Frankfurt may only be Germany’s fifth-largest city, but this busy international metropolis is one of the world’s major transport hubs. With a central German location, Frankfurt is often used as a base for exploring the rest of the country, or simply a transit point. However, there’s plenty to see and do in this deeply historical riverside city, which is bursting with cultural attractions and loads of nightlife.
What it is: A major financial hub and the fifth-largest city in Germany, where modern skyscrapers meet historic squares and world-class museums.
Affordability: Mid-to-high range, with pricey hotels and dining but budget-friendly public transport and street food options.
Safety: Generally safe, though pickpocketing and petty crime can occur in busy areas like the Hauptbahnhof (central station).
Popularity: A key European business destination, often overlooked by tourists but rich in history and culture.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with efficient public transport, a variety of hotels, and easy airport connections.
Accommodation Options: Budget hostels, business hotels, boutique stays, and luxury skyscraper accommodations.
Dining Scene: A mix of traditional German cuisine, international restaurants, and local specialties like apple wine and green sauce.
Nightlife: Lively, with beer gardens, jazz clubs, trendy rooftop bars, and late-night spots in Sachsenhausen.
Weather: Cold winters, warm summers, and mild, rainy spring and autumn seasons.
Best Time to Go: May to September, when the weather is pleasant and outdoor events are in full swing.
Known For: Financial district, historic Römerberg, Christmas markets, apple wine, museums, riverfront skyline, trade fairs.
Top Attractions: Römerberg • Main Tower • Städel Museum • Palmengarten • Goethe House • Frankfurt Cathedral • Eiserner Steg • Alte Oper.
- Population: Approximately 770,000 in the city; around 5.8 million in the metropolitan area (Rhine-Main region).
- Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 (March to October).
- Currency: Euro (€ EUR); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
- Language: German is the official language; English is widely spoken in business and tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type C and F (European two-pin plugs).
- Internet: Widely available; free Wi-Fi is offered in many hotels, cafes, and public areas.
- Convenience stores: Found at train stations and around the city, including Rewe To Go, Spätis, and petrol station shops.
- Nearest International Airport: Frankfurt Airport (about 8 miles / 13 km southwest of the city center).
- Trivia: Frankfurt is a major financial hub and home to the European Central Bank, often nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its skyline along the Main River.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include frankfurters (sausages), grüne Soße (green herb sauce), and apfelwein (apple wine).
- Fun Fact: Despite its modern skyline, Frankfurt’s Römerberg square preserves a reconstructed medieval old town that attracts visitors year-round.
Frankfurt is Germany’s financial powerhouse, known for its gleaming skyscrapers, historic Römer square, and role as a major transport hub. Most tourists come for business or as a stopover, but those who linger find a city with a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, whether it’s strolling along the Main River or exploring museums in the Sachsenhausen district.
What sets Frankfurt apart is its unique skyline, rare in Germany, and its international vibe. Despite being a business center, the city offers green spaces, cultural festivals, and a well-preserved Altstadt (Old Town) that contrasts with its futuristic downtown.
Industrial powerhouse, financial center of Germany and one of Europe’s main trade fair sites cover the business end of Frankfurt life. However, there are also dozens of huge public parks, a fair bit of the half-timbered Altstadt (old town) remaining and a number of medieval architectural wonders that survived WWII.
Top attractions include Römerberg, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the Main Tower observation deck, Palmengarten (botanical gardens), and the Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank). Don’t miss Kleinmarkthalle for local foods or a cruise on the Main River for city views.
Most of the top sights, lodging, entertainment and eating is centered around the Stadmitte (town center), which can easily be covered on foot. Within this area is the smaller old town district, where most visitors spend their time, as it’s chock full of attractions. You may also find yourself in Westend, which is fast becoming the trendy part of town for its fusion restaurants and posh hotels. Crossing the Main river takes you to the famous apple-wine taverns of Sachsenhausen; but the rest of the city doesn’t offer much to the visitor.
For lodging, the Innenstadt and Bahnhofsviertel (near the main train station) are central and convenient, though the Bahnhofsviertel can be gritty at night. Sachsenhausen is a good choice for a local feel with plenty of bars and restaurants. Frankfurt offers everything from luxury hotels and business-class stays to budget hostels.
Getting around is simple with an excellent network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. The Frankfurt Card offers unlimited transit and discounts. Walking is enjoyable in central areas, but distances can be longer between districts.
Dining includes hearty German fare like schnitzel and green sauce, along with global cuisine thanks to the city’s diverse population. Nightlife is relaxed but fun, with apple wine taverns in Sachsenhausen and riverside bars in summer. Shopping spans from high-end boutiques on Goethestrasse to more affordable finds on Zeil.
Frankfurt is generally very safe, though petty theft can happen, especially around the main train station. The city is clean, efficient, and well-organized, but the red-light area near the station may feel seedy to some visitors.
Why Go to Frankfurt?
-
Skyline Views: Enjoy panoramic cityscapes from Main Tower and stroll along the river.
-
Museums & Culture: Explore world-class museums along the Museumsufer.
-
Historic & Modern Mix: See the Römer, medieval sites, and contemporary skyscrapers all in one city.
-
International Hub: Experience diverse cuisine and easy connections across Europe.
-
Parks & Green Spaces: Relax in Palmengarten or enjoy riverside trails and bike paths.
Who Might Not Enjoy Frankfurt?
-
Visitors Seeking Old-World Charm: Frankfurt feels modern and business-like compared to cities like Heidelberg or Rothenburg.
-
Travelers Avoiding Business Crowds: The city can feel corporate, especially during major trade fairs.
-
Those Wanting Vibrant Nightlife: While there are good bars and clubs, Frankfurt’s nightlife is more low-key than Berlin or Hamburg.
What’s Cool
Modern skyline and Main Tower views, Römerberg old town square, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Museumsufer (museum district), Palmengarten botanical garden, Goethe House, vibrant financial district, bustling Christmas markets, river cruises on the Main, day trips to Rhine Valley, film spots (Cloud Atlas), easy airport connections, mix of old and new architecture.
What’s Not
Businesslike atmosphere, limited nightlife compared to Berlin, expensive hotels during trade fairs, crowded public transport at rush hour, high cost of living, gray winters, occasional construction noise, fewer major landmarks than other German cities, pricey riverfront dining, tourist traps around Römer, reserved local vibe.
Frankfurt is located in central Germany, on the banks of the Main River, about 30 km (19 miles) from the Rhine and roughly 420 km (260 miles) southwest of Berlin. It’s Germany’s financial capital and home to one of Europe’s busiest airports, Frankfurt Airport. The city is well connected by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses, making it easy to get around.
Covering about 248 km² (96 mi²), Frankfurt combines a modern skyline with historic neighborhoods and green spaces. The city is divided into areas like Innenstadt, Sachsenhausen, Westend, and Bahnhofsviertel, each offering a different vibe and experience for visitors.
Most tourists stay in the Innenstadt, near the Main River, or close to the central train station (Hauptbahnhof) for convenience.
Innenstadt (City Centre)
Innenstadt is Frankfurt’s downtown core, home to shopping streets, historic landmarks, and the central business district. It’s the best base for first-time visitors.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Chain hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Römerberg • Frankfurt Cathedral • Zeil Shopping Street
- Dining: (Diverse) – German, international, and fast food.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Bars, lounges, and rooftop spots.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Department stores and brand boutiques.
Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen, just across the river from Innenstadt, is famous for its apple wine taverns, cobbled streets, and riverside paths. It offers a more traditional and relaxed feel.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Guesthouses and boutique hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Museumsufer • Old Sachsenhausen • Eiserner Steg
- Dining: (Traditional) – German taverns and apple wine houses.
- Nightlife: (Busy) – Pubs, beer gardens, and live music venues.
- Shopping: (Local) – Markets and small stores.
Westend
Westend is a leafy, upscale district known for its embassies, historic villas, and proximity to trade fairs. It’s quiet and refined, appealing to business and leisure travelers alike.
- Accommodations: (High-End) – Luxury hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Palmengarten • Senckenberg Museum
- Dining: (Upscale) – Fine dining and elegant cafés.
- Nightlife: (Low-Key) – Hotel bars and wine lounges.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Designer stores and specialty shops.
Bahnhofsviertel
Bahnhofsviertel surrounds the main train station and offers a mix of budget options, nightlife, and international eateries. It’s lively but gritty, known for its red-light district.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hostels, hotels, and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Kaiserstraße • Main Tower • English Theatre Frankfurt
- Dining: (Global) – Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisine.
- Nightlife: (Vibrant) – Bars, clubs, and late-night venues.
- Shopping: (Basic) – Convenience stores and small shops.
Nordend
Nordend is a popular residential district with leafy streets, parks, and a laid-back vibe. It’s well-suited to visitors wanting a local feel while still being close to the center.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Boutique hotels and guesthouses.
- Nearby Attractions: Bethmannpark • Chinese Garden • Berger Strasse
- Dining: (Trendy) – Organic cafés, vegan spots, and bistros.
- Nightlife: (Relaxed) – Pubs and neighborhood bars.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Independent stores and specialty shops.
Bockenheim
Bockenheim is a student-friendly area with a mix of cafés, pubs, and affordable eateries. It’s home to part of Goethe University and offers a youthful, casual vibe.
- Accommodations: (Budget) – Budget hotels and hostels.
- Nearby Attractions: Leipziger Strasse • Bockenheimer Warte
- Dining: (Casual) – Pizza, kebabs, and casual dining.
- Nightlife: (Student-Oriented) – Pubs, student bars, and live music.
- Shopping: (Affordable) – Local shops and markets.
Ostend
Ostend is an evolving riverside district, home to the European Central Bank and the city’s zoo. It’s quieter but increasingly popular with new developments and riverside walks.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Chain hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Frankfurt Zoo • European Central Bank Tower • Hafenpark
- Dining: (Modern) – International and contemporary.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Small bars and riverside cafés.
- Shopping: (Developing) – Small malls and convenience stores.