This Business District In Germany Is Being Called “Mainhattan” & Its Architecture Looks Oddly Familiar To NYC's

We can’t stop thinking about our Europe travel plans, and dare we say we might have just found somewhere that *feels like home?!* While searching up spots, we stumbled on a city that might make New Yorkers do a double take: Frankfurt am Main , Germany’s financial hub, where the skyline is so reminiscent of Manhattan, locals call it “Mainhattan.” Nestled along the Main River, this city’s soaring glass towers and bustling business district look oddly familiar—almost like a slice of NYC transported to Europe. Let’s dive into what makes this jaw-dropping “German Manhattan ” so unique. Why is Frankfurt called “Mainhattan”? ------------------------------------- As you can see from the photos, Frankfurt’s skyline is unlike any other in Germany—or even Europe. The nickname “Mainhattan” is a clever mashup of the Main River in which it sits on, and our beloved Manhattan , a nod to the city’s dense cluster of modern skyscrapers that tower over the riverbank. The resemblance isn’t just skin-deep. Frankfurt is home to some of Europe’s tallest buildings , including the Commerzbank Tower and the sleek Main Tower , both of which wouldn’t look out of place in Midtown . The district, officially called the Bankenviertel (Banking Quarter) , is packed with financial institutions, international banks, and even its own “Wall Street” vibe. While most European cities are known for historic skylines, Frankfurt’s vertical growth took off in the 1960s as banks and global companies set up shop here. The result? A cityscape that feels more like NYC than Berlin or Paris -so much so, that even locals and travelers can’t help but draw the comparison. And just like Manhattan, *Mainhattan* is a magnet for people from all over the world. In fact, nearly half of Frankfurt’s residents aren’t even German citizens , making it one of Europe’s most diverse and cosmopolitan cities . We’ll be the ones to throw around our favorite “melting pot” word. The significance of Frankfurt’s skyscrapers ------------------------------------------- Frankfurt’s high-rises aren’t just for show either, they’re a symbol of the city’s status as the financial powerhouse of continental Europe. The city (and its sykline) is home to some of the world’s biggest banks, including European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, and the German Stock Exchange. Unlike Manhattan, where space constraints drive buildings skyward, Frankfurt’s skyscraper boom was fueled by post-war reconstruction and a forward-looking embrace of international architecture. The city’s modern towers stand alongside historic landmarks like the Imperial Cathedral and St. Paul’s Church, creating a dramatic blend of old and new . The architecture itself often takes cues from American postmodernism, with buildings like the pyramid-capped Messeturm and the twin Deutsche Bank towers echoing the silhouettes of NYC’s most iconic skyscrapers. Today, the city is in the midst of another building boom , with more than 50 new high-rises planned or under construction-including the Millennium Tower , set to become Germany’s tallest building. Plus, developments like FOUR Frankfurt , a cluster of four skyscrapers, are reshaping the city’s silhouette and reconnecting neighborhoods, much like Hudson Yards did in NYC. Source: https://secretnyc.co/mainhattan-frankfurt-germany-nyc-skyline/