Höchst & West Travel Guide

Neighbourhood

Höchst & West is a relaxed, timber-fronted district on the River Main known for its pretty Altstadt and local festivals. It feels more like a small town than part of central Frankfurt, with riverside cafés, traditional restaurants and a handful of hotels.

Höchst & West Airport &Niederrad Altstadt &Innenstadt Bahnhofsviertel& Gallus Bornheim& Ostend Höchst & West Nordend Sachsenhausen Westend& Messe Tourist areas, not official boundaries. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsNaturmuseum SenckenbergCommerzbank TowerStädel MuseumFrankfurt CathedralEuropaturmFrankfurt Zoological GardenHöchst & West

Höchst & West essentials

Country: Germany
Driest months: Feb-Apr
Pay in: Euro (€)
Language: German
Emergency: 110
Eat
Traditional
Riverside cafés and traditional German pubs on the Altstadt streets
Sleep
Budget to Mid-Range
Family hotels and guesthouses near Höchst station
Party
Quiet
Low-key pubs around Marktplatz and riverside beer gardens
Shop
Markets
Höchster Marktplatz and the Markthalle for local produce

Höchst sits on the western edge of Frankfurt beside the River Main and feels like a separate little town. The compact Altstadt is full of timbered houses, riverside promenades and cafés; Schloss Höchst, a moated Renaissance castle, anchors the western side of the old town.

By day it’s a relaxed place for walking, markets and traditional restaurants; evenings are low-key with neighbourhood pubs and beer gardens rather than late-night clubs. Höchst also stages seasonal festivals and markets that bring the streets to life.

Höchst & West at a Glance

A calm, historic riverside quarter with traditional dining, markets and occasional festivals.

  • Best for: History, relaxed riverside cafés and local markets
  • Vibe: Small-town, unhurried and picturesque
  • Nearest station: Höchst S-Bahn / regional trains
  • Price level: Mostly $-$$
  • To the main sights: Minutes’ walk around the Altstadt and Schloss
  • Safety: Generally safe; usual city precautions

Who's Höchst & West For?

Great for:

  • A relaxed stay away from the city centre
  • History and riverside walks
  • Budget and mid-range travellers

Maybe skip it if:

  • You want central nightlife and late-night clubs
  • You need many luxury hotels nearby

Getting Your Bearings in Höchst & West

Höchst Altstadt sits south of Höchst station along the south bank of the Main; Schloss Höchst is west of the Marktplatz. The river promenade and the Markt area are within easy walking distance of the station.

Plan Your Visit to Höchst & West

  • Festival season: Visit in summer for Höchst festivals and riverside events when the streets come alive.
  • S-bahn access: Use Höchst station for quick S-bahn connections to central Frankfurt.
  • Sunday openings: Many shops are closed or have reduced hours on Sundays; the Markthalle may still run stalls.
  • Cash and cards: Smaller cafés and stalls may prefer cash, though most restaurants accept cards.
  • Best walking: Wear comfortable shoes, the Altstadt streets are cobbled in places.

Things to Do in Höchst & West

  • Altstadt Höchst: Wander the compact timbered old town, pop into riverside cafés and enjoy the traditional feel of the market streets.
  • Schloss Höchst: See the moated Renaissance castle and its grounds; the castle hosts occasional events and exhibitions.
  • Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur: Visit the historic porcelain manufactory and its exhibitions when open to learn about local craft history.
  • Riverside walk: Stroll along the Main for peaceful views and summer beer-garden seating.
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Höchst & West

  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Public transport: Take the S8 or S9 from the airport to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf (about 10-15 minutes), then change to the S1 towards Höchst (around 10-15 minutes); total journey ~35-45 minutes, regional fare. Taxi/ride-hail: door-to-door about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic; roughly €30-50.
  • Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN): Public transport: No direct train; most travelers take a shuttle/bus to Frankfurt central and then S-train to Höchst, plan for 1.5-2.5 hours depending on connections. Taxi/ride-hail: long drive (well over an hour), taxi is simplest if you need door-to-door comfort.
  • From the main sights: From central Frankfurt (Römer/Römerberg): take the S-bahn from Hauptbahnhof or Hauptwache to Höchst (S1 and regional services), about 20-30 minutes. Taxi 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting Around Höchst & West

  • On foot: The Altstadt, Marktplatz and riverside are compact and best explored by walking.
  • S-bahn and regional trains: Höchst station connects the district with central Frankfurt and the region, quick and frequent for day trips.
  • Local buses and taxis: Local buses cover the wider Höchst area; taxis or ride-hails are handy for late returns or reaching outlying guesthouses.
Sleep

Where to Stay in Höchst & West

Höchst favours budget and mid-range accommodation close to the station and old town; there are fewer luxury options. Stay near the Marktplatz or Höchst station for easy access to cafés, the riverside and S-bahn links.

Luxury

  • Lindner Hotel Frankfurt Hochst: The area’s most upmarket option, comfortable, modern rooms a short walk from the station and Altstadt.

Mid-range

  • Höchster Hof: A family-run hotel within easy walking distance of the Marktplatz and riverside; solid mid-range choice.
  • Hotel am Schloss: Close to Schloss Höchst and the old town, convenient for sightseeing and riverside cafés.
  • Mainod: Small hotel with an attached restaurant; a short stroll from the market and pedestrian streets.

Budget

  • Haus Barz: Simple lodgings a little farther from the heart of the Altstadt, budget option with local character.
  • Zur Waldlust: Country-style guesthouse and biergarten slightly outside the compact centre; a longer walk or short taxi ride.

Where to Eat in Höchst & West

Dining in Höchst is mostly traditional and neighbourhood-scale: riverside cafés, German restaurants and international takeaways. Head for the Marktplatz and the lanes off the river for the best selection; prices tend to be $-$$ with a few mid-range options.

  • Mainod: German cuisine, $$; a reliable mid-range restaurant attached to a small hotel.
  • Urfa man: Turkish cuisine, $-$$; local favourite for grilled dishes and Turkish staples.
  • Kiiroi Sushi: Sushi, $$; compact spot for Japanese and sushi options near the station.
  • Pizzeria Luzzi: Pizza, $; casual pizzeria close to the old town and promenade.
  • Park Cafe Höchst: Cafe, $; pleasant spot for coffee and light bites near green spaces.
  • Mirella by Fresh Fisch: Seafood/restaurant, $$; small fish-focused place near the riverside.
  • Schlosscafé Höchst: Cafe, $$; café by the castle good for cake, coffee and a relaxed break.
Party

Nightlife in Höchst & West

Nightlife in Höchst is low-key: pubs, cafés and a few beer gardens rather than late-night clubs. The Marktplatz and riverside are where most bars and outdoor seating cluster; expect local crowds and early finishes on weeknights.

  • Café Montenegro: Pub/café close to the centre; a popular local meeting point.
  • Pfefferdutt: Pub right in the old town, small, cosy and very neighbourhood-oriented.
  • SevenS Irish Pub: Irish-style pub a short walk from the Marktplatz with casual drinks and televised sport.
  • Sportsbar Cabana: Sports bar near the station, lively on match days.
  • Present bar: Small bar popular with locals for evening drinks.
  • Schiffsmeldestelle: Riverside biergarten; seasonal outdoor drinking and dining when the weather is good.

Shopping in Höchst & West

Shopping is local and practical: small shops, a department store and a covered market for food and weekend browsing. The market area and Hauptstrasse lanes are the best places to look for everyday goods and local produce.

  • Woolworth: Department store for basics, clothing and household items close to the centre.
  • Markthalle Höchst: Covered market with fresh produce, stalls and small food vendors; great for local ingredients.
  • Höchster Marktplatz: Main market square where you’ll find weekly stalls and market events.