Frankfurt

The Games

Sat 10 June (1400): England v Paraguay (Gp B)

Tue 13 June (1400): South Korea v Togo (Gp G)

Sat 17 June (1400): Portugal v Iran (Gp D)

Wed 21 June (2000): Holland v Argentina (Gp C)

Sat 1 July (2000): Quarter-final

The financial center located on the Main river, home to the European Central Bank long fought against its image of being a cold, ugly city. Goethes home town is also home to a large number of museums. For the city's 650.000 residents, the Frankfurt Airport, one of the world's lagrest, is a major employer.

What's the vibe? 'Mainhattan' or 'Bankfurt'. Nicknamed for its skyscraper skyline, Frankfurt-am-Main is a city defined by banks and business. You'll hear a dozen languages as you walk the streets - French, Italians, British and Spanish all come here to work for the multinationals in the centre of town. Beware the area immediately surrounding the main train station - it's dingy and packed with strip bars.

Catch the match: Sachsenhausen is the main area for nightlife and you're guaranteed to find English- and Irish-owned pubs to drink in - perfect if you're in town for England's opening match against Paraguay and haven't scored a ticket.

Miss the match: Alt Sachsenhausen has many cobbled corners crammed with tiny, old-fashioned taverns. To escape the city, drive 30km east to Hanau, birthplace of the Brothers Grimm and the start of the picturesque 'fairytale route' that runs north to Bremen. Think Disney-esque castles and villages.

Halftime snacks: Don't miss the ebbelwoi, the local cider, but beware its high alcohol content. Handkase mit Musik is a local speciality of cheese and onions slathered in a green sauce.