepared dishes behind the counter. There is no luxurious interior, and when you are there, you think you are in Japan.
And where would we go for a drink afterwards?
Oosten is a beautiful rooftop bar, right between the European Central Bank and the Main River. I celebrated my birthday Once upon a time. With a mix of steel and glass, it has an industrial charm and you have a view of the beautiful Frankfurt skyline.
What makes the city special in summer?
There are many large markets, such as Bornheim or Kleinmarkthalle, with local vendors selling their products. Young and old come together there for the region's famous apple wine. What I also try to do in the summer is take long walks along the Main River.
And in winter ?
It's the perfect time to visit museums. Frankfurt has some very good ones. My favorites are Städel for art and Senckenberg for natural history.
Where do you always take out-of-town visitors?
Towards Römer Square. It is a beautiful central square in the heart of the city, surrounded by half-timbered houses. The buildings were destroyed during the war and have been rebuilt. It's very beautiful. From the Römer you can quickly reach any other central district and the Main.
What are the least attractive sides of the city?
The biggest challenge for Frankfurt is the central station area, where many homeless drug addicts live. Commuters should feel safe arriving by train and traveling through the area to work. And at the same time, we must systematically address the health problems of people who use drugs. The new mayor has made it one of his priorities.
What sets Frankfurt apart from other cities?
Frankfurt is much less anonymous than the cities I've lived in before: London, Paris and Dubai. Here, it can easily happen that you meet friends while shopping. And in 15 minutes, you will arrive everywhere. Compared to other German cities, I find it more diverse. With the urban forest, the cozy neighborhoods and the international banks, it does not have just one face. It’s such a diversity of people, architecture and scenes.
What gift or souvenir from Frankfurt would you bring to a friend?
A bembel. This is a typical gray clay jug for apple wine with blue flower prints, but you can of course also fill it with water, for example. And I would also bring a bethmännchen, a almond paste pastry. Rausch confectionery makes it particularly delicious. Through a window, you can watch the employees make them, because the factory is right next to the store. You can even buy a bethmännchen in a bembel.
