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.
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.
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.
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.
