Right next door to Mainhattan: Offenbach

Offenbach is its own city, although it is only 5 km from the financial metropolis of Frankfurt. Formerly known as a centre for the leather industry, Offenbach has made a name for itself as a trade fair city, headquarters for the German Meteorological Office, a centre for services and an important art academy city (Academy of Art and Design). Moreover, its close proximity to Frankfurt, the trade fair centre and Frankfurt Airport is an extra bonus.

Those who like to take a stroll along the River Main and explore the parks and historical buildings in the city will surely take to Offenbach. The residents say it is a city for "love at second sight".

Offenbach's museums reflect the city's affinity for graphics, design and sculpture. Offenbach is a creative city. The German Leather Museum stands today as a testament to Offenbach's time as a renowned leather city. However, not only leather, but typesetting also played an important role. The Klingspor Museum, housed in a wing of the Büsing Palais, displays modern, international book art, typography and calligraphy. Contemporary art is exhibited at the Rosenheim Museum.

The Büsing Palais, constructed in 1775/76, is considered by many as Offenbach's most beautiful and prestigious building. The Neo-Baroque palace was added at the beginning of the 20th century. The Sheraton Offenbach Hotel shares its grounds with the palace.

The Academy of Art and Design plays an important role in Offenbach and also for the Sheraton Offenbach Hotel. The Academy of Art and Design has exhibited works in the rooms of the hotel for four years already. The pieces range from photography, video stills, sculpture and painting through to interactive media. The location of the academy is also inspiring: it is housed in the Isenburger Castle. The castle itself is also one of the great sights of Offenbach and features a somewhat surprising design. While the north facade is dry and austere, the inner courtyard and south facade are amongst the most beautiful testaments to the Renaissance period, which can be found north of the Alps.

A further landmark of the city is the "Capitol", a striking domed building. Built as a synagogue at the beginning of the 20th century, today it is one of the many venues for concerts and events.

As a side note, the Offenbach locals fondly maintain their rivalry with Frankfurt. The bantering between the two cities is part of their charming togetherness.

Of course one can "put up with" the nearby stock exchange and bank metropolis Frankfurt and take advantage of the diverse cultural programme as well as the wonderful places to shop. A visit to Mainhattan is definitely well worth it: get to know the historical Old Town, the modern sky line and the unbelievable range of dining and night life options. It is all within a stone's throw.

Distances to sights in the city

Offenbach

• Trade fair grounds: 0.4 km
• Capitol: 0.4 km
• City centre: 0.1 km
• River Main: 0.1 km

Frankfurt/Main

• Römer (town hall): 5 km
• Paulskirche church: 5 km
• Goethe Haus: 6 km
• Zeil shopping street: 5.5 km
• Museum Embankment: 6 km
• Alte Oper: 7.5 km
• Commerzbank Arena: 10 km
• Messe Frankfurt trade fair centre: 8 km

Cities worth seeing

• Bad Homburg: 25 km
• Wiesbaden: 32 km
• Heidelberg: 95 km