frankfurt travel guide

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Frankfurt Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Frankfurt is a city ripe with culture, restaurants, and history. It’s also the center of banking and business in Europe . While Frankfurt lacks the charm of Munich or Berlin , it’s more than just a stopover destination (Frankfurt’s airport is one of the world’s busiest international airports so a lot of people have short stopovers here).

For more than five centuries, Frankfurt was known as the Free City of Frankfurt, an important city-state in the Roman Empire. Today, the city is incredibly diverse; half of the population has a foreign background, and a quarter of the population are foreign nationals.

While most people who stop here never leave the airport, Frankfurt is actually worth exploring for a few days. Eat dinner at one of the city’s famous cider houses, relax at a beer garden, spend the afternoon at one of the free parks, or soak up the city’s history in a museum.

This travel guide to Frankfurt can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this overlooked gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Frankfurt

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Frankfurt

1. See the Dom

Frankfurt’s main attraction, this reddish sandstone cathedral dates back to the 14th century when it was used to crown the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. It boasts a 95-meter-tall (311 feet) Gothic tower, which you can climb via 328 steps. Admission is free, but the tower is 3 EUR.

2. Visit the Städel-Museum

The Städel Museum has an impressive collection of art, with a heavy focus on German and Renaissance art. There are over 3,000 paintings, 4,000 photographs, 600 sculptures, and 10,000 drawings from the likes of Monet, Picasso, Bacon, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and others. Admission is 16 EUR.

3. Explore Römerberg

The historical center of Frankfurt is home to colorful half-timbered buildings and several medieval buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Most buildings were destroyed during World War II, but many have been restored to reflect what they used to look like. It’s a picturesque spot to stroll and take in the local pace of life.

4. Relax in Frankfurt City Forest

The city forest is the largest forest contained within any city limits in Germany. The six playgrounds and nine ponds make the forest a popular place for people looking to relax in nature. There is also a 450-kilometer-long (279 miles) network of trails for hikers, walkers, cyclists, and runners!

5. Visit Offenbach

Offenbach is a small neighboring city with tons of little shops, a flea market, a farmer’s market, an old baroque castle, and the stunning Neo-baroque Büsing Palace. Offenbach is the perfect place to escape the hectic city for a day and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Other Things to See and Do in Frankfurt

1. cross the eiserner steg.

Otherwise known as the Iron Bridge, this Neo-Gothic pedestrian bridge connects the downtown core to the Sachsenhausen district. Built in 1869, the bridge provides unique views of the city from over the Main River from which the city takes its full name, Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt on the Main). Over 10,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily!

2. Eat and drink in Sachsenhausen

South of the Main River, Sachsenhausen has many of the best cider taverns and pubs in the city. After visiting some pubs, take a stroll along the Main River and enjoy the view. Sachsenhausen is also known for Museumsufer, a row of 38 museums along the river with themes exploring the arts, architecture, and Jewish history. With the two-day Museumsufer Pass, you can visit all the museums for just 21 EUR.

3. Spend the day at the Palmengarten

Spanning 54 acres, Frankfurt’s botanical garden is the largest of its kind in Germany. Opened to the public in 1871, the garden was actually visited by the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill in 1890. Don’t miss the Palm Garden and its enormous collection of native, tropical, and subtropical plant life. Moreover, the gardens also offer lots of activities year-round, including concerts and guided tours. It’s 7 EUR to visit.

4. Walk around the Bornheim

The Bornheim neighborhood has some wonderful medieval-style houses that survived World War II. Since so much of the city was destroyed in the war, this is your only chance to see what the city looked like before everything was destroyed. The city’s longest street, Berger Strasse, is Bornheim’s commercial hub, and it’s chock full of restaurants, wine bars, boutique shops, and bars.

5. Stroll through the Frankfurt Book Fair

Held in the middle of October for nearly 500 years, this fair is considered the largest event in the publishing industry. Publishers, writers, and creative professionals from all over the world come to hold discussions, network, and celebrate the written word. It’s a week-long affair, but it’s only open to the public during the last two days. A day pass is 25 EUR.

6. Climb the Main Tower

The most rewarding views over Frankfurt are from the top of the 56-story Main Tower, the only high-rise that’s open to the public. Named for the Main River, from here you can take the elevator up to a viewing platform overlooking Frankfurt’s skyline. Tickets to the observation deck are 9 EUR.

7. Visit Goethe House

Born in Frankfurt in 1749, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is considered Germany’s most important writer. Born in 1749, he was a poet, playwright, novelist, and theater director. Destroyed during World War II, the Goethe House was restored with its original furniture, paintings, and books that belonged to the family. You can also see his writing desk, where he wrote his most famous work, The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774. Admission is 10 EUR and combination tickets that include special exhibitions are 13 EUR.

8. Visit Senckenberg Museum

The Senckenberg Museum is a treasure trove of natural history artifacts, with everything from fossils to Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons. It’s the second-largest natural museum in the country, home to some 17,000 skeletons. One of the most amazing pieces here is a fossil with a bit of preserved scaly skin attached to it. Admission is 12 EUR.

9. Check out the DialogMuseum

The DialogMuseum is easily one of the most unique museums in Germany. Rather than visiting a museum to view exhibits, this museum invites you to navigate the world as a blind or visually impaired person. On a one-hour tour through four completely pitch-black rooms, visitors experience what it’s like to live without any visual cues, relying on other senses to get them through. Admission is 16 EUR.

10. Explore the Deutsches Filmmuseum

This is another unique museum in Frankfurt, focused on film in Germany. There are exhibits on the history of film, behind-the-scenes insights into filmmaking, interactive displays, film artifacts like sketches, and more. A combined ticket to both the permanent and temporary exhibits is 12 EUR. You can also see a film at the museum’s theater for 8 EUR.

11. Check out the Kleinmarkthalle

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, head over to the Kleinmarkthalle for a huge assortment of high-quality fresh produce, delicatessen items and wine, handmade German regional products, and also international favorites. There are various small eateries with seafood, Italian specialties, and much more. It’s a great place to wander around, especially on a rainy day.

  For more information on other cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

Frankfurt Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 31-38 EUR per night while a dorm with 8 beds or more costs 22-25 EUR per night. A basic double private room costs about 160 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some charge a supplemental one-time fee of 3-4 EUR for linens. None of the hostels in Frankfurt offer free breakfast, though a couple offer robust breakfast buffets for 6-8 EUR. Most hostels also have a bar/café on site.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity costs 15 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 50-65 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi, TVs, and private bathrooms are all standard. Free breakfast is rare, though most hotels offer a breakfast buffet for an additional 8-10 EUR.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Frankfurt. Private rooms start around 35-55 EUR per night while a full apartment starts at 80-125 EUR per night. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early.

Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). Meat is a staple of most meals, especially sausages; there are over 1,500 different kinds of sausages in Germany (sausages here are known as “wurst”). Stews are also a popular traditional choice, as are potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

Frankfurt has tons of cheap food options. Currywurst and frankfurters are everywhere for less than 4 EUR, while a hearty plate of fries is less than 6 EUR. A traditional meal of chicken at a cider house costs 9-11 EUR, while a glass of cider to go with it is about 2 EUR.

A beer costs about 4 EUR while a glass of wine is 4.50-6 EUR.

A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 8.50 EUR while a pizza is around 9-11 EUR. At a mid-range restaurant, a sandwich or German savory pancakes cost between 7.50-10. A big bowl of salad is 8.50-11.50.

If you want to splash out, a set six-course menu at a gourmet restaurant starts at 100 EUR, including traditional German food like schnitzel. A single entree may cost as much as 35 EUR for a duck breast.

If you cook for yourself, you can spend as little as 50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, produce, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto, which are pretty cheap and even have organic products for a fair price.

Backpacking Frankfurt Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Frankfurt, my suggested budget is 60 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, using public transportation to get around, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free activities like walking tours.

A mid-range budget of 135 EUR covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for some of your meals, renting a bike or taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few drinks, and doing some paid activities like visiting museums.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Frankfurt is one of the more expensive cities in Germany. However, you can turn Frankfurt into a more affordable destination with just a few simple tricks. Here is how to save money in Frankfurt:

• Purchase a Museumsufer ticket – For those of you that love visiting museums, this two-day pass saves you tons of money. Costing 21 EUR, this card provides access to 34 museums in and around Frankfurt.
• Get the Frankfurt Card – An alternative to the Museumsufer Card is the Frankfurt Card, which provides free travel on all public transport (including to the airport) as well as up to 50% discounts on tours, museums, and other attractions. You can get a one-day card for 11.50 EUR, or a two-day card for 17 EUR.
• Take a free walking tour – Frankfurt Free Tour provides an overview of the historic center and all its highlights. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land on a budget. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money on accommodation while getting some insight from the locals, try Couchsurfing. It’s a great way to meet people in the city and discover some off-the-beaten-path destinations while also getting free accommodation.
• Take advantage of SaTOURday – Many of the main museums in Frankfurt offer free entry on the last Saturday of every month.
• Get a transportation day pass – If you don’t want to get the Frankfurt Card (which includes unlimited public transport), you can get a regular transportation day pass. It costs 5.50 EUR, which is much cheaper than paying per ride.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt only has a few hostels in the city. Here are my suggested places to stay in Frankfurt:

• Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt
• Meininger Frankfurt/Main Airport

How to Get Around Frankfurt

Public transportation – Like other German cities, Frankfurt is well connected by its subway (the U-Bahn) and its above-ground rail system (the S-Bahn). A single ticket is 2.75 EUR and is good for up to 60 minutes, or you can get a short-distance ticket (for journeys less than 2 kilometers) for 1.50 EUR. You can purchase tickets at the station or with the RMV-App. Always keep your ticket on you as random checks on the train are very common.

A day ticket with unlimited travel costs 5.50 EUR. If you’re in a group, take advantage of the all-day group ticket for up to five people for 11.50 EUR (or 16.95 EUR if including the airport). A weekly pass costs 26.80 EUR, including the airport.

You can use your tickets across the train, tram, and bus network.

Ticket prices for trams are the same for the train and bus system. You can buy them onboard the tram, at kiosks next to specific tram stops, or in the app.

Buses take you anywhere you need to go, especially where the trains and trams don’t go. Ticket prices are the same as the trains and trams and can be used interchangeably. You can buy tickets at kiosks next to the bus stop, from bus drivers, or in the app.

Bicycle – Bicycle rentals are plentiful in Frankfurt, with daily rates starting at about 9-15 EUR per day. Try a company like Call a Bike or nextbike, which both have docking stations all over the city. Prices are cheaper if you rent the bike for a week versus half or full days.

Taxi – A base fare for a taxi in Frankfurt is 3.50 EUR, with each additional kilometer costing 2 EUR per kilometer for the first 15 kilometers. After that, it’s 1.75 EUR for every subsequent kilometer. In short, taxis add up fast so skip them if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Frankfurt, though since the public transportation here is comprehensive you likely won’t need it.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental, however, you won’t need one to get around the city. Drivers need to be at least 21 years of age.

When to Go to Frankfurt

Summer is the peak tourist season, specifically July and August. The average daily temperatures are in the upper 20s°C (high 70s°F) and days are sunny and bright. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with lots of other tourists, but there are always fun festivals and events happening during this time.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are both shoulder seasons that bring cooler temperatures, sunny days, and fewer crowds. If you want to take advantage of lower room rates and a more laid-back vibe, this is the best time to visit Frankfurt!

Like the rest of Germany, Frankfurt’s winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below 1°C (34°F). The city experiences some snowfall, but the Christmas markets throughout November and December are magical. It makes for a good weekend getaway destination in the winter if you plan to hit the holiday markets.

How to Stay Safe in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a safe city to visit. Violent crime is rare. However, like all big cities, you should stay alert for pickpocketing and petty theft. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

At night, it’s best to avoid the areas around the Hauptbahnhof, Konstablerwache, and Hauptwache just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

And be sure to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Germany and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate Frankfurt Travel Guide for 2024

Although I grew up only 2.5 hours away from Frankfurt I never really explored the city as much as I should have. My first time visiting Frankfurt was only in 2006 during the FIFA World Cup football in Germany.

We slept outside on the grass on the river side in a sleeping bag. It was the adventurous end of an epic night out after Netherlands played against Argentina. That experience has always resonated with me and ever since I am a fan of visiting Frankfurt. 

Here are all my travel tips and recommendations to also make your trip to Frankfurt one to remember.

Although Frankfurt is one of the biggest cities in the country it is not really one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany. Cities like Berlin, Munich and Cologne draw more tourists on average than Frankfurt. The city is a business hotspot and most people that travel to Frankfurt are there for business. This is not surprising regarding the fact that Frankfurt is the European banking capital. That said the city definitely has a cosmopolitan vibe and many expats from all over the world live in the big apple of Germany.

In this Frankfurt travel guide you will find multiple Frankfurt travel tips, some facts about the city, 16 unique things to do, a walking tour, an itinerary and some nice hotel recommendations. basically all you need to make the most of your city trip to Frankfurt.

Are you traveling to Frankfurt by plane and looking for the best way to stay connected? You can buy a prepaid sim card on arrival at the airport, but it is not recommended. Check out my guide for  buying a sim card at Frankfurt Airport in 2024 .

you may also like...

Theere are much better sim card deals and e-sim card plans for Germany and I am sure you will like my article about buying a sim card for Germany in 2024 .

Best time to visit Frankfurt

No need to mention that the best months for a trip to Frankfurt are the summer months in Europe. That said, July and August can get hot and since it is the holiday season many people travel to Frankfurt. Good thing about the peak season is that there are events on a daily basis, so it just depends what you are looking for. If you are a fan of Christmas markets then plan your Frankfurt city trip in the weeks before Christmas. Usually they start around the last week of November.

How to get to Frankfurt

Traveling to Frankfurt by train? Pretty sure you found out that can be expensive! The bus is surely a cheaper option. Traveling by bus to Frankfurt is cheap and convenient. Check out the prices below in the public transport search engine.

Powered by 12Go system

The 12Go transportation search engine will give you all the options for you to compare: bus, train, flight and you can directly book online and reserve your seat.

Also check out my article about the  best way from Aachen to Cologne  for more tips on how to get around in Germany.

Some cool facts about Frankfurt

• Frankfurt has a massive forest in the heart of the city and is within walking distance from the old town.
• There is only 1 skyscraper in the top 15 highest buildings in Germany that is NOT located in Frankfurt. This is why this is called the Big Apple of Germany.
• The headquarters of the European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt.
• Frankfurt was heavily bombed in WW2.
• This is the city of Goethe. The famous German Poet was born here and lived all his life in Frankfurt.
• More than 25% of the people living in Frankfurt are expats.
• Frankfurt Airport is the biggest airport in Germany and is the 4th biggest airport in Europe.

16 Things to do in Frankfurt

1. enjoy a drink in a rooftop bar.

As I mentioned before already you have to go up one of the skyscrapers when you visit Frankfurt. There are 3 bars that really stand out.

1.1 City Beach

There is a €4 entrance fee for this rooftop bar on top of a parking lot. Finding the entrance is a little challenging but once you up on the roof the views are good.

There are two small pools, loads of beach chairs, sand and uncomplicated vibes.

1.2 Long Island Summer Lounge

This is the posh version of City Beach with a proper dress code. Officially no flip-flops and shorts allowed. Entrance fee is €6 but the views at Long Beach Summer Lounge are better. The rooftop is higher as City Beach as well. 

1.3 Oosten am Main

According to locals the most laid-back skybar is Oosten am Main. Since it is a little walk out of the center it has the best skyline view as well. Uncomplicated local vibe is guaranteed here. Sipping a cocktail for sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Frankfurt.

2. Hop-on-hop-off bus

A standard things to do in Frankfurt, but quick and easy to see all the tourist spots in Frankfurt when you don’t have that much time. There are several lines to choose from. Buying a ticket online is cheaper than on the bus itself or at the street vendors.

3. Viewing terrace Frankfurt Airport

Often listed as one of the most exciting things to do in Frankfurt with kids is the viewing platform at Frankfurt Airport. This covered area is a great place for spotting airplanes taking off and landing. There is a Food Court and a Mc Donalds if you get hungry.

4. Walk through Old Town

The old part of the city is actually called Romerberg and was rebuilt the traditional way after the second World War. The medieval colorful buildings are a favorite instagram spot in Frankfurt. In summer there are many terraces lined up for having a drink, in winter this place is heaven for Christmas market lovers.

5. Tricycle ride around Frankfurt

For those that are willing to see the best places to visit in Frankfurt from the back of a bike they can take one of the tricycles around the city. Be aware that these guys are expensive! For 30 minutes you already pay more than €22 or 2 kilometer is €8. It is a cool but rather expensive way to explore Frankfurt.

6. Marvel at the Euro sign

This huge sculpture of the Euro stands in front of the European Central Bank on the Willy-Brandt square and is pretty big. Probably about 30 meters high. There is some info about the Euro on the base of the sign, but there also is a Euro information center and book shop next to it. Although it is more like a gift shop.

7. Lock your Love at Eisener Steg bridge

The bridge that also got destroyed during World War 2 was reconstructed straight after and is now famous for people locking their love with a padlock. From this walking bridge you will have a good view over the skyline and the boulevards on both sides. It connects the old town of Frankfurt with Sachsenhausen, the place to go out at night. But more about what to do in Frankfurt at night later!

8. Ignatz-Bubis bridge instagram spot

If you are not going up on one of the rooftop bars then head to the Ignatz-Bubis bridge for the best skyline photos. Also a great Instagram spot in Frankfurt and cool for sunset. Another free thing to do in Frankfurt.

9. Try Apfelwein

Apparently this kind of apple cider is home to Frankfurt and a a popular drink around the city. Frankfurt is home to many idyllic cafes and traditional bars where they happily serve you their signature drink called Apfelwein. 

Not sure if this is one of the best Frankfurt travel tips because I did not like it. I much rather had the a normal beer with a Frankfurter wurst on the side! :)

10. Visit the Goethe House

Located just a few minutes walk from Central Station is the Goethe Haus. Here the famous German Poet was born in 1749. There are 4 different floors to explore and learn about his life. Entrance fee is €7 and it is open from 10am to 6pm. A weekend in Frankfurt is not complete without visiting the Goethe House.

11. Viewing platform cathedral tower

On of the best things to do in Frankfurt is to climb up to the viewing platform 66 meter above the city. The cathedral tower is open to the public for the best city views. Costs are €5 and you will have to walk a lot of steps, but the view is worth it.

12. Free walking tour

If you feel like you have crossed off all the things to do in Frankfurt then join one of the free walking tours and get to know the city through the eyes of a local. Free walking tours are tip based tours and depart every day around 10am and 2pm. There are a couple different ones so check your meeting point online.

13. Viewing platform Main Tower

If amazing city views are your thing then head up to the viewing platform of the main tower when you visit Frankfurt. Entrance fee is €7,50 but you will get unobstructed city views!

14. Have breakfast/lunch at the river side

Simply one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Frankfurt is the river side. Big lawns with some trees and a boulevard where active people bike, run and skate. The park on the Main river is a perfect spot to picknick. It is relaxed and one of the best ways to enjoy this city. Definitely add a picknick on the river side to your trip to Frankfurt.

15. Go out at night in Sachsenhausen

The place to go out in Frankfurt at night is Sachsenhausen just across the river. Here many quaint pubs are lined up next to each other and is the bustling heart of the city at night. If you spend a weekend in Frankfurt I am sure you are willing to end up here in one of the many traditional German bars.

16. Enjoy a coffee at a floating restaurant

There are a couple boats where you can grab a drink or have lunch/dinner but not so many. A great one is below the Eisener Steg bridge with great views, also close by is the Döner Boat.

Things to do around Frankfurt

If you are visiting Frankfurt for more than just a weekend then you might be interested in some things to do around Frankfurt. Have a look at these great day trips from Frankfurt.

1. Burg Eltz

This Harry Potter like castle became a popular tourist spot in Germany after it went viral on Instagram. Visiting Burg Eltz is free and can be reached by car from Frankfurt center within 2 hours.

2. Rudesheim

This picturesque town on the banks of the Rhine River actually is a UNESCO world heritage site and less then an hour away from Frankfurt. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town and marvel at the castles and vineyards on the hills around you. There also is a cable car for a scenic ride.

3. Michelstadt

Looking for more fairy tale towns then drive towards Michelstadt. This medieval and idyllic town dates back to more than 1,000 years ago. In summer a great spot to have a drink on one of the many terraces. In winter famous for its Christmas markets.

Some more Frankfurt travel tips

• Bring cash! Germany is a third world country when it comes to wireless payments. Creditcards nor bankcards are often not accepted.
• Don’t take a boat tour on the Main River! Why? Boring!
• There is a zoo, but I don’t support this thing to do in Frankfurt.

Events in Frankfurt

Major events in the city are:

• Christmas Markets: start end of November
• Main Festival: first week of August (pop-up amusement park across the city)
• Appel Wine Festival: mid August
• Wäldchestag: beginning of June (like summer Christmas markets in the forest)
• Wine Festival: begining of September (culinary event)

When I visited Frankfurt the Main Festival was taking place.

How to get around Frankfurt

Going around Frankfurt is made easy by the U-Bahn which goes underground as well as overground. Day tickets cost around €7 and single trip tickets cost €3. Be aware that if you are with two people or more it is cheaper to buy a group ticket for the U-Bahn. Group tickets for up to 5 people valid all around the city cost only €11.

Depending on the kind of Frankfurt city trip you are planning there is no real need to take the public transport. Most of the things to do and places to see in Frankfurt are within walking distance.

How to get from Frankfurt airport to the city center

There is a train called S-Bahn which connects Frankfurt Airport with the city center and takes only 10 minutes. There are loads of lines from the airport to the city for example 1, 8 and 9. Tickets cost €5 for a single trip.

Don’t get fooled by the airport Frankfurt/Hahn if you are planning to travel to Frankfurt. It actually is a 2 hour drive from the city and when you ask me the name of the airport it is a tourist trap. A bus ticket into the city cost €15.

Where to stay in Frankfurt

1. 5 star hotels in frankfurt.

• Jumeirah Frankfurt: luxury hotel - click here for the rates on  booking or check  Agoda .
• Sofitel Frankfurt Opera: very central: click here for the rates on  booking or check  Agoda .

Another iconic place to stay in Frankfurt is the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof right in the middle of the city. Click here for the  Booking rates  or the Agoda rates .

2. Boutique hotels

• Moxy Frankfurt East: hip and stylish - click here for the  booking rates or here for  Agoda .
• Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer - click here for their rates on Agoda .

3. Under €50 hotels

• EasyHotel Frankfurt City Center - click here for the  Booking or Agoda  rates.
• FreddApp One: click here for the  Booking or Agoda  rates.

My Frankfurt travel tips

Together with Ave I found a cheap but surprisingly good hotel pretty much in the city center. There were actually a couple nice hotels to choose from with good ratings and great locations. On top of my hotel I also found a couple other Frankfurt budget hotels for less than €50 a night and a rating around 8 out of 10. I will list them all later when talking about where to stay in Frankfurt.

We actually ended up staying in Hotel Primus in Sachsenhausen just across the river from the city center. It was less than €50 a night. In fact Sachsenhausen turned out to be a nightlife hotspot but more about that later in the things to do in Frankfurt section. As I traveled to Frankfurt by car I was happy the hotel offered a parking spot for just €10 per day.

As soon as we arrived we dropped our bags at our room and headed out to not miss the sunset. It was perfectly timed when we crossed the bridge towards the old city as the sun was setting through the skyline of Frankfurt. For this reason Frankfurt is also called the Big Apple of Germany as it has one of the most impressive skylines in Europe. Nothing compared to any American city but hey this is all we have in Europe! LOL

We were lucky that on the days we visited Frankfurt there was actually the MainFest on the river side. In the main street along the river there were loads of eateries, beer gardens and attractions lined up and for food lover Ave it was heaven to see all the different types of Bratwurst and snacks. Of course we had to taste a couple and drink beers.  

When traveling to Germany an obvious thing to do is to eat sausages and drink pints!

Slowly waking up the next morning we decided to grab breakfast at the super market and brought a blanket to the river side. There is a lovely lawn with some trees for shadow along the boulevard of the Main river. It was hot this August in Frankfurt and we moved slowly into the shade where we found a great spot to picknick with some of the best views of the skyline. 

If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt then surely add this spot to your list.

We continued our Frankfurt city tour across the Eisener Steg bridge famous for its many love locks. No Ave and I are besties, not a couple! We met on a press trip on my birthday last year. It was at the World Travel Writers’ Conference in Maldives . So no love lock for us! LOL

On the other side of the river there is actually a cool floating restaurant called the Döner Boat. Of course Kebab is not a typical German dish, but did you know the Döner Kebab was originally invented in Berlin by a Turkish immigrant? Cool fact right? Anyway if you are looking for a fun place to eat good Döner Kebab in Frankfurt then the Döner Boat is a great place. There is also another proper floating restaurant next to the bridge with the love locks. Great place for a drink with views over the city skyline.

We continued our walking tour of Frankfurt by crossing the bridge back into the center again and we walked up to the massive Euro sign on a big square. Cool place for taking a photo of what is probably the biggest euro sign in the world. Put here because the Central European Bank is located in Frankfurt. It was already time to sit down and have a beer after. It was boiling hot, but we found a good place to have a Weissen Beer on the rooftop terrace of the Galeria Kaufhof.

We enjoyed the great city views before we kept on strolling through the city center. Eating ice cream, snacks and drinking beer on the terraces along the way. We marveled at the colorful houses on the old town square and the narrow streets around the cathedral, one of the coolest places to visit in Frankfurt.

To spend the rest of our afternoon we looked online for what to do in Frankfurt and found two popular rooftop bars. Online we saw that one of these places actually had a city beach. Something I actually expected at the river side like they have in most cities around Europe, but in Frankfurt they have a rooftop beach with amazing views over the city.

If you want to see more about our trip to Frankfurt you can check out Ave’s 100K+ YouTube Channel , I tell you she is funny!

I hope you liked all my Frankfurt travel tips! May there be things that I forgot to mention or that you think I should add to the list then please leave me a comment.

If this Frankfurt travel guide was helpful planning your city trip please pin this on Pinterest or share the link on Facebook. It is a small thing for you to do, but can make a big difference for me. Thank you very much in advance.

I hope you have an awesome trip to Frankfurt!

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Frankfurt am Main

Glinting with glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. The focal point of a conurbation of 5.5 million inhabitants, ‘Mainhattan’ is a high-powered finance and business hub, home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and the gleaming headquarters of the European Central Bank, and famously hosts some of the world's most important trade fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.

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The Römerberg is Frankfurt’s old central square. Ornately gabled half-timbered buildings, reconstructed after WWII, give an idea of how beautiful the city…

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The outstanding Museum of Modern Art focuses on European and American art from the 1960s to the present, with frequent temporary exhibits. The permanent…

Museum Judengasse

Most of Frankfurt’s medieval Jewish ghetto – Europe's first, dating from 1460 – on narrow Judengasse (Jews’ Street) was destroyed by a French bombardment…

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The monumental seven-storey IG-Farbenhaus was erected in 1931 as the headquarters of IG-Farben (pronounced ‘ee geh far-behn’), the mammoth German…

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Although many consider Frankfurt more or less a gateway to their European travels, the city’s rich culture and history, dining, and amusement options might just surprise you.

Standing in the center of the Römerberg (medieval town square), you'll see the city's striking contrasts at once. Re-creations of neo-Gothic houses and government buildings enfold the square, while just beyond them modern skyscrapers pierce the sky. The city cheekily nicknamed itself "Mainhattan," using the name of the Main River that flows through it to suggest that other famous metropolis across the Atlantic. Although only fifth in size among German cities, with a population of nearly 700,000, Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse. The German Central Bank ( Bundesbank ) is here, as is the European Central Bank (ECB), which manages the euro. Some 300 credit institutions (more than half of them foreign banks) have offices in Frankfurt, including the headquarters of five of Germany's largest banks. You can see how the city acquired its other nickname, "Bankfurt am Main." It's no wonder that Frankfurt is Europe's financial center. The city's stock exchange, one of the most important in the world, was established in 1585, and the Rothschild family opened their first bank here in 1798.

The long history of trade might help explain the temperament of many Frankfurters—competitive but open-minded. It's also one of the reasons Frankfurt has become Germany's most international city. Close to a quarter of its residents are foreign, with a growing number from Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Because of its commercialism, Frankfurt has a reputation for being cold and boring, but people who know the city think this characterization is unfair. The district of Sachsenhausen is as gemütlich (fun, friendly, and cozy) as you will find anywhere. The city has world-class ballet, opera, theater, and art exhibitions; an important piece of Germany's publishing industry (and the world’s largest annual book fair); a large university (43,000 students); and two of the three most important daily newspapers in Germany. Despite the skyscrapers, especially in the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) area and adjoining Westend district, there’s much here to remind you of the Old World, along with much that explains the success of postwar Germany.

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18 essential travel tips for every first-time Frankfurt visitor

Everything first-timers need to enjoy Frankfurt, from transport hacks to can’t-miss attractions to tipping faux pas

Germany’s most international city? Being an economic powerhouse’s economic powerhouse will lend itself to such a set-up, and Frankfurt doesn’t let the side down. Walkable, well planned, with brilliant public transport networks and the rest, Frankfurt is a city that is easy to get around and even easier to enjoy. Of course, visitors aren’t prioritising urban planning, and the restaurants , attractions and nightlife here are all worth celebrating. If you’ve landed here for the first time and feel a little lost, fear not, take these essential travel tips for first time visitors to Frankfurt to heart and settle in nice and easy. 

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Travel tips for first-time Frankfurt visitors

1.  Watch the calendar

When planning your visit, keep an eye on Frankfurt’s events calendar. The city is home to an enormous exhibition centre, the Messe Frankfurt, which houses trade shows frequently throughout the year. Hotels can get booked up quickly around particular dates, and prices will shoot up, too.

2.  Seat yourself

In most casual restaurants , you don’t need to wait to be seated. Simply find yourself a table and settle in; if there’s a sign saying the table is reserved later in the evening, just make sure you’re finished by the specified time.

3.  Grab a MuseumsuferTicket

If you’re planning to fill your time with museum visits, it’s well worth buying a MuseumsuferTicket, which grants entry to 38 of Frankfurt’s museums for two days. Some of the city’s biggest museums are included, as well as some lesser-known gems. Family tickets are available.

4.  …Or a Frankfurt Card

Another option is to pick up a Frankfurt Card (available for individuals or groups, for one or two days), which offers up to 50 percent off entry into to various museums, tours and attractions, and also includes travel on public transport, including to and from the airport.

5.  Round up to tip

The Germans tip modestly, and it’s standard practice to just round up the bill for a meal by a couple of euros. Don’t leave change on the table, but include your tip when you pay: if your lunch comes to €15.50, you could hand over a €20 note and say, ‘17, please’.

6.  Be red light aware

Frankfurt’s Bahnhofsviertel (the area around the main train station) has gentrified at high speed over recent years and is now home to some of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants. However, it remains Frankfurt’s red-light district, home to dealers and addicts; if you want to avoid its grittiest bits, stick to Münchener Straße and Kaiserstraße.

7.  Watch for bike lanes

Keep your eyes on street markings to stay out of the designated bike lanes that sometimes take up a portion of wider pavements. If you’d like to make use of them by cycling the city, try the Frankfurt Call A Bike service run by Deutsche Bahn.

8.  Free museum days for kids

Good news for those travelling with little ones: there’s free admission to many of Frankfurt’s museums for under-18s on the last Saturday of every month (barring August and December). Known as ‘SaTOURday’, this family-friendly deal also includes free workshops and guided tours.

9.  No-shop Sundays

Aside from the odd pre-planned ‘shopping Sunday’, most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany. As a visitor wanting to make the most out of a visit, this can be pretty frustrating, so remember to bear ‘no-shop Sundays’ in mind when planning your souvenir hunting.

10.  Take a late-night taxi

In Frankfurt, public transport doesn’t run all night, and if you don’t want to download a ride-sharing app, you’ll need a taxi to get home in the small hours. These are an easily-spotted beige colour, and you can either phone for one, flag one down or queue at a rank.

11.  Peruse the fleas

Fans of bargain-hunting will love the flea markets that take place on alternate Saturday mornings on the riverbank at Sachsenhausen between Eisernem Steg and Holbeinsteg, and at the Osthafen along Lindleystraße. Root through trash and treasure including clothes and furniture, books and records, paintings and crockery.

12.  Avoid the Apfelwein hangover

Keen to try the local cider but wary of the infamous Apfelwein hangover? Try this Frankfurt speciality mixed with lemonade ( suß ) or soda water ( sauer ) for a fizzy version that won’t go to your head quite so fast (or hurt quite so much the next morning).

13.  Don’t discount the craft beer

In Frankfurt’s traditional taverns, most locals will be happily imbibing Apfelwein (apple wine), but Frankfurt’s craft beer scene is growing slowly but surely.

14.  Server swaps

At casual restaurants, pubs and cafés, it’s not uncommon for waiters to finish their shifts while you’re still in the middle of your drinks or meal. If you’re asked to settle the bill early, don’t be offended; you’re not being (un)subtly asked to leave, and a new server will take over.

15.  Smiles aren’t standard

If you’re used to very friendly service in busy restaurants, you might find things a little brusque in Germany. But ‘impolite’ servers aren’t being rude to you because you’re a tourist, they’re (mostly) just being efficient and professional, even if it means service doesn’t always come with a smile.

16.  Avoid Old Sachsenhausen

Alt-Sachsenhausen is home to a couple of great  Apfelwein taverns, but for the most part, the area has a bad rep as a horribly touristy party zone. Locals prefer to avoid it, instead making a beeline to Sachsenhausen, where the atmosphere is considerably less drunken and chaotic.

17.  Be wine-wary

When sampling Glühwein (mulled wine) at the Christmas markets, avoid the cheap-tasting sugary stuff by heading to the winery ( Winzer ) stands – there’s a cluster in front of the Schirn Kunsthalle. These offer Glühwein made with their own high-quality wines and whole spices, and they taste all the better for it.

18.  Fall back on English

You won’t have any trouble getting by in English in Frankfurt. A guten Tag (good day/hello), bitte (please) or dankeschön (thanks a lot) will be appreciated, but Germans will most likely slip into English when they realise you’re not a local (which can be frustrating if you’re keen to practise your German!).

And if it’s tip-top mixology you’re after?

The 10 best Frankfurt bars

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Breaking news: Frankfurt has shed its boring reputation. A steady influx of big business has transformed this city’s population and reinvigorated its art and nightlife scenes (hats off to Brexit). For tip-top drinks all night long, these are 10 best Frankfurter bars.

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1 Day in Frankfurt Guide (Frankfurt am Main)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Only got 1 day in Frankfurt? Here’s how to plan the ultimate 1 day itinerary.

Although Frankfurt is mostly known for being the country’s main airport hub and a financial center for business trips, rather than a tourist destination, the lively city of Frankfurt is the gateway to Germany and an ideal place for easy travel connections and convenient day trips.

Frankfurt is the very first city I visited when I moved to Germany (well, I saw the airport and the train station!) but I didn’t return to actually explore the city for several years. I’d always thought of it as kinda blah but I wish I’d visited sooner because it’s a wonderful city!

Whether or not Frankfurt am Main is at the top of your list of German cities to explore, it’s worth considering a visit to one of Germany’s major cities.

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So if you ever find yourself in Frankfurt on a long layover or if you have an extra day or two before or after a flight, get ready to explore, because the city might just take you by surprise.

Keep reading to learn about the best places to visit in Frankfurt, Germany and how to plan the ultimate 1 day itinerary.

• 1 When to Visit Frankfurt
• 2 Frankfurt or Frankfurt Am Main?
• 3 How to Get to Frankfurt
• 4 Visiting Frankfurt Upon Arriving in Germany
• 5 The Best Way to Get Around Frankfurt
• 6 Frankfurt Card – Yes or No?
• 7 Frankfurt Guided Tours
• 8 What to Do In Frankfurt in 1 Day
• 9 If You Have 2 Days in Frankfurt

When to Visit Frankfurt

Summer is the most popular time to visit Germany in general and Frankfurt is no exception. Warm temperatures and long sunny days are perfect for vacation but they do attract tons of tourists, which translates to higher prices for airfare and accommodations. Air conditioning isn’t common anywhere in Germany but you’ll probably be spending most of your time outdoors by the river or in beer gardens in the summer months.

The changing of the leaves during the fall months bring cooler temperatures and golden views of the city. Prices begin to drop and crowds also begin to thin out. The weather in the fall is still pleasant enough for you to enjoy walking around the city.

The winter season is a great option if you want to celebrate the holidays by exploring the Christmas markets. But be prepared to brave freezing temperatures and rainy or even snowy days. An upside is that prices are usually at their lowest, especially after the holidays. And even though many people visit the Christmas markets, it doesn’t feel as “touristy” as it can in the summer.

The bad weather slowly starts to disappear once springtime arrives. Locals are happy to step out with just a light jacket and spend time outdoors as the gardens start blooming. One of the best times to visit would be in early spring, just before the summer peak.

Frankfurt or Frankfurt Am Main?

You’ve probably seen the city referred to both ways. While most people simply call it Frankfurt, the city’s official name is Frankfurt am Main, meaning Frankfurt on Main. “Main” is the name of the river that flows through Frankfurt, so Frankfurt am Main means Frankfurt on the Main river.

The reason “am Main” is added to Frankfurt is because there’s another Frankfurt in Germany – Frankfurt an der Oder. Yep, that means Frankfurt on the Oder river. That Frankfurt is in eastern Germany, a couple hours away from Berlin on the Polish border.

Frankfurt am Main is much larger than Frankfurt an der Oder, so if you simply say Frankfurt, most everyone will know which one you mean.

How to Get to Frankfurt

Home to Germany’s main airport and one of the busiest central train stations in Germany, Frankfurt is va well-connected and easy destination to reach.

Wherever you may be traveling from, it’s easy to find a good connecting flight to Frankfurt International Airport.

Getting from Frankfurt Airport to the main train station is a quick 15-minute ride via S-bahn. Getting to the city center is also just as easy and quick via public transportation. You can get off at the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and walk or ride to a specific stop downtown.

Another great way to travel to Frankfurt is by train, especially if you’re coming from within Germany or other European cities in neighboring countries.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Visiting Frankfurt Upon Arriving in Germany

If you’re flying into Frankfurt overnight from the US and want to catch a train to your final destination, but are worried about missing your train – and losing the money you paid for your ticket – due to a potential flight delay, plan a 1 day visit to Frankfurt!

Take public transportation from the airport to Frankfurt’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof), store your luggage, and then explore the city until shortly before your train departs.

Walking around the city will stave off jet lag, you won’t lose money by missing your train and forfeiting your ticket, and you’ll explore a lovely new city.

The Best Way to Get Around Frankfurt

Although Frankfurt spreads out in all directions, the inner city is pretty compact. On your visit, you’ll likely spend the majority of your time in the downtown or old town (Altstadt) area. You can easily reach historic Frankfurt and get to all sights in this area by walking from the train station.

For places that are a bit farther away, you can make use of the city’s public transportation which includes the U-bahn, S-bahn, trams, and buses.

If you’re only in the city for a day, going through the trouble of learning the transportation network might not be worth your time. In this case we suggest taking the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour since the bus routes bring you to all the best tourist attractions. For more information, head to the section on our recommended guided tours.

Frankfurt Card – Yes or No?

The Frankfurt Card offers you free unlimited travel on all public transport within the city of Frankfurt and Frankfurt International Airport (Zone 50 and Zone 5090). Not only that, it comes with up to 50% discount on select city tours, museums, restaurants, and other attractions.

The card is available for either one day (€ 11.50) or two days (€ 17.00). You can also choose between individual tickets or group tickets (3 to 5 persons). It’s a great deal but the question is – is it worth it for a 1-day trip?

If you’re mostly sightseeing in the downtown area, you might not get a lot of use out of it since you’ll be doing a lot of walking. But since it also includes transportation to and from the airport plus discounts on tourist spots, it’s worth looking into and deciding based on your itinerary.

All in all, we recommend buying your Frankfurt Card if you’re in the city for at least a day and a half to really make the most out of it. It’s especially worth it if you’re traveling as a group, since you can split the amount and avoid the extra cost of having to buy single tickets for every ride.

Frankfurt Guided Tours

Something that is definitely worth it for 1 day trips are guided tours. If you don’t have much time in a city the last thing you want to do is waste time arranging all the logistics and trying to find your way around.

The Hop On Hop Off Bus tour saves you the trouble of finding the best routes to get from one destination to another. Choose as many of the stops along the route to explore, all for the price of one ticket. Book your HOHO bus ticket here to discover Frankfurt at your own pace!

If you want to see the city from a different perspective, then book this tour that takes you on a cruise through the River Main . You’ll get great views of Frankfurt’s skyline while also passing through historical landmarks and neighborhoods. You can also choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour tour depending on how much time you have.

Want a more unique and personalized experience? Take this private tour with a local here! Upon booking, your guide get in touch and ask questions so they can customize the tour to your preferences. Get insider tips on the best places to eat, discover hidden gems, and experience the city like a true local.

What to Do In Frankfurt in 1 Day

Here are several things you can do and see in Frankfurt. You probably can’t fit all of them into just 1 day but you can definitely see several.

Old Town (Altstadt )

There’s no better place to start your Frankfurt itinerary than Old Town. It’s home to some of the city’s most important landmarks like Römerberg, the central main square. In the middle of the square amidst all the restored medieval houses, you’ll also find the Fountain of Justice around which the Christmas Market is set up each year.

Frankfurt’s City Hall ( Rathaus )

One of the most important medieval buildings in the historic old town is Römer, the city’s town hall since the 15 th century. The three-story building complex with its three-gabled roof and consisting of nine houses makes up for one of Frankfurt’s most iconic façades.

Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom )

A short walk away from the town hall, you’ll find the Frankfurt Cathedral, an impressive religious building with historical significance. This is also where coronation of emperors was hosted during the Holy Roman Empire. Visitors can also climb up the Gothic-style church’s tower and enjoy great views of Old Town.

Goethe House (Goethes Wohnhaus )

Take 5-minute walk from St. Paul’s Church to arrive at the birthplace of famous German author and poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe. Goethe lived here until the age of 16 and the preserved interior gives you glimpse into his youth. Next to the house, you’ll also find the Goethe Museum dedicated to his literary work.

St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche )

Located opposite the town hall, St. Paul’s Church is an important symbol of German democracy. It was the seat of first German assembly in 1848 and in turn provided the basis for the German constitution. Now it’s a venue used for cultural events and award presentations. 

River Cruise on the River Main

Next, make your way down south to the Main river running through the heart of Frankfurt. If you want to take a break from sightseeing through busy streets, one of the best things you can do is stroll along the river banks and take in the city’s skyline.

To get an even better view of the skyline, you can take a river cruise departing from Eiserner Steg. You can book your ticket in advance here !

Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)

Eiserner Steg is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and popular places to take photos against Frankfurt’s skyline. Aside from the views, you’ll also spot tons of love locks left on the bridge. Crossing the iron bridge from the city center brings you to Sachsenhausen, a fun district known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants.

Museum Embankment (Museumsufer )

The Museum Embankment is a group of museums lining both sides of the River Main. Some of the world-class museums located here include the Museum of World Cultures, Städel Museum, the German Film Museum, the Museum of Applied Art, and the Icon Museum.

If going to museums are a big priority for your travels, then they’re all worth visiting. But if you don’t have enough time for all, choose only one or two favorites to visit!

Städel Museum

The Städel Museum is known as Germany’s oldest museum foundation. This historical museum houses an impressive collection of over 700 years of European art from the 14 th century to Renaissance, Baroque, to early modern art. Highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Vermeer.

Museum of Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst )

On the other hand, the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Art is dedicated to contemporary art focusing on design, fashion, and performance. The alternating exhibitions aim to push the boundaries of aesthetics and the meaning of applied art. The museum’s architecture itself is a unique and experimental space that can be enjoyed with all the senses.

Main Train Station (Frankfurter Hauptbahnhof )

Frankfurt’s central train station is a major transportation hub for both short and long distance traveling, welcoming over 350,000 passengers per day. The station offers direct connections to major cities like Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam. If you’re planning any other trips from the city, Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof will certainly offer you the best travel connections.

European Central Bank

The European Central Bank is the central bank of the 19 EU countries that use the Euro. As one of the most significant financial institutions in the world, they are tasked with maintaining price stability. Though a fairly new building, the European Central Bank is sure to become an important urban landmark and feature of the city’s modern skyline.

Old Opera House (Alte Oper )

For other tourist spots further out from Old Town, check out Alte Oper. The historic opera house was damaged in World War II but was rebuilt in the 1970s. Now, it’s a concert hall where visitors can watch world-class musical productions and concerts of various genres such as classical music, jazz, and blues.

If you don’t have a lot of time left to catch a show, you can visit their website to find out when they offer guided tours in English.

Frankfurt Christmas Market (Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt )

If you’re traveling to Frankfurt during the holidays then you’re in for a treat! The main market, Frankfurt Christmas Market is widely known as one of the oldest in Germany. Römerberg, at the heart of Old Town, transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with a vintage carousel, sparkling lights, and a giant tree.

The great thing about this market is that it stretches from in both directions. You can head south towards the river if you want a break from all the crowds. Heading north towards Paulsplatz you’ll find rows of stalls selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Go farther up to Hauptwach and discover even more food stalls. So grab your glass of Apfelwein (apple wine) , try Bethmännchen (Frankfurt traditional Christmas cookies) and enjoy the holidays! 

If You Have 2 Days in Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s central location and travel connections make it a great base for taking day trips , especially if you’re staying for more than a day. You can easily reach these places by train or let a guided tour take care of all the logistics.

A new city you can explore from Frankfurt is the romantic city of Heidelberg. Situated along River Neckar, this beautiful city is home to the impressive Heidelberg Castle ruins and Heidelberg University, Germany’s oldest university. Fall in love with Heidelberg and book your tour here !

While in Heidelberg you can also drive through the Romantic Road in Bavaria to make your way to Rothenberg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. This historic town feels like a step back in time, especially as you wander through the Castle Gardens and Old Town. To maximize your time, consider booking this tour that goes to Heidelberg and then directly to Rothenberg.

If you want more medieval Germany, take a day trip to Burg Eltz . This perfectly preserved castle overlooking the Moselle river has stayed under the same family since the 12 th century. Inside you admire knight halls and weaponry that take you back to the medieval ages.

The Rhine Valley is a great place to visit if you want a day trip packed with activities. Start by walking along the picturesque villages or wine tasting in vineyards in the hillsides. You can’t leave without taking a boat along the Rhine River to admire the landscape.

Then to end your trip, enjoy a cozy dinner by the riverbanks. Because of how vast the Rhine Valley is, we recommend booking a guided day trip here to see as much of it as possible.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Travel Guide To Frankfurt: A Must-Visit German Destination

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Mar 31, 2024 | Europe , Germany , Travel Tips

Frankfurt is an imperial German city on the River Main, hence its full name: Frankfurt am Main. It’s an important economic and commercial center and it also has an impressive skyline that reminds many tourists of New York City or Chicago. 

Frankfurt is also an important cultural hub and it’s famous because of its exceptional museums covering art, science, and history. 

Frankfurt is lovely to explore on foot – it’s a city that should be included in any German travel bucket list. 

Frankfurt is a charming and buzzing city that strikes the right balance between traditional half-timbered houses and impressive modern skyscrapers. 

It makes a great destination for anyone visiting Germany and it should be included in any road trip across this country. 

It’s not difficult at all to rent a car in Germany and driving there is not a problem either as long as you familiarize yourself with the road signs and stick to the speed limits. 

German roads are safe but you can also invest in an insurance policy for your rental to enjoy an even safer driving experience.

Frankfurt Attractions

Are you interested in visiting this city? Go on reading to discover its most beautiful attractions!

Römerberg: Frankfurt’s Old Town Center

Located in Frankfurt’s Altstadt or Old Town, the Römemberg is an irregularly shaped square with the Justice Fountain placed at its center. 

It’s the most picturesque public square in the city, the busiest pedestrian zone, and home to several tourist attractions including the famous Christmas Market that is organized every year. 

The Römer, a medieval building, is one of the most remarkable and unique structures on the square. It has been the City Hall since the early 1400s. 

The pinkish facade facing the square has three roof peaks, each with a stepped gable. It’s possible to visit the City Hall and admire the impressive Imperial Hall.

Take your time to look around and admire the many picturesque buildings around the square, many of them have half-timbered facades! Another remarkable building is the small, gothic  St. Nicholas Church. 

The historic Wertheim House, the only one that survived the 1944 air raids that destroyed much of old Frankfurt, can also still be seen.

The Römerberg is a must-see for anyone spending some time in Frankfurt. It’s a trip back in time with some of the most beautiful Instagrammable backdrops for your pictures. 

Besides, with plenty of cafés and restaurants around, it’s a great place to sit down and relax, enjoy the charming atmosphere and a delicious bite!

Remember that the Altstadt was severely damaged during the air raids of the IIWW and most of it had to be rebuilt. 

The restoration project took years and included the reconstruction of fifteen historic houses and the rebuilding of 20 new ones in the traditional half-timbered style.

Visit Frankfurt Cathedral

Built of red sandstone in Gothic style between the XIII and XV centuries, with its 95-meter-tall tower, the Frankfurt Cathedral still stands out in this city of skyscrapers. 

Its full name is St Bartholomew’s Cathedral and it’s one of only a handful of churches in the country to be designated as an Imperial Cathedral. It was here from 1562 to 1792 when the coronation of Emperors took place in the Election Chapel.

Beneath the tower, visitors can appreciate the magnificent Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen and the Maria-Schlaf-Altar in the Marienkapelle. Various carved side altars will call your attention. 

The Cathedral’s most important relic is the skullcap of St Bartholomew, which is kept in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew’s Choir.

Frankfurt Cathedral stands out as one of the most stunning structures in the city and it’s another must-see attraction. 

Just outside the building, there’s the Archaeological Garden where you can see the foundations of a Roman settlement and a Carolingian royal palace. 

If you’d like to see panoramic views of the city and you’re visiting the city between April and October, challenge yourself to climb the almost 325 steps of the giant spiral staircase of the Cathedral’s tower and enjoy!

Visit Goethe House & Museum: Germany’s Greatest Writer

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the country’s greatest writer, was born in Frankfurt and it’s now possible to see the house where he lived between 1749 and 1765.  

Visitors can get a glimpse of what his life was like at the time. You can see the sumptuously decorated dining room on the main floor, his writing room on the top floor where he created his early writings, or even played with his puppets when he was a little boy.

It was built in bourgeois style and it’s decorated with period furniture and paintings. It’s one of Frankfurt’s most remarkable historical attractions.

Despite the original half-timbered house being damaged during the IIWW, it was rebuilt in 1949.

During special exhibitions, the visitors can see valuable and sensitive documents and prints from the collection, the manuscript archive, and the library. The house spans four floors and there’s plenty to explore.

The Goethe Museum can be found next door. It’s a 14-room gallery that showcases artworks from the writer’s time, including masterpieces of the Late Baroque and Romantic periods. 

Both Goethe House and Museum are must-see attractions in Frankfurt, especially if you are a literature lover and you’ve read any of Goethe’s works recently before your visit.

Explore Museumsufer: Frankfurt’s Museum District

Museumsufer is Frankfurt’s Museum District and it’s located on the south and north banks of the River Main. It’s a first-rate collection of about 16 separate museums, many of which are of international standing. 

Amongst them, we can mention the Städel Art Museum or the excellent Museum of World Cultures, one of Europe’s most important ethnological museums. 

Exploring the Museumsurfer provides visitors with a fantastic opportunity to discover the city’s interesting and rich cultural background. 

Be sure to get yourself a Frankfurt card! It gives you a discount on museums and other attractions and for public transportation as well.  

On Sundays, you can also wander through a morning flea market that is also established in the area.

Admire Artwork At The Städel Museum

The Städel Museum is another must-see attraction in Frankfurt because of its excellent collection of paintings from the XIV to the XX centuries. 

The stunning collection includes paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Picasso, Beckman or Degas, Cezanne, Pollock, Ernst or Bacon, and many others. 

The Städel is one of the oldest museums in Germany and the most important art museum in the city. 

There are over 2700 paintings and 100 thousand drawings and prints, making it one of the most exclusive museums in the country. 

It also includes an impressive library that is home to more than 400 periodicals and 100 thousand books so it’s a place to go if you love paintings and books!

It’s one of the best museums in Europe . Opened in 1815, its unrivaled collection spans 700 years and boasts paintings, sculptures, and books and it even survived the Nazi looting. 

There are two cafés within the museum as well as an outstanding shop stocking art books, prints, and gifts.

Visit The Senckenberg Natural History Museum

If you’re visiting Frankfurt with children, you can’t miss spending some time at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. 

Located in the Senckenberg Gardens, it’s one of the most modern museums of natural history in Europe and the second-largest of its kind in Germany . 

There are several exhibitions dedicated to our planet’s biodiversity and the evolution of organisms. It is also home to Europe’s biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs. 

There’s also an impressive collection of 90,000 stuffed birds along with an extensive exhibit on the development of mankind. 

If you have ever wanted to see a huge dinosaur or a mammoth or a tiny pterosaur, it’s the place to go!

Climb Up The Main Tower

No visit to Frankfurt would be complete without climbing up the Main Tower . 

Located in Frankfurt’s business hub, the Main Tower is an attraction in itself since it is the first fully glazed tower in Europe. 

It houses a splendid restaurant 187 meters up that offers a wonderful dining experience while you admire breathtaking views of the city down below. There are also various art exhibitions offered there! 

Named after the river Main, it’s the fourth tallest building in Frankfurt and the only tower this tall with public access in it. 

The view from the viewing platform is mesmerizing as it gives a panoramic view of the entire city with the beautiful river flowing through it. 

If the weather allows, the Taunus mountain range northwards and the Odenwald Mountains southwards can be seen. An elevator will take you up to the 650-feet high stage.

Chill At The Hauptwache

Located in the middle of the city and one of Frankfurt’s busiest pedestrian areas, the Hauptwache is famous for its mix of fine historic buildings and modern structures. 

The most notable building here is the old Baroque Guard House after which the square is named. The square is on the city’s main shopping areas. 

The Hauptwache is one of the most famous plazas of Frankfurt and it’s a historic area in the middle of the city. 

It was once Frankfurt’s main guard, housing the city’s militia, barracks, and soon after, prison and police station, but today it is a dining establishment. The square itself is one of Frankfurt’s main shopping ranges.

Walk The Eiserner Steg

The Eiserner Steg is the only pedestrian bridge across the River Main. It’s a 150-meter long iron bridge that connects the city center with the suburbs of Sachsenhausen. 

Despite other bridges being spanning over the Main, the Eiserner steg is particularly famous. This is because couples traditionally lock padlocks on the bridge and this is why it is nicknamed “The Bridge of Love Locks”. 

It’s quite a romantic place and it also offers one of the best opportunities to admire the Frankfurt skyline, Romerberg square, Saint Paul’s Church, and Frankfurt’s Cathedral.

Final Thoughts

Frankfurt is a city that you can not miss on your visit to Germany. Come be culturally immersed in both of Frankfurt’s modern and traditional aspects. Experience intriguing art, science, and history, while also taking in the impressive views!

Only have 2 days to visit Frankfurt? Read our 2-day itinerary in Frankfurt now!

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Haikou Travel Guide: Top 20 Things to Do in Haikou, China

Welcome to Haikou! Where the warmth of the tropics meets the pulse of city life. Nestled at the northern tip of Hainan Island, this city isn’t just a destination. It’s an invitation to explore a world where ancient history and modern vibrancy converge under the canopy of endless blue skies. With its streets lined by whispering palms, Haikou serves as both a serene getaway and a bustling urban playground. Let’s embark on a journey through Haikou, a city that promises the charm of island life with a twist of urban exploration.

The Best of Both Worlds

City Life, Island Style : Imagine waking up to a gentle sea breeze, spending your day lounging on sun-kissed beaches like Holiday Beach, and then diving into the vibrant city life as the sun sets. Haikou offers this unique blend, making every moment spent here an exploration of contrast and harmony.

Stepping Back in Time

Where History Breathes : Wander the cobbled streets of Qilou Old Street, where every brick seems to tell a tale, blending stories of East and West. Or stroll down Haikou Arcade Street, where the pastel hues of historic buildings reflect a bygone era of prosperity and intrigue.

Culinary Adventure Awaits

Taste the Island : Haikou’s streets buzz with the energy of night markets and the aromas of delectable local cuisine. Whether it’s savoring the iconic Hainanese chicken rice or diving fork-first into the freshest seafood, the city’s culinary landscape is a mosaic of flavors waiting to be explored.

Nature’s Call

Urban Oasis : Amidst the city’s hustle, Haikou is dotted with tranquil spots like the verdant expanse of Evergreen Park. Venture a little further to the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark, where nature tells the story of the island’s fiery birth.

Forward-Thinking Haikou

A Glimpse Into Tomorrow : The skyline of Haikou, speckled with modern marvels like the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, speaks to the city’s aspirations. It’s a place where leisure meets luxury, from the greens of the Mission Hills Golf Club to the cinematic streets of Movie Town.

So, as you pack your bags and set your sights on Haikou, remember: here, the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. Ready to uncover the stories and experiences that await in Haikou? Let’s dive in.

Haikou City Guide: A Brief History Of Haikou, China

From its roots as a simple fishing village to its stature as a bustling port city, Haikou has seen it all. Let’s peel back the layers of time and discover the rich tapestry of Haikou’s history.

Ancient Foundations

A Humble Beginning : Imagine a time when Haikou was but a quiet fishing village, its shores kissed by the gentle South China Sea. Fast forward through the dynasties, and you’ll find Haikou evolving, its strategic location turning it into a thriving port by the Ming and Qing dynasties. This was a place where ships whispered secrets of distant lands, and the air buzzed with the potential of trade and prosperity.

A Port of Call

Trade Winds : With its harbors bustling with activity, Haikou became a beacon for traders from across Asia. The city’s role as a crucial trade port isn’t just a chapter in history books; it’s a legacy that shaped its cultural and architectural landscape, giving birth to the unique Qilou architecture that lines its streets today.

The War Years

Resilience Amidst Turmoil : Like much of China, Haikou wasn’t spared the scars of war. Through pirate invasions, colonial ambitions, and the ripples of the Opium Wars, the city stood resilient, its spirit unbroken. These years of turmoil weren’t just times of strife but of resilience and unity, shaping the indomitable spirit of Haikou’s people.

Modern Metamorphosis

A New Era : The 20th century heralded new changes for Haikou, as it embraced modernity while holding tightly to its rich heritage. The establishment of Hainan as a province in 1988 with Haikou as its capital marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where the city would grow into a dynamic hub of economy, culture, and tourism.

Haikou Today

A City Reborn : Walking through Haikou today, you’ll see a city that wears its history with pride. From the historic streets of Qilou Old Street to the modern vibrancy of its urban centers, Haikou stands as a testament to the journey of transformation. It’s a place where the past is always present, inviting visitors to explore, learn, and be part of its continuing story.

Haikou Top Attractions and Best Places to Visit in China

Hainan is known for its beaches and tropical climate , but few linger long in Haikou, as it is a capital city rather than a beach destination.

Before you head off to Sanya , though, take a day or two to visit this city’s museums, parks, and other attractions.

Begin your time in Haikou by learning about the history of China’s tropical isle by exploring the halls of the Hainan Museum . With over 20,000 artifacts in its collection, you’ll learn about this island’s history as a place of exile for failed government officials and political prisoners.

Fascinating Attractions

Its exhibits also shed light on the culture of the native inhabitants of Hainan, with particular attention paid to its indigenous residents. Special galleries which highlight the region’s literature, art, and economic development have also been held here over the years, so keep an eye out for these as you explore.

While some exhibits are in Chinese only, audio guides are available for rent that will tell the story of this place in English, Russian, Japanese, and other tongues.

Dive into the past of the city of Haikou by spending a few hours walking down Qilou Old Street . While this thoroughfare has existed for over 2,000 years, the architecture you’ll see along its length dates back to the mid-19th century, when this place was done up in the Arcade style commonly seen in many Chinese enclaves in Southeast Asia.

As you make your way under the overhangs built to protect locals from torrential downpours and the punishing tropical sun, make note of the European, Indian, and Arabic influence in the buildings you see. As an important trading port in those days, it played host to many foreigners from those nations, you helped inform many of the structures you’ll see as you walk through here.

If you’re more into natural sights and attractions, book a day trip to Huoshankou National Geopark . Centred around a dormant volcano, this geological reserve is recognized by UNESCO for the ease of access it allows visitors to a former volcanic site.

More Attractions

A delightful hike that will take you through tropical rainforest, up the slopes of a formerly active volcano, and down into its crater, it will put you in touch with some of the best natural environments that the Haikou area has to offer.

As a Special Economic Zone in China , the island has seen the development of a number of schemes, including the building of infrastructure meant to prop up the film industry. During your trip here, check out Movie Town Haikou , a combo tourist attraction and open-air filming location.

Over 1,400 acres, you’ll find 96 buildings situated along a variety of themed streets which allow producers to shoot films based in the Republican era of China, along a Beijing street in the 1950s/60s, or in a prototypical European town square.

There are also four sound stages where indoor scenes can be done with a myriad of lighting, sound, and other physical effects, so be sure to check those out while touring the grounds of this studio.

Other Cultural Attractions: Trip to Haikou, China

The island of Hainan and the Haikou area sit in a tropical climate biome; as such, there are plenty of plant and animal species which can live in this corner of China . Check out a good cross-section of these on a visit to Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden .

Here, you’ll find the Liger, a rare cross-breed of wild feline (lion + tiger = liger), as well as other tropical animals like the Asian Elephant, hippos, and over 200 species of birds. The garden portion of this attraction contains many delicate species of orchid, lush palm trees, and many examples of flora species that are endemic to the island of Hainan.

Most of the attractive beaches on Hainan can be found around the Sanya area, but if you want to enjoy some time in the sun in a low-key place, spend a sunny afternoon on the sands of Jiari Beach .

Other Attractions

Featuring golden sands that aren’t as crowded as Sanya’s beaches (even so, make sure you visit during the week rather than on weekends). A popular gathering place for locals, you’ll find them barbequing food and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Take a break from sightseeing in Haikou by spending time in Wanlv Park . Situated along the coast near the centre of Haikou, this green space is a great place to watch fireworks, fly kites, ride a bike, or go for a jog.

Finally, satisfy any cravings you have while walking around Haikou by stopping for a meal along Qilou Snack Street . Note that hard currency isn’t accepted at the booths which serve everything from seafood to steamed pork buns – instead, you need to load money onto a prepaid card at the tourist information office, or download Wechat and put money on it.

Once you jump this hurdle, though, an evening here will be cheap and enjoyable, as there are many dishes to choose from.

Top 20 Things To Do in Haikou, China For Visitors

Here are the top 20 things to do in Haikou:

1. Explore the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark

The Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark showcases a unique landscape formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Visitors can explore lava tunnels, craters, and lush vegetation within the park. It’s a great place for hiking and learning about volcanic geology. The park also offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the craters.

2. Relax at Holiday Beach

Holiday Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, featuring a long stretch of soft sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and trying out water sports. The beachfront is lined with restaurants and bars, offering delicious seafood and refreshing drinks. At night, the area comes alive with live music and beach parties.

3. Visit the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden

This expansive wildlife park and botanical garden is home to a wide variety of animals and plants from around the world. Visitors can take a safari tour to see animals roaming freely in large enclosures. The botanical garden features exotic plants and flowers, creating a peaceful environment for a leisurely walk. It’s an educational and fun outing for the whole family.

4. Wander Around Qilou Old Street

Qilou Old Street is known for its unique arcade-style architecture, a blend of European and South Asian influences. The historic street houses shops, cafes, and art galleries in beautifully restored buildings. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, sample local snacks, and soak in the atmosphere of old Haikou. The area is also a photographer’s delight, with its charming facades and vibrant street life.

5. Discover the Haikou Clock Tower

The Haikou Clock Tower is a historic landmark located in the heart of the city. Built in the 1920s, it has become a symbol of Haikou and offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Visitors can admire the tower’s architecture and enjoy the bustling square that surrounds it. The area is particularly lively in the evening when locals gather to enjoy the cool breeze.

6. Enjoy the Scenery at Meishe River National Wetland Park

Meishe River National Wetland Park is a beautiful green space that offers a tranquil escape from the city. Visitors can walk along the boardwalks through the mangroves, spot various bird species, and enjoy the lush surroundings. The park is an excellent place for photography, picnics, and bird watching. It’s a testament to Haikou’s efforts in preserving its natural environment.

7. Experience the Culture at the Hainan Museum

The Hainan Museum showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage and history through a wide range of exhibits. Visitors can learn about Hainan’s ethnic groups, traditional crafts, and historical artifacts. The museum also features art exhibitions and cultural performances. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the cultural background of Hainan.

8. Visit the Temple of Five Lords (Wugong Temple)

The Temple of Five Lords is a historic temple complex dedicated to five famous officials from the Tang and Song dynasties. The temple is set in a beautiful park with ancient banyan trees, stone carvings, and traditional architecture. It’s a place of historical significance and offers a peaceful environment for reflection. The temple also hosts various cultural festivals and events throughout the year.

9. Take a Stroll in Evergreen Park

Evergreen Park is the largest public park in Haikou, offering scenic views of the sea and lush greenery. It’s a popular place for jogging, kite flying, and enjoying outdoor activities with family and friends. The park features several gardens, lakes, and walking paths. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant colors.

10. Shop at Haikou Arcade Street

Haikou Arcade Street is a bustling shopping area where visitors can find a variety of goods, from local handicrafts to international brands. The street is characterized by its arcade-style architecture, providing shade for shoppers. It’s an excellent place to experience the local market atmosphere and try street food. The street also hosts night markets and cultural events, adding to its lively ambiance.

11. Relax at West Coast Park

West Coast Park is a modern recreational area along Haikou’s west coast, offering beautiful beaches, sports facilities, and landscaped gardens. It’s an ideal spot for cycling, beach volleyball, and picnicking. The park is known for its clean environment and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Qiongzhou Strait.

12. Explore Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area

Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area is one of the largest mangrove forests in China, offering unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Visitors can take boat tours to navigate through the mangroves and observe various bird species. It’s an important site for environmental education and conservation. The reserve is a serene place for nature lovers to explore the beauty of mangrove habitats.

13. Visit the Hairui Tomb

The Hairui Tomb is a well-preserved historical site dedicated to Hairui, a respected official from the Ming Dynasty known for his integrity and compassion. The tomb complex features traditional Hainanese architecture and a tranquil garden. It’s a place of historical and cultural importance, offering insights into China’s feudal past. Visitors can pay respects and learn about Hairui’s life and contributions to Hainan.

14. Taste Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese chicken rice, a signature dish of the island, is a must-try when visiting Haikou. This simple yet flavorful dish consists of tender chicken served with fragrant rice, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste. Visitors can find the best Hainanese chicken rice in local eateries and restaurants throughout the city. It’s a culinary experience that embodies the essence of Hainanese cuisine.

15. Walk Along Baishamen Park

Baishamen Park is a large seaside park that offers recreational facilities, a beach, and landscaped areas. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, kite surfing, and beach games. The park also features an amusement area for children and various food stalls. It’s a great place for a family day out, with something for everyone to enjoy.

16. Experience the Nightlife on Haidian Island

Haidian Island is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide selection of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy live music, DJ sets, and dance the night away. The island also offers a more laid-back atmosphere with beachfront bars where guests can relax with a drink and enjoy the sea breeze. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to experience Haikou’s modern urban culture.

17. Admire the View from Leiqiong Global Geopark

Leiqiong Global Geopark features stunning volcanic landscapes and geological formations. Visitors can hike through the park to see craters, lava tunnels, and unique rock structures. The geopark provides educational tours and activities that highlight the area’s geological significance. It’s an adventurous outing for those interested in nature and science.

18. Enjoy Tea Culture at Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden

While primarily known for its wildlife and exotic plants, the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden also offers visitors the chance to experience China’s rich tea culture. The park features a tea house where guests can participate in traditional tea ceremonies and taste various local teas. It’s a tranquil experience that combines the pleasures of tea with the beauty of the surrounding nature. The garden’s lush environment makes it a serene setting for enjoying this important aspect of Chinese culture.

19. Explore Haikou People’s Park

Haikou People’s Park is a historic park in the heart of the city, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Haikou’s residents. The park features beautiful ponds, traditional pavilions, and lush landscapes. It’s a popular place for morning exercises, leisurely walks, and cultural performances. The park serves as a green lung in the city, providing a peaceful escape from the urban environment.

20. Participate in Haikou’s International Coconut Festival

The International Coconut Festival celebrates Haikou’s status as the “Coconut City” with various events, including coconut-themed competitions, cultural performances, and exhibitions. Visitors can taste a wide range of coconut products and dishes, showcasing the versatility of this tropical fruit. The festival also features parades and art installations, making it a lively and entertaining event for all ages. It’s a unique cultural experience that highlights the importance of coconuts to Haikou’s identity and economy.

What To Eat and Drink in Haikou, China

Let’s dive into the flavors of Haikou and discover the dishes and drinks that make this city a paradise for food lovers.

Seafood Delicacies

1. Wenchang Chicken : Though originating from Wenchang, this dish has become a staple in Haikou. Tender, flavorful chicken served with fragrant dipping sauces, it’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish.

2. Hainanese Mussels : Fresh from the South China Sea, these mussels are often steamed with garlic and herbs or cooked in a savory broth, highlighting their natural sweetness.

3. Dongshan Lamb : A bit of a journey inland brings you the flavors of Dongshan lamb, a dish famed for its tender meat and rich, aromatic seasoning, often enjoyed grilled or in hot pots.

Local Favorites

4. Hainanese Rice Noodles : A comforting bowl of rice noodles in a clear, flavorful broth, accompanied by an assortment of meats and fresh herbs, perfect for any meal of the day.

5. Coconut Chicken Hot Pot : A Haikou specialty, where chicken is simmered in a broth made from fresh coconut water, infusing the dish with a sweet, tropical flavor unique to Hainan.

6. Jiaji Duck : Seasoned and roasted to perfection, this duck dish is known for its crispy skin and succulent meat, often served alongside pickled vegetables.

Street Food and Snacks

7. Qingbuliang : A refreshing dessert soup made with a mix of beans, fruits, and tapioca, often enriched with coconut milk, perfect for cooling down on a hot Haikou day.

8. Hele Crab : Small, flavorful crabs that are steamed or boiled and served with a spicy dipping sauce, a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

9. Baozao Rice Cakes : Sweet or savory, these steamed rice cakes are a popular snack, filled with everything from red bean paste to marinated meat.

Beverages to Savor

10. Coconut Water : Nothing beats the simplicity and refreshment of sipping water straight from a freshly cracked coconut, a ubiquitous delight in Haikou.

11. Sugarcane Juice : Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon, offers sweet relief from the tropical heat.

12. Tropical Fruit Smoothies : With an abundance of local fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple, smoothies are a popular and delicious way to stay hydrated.

Tours For Visitors To Haikou

here’s a list of tours to consider when visiting Haikou ensuring you capture the essence of this captivating city.

1. Haikou Historic City Tour

Dive into Haikou’s past with a guided walk through its historic streets, including the famous Qilou Old Street. Learn about the city’s unique architecture, influenced by a mix of European and South Asian styles, and hear stories of Haikou’s development from a small fishing village to the bustling capital of Hainan.

2. Hainanese Cuisine Culinary Tour

Embark on a culinary journey through Haikou’s bustling markets and street food stalls. Sample local delicacies like Hainanese chicken rice, Wenchang chicken, and coconut water, while learning about the ingredients and cooking methods that make Hainanese cuisine unique.

3. Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark Tour

Explore the natural wonders of the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark with a guided tour. Discover ancient lava tunnels, craters, and the unique volcanic rock formations. This tour offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also insights into the geological history that shaped the island.

4. Haikou River Night Cruise

Experience Haikou from a different perspective with a night cruise along the Nandu River. Enjoy the city lights and serene waterways, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. Some tours offer dinner options, combining sightseeing with a taste of local cuisine.

5. Tea Plantation and Factory Visit

Take a tour to a local tea plantation where you can learn about the cultivation and processing of tea, a vital part of Hainan’s agricultural heritage. Enjoy a tea tasting session, where you can savor different varieties of local teas and learn about the art of tea-making.

6. Mangrove Forest Kayak Adventure

Paddle through the serene waters of Haikou’s mangrove forests, an eco-tour that combines adventure with nature conservation. Learn about the importance of mangroves to the local ecosystem and spot a variety of bird species that call these forests home.

7. Coconut Plantation Tour

Discover the significance of the coconut to Haikou’s culture and economy with a visit to a local coconut plantation. Learn about the various uses of coconuts, from food to crafts, and enjoy fresh coconut products straight from the source.

8. Haikou Art and Culture Walk

Immerse yourself in Haikou’s vibrant art scene with a tour that takes you through galleries, art installations, and cultural centers. Discover local artists and their works, and learn about the city’s efforts to promote arts and culture.

9. Traditional Hainanese Home Cooking Class

For those looking to bring a taste of Haikou back home, a cooking class offers the perfect opportunity. Learn how to prepare traditional Hainanese dishes with the guidance of local chefs, a hands-on experience that’s both educational and delicious.

10. Haikou Bike Tour

Cycle through Haikou’s scenic spots, including its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lush parks. It’s a healthy and eco-friendly way to see the city, offering a closer look at daily life in Haikou and the chance to discover hidden gems.

Haikou Accommodations Guide: Hotels, Guesthouses and Hostels

Here’s a travel guide to some of the best places to stay in Haikou, ensuring you find the right fit for your travel style and budget.

Luxury Resorts and Hotels

1. Mission Hills Resort Haikou : Nestled amidst volcanic landscapes, this sprawling resort offers world-class golf courses, a fully-equipped spa, and several dining options, making it an oasis of relaxation and luxury.

2. Shangri-La Haikou : With stunning sea views, elegant rooms, and exceptional service, the Shangri-La is perfect for those looking to indulge. The hotel boasts a private beach area, a state-of-the-art health club, and gourmet dining experiences.

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou : Situated within the impressive Mission Hills Haikou resort complex, The Ritz-Carlton offers a blend of luxury and adventure. Guests can enjoy sophisticated accommodations, fine dining, and access to world-renowned golf courses.

Mid-Range Hotels

4. Holiday Inn Express Haikou West Coast : Ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience, this hotel offers modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and easy access to Haikou’s main attractions.

5. Hainan Guest House : Combining comfort with a touch of Hainanese culture, this guest house provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with spacious rooms and local cuisine.

Budget Accommodations

6. Haikou Banana Hostel : A favorite among backpackers, the Banana Hostel offers a friendly environment, with both dormitory-style and private rooms, communal spaces, and plenty of travel advice.

7. 7 Days Inn : With several locations across Haikou, 7 Days Inn is a reliable option for budget-conscious travelers, offering clean, comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

Boutique and Unique Stays

8. Qilou Boutique Hotel : Set in a beautifully restored Qilou building, this boutique hotel offers a unique stay in the heart of Haikou’s historic district. Each room is decorated with a blend of traditional and contemporary designs.

9. Art Inn : Located near the bustling Haidian River, Art Inn combines cozy accommodations with a creative flair, featuring local artwork and design elements that reflect Haikou’s vibrant art scene.

Beachfront Stays

10. Hilton Haikou Meilan : Offering direct access to a serene beach, the Hilton Haikou Meilan is perfect for those looking to combine city exploration with beach relaxation. Guests can enjoy ocean-view rooms, multiple dining options, and an array of leisure facilities.

Eco-friendly and Sustainable Options

11. Haikou Marriott Hotel : Situated on the beautiful Haikou Bay, the Marriott is committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly amenities, locally sourced dining, and beautiful rooms that blend luxury with responsibility towards the environment.

Day Trips From Haikou

Here’s a curated list of day trips from Haikou, offering everything from serene beaches to lush mountains and cultural experiences that deepen your connection to this unique region of China.

Just a high-speed train ride away, Sanya is renowned for its pristine beaches, tropical climate, and luxury resorts. Visit Yalong Bay for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, or explore the Nanshan Temple for a touch of spiritual serenity. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Luhuitou Peak for panoramic views of the city and the sea. Sanya offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

2. Qionghai and Bo’ao

Discover the tranquil charm of Qionghai, home to the beautiful Wanquan River, ideal for river cruises offering picturesque views. Continue to Bo’ao, known for the Bo’ao Forum for Asia. The town’s peaceful beaches and the unique meeting point of three rivers at Bo’ao Jade Belt Beach offer a serene escape. This area is perfect for those interested in both natural beauty and contemporary Asian politics.

3. Wuzhishan

Venture into the heart of Hainan to explore Wuzhishan, a region known for its towering mountains, ethnic Li and Miao cultures, and thrilling outdoor activities. Trek through the dense rainforests, visit traditional Li villages to learn about local handicrafts, and navigate the rapids of the Hainan’s longest river for an adrenaline rush. Wuzhishan’s stunning landscape provides a stark contrast to Haikou’s urban environment.

4. Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area

A short drive from Haikou, this mangrove reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers, home to numerous species of birds and aquatic life. Kayak through the tranquil waterways, immerse yourself in the lush greenery, and learn about the importance of mangrove ecosystems. The reserve’s peaceful atmosphere is a refreshing break from the city. It’s also an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.

5. Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden

Just outside Haikou, this expansive park offers a chance to see a wide range of animals and plant species. Take a safari ride to see animals roaming freely, explore the botanical gardens, and enjoy interactive experiences like feeding giraffes or riding elephants. It’s a great day out for families or anyone looking to connect with nature. The park combines education, conservation, and entertainment.

6. Leiqiong Global Geopark

Explore the volcanic landscapes of Leiqiong Global Geopark, where you can walk through ancient lava tubes, climb volcanic craters, and learn about the geological history of Hainan. The park’s unique geology makes it a fascinating destination for both geology buffs and those seeking adventure. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Volcano Museum within the park. It’s a rare chance to explore one of the few volcanic field geoparks in the world.

7. Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden

A day trip to Xinglong will introduce you to its famous Tropical Botanical Garden, a showcase of Hainan’s rich biodiversity, including exotic plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. Learn about the cultivation of coffee and tropical spices, sample fresh tropical fruits, and relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens. Xinglong is also known for its hot springs, offering a perfect end to a day of exploration. This area highlights the agricultural and ecological diversity of Hainan.

8. Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone

Dive into the heart of Hainan’s rainforest at Yanoda, where you can experience the lush landscape through hiking trails, zip lines, and scenic walkways. The park’s name, Yanoda, comes from local expressions of friendship and welcome, reflecting the warm hospitality visitors receive. Explore waterfalls, streams, and the dense canopy of this tropical paradise. It’s an immersive experience that combines adventure with the tranquility of nature.

9. Lingshui Ethnic Li Village

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Hainan by visiting Lingshui Ethnic Li Village, where you can learn about the traditions, crafts, and way of life of the Li ethnic group. Watch live demonstrations of traditional weaving and bamboo crafting, participate in cultural performances, and enjoy authentic Li cuisine. The village offers a glimpse into the lives of one of China’s ethnic minorities, preserved amidst the island’s modernization. It’s a culturally enriching experience that showcases the diversity of Hainan’s people.

10. Haikou Clock Tower and Marina

While not far from the city center, a visit to the Haikou Clock Tower and the nearby marina offers a leisurely day exploring Haikou’s colonial history and modern developments along the seafront. The clock tower, a remnant of the colonial era, stands as a historic landmark, while the marina reflects Haikou’s contemporary lifestyle with its yachts, upscale cafes, and restaurants. This area perfectly encapsulates Haikou’s blend of history and modernity, offering insights into its past and its aspirations for the future.

Haikou Transportation Guide

Here’s a complete travel guide to transportation in and around Haikou, designed to help you explore with ease.

Meilan International Airport (HAK) : Located about 25 kilometers from downtown Haikou, Meilan Airport is well-connected domestically and internationally. Regular shuttle buses, taxis, and the Haikou Metro line 1 provide convenient access to the city center.

High-Speed Rail : Hainan’s high-speed rail loop makes traveling around the island a breeze, including quick trips to Sanya. Haikou East Railway Station is the main hub for these services, offering a scenic route along the coastline.

Conventional Trains : For journeys to the mainland, Haikou Railway Station serves as the departure point. Trains here use the ferry service across the Qiongzhou Strait to connect with the national rail network.

Buses : Haikou boasts an extensive network of public buses that cover the city comprehensively, including routes to major attractions, hotels, and the airport. Bus fares are inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly option for getting around.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing : Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing offer an alternative, with the convenience of booking via smartphone and the option for English language service.

Haikou Metro : Currently, Haikou is expanding its metro system. Line 1 connects the East Railway Station to the Meilan Airport, passing through key areas of the city. It’s a fast, reliable way to navigate Haikou, with more lines planned for the future.

Bicycle and Electric Scooters

Bike Sharing : With its relatively flat terrain and scenic routes, Haikou is great for cycling. Bike-sharing programs are available, with stations throughout the city, offering a green and healthful way to explore.

Electric Scooters : Available for rent, electric scooters are a fun and flexible way to get around Haikou, ideal for short distances and avoiding traffic during peak hours.

Haikou to Mainland China : For adventurous travelers, ferries connect Haikou with mainland China, offering an alternative to air and rail travel. The main ferry terminals are Xiuying Port, Haikou New Port, and South Port, with routes to Guangdong province and beyond.

Inter-City Buses

Long-Distance Buses : Haikou’s bus terminals provide services to various destinations across Hainan, including direct buses to Sanya, Bo’ao, and other towns. It’s an economical choice for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes and attractions.

Tips for Travelers

• Plan Ahead : Check schedules and routes in advance, especially for long-distance travel, as timings and availability may vary.
• Cash and Cards : While public transport is cash-friendly, having a local transport card can simplify travel and offer savings.
• Language Barrier : Having destination names in Chinese can be helpful, as not all drivers or station staff may speak English.
• Stay Informed : Keep an eye on local travel advisories, especially during holiday seasons when services might be busier than usual.

Where To Visit After Your Trip To Haikou?

Here’s a list of must-visit places after your Haikou journey, ensuring your travel story is filled with unforgettable chapters.

Renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, Sanya is a tropical paradise at the southern tip of Hainan. Yalong Bay and Tianya Haijiao offer some of the most beautiful seascapes. The Nanshan Temple adds a spiritual dimension to Sanya’s allure, featuring a towering 108-meter Guanyin statue. Sanya’s nightlife and seafood markets provide lively evening entertainment and dining experiences.

2. Bo’ao

Famous for the Bo’ao Forum for Asia, this small town boasts serene waterways and a laid-back atmosphere. Bo’ao’s unique location where three rivers meet the sea creates stunning natural beauty, perfect for leisurely boat tours. The Bo’ao Jade Belt Beach is a picturesque spot for sunbathing and swimming. The town also offers insights into local and international dialogues on development and cooperation.

The heart of Hainan Island, Wuzhishan offers lush mountain landscapes and rich Li and Miao ethnic cultures. Hiking trails lead through dense tropical forests to breathtaking viewpoints. The Li and Miao villages offer cultural experiences, from traditional dances to handicrafts. Wuzhishan’s tea plantations are perfect for tasting local teas and understanding rural life.

4. Xinglong

Known for its coffee plantations, Xinglong introduces visitors to the coffee production process and offers tastings of locally grown coffee. The Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden is a haven for plant lovers, showcasing a vast array of tropical flora. Hot springs in the area provide a relaxing retreat, blending health and relaxation. Xinglong also offers a glimpse into Hainan’s diverse agriculture beyond its famous beaches.

5. Lingshui

Lingshui appeals to those seeking both adventure and relaxation, with its crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. The Nanwan Monkey Island, accessible by China’s longest oversea ropeway, is home to hundreds of macaques. Perfume Bay and Clearwater Bay are notable for their luxury resorts and stunning beachfronts. Lingshui’s cultural experiences include visiting Li ethnic minority villages.

Explore the historical and cultural depth of Danzhou, a city with a rich history dating back to the Han dynasty. The Songtao Reservoir offers picturesque landscapes, ideal for nature walks and picnics. Danzhou’s ancient villages and poetry culture, linked to Su Dongpo, offer a deep dive into China’s literary heritage. The city’s unique dialect and culinary traditions add another layer to your Hainan exploration.

7. Qionghai

Qionghai is best known for Bo’ao and its beautiful beaches, but the city itself offers charming countryside and cultural sites. The Red Detachment of Women Memorial Hall provides insights into the role of Hainan in modern Chinese history. Wanquan River, one of the cleanest in China, is perfect for river cruises offering scenic views. Qionghai’s markets are bustling with local life, offering fresh seafood and tropical fruits.

8. Chengmai

Chengmai, one of Hainan’s oldest counties, offers a slower pace of life with historical sites and natural beauty. The Fushan Coffee Cultural Village celebrates the area’s coffee-growing tradition. Ancient banyan trees in the old town of Fushan and the serene Yongqing Temple provide peaceful retreats. Chengmai’s hot springs are among the best in Hainan for relaxation.

9. Tunchang

Experience rural Hainan in Tunchang, where green hills and clear waters paint a tranquil countryside scene. The Tunchang Hot Springs offer a natural spa experience amidst lush landscapes. The area is also known for its rice terraces, which create stunning patterns in the hillsides. Tunchang’s cultural festivals, celebrating local customs and harvests, provide a glimpse into the agricultural heart of Hainan.

While not in Hainan, Guilin is a must-visit for those exploring southern China, known for its dramatic karst landscapes along the Li River. A cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo unveils some of China’s most iconic scenery. The Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill are natural wonders that captivate visitors. Guilin’s cuisine, distinct from Hainan’s, offers new flavors to discover, including Guilin rice noodles.

Haikou Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

And just like that our journey through Haikou comes to a close. But as we reflect on the experiences gathered, it’s clear that Haikou is more than just a city; it’s a gateway to a world where history whispers in the bustling streets, where culinary adventures await in every corner, and where the harmony of urban life and nature’s tranquility coexist beautifully. Haikou invites you to immerse yourself in its unique rhythm, and leaving, you carry a piece of its spirit with you.

A Melting Pot of Flavors

Culinary Delights : If there’s one memory that lingers long after you’ve left, it’s the incredible array of flavors that Haikou offers. From the simplicity of Hainanese chicken rice to the exotic tang of tropical fruits, every meal is a celebration of the island’s bounty. Night markets buzzing with energy offer a taste of local life that’s as authentic as it gets.

Historical Echoes

Living History : Wandering through the Qilou Old Street or standing by the imposing Haikou Clock Tower, you’re transported to a bygone era, where every brick and beam tells a tale. Haikou’s history isn’t just preserved in its architecture; it’s a living part of the city, inviting you to explore and learn.

Natural Wonders

An Oasis of Green and Blue : Beyond the urban landscape, Haikou opens up into a world of volcanic parks, lush gardens, and inviting beaches. Places like the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark and Evergreen Park show the diverse natural beauty that frames this city, offering peaceful retreats and adventure in equal measure.

A Farewell, For Now

As we bid goodbye to Haikou, we’re reminded that every visit is just the beginning of a deeper exploration.

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Germany’s Most Underrated City Is the Place to Go in 2018

They're calling it "Mainhattan."

For its central location, Frankfurt is known as the “Gateway to Europe" — and travelers often only pass through, using it as a transit point to other major destination cities. More recently, however, Frankfurt has been going by a different moniker, which refers to the city’s emerging position as an exciting new destination on the Old Continent.

Frankfurt has become “Mainhattan.”

Spread along both banks of the Main River (hence its formal name, Frankfurt am Main), the city has always held a special place in German history. Not only did it give the country its most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose house is tucked away on a small downtown street, but it was also the site of important elections, and the coronations of kings and emperors of the Roman Empire. And the history is still a major tourism draw, even though many sites had to be rebuilt after the World War II.

But exploring Frankfurt through a historical lens only paints one part of the picture. To get a full view of what Frankfurt is now — and will become in the next few years — you need only toward its skyline. Locals liken it to Manhattan (thus, the “Mainhattan” portmanteau).

There's a fascinating mix of architecture, with modern glass high-rises looming over traditional red-brick churches. You’ll also notice an abundance of tower cranes stretching their necks ever higher, signifying the city’s continued metamorphosis.

Some say this growth was triggered by Brexit.

When Brits voted to break from the European Union, Frankfurt — home to the European Central Bank headquarters since 1998 — was immediately flagged as a potential relocation choice for many large financial institutions and companies that intend to leave London.

Despite having only 700,000 residents (compared to London's 8.6 million), it’s still becoming an international city in its own right. Already, more than half of its inhabitants have non-German backgrounds and more than 100 different languages are spoken on a daily basis. So for all the varied ways a rapid influx of wealth can transform a city , it’s also contributing to the development of a diverse art, music, and food scene that’s only getting more alluring for travelers.

Frankfurt’s neighborhoods each have distinct character and charm. Sachsenhausen, with its cobblestone streets and museums, is for those who like to experience a city’s historic and cultural heritage. Ostend and Nordend, with their many cafes and boutiques, are perfect for a daytime walk, while Westend — the old bourgeois district — is where the beautiful botanical garden, Palmergarten, is located.

On your next trip to Europe, don't just pass through Frankfurt's airport. Instead, take time to discover Germany’s fifth largest city.

What to Do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has a number of exciting seasonal events worth noting on your calendar, such as Oktoberfest (in September), the annual Christmas market (in December), and the Frankfurt Book Fair (in October), among others . There is something interesting happening in Frankfurt at any given time of the year.

Of course, there are permanent attractions to keep you entertained, too. Art aficionados should head to Sachsenhausen, the neighborhood south of the river, where the city’s so-called Museum Mile is located. It’s home to the German Film Museum, the Communication Museum, and Staedel Museum, among many others. If you’re planning on visiting more than one, purchase the MuseumSufer ticket , which includes access to 34 museums for two consecutive days.

Staedel Museum

This 200-year-old institution houses one of the world’s most impressive and important collections, documenting 700 years of art history alongside visiting exhibitions . Visitors may recognize popular works of art such as Edgar Degas’ “Orchestra Musicians,” Claude Monet’s “The Luncheon,” and Rembrandt’s “The Blinding of Samson.” Other artists you’ll find in the museum ’s permanent collection include Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Picasso.

DialogMuseum

This museum redefines the common perception of a museum which, by definition, is a place where you go to see artifacts: see being the key word. The concept behind DialogMuseum , on the other hand, is unusual but impactful. Guests join a one-hour guided tour that moves through four rooms where, in absolute darkness, you will get to experience daily life without any visual components, the way blind or visually impaired people do. (All guides, as a matter of fact, will be visually impaired.) You will be surprised at the range of emotions you can feel in just 60 minutes — utter hopelessness being a major one — but it’s an incredible experience. Make sure to reserve your tour spot in advance.

Fotografie Forum Frankfurt

This independent center not only offers exhibitions of world-class photographers, artists, and photojournalists, but it also organizes regular workshops, classes, and lectures promoting the visual medium. The space is located in downtown Frankfurt on Braubachstrasse, in the city’s art gallery district, where you could easily spend an entire afternoon browsing.

Frankfurt suffered such extensive damage during World War II that much of its Altstadt (old town) had to be rebuilt. The restoration project, which started in the 1950s, was just completed in 2017. Fifteen historic houses were reconstructed and 20 new ones were built in the traditional style. Visitors can now enjoy the timber-framed buildings so popular in Germany, as well as the lively square in the heart of Römerberg. Some of the most notable buildings there are the Old St. Nicholas Church and the Haus Römer, which together with the Goldener Schwan (Golden Swan) building belonged to the Römer merchant family in the 15th century.

Where to Eat in Frankfurt

Whether it’s typical German food you’re craving or something more international, Frankfurt’s dining scene has it all. Just remember to always make a reservation, as the hottest tables tend to get booked up well in advance. Most restaurants, even small ones, have at least a few menus in English. But if they don’t, the friendly staff will surely translate for you.

German cuisine may be best known for its sausages, but that doesn’t mean vegans and vegetarians are doomed. This casual two-story restaurant , located in the city center, offers delicious meat-free options that even carnivores will love. The quinoa and wild rice plate with grilled vegetables and creamy spirulina dressing, for example, is perfect for refueling at lunch. Just be mindful that the place is cash-only, so make sure to have some Euros on you.

Freitagsküche

Founded by Frankfurt-native and contemporary artist Michael Riedel, and his friend Thomas Friemel, this cozy restaurant is a city staple. If you come here during the week, you might rub elbows with bankers from nearby financial institutions who fill up the small dining room for lunch, but on Friday nights, this restaurant transforms into a hangout for the art crowd. Order the guest chef’s menu, which is always prepared with fresh farmers’ market finds from that day.

Gang & Gäbe

The menu at Gang & Gäbe is inspired by the city’s international composition, so expect to find a combination of regional classics (Frankfurt’s famous green sauce, beef and potatoes, and kaese spaetzle, the German version of mac and cheese) and modern mash-ups, like baked duck breast with plum sauce and sautéed Swiss chard. There’s also an extensive cocktail menu with six different types of mojito. But if you’d rather drink as the locals do, opt for the Hugo, a St. Germain and prosecco-based cocktail that originated in Tyrol.

Matilda’s Kitchen

Located in the upscale Westend neighborhood, this small café is a favorite neighborhood brunch spot for locals. It has two cozy dining spaces with four to five tables each and — unlike most restaurants in the city where brunch is an all-you-can-eat buffet — you can order à la carte. It’s also just a few blocks away from the Palmengarten botanical garden.

Where to Shop in Frankfurt

While the pedestrian-only Zeil Strasse is where you will find a variety of big department stores like Peek&Cloppenburg, Galeria Kaufhof, and Karstadt, and brands like Zara, Mango, and C&A (which is similar to H&M price-wise but with a more conservative design aesthetic), travelers searching for more upscale options should head to the nearby Goethestrasse. Here are the Chanel, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques. The entire area between Kurt-Schumacher Strasse and Taunusanlange Park and the Opera is also a shopper’s paradise with smaller, independent boutiques featuring European labels.

Right across the street from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, there is a slew of salons, restaurants, and stores, one being Hayashi . The owner, Kerstin Görling, has an eye for elegant, timeless pieces as well as some pretty bold statement items. The brands you’ll find there include Isabel Marant, Marni, MSGM, and Joseph.

This high fashion s tore has been around for 13 years, and though the womenswear and menswear spaces are separate, they have one thing in common: an edgy, avant-garde aesthetic. Expect a lot of leather, candles, and fragrances from lesser-known Japanese and German designers.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

It might not be a surprise that Europe’s economic hub has no shortage of luxury accommodation options, especially downtown where the international banks are located. But there are a number of more affordable boutique hotels in the surrounding neighborhoods, too, like Ostend, which lies on the bank of the Main river and offers great views of the city.

Moxy Frankfurt East

Moxy is Marriott’s new design-driven chain of affordable, hip hotels aimed at younger travelers (read: millennials). The latest property is located in Ostend, just a few blocks away from the new headquarters of the European Central Bank and about a half-hour walk from the city center. Guest rooms have a modern, industrial vibe and the bar doubles as the hotel’s check-in point. It's also a great place to hang out, have breakfast, and (of course) enjoy cocktails. The walls are lined with funky art that references Frankfurt’s local culture, like a mural featuring Goethe lounging on a bench.

Roomers Frankfurt

One of the most impressive features of this luxury boutique hotel is the design. From a gleaming glass façade to the dimly lit bar and dramatic chandeliers, everything in Roomers is visually delightful. If you stay here, make sure to save some time to soak in the glass bead-filled relaxation tubs at the spa, and to enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the Sky Lounge.

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Frankfurt travel blog — the fullest frankfurt travel guide for first-timers.

Romantic, beautiful and tinged with antiquity are what people usually think of Germany, including its quaint but equally modern cities. However, in the current travel world, in addition to familiar names on the German tourist map such as Berlin, Bavaria, Potsdam, Munich, Hamburg… trippers are more choosing to travel to Frankfurt. So, is Frankfurt worth visiting, what to do in Frankfurt and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Frankfurt for the first-time? Let’s check out our Frankfurt travel blog (Frankfurt blog) with the fullest Frankfurt travel guide (Frankfurt city guide, Frankfurt guide, Frankfurt tourist guide, Frankfurt visitor guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Frankfurt to find out the answer!

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• What to buy in Germany? — 19+ best gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in Germany

When traveling in Germany, you cannot forget to visit Frankfurt – The 5th Germany’s largest city and the economic center of Europe. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the bustling scene on streets, the vibrant rhythm of daily life and modern architecture with skyscrapers. You will have an opportunity to admire countless massive constructions, luxury headquarters of the world’s leading banks, insurance companies and high-rise buildings that can’t help but make people overwhelmed and captivated.

It can be said that Frankfurt is a combination of the vibrant characteristics of cities in North America, both with deep and slow beauty coming from dozens of museums and splendid classical architectures. In addition, the scenery of the skyline is also an important highlight of Frankfurt. If you are a lover of art, nature or simply want to explore a wonderful German city, never miss Frankfurt! With the places to visit as well as the useful travel tips we suggest below, you will surely have a great trip.

Frankfurt travel blog: Overview of Frankfurt

Frankfurt (full name Frankfurt am Main) is a city in the state of Hessen, western Germany. Frankfurt stretches 30km along the romantic Main River. With this location, the city has transformed itself into one of Germany’s busiest trading hubs.

This city is considered not only the financial capital of Germany but also of Europe with modern skyscrapers located close to the river Main. The headquarters of the European Central Bank and other major banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank are all concentrated in Frankfurt. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is also one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. Frankfurt is also an important fairground city around the world. In addition, Frankfurt is also an important intersection of Germany and Europe.

As the 5th largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt is known as the leading financial center in Europe and recently this city also entered the top 15 most ideal cities in the world. Frankfurt is located on two banks of the romantic Main River, to the southeast of the hilly region of Taunus and in the southwestern region of Germany. Moreover, this is also the venue for many important trade fairs, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show (International Motor Show Germany) or the Frankfurt Book Fair. It is also the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Specifically, Frankfurt has long been an important interchange in all three forms: River, rail, road and air. Accordingly, Frankfurt connects the route from Switzerland and southern Germany to the center. The city’s status became increasingly important when the Main Canal was built in 1880. Currently, Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany and one of the busiest in Europe.

International trade fairs have been held in Frankfurt since 1240 and the city is now Germany’s leading commercial, financial and high-tech center. Every year, there are many book, automobile and computer fairs held, bringing together the top names in the manufacturing industry (including automobiles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, printing materials and foodstuffs…). This city also has very famous traditional sausages.

Frankfurt travel blog: When to come?

Frankfurt is a city with temperate oceanic climate with four seasons of the year. The summers are extremely hot, but the winters are extremely cold. In particular, the rainfall in Frankfurt is always evenly distributed among the months of the year, but in winter, it usually rains more.

Summer is usually sunny with an average temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. However, in midsummer the temperature can peak up to 35 degrees Celsius, with scorching heat. However, in the summer, there are also sudden rains that make the temperature drop a lot. And winter is extremely cold, often the temperature will fall in the range of -10 degrees Celsius, but rarely snow, but rain often occurs.

The best time to explore Frankfurt is in late spring and early autumn because at this time the weather is very pleasant, cool, fresh air, not too hot nor too cold.

And if you are a lover of fairs, you can choose to visit Frankfurt from August to October. At this time, Frankfurt will be the venue for 2 huge fairs which are:

• August: The time of the fair Frankfurt Motor Show (Automobil-Ausstellung)
• October: The time for the Frankfurt Book Fair Buchmesse (Frankfurter Buchmesse)

Note: If you choose to come Frankfurt from August to October, this is the peak season that most tourists choose to go. Therefore, the number of visitors is very crowded. Therefore, to avoid the situation of running out of tickets, or running out of rooms, you should book flight tickets and hotels early.

Frankfurt travel guide: How to get to Frankfurt?

Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest airports across Europe, the distance from the airport to city center is 13 kilometers and serves as the main hub for Lufthansa which is the flag carrier of Germany. There are many international airlines operating flight routes here such as Vietnam Airlines, Aeroflot Russian, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, China Southern Airlines… To find the best routes as well as good airfares based on your departure point, you can go to Google Flights , Skyscanner , Kayak to hunt.

There are three options for getting from Frankfurt Airport to the city center: Train, bus or taxi. If you choose the train, it will take you about 40 minutes to travel and the cost is around 4.65 EUR. Travel by airport bus is faster 30 minutes with a ticket of about 4.35 EUR.

However, to avoid wasting time looking for a car, getting lost or being “challenging price”, try Klook Airport Transfer service !

Frankfurt guide: Getting around Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of the most modern and principled cities in Germany as well as in the world, when using any public transport in this city you will be amazed by the accuracy and civility as well as the smart and convenient transportation system here. This is also one of the tourist attractions of Frankfurt.

The public transport system in Frankfurt all use a common ticket, to use these vehicles, you can buy a ticket at ticket vending machines at any stop or station. In addition to the one-time-use tickets (single tickets), you can also choose to buy a day ticket, a journey ticket, etc. to save more if you travel a lot.

To getting around Frankfurt, you can choose to visit the city by metro, train, tram and bus.

Metro (U-Bahn): Trains run every 2 to 5 minutes in the city center. Frequency will slow down from 10 to 20 minutes/trip after 8pm.

Train (S-Bahn): Runs every 3 minutes during rush hour and slows down, every 15 to 30 minutes at night or in the suburbs. Trains start at 4am or 6am for some special routes and end at 8pm.

Bus: Bus stops are marked with a circular sign with the letter “H.”, tickets are available at U-Bahn, S-Bahn or purchased directly from the driver. Night buses run from 1am to 4 am.

Bike: And a very relaxing experience that most visitors find interesting is to go by bicycle to explore the city. You can rent a bicycle in Frankfurt for about 12 Euros. There are also many bicycle or e-bike rental shops in the city such as Electric Bike Frankfurt, Frankfurtbiketour.com, Fahrradverleih Bellorange, ListNRide, Nextbike… from 10am to 6.30pm, rental price stating at €12. Frankfurt has a dedicated bicycle lanes, so you can ride your bike here without any worries.

Taxi: Taxis are quite expensive and are plentiful in the city center. Start at €2 and add at least €1.53 per kilometer.

Frankfurt travel blog: Where to go and what to do in Frankfurt?

Romerberg and old town.

The place is considered the heart of the city that you should visit is the Romerberg square. This square is located right in the city center. And if visitors come here, they will be captivated by its quaint and bustling beauty. This is also a regular place for trade fairs and many major city events. It has medieval architecture with the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen fountain (Fountain of Justice), which once sprayed free wine for visitors to enjoy when Holy Roman Emperor Matthias ascended the throne.

The Römerberg is a picturesque public square in the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town (Altstadt). Not only tourists, many people of the city also like to come here to take a walk, enjoy the bustling atmosphere or participate in interesting activities such as the Christmas market…

The square is famous for the cluster of 11 buildings that make up the medieval Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), which has been immaculately preserved since 1954. Coming to Römerberg, we should also visit the elegant Royal Great Hall (Kaisersaal), the venue for splendid banquets. Other notable structures in Römerberg include the 14th-century Gothic church of Saint Leonhard, Church of St. Nicholas, the History museum (Historisches Museum Frankfurt) was founded in 1878 and the six buildings in the traditional Ostzeile style…

Senckenberg Museum (Frankfurt travel blog)

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 9AM–5PM

One of the famous tourist attractions in Frankfurt that you should visit is the Senckenberg museum. This is a museum displaying many unique and valuable collections, including dinosaur skeletons dating back millions of years.

Städel Museum

Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM/Monday: Closed

The Städel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie) owns expensive painting collections, dating back to the 14th century. It is also the most important museum in the complex of Frankfurt’s museums. Here, you should take the time to admire the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya and later artists such as Monet, Degas, Beckman and Picasso.

To better understand the works, you can take a tour with an English-speaking guide or, visit workshops, talkshows, and the on-site library.

Römer (Old Town Hall)

Address: Römerberg 23, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The town hall was chosen as the meeting place of the city council, located in the heart of Frankfurt’s old town. The facade of this town hall consists of 3 gables and is designed in a very unique terrace shape.

On the second floor of the town hall, visitors can also visit the Emperor’s Hall, or Kaisersaal. You will learn more historical stories here, and a small fee will be collected when you visit the site. If your trip coincides with December, it will be great to experience the Christmas market before the holidays. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy local dishes and buy many souvenirs for their loved ones.

Römer – The town hall with classical German architecture, experiencing a long history of 6 centuries. This is where the coronation banquets of many Roman emperors in history took place. Römer is located in the heart of Frankfurt’s old town, so you can combine it with other tourist attractions easily.

Location: Neue Mainzer Straße 52-58; Frankfurt; Hesse, Germany

This is the tallest building in Frankfurt, one of the top attractions when traveling here. If you come here at night, you will enjoy the vibrant city scene, the whole city is immersed in shimmering bright lights. In addition, you can enjoy many delicious dishes and sip a glass of fine wine at Main Tower restaurant & bar.

This 56-storey skyscraper located in the Innenstadt district of Frankfurt. The name of this building is named after the main river nearby. As can be seen, this is the only high-rise building in Frankfurt with a public observatory. Take the elevator to the top of the building nearly 200m, you will have a panoramic view of the beautiful shimmering city in front of you. And what’s more, you can enjoy delicious cocktails and meals at  its bar and restaurant.

Palmengarten

Address: Palmengarten der Stadt, Siesmayerstraße 63, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 9AM–7PM

It is one of three botanical gardens in the Westend-Süd district. This botanical garden has an area of ​​​​about 22 hectares where many other plant species grow. And if you are a lover of nature and plants, this garden is a great choice for you.

Located in Bockenheimer Landstrasse, The Palm Garden is the largest botanical garden in Germany with 22 acres in size, opened in 1871. Splendid in design, the natural appeal comes from the garden’s vegetation attracted many leading artists of the time, including Buffalo Bill.

The highlight of The Palm Garden is the lush vegetation distributed in ideal living conditions (perfectly simulated), the greenhouses growing tropical and subtropical plants. In addition, this Frankfurt tourist attraction also impresses with boating activities, children’s playground… and especially Europaturm – a 337m high telecommunications tower nearby.

Not only seeing and enjoying the green space, visitors can also go for a boat tour, enjoy the wines or specialties of the Frankfurt, play a few golf games or even enjoy the musical performances right in the garden.

Eiserner Steg

Address: Eiserner Steg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Coming to Frankfurt, remember to visit the Eiserner Steg bridge. In addition to serving the travel needs of the people here, Eiserner Steg is also an ideal place for couples and put love locks on the bridge with the desire for a lasting love.

St. Paul’s Church

Address: Paulsplatz 11, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 10AM–5PM

St. Paul is a historical and political church of Frankfurt. The church played an important role in the revolution of 1848 as it became the home of liberals to elect the first German Parliament. Every 3 years, the church of St. Paul will host a ceremony to award the Goethe Prize – Germany’s most prestigious literary award. Here, you can learn more about German history, admire works of art and admire the vast main hall.

The large church hall has an oval shape and next to it is a clock tower that is individually designed and made of precious and beautiful dark red sandstone. Stepping inside, visitors will feel the whole atmosphere of meetings and discussions about politics from the past in the hall. And to this day, this venue hosts the event and presents the Goethe literary prize every three years.

Frankfurt Cathedral

Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 9AM–12PM, 1:15–8PM/Friday, Sunday: 1:15–8PM

Frankfurt Cathedral or Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is one of the “gems” of Germany and a symbol of the city of Frankfurt with its unique Gothic beauty.

Apple Cider

This is the place to provide cider, the typical drink of Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, when strolling through the cobbled streets of Sachsenhausen, don’t forget to visit this old and wonderful Apple Cider.

Eschenheimer Tower

Address: Eschenheimer Turm, 60318 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 12PM–1AM/Friday, Saturday: 12PM–3AM

The Eschenheimer Tower, which began construction in the 1400s, remains a relic from the old city walls of Frankfurt. At 47 meters high, the tower is huge in size and dominates the Eschenheimer Gate area. Currently, the tower houses a meeting room used by local historic societies.

Kleinmarkthalle Market

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 8AM–6PM/Sunday: Closed

The next destination is also a shopping place that you can choose when coming to Frankfurt, Kleinmarkthalle, which is known as the two-story market. Like many other cities, the main hall of Kleinmarkthalle was destroyed by bombs in 1944. The main hall you see today was restored and completed in 1954. This is the extremely loved site by locals. Drop by here, where you can buy fresh meats, cheeses, dried fruits, fresh flowers, and sweet treats like chocolates and pies. After walking around the market, you can stop by the Markt-Stubb cafe to enjoy delicious food and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Grüneburgpark

Address: August-Siebert-Straße 22, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

This place is Frankfurt’s largest park and attracts many tourists to visit. Perhaps because the natural space is spacious, airy, and the atmosphere is fresh, people come here to walk and relax. Although Frankfurt has many parks, Grüneburgpark is still the most popular park. Located near two university yards, many young people often come here, as well as civil servants come to relax after working.

Address: Opernpl. 1, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Alte Oper theater was the city’s grand theater in the past, and is now used as a concert hall. Visiting the theater, visitors will be able to see an extremely monumental building and unique work by sculptural details, intricate Renaissance architecture and kept intact according to the original design from 1880.

In addition to visiting the theater space and its interior alike, visitors can also register to book tickets and attend concerts of classic musical and comedy works in the world. The capacity in the hall of the Alte Oper theater is up to 2,500 seats. Enjoy and immerse yourself in this impressive art space.

This is where the legendary first operas such as Carmina Burana, Carl Orff performed. This is not only a historical building, this is also a beautiful architectural work of the era. You should come here once to admire the bare traces of time and create beautiful shapes to every corner of the theater.

Goethe’s House

Address: Frauenplan 1, 99423 Weimar, Germany Hours: 9:30AM–6PM/Monday: Closed

This is an old house located in Zeil, passed through many owners, since 1733. Now it has been restored in memory of the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Inside the house, you will admire an ancient architecture from the early 18th century. It is also a small museum displaying relics, famous and precious works of the poet Goethe.

Goetheturm (Wooden Tower)

The unique wooden tower, built in 1967, is a symbol worth visiting and admiring when coming to Frankfurt. The tower after World War I was restored and replaced by a new tower. Every weekend or fun festival, tourists or people around come here to be extremely bustling and vibrant.

In addition to the above places, there are still many other great places in Frankfurt that a travel lover cannot ignore such as:

• German Architecture Museum (Address: INTERIM ! Das Originalmuseum ist geschlossen: (am Schaumainkai, Henschelstraße 18, 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany/Hours: 12–7PM; Monday: Closed) – The museum displays many designs of high-rise buildings and architecture in general. There is also a small coffee shop. Admission fee for adults €6.00, children €3.00.
• German Film Museum (Address: Schaumainkai 41, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany/Hours: 10AM–6PM; Monday: Closed). The German Film Museum exhibits the art and history of filmmaking. Closed on Monday. Admission fee for adults €4.00, children €1.50.
• Messe Frankfurt is one of the largest exhibition centers in the world, hosting many exhibitions big, small and great.
• Holzhausen Castle in Adolph von Holzhause Park.
• Bethmann Park.
• Forest Playground “Carl-von-Weinberg”
• Forest Louisa Playground.
• Fountain of Myth: Called a “fairytale fountain” with the image of a water goddess, the Fountain of Myth in Innenstadt is a perfect place to rest and feel the old charm of the bustling cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt.

Frankfurt travel guide: What and where to eat?

When traveling to Frankfurt, you definitely cannot ignore the excellent cuisine here. And the KaisserStrasse area is the ideal dining place for you. This is a place where you can find a lot of delicious food and savory drinks. Especially the Turkish and Middle Eastern food.

Especially, every day at 3pm, you can join the outdoor buffet here. A variety of street foods such as: Grilled meat, grilled fish, traditional German sausages, smoked meat, cakes, fruits, specialty dishes… You just need to take the plate, choose the food and pay to have a full meal without having to move much. Remember to order more German beer and fermented famous apple juice Ebbelwei to enjoy.

So when coming to this city, what food should we enjoy? Don’t miss the following list!

Grüne Soße: Green sauce with boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. This special condiment is made from seven different herbs: Borage, cherries, watercress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel and chives. If you are more sophisticated, you can eat it with chicken or beef breast. This soup has a unique aroma, a rare cool taste.

Frankfurter Würstchen: This is a famous German sausage dish. It is a long sausage made from pork. You can serve it with white bread, mustard and vegetables.

Handkäs mit Musik: Handkäse mit Musik is the name of a traditional cheese in Frankfurt. Handkäse mit Musik is handcrafted by hand and then shaped into squares, round… topped with cheese topped with onion, salt and pepper sauce. Handkäse mit Musik is often used in appetizers, the cheese is light yellow in color, with a slightly pungent taste. Because it is made from yogurt, the dish is high in protein and low in fat, making it a nutritious dish for dieters.

Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a familiar dish in the daily meal of the people of Frankfurt. The main ingredients of this dish include roasted pork and sautéed sour cabbage. When eating Sauerkraut, you will see a long combination of sweet and fatty flavors mixed with the mild sourness of marinated cabbage, stimulating the palate.

Bockwurst: Talking about German cuisine, it is impossible not to mention sausages. Of the more than 200 different types of German sausages, Frankfurt’s Bockwurst is the most appreciated. This sausage is made from ground veal and pork, seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika… then smoked with oak wood, extremely fragrant. In addition to be grilled, Bockwurst also combines with bread, pasta… to diversify flavors for visitors to choose from.

Frankfurter Kranz: Aka Frankfurt Crown Cake is a dessert loved by the people of Frankfurt. The cake is soft and fluffy, shaped like a ring, consisting of 3 main horizontal layers: sponge cake, butter cream and strawberry jam. The surface of the cake is covered with krokant seeds, crispy caramel… for decoration, it looks very pretty. It’s quite similar to the birthday cake you get to eat but has a very creamy and delicious butter and cream.

Apfelwein: If Germans are famous for beer, in Frankfurt, people love Apfelwein cider. The sweet and sour taste of apple cider captivates anyone who tastes it. The most famous and delicious cider is served in the Sachsenhausen region.

Frankfurter Rippchen is an all-time favorite dish. The dish consists of pork with mashed potatoes and mustard. Best dish when eaten hot, quite suitable for making a nutritious breakfast.

Rindswurst is another sausage based on beef recipe known since 1894. It is a long tradition of Frankfurt. Not too fussy, you can eat this dish with rye bread and mustard and you can feel its great deliciousness.

Frankfurt travel blog: Shopping

Zeil is the main shopping street in Frankfurt, it is also one of the most bustling shopping streets across Europe. There are many shops such as Galeria Kaufhof or Karstadt, shopping complexes such as Zeilgalerie and many other shops, mostly fashion. In addition, visitors can also buy at Goethestrasse, or buy souvenirs at Bockenheim, or Schillerstrasse.

However, you should also note, the shopping stalls here are usually open from morning to 8PM, only a few large malls close at 10pm and most do not open for sale on Sundays. You should consider choosing the right time to buy goods for yourself as well as souvenirs for friends.

Frankfurt blog:Where to stay?

Surely when it comes to Frankfurt, it is impossible not to mention convenient places to stay here. Let’s take a look at a few places.

If you want to stay in an area close to the center without being too hustle and bustle, Zentrum-Altstadt is an ideal place. It has many ancient buildings and is close to beautiful attractions such as Romerberg square or churches with classical architecture such as St. Bartholomew Cathedral, Paulskirche.

If you want to stay close to the entertainment center, then Bahnhofsviertel is a suitable choice. This place focuses on entertainment facilities, red light district. In addition, Bahnhofsviertel is also quite famous for its large, peaceful green grounds.

An area that is quite suitable if you want to explore the ancient history of Frankfurt is Sachsenhausen . It is known for Museumsufer, a series of riverside museums covering topics as diverse as Jewish art, film, architecture and history. In the Old Quarter there are many lively cider pubs, bars and clubs. You can see many people riding bicycles or rollerblading along the romantic Main River.

Gutleutviertel is a bit more modern than Sachsenhausen. This place also has a lot of restaurants, located along the romantic Main River. You can visit the beautiful glass Westhafen tower here. Besides the ancient gardens, the rows of apartment buildings follow each other closely, making visitors feel the blend of classic and modern very clearly.

Bornheim neighborhood is suitable for those who want to find a peaceful space. This area is located outside the city center, east of Frankfurt. It has interesting cobblestone streets, tree-lined boulevards and maze-like alleys that are quite interesting.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Steigenberger Airport Hotel Frankfurt ( Agoda , Booking )
• Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hilton Frankfurt City Centre ( Agoda , Booking )
• Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Hamburger Hof ( Agoda , Booking )
• 25hours Hotel The Goldman ( Agoda , Booking )
• Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center ( Agoda , Booking )
• Roomers ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Frankfurt on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Before you go

However, if you are just a “newcomer” coming to this city for the first time, make a note of a few Frankfurt travel tips below to arrange a suitable itinerary, as well as integrate faster with the its atmosphere!

• Apart from specially planned days, most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany.
• In Germany you don’t need to tip the wait staff much, just pay a small amount to round out the bill. On the other hand, do not leave coins on the table, you can tip the staff when calling to pay.
• The area around the station, including many bars and restaurants, is quite mixed, although security here is much better than in previous years. So, be careful to avoid renting rooms or visiting these places!
• Frankfurt has dedicated bike lanes with a fairly large area, pay attention to them if you are driving on your own beyond tourism.

Considered a global city, Frankfurt is in the top 10 most livable and workable cities. It is also an important center for cultural activities and tourism. The city is a harmonious combination of art, historical sites, magnificent buildings, bustling shopping centers to outdoor entertainment areas. Frankfurt deserves to be the dream tourist city of anyone if coming to Germany.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Frankfurt you can refer to

• Frankfurt Card
• DISCONTINUED Frankfurt Historical Walking Tour
• Frankfurt Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Skyline Tour (Open-Top)
• Rhine Valley Day Tour from Frankfurt
• Frankfurt: River Main Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary
• Frankfurt: Hop-on Hop-off Day Skyline or Express City Tour
• From Frankfurt: Rhine Valley Day Trip
• Frankfurt: Old Town Wonders Exploration Game
• Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt
• Frankfurt: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience Ticket
• Frankfurt: Shared or Private Walking Tour
• Frankfurt: 3-Hour Bike Tour
• Frankfurt: Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman
• Frankfurt: Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen
• Frankfurt: Green Areas Segway Tour with Guide
• Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: Cathedral, Financial District & More

Read more Germany guide here .

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The Ultimate Frankfurt Travel Guide

December 14, 2019 | sarah funky.

SPONSORED BY JUMEIRAH FRANKFURT

Frankfurt is known as the “Gateway to Europe” — and travelers often only pass through, using it as a transit point to other major destination cities. However, Frankfurt has emerged as an up-and-coming travel destination because of its stunning sightseeing, great restaurants, and luxury hotels. Frankfurt has been called the Manhattan of Germany and locals have even nicknamed it “Mainhattan” because of the skyscrapers that line the Main River! In this guide, I’m going to show you the best things to do in this modern German metropolis!

WATCH THE FRANKFURT TRAVEL GUIDE!

INTERACTIVE MAP TO BRING WITH YOU WHILE YOU EXPLORE!

I have put together a color coded map of sightseeing, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, and bars suggested to me by locals and my followers on Instagram who have been to Frankfurt, in addition to places that I loved while I was there. This map covers the best of the best. I recommend you  click here to view the Google map on your phone while you explore the city. It will make it easier to see everything you can while you’re in town!

• Tip: Press the box with the arrow in it in the upper left corner to see the different categories by color.

WHERE TO STAY:

Where you stay can define your trip, which is why I recommend staying at the luxurious Jumeirah Frankfurt hotel. It won the award for Germany’s leading hotel four times already! It is located in the heart of the city, walking distance to the Opera House, the New Old Town, the banking quarter, and famous shopping streets. As the highest hotel in the city, it offers great views of the city’s skyline and has a modern yet timeless design. One of the most unique things that Jumeirah offers is a rooftop apiary (beehive), where they have 40,000 honeybees making fresh honey that is used in the restaurant, bar and spa! It is one of the only hotels in the world offering this special service.

They also have great dining options. Jumeirah Frankfurt’s dining options consist of the modern grill restaurant Max on One Grillroom, El Rayyan Lebanese Restaurant (belly dancing Saturdays at 7pm), and the elegant Ember Bar & Lounge. Every morning I had breakfast at Max on One Grillroom.

Art lovers will also adore Jumeirah Frankfurt because there is local art hung throughout the space that takes you on a poetic visual journey thanks to local German artist Hartwig Ebersbach. In each room as well as in the hotel’s public areas, you can find one of the Leipzig artist’s large-size original paintings, the largest collection worldwide. Central themes in the artworks are dreams, tales and legends. Between the artwork and the stunning view the Jumeirah Frankfurt is a visual feast!

HISTORY AND SIGHTSEEING

Understanding Frankfurt’s history will allow you to connect with it in a deeper way, which is I recommend taking a history tour. There are many options for tour companies but I recommend a private tour because it is a more personal experience and the guide can tailor the tour to your unique interests.

One area you must visit (tour guide or not) is Römerberg. Frankfurt suffered such extensive damage during World War II that much of its Altstadt (old town) had to be rebuilt. The restoration project, which started in the 1950s, was just completed in 2017. Fifteen historic houses were reconstructed and 20 new ones were built in the traditional style. Visitors can now enjoy the timber-framed buildings popular in Germany, as well as the lively square in the heart of Römerberg. Some of the most notable buildings there are the Old St. Nicholas Church and the Haus Römer, which together with the Goldener Schwan (Golden Swan) building belonged to the Römer merchant family in the 15th century.

TRY THE LOCAL FOOD & DRINK:

Germany’s food is one of the main things that define it so you should try the local food and drink while you’re here! I recommend using my map linked above while you explore so you always have my top suggestions on food and drink. Did you know Frankfurt is known for its apple wine? You can try it at most restaurants but one of my favorites is Affentorschänke a modern German restaurant located in the traditional area Sachsenhausen.

Another great option for a dinner with a stunning view, is Franziska . It is situated atop the Henninger Turm, features floor to ceiling glazed panoramic windows, allowing guests to enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside and the impressive skyline. It is the perfect place for a breathtaking view and holiday dinner. Franziska also has a completely open show kitchen with an integrated kitchen counter. The imposing panoramic restaurant thus combines two of the most popular gastronomic trends in the world right now: firstly, chef’s table-counter and, secondly, rooftop dining. The menu is progressive German vintage cuisine, inspired by the recipes of the great-aunt of Christian Mook. Franziska offers exciting German cuisine with a modern twist – a cuisine that’s not limited by conventions, ingredients or techniques.

KLEINMARKTHALLE

Kleinmarkthalle is an amazing food market with tons of German food. There are hundreds of different stands in this market selling every type of German food you could imagine, plus international food. If you’ve been to Chelsea Market in New York it reminded me of this!

VISIT DURING THEIR ANNUAL EVENTS

Frankfurt has a number of exciting seasonal events worth noting on your calendar, such as Museumsuferfest in August and the annual Christmas market in December. There is something interesting happening in Frankfurt at any given time of the year. I’m here for their Christmas Market. To see a full experience of what that was like, watch my Christmas in Frankfurt video below . In that video, I’ll show you how to spend your best Christmas ever in Frankfurt!

VISIT A MUSEUM

Frankfurt is a museum lovers haven – it has over 60 different museums in the city alone. Art lovers should not miss the 200 year old Stadel Museum . It has one of the most important art collections in Germany with 2,700 paintings, 100,000 drawings and prints, and 600 sculptures. Its most famous attraction at the moment (only temporary exhibition until February) is the Van Gogh Exhibit.

The exhibition focuses on the creation of the “legend of Van Gogh” around 1900 as well as his significance to modern art in Germany. It unites more than 120 paintings and works on paper. At the heart of the exhibition are 50 key works by Vincent van Gogh from all phases of his artistic work. It is the most comprehensive presentation in Germany to include works by the painter for nearly 20 years.

• Tip 1: Most museums are free to those under 18 the last Saturday of every month.
• Tip 2: If you’re planning to fill your time with museum visits, then it’s worth getting a MuseumuferTicket , which grants entry to 16 of Frankfurt’s museums. Some of the city’s biggest museums are included, as well as the less well known. Family tickets and reductions are available.

GO SHOPPING

Since Frankfurt is the financial hub of Europe it has a great shopping scene! The pedestrian-only Zeil Strasse, which is conveniently attached to the Jumeirah Frankfurt, is where you will find a variety of big department stores like Peek & Cloppenburg, Galeria Kaufhof, and Karstadt, and brands like Zara, Mango, and C&A. If you’re looking for more upscale options head to the nearby Goethestrasse. Here you’ll find Chanel, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques. The entire area between Kurt-Schumacher Strasse and Taunusanlange Park and the Opera is also a shopper’s paradise with smaller, independent boutiques featuring European labels. For specific store suggestions see my Frankfurt map .

• Tip: Please note that most shops are closed on Sundays so you’ll need to plan around this.

VISIT BAHNHOFSVIERTEL

Once an area locals stayed away from, Frankfurt’s red light district is now a cool place to go out at night. It is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. One of my favorite bars is Kinly Bar , which has become known for its excellent cocktail art and recently been awarded the best bar in Germany. It offers mix art at the highest level, and in an unpretentious atmosphere. An inconspicuous dark door is the gateway to happiness. Shortly after pressing the bell button, the door opens, and you go down a staircase – and into another time. The two rooms of the Kinly Bar are decorated with all sorts of pictures and furniture from the 1920s and radiate an instant, comfortable underground salon atmosphere. The Kinly is now almost synonymous with a novel concept of bar and mixology.

TALISE SPA AT JUMEIRAH FRANKFURT:

No vacation is complete without a relaxing spa experience! The exclusive Talise Spa at Jumeirah Frankfurt features two separate saunas, dedicated relaxation areas, five treatment rooms and an extensive range of tailor-made experiences in a luxurious atmosphere. Since they are one of the only hotels in the world with an apiary producing fresh honey, they offer several unique spa experiences using the honey from the honey bees!

Frankfurt is a city that every traveler needs to add to their bucket list. It is so much more than a layover city, there are tons of amazing things to do here! If you enjoyed this guide, please share with friends and have a great time in Frankfurt!

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Germany Travel Guide

Frankfurt Germany: 3-day Itinerary and Map

Frankfurt is an important commercial and economic center of Europe due to its central location in the state of Hessen , Germany .

This ancient imperial city is dominated by buildings and carries nicknames like “ Mainhattan ” and “ Chicago on the Main “.

How to spend 3 days in Frankfurt Germany

In this 3-day itinerary in Frankfurt , discover the main attractions of the city.

Day 1 in Frankfurt

On your first day in Frankfurt explore the old town. Start by visiting the beautiful Römerberg , one of the symbols of the city. Several buildings and attractions are located on the square or in the surroundings such as St. Nicholas , Paulskirche , MMK , Frankfurt Cathedral .

Head to Iron Footbridge ( Eiserner Steg ) and enjoy the view of the Main river . Take a stroll along Goethestrasse , the city’s most elegant street with many luxury shops, and head to Goethe House . Hauptwache , another famous square, is located close to the Goethe House .

End the day by visiting the Main Tower for panoramic views of Frankfurt.

Things to see

• Paulskirche
• MMK Museum of Modern Art
• Frankfurt Cathedral
• Iron Footbridge
• Goethe House

Day 1 Itinerary Map

Day 2 – Day Trip from Frankfurt

On the second day, make a day trip to one of the nearby cities such as Würzburg or Heidelberg .

Day 2 Itinerary Map

Day 3 in Frankfurt

On the third day in Frankfurt start by visiting the Frankfurt Zoo , after a visit to the zoo pass by the Eschenheimer Turm , a tower from the 1400s that now houses a café and meeting rooms.

Another important building in the city is the Alte Oper, located on Opernplatz .

Head to the Senckenberg Natural History Museum , one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe .

• Frankfurt Zoo
• Eschenheimer Turm
• Senckenberg Natural History Museum

Day 3 Itinerary Map

Sights in Frankfurt

1. römerberg.

The Römerberg is located in the heart of the old town. The square has an irregular shape and in its center is located the Fountain of Justice ( Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen ).

Römerberg, 67354

2. Frankfurt Cathedral

The Frankfurt Cathedral is located in the center of Frankfurt . It is dedicated to  Saint Bartholomew . It was built in the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style.

Domplatz 1, 60311

3. Paulskirche

The Paulskirche is located on the Paulsplatz . It was built between 1790 – 1833 and restored in 1948.

The Church is important political symbolism in Germany and became in 1849 the seat of the Parliament of Frankfurt , the first publicly and freely elected German legislative body.

Paulsplatz 11, 60311 

4. Alte Nikolaikirche

The Alte Nikolaikirche is one of the symbols of the city. It is located in the old town. The church has 51 bells, 4 are used to resonate and 47 are used for chimes.

Römerberg 11, 60311 

5. Goethe House

The Goethe House where the greatest German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born and where he lived from his birth in 1749 until 1765, shows how his family and employees lived.

There are many rooms to be explored from the sumptuous decor of the dining room on the main floor to the top floor office where he wrote many first of his works.

Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311

6. Naturmuseum Senckenberg

The Naturmuseum Senckenberg is one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe .

The museum houses Europe ‘s largest collection of large dinosaurs.

Senckenberganlage 25, 60325

7. Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is considered to be one of the most important galleries in Europe of contemporary art. It was opened in 1991.

Domstraße 10, 60311

8. Alte Oper

The Alte Oper was built in 1880. It is located in the heart of the Opernplatz .

It remains one of the most important concert halls in the city.

Opernplatz 1, 60313 

9. Frankfurt Zoo

The Frankfurt Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals representing at least 450 different species.

It is the second oldest zoo in Germany .

Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316

10. Palmengarten

The Palmengarten is Germany ‘s largest Botanical Garden .

The gardens offer leisure facilities such as children’s playgrounds and picnic areas.

Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323

11. Hauptwache

The Hauptwache area is undoubtedly one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city.

It is famous for its mix of historic old buildings and recent modern structures.

An der Hauptwache

12. Eschenheimer Turm

The Eschenheimer Turm was built in the early 1400s. It is 47 meters high and still impresses with its dimensions.

Today the tower houses a café and meeting rooms.

Eschenheimer Tor 1, 60318 

13. Commerzbank Arena

The Waldstadion has been updated several times. At the beginning of the new millennium, it was completely refurbished and received a new concept as the Commerzbank Arena .

Mörfelder Landstraße 362, 60528

14. Main Tower

The Main Tower is 200 meters high. The construction of the Main Tower was completed in 1999, a tall building with a facade made entirely of glass was first built in Europe .

This building is particularly popular with people from Frankfurt and tourists. It has an observation platform accessible to the public with a restaurant.

Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311

Where to stay in Frankfurt

1. fleming´s frankfurt.

The Fleming´s Frankfurt is located 15 minutes by tram from the Frankfurt Messe .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe.

Lange Str. 5-9, 60311

2. Hilton Frankfurt City Centre

The Hilton Frankfurt City Centre is located approximately 15 minutes walk from the Römerberg .

Rooms feature contemporary decor with a large window overlooking the city or park.

The hotel has a swimming pool and sauna.

Hochstraße 4, 60313

3. Marriott Frankfurt

The Marriott Frankfurt is located near the Messe .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, work desk.

Hamburger Allee 2, 60486

Malls and Department Stores in Frankfurt

The My Zeil is located near the Hauptwache .

Brands: Adidas, Bench, Guess, Pandora, Gant, Swarovski.

Zeil 106 1. UG- 7. OGU-Bahn Station Hauptwache, 60313

2. Karstadt Frankfurt

Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.

Zeil 90, 60313

3. Skyline Frankfurt

The Skyline Frankfurt is located 850 meters from the Messe .

Brands: Marc O´Polo, Mango Kids, Mango, Pandora, Zara, Zara Home, Swarovski.

Europa-Allee 6, 60327

4. Galeria Kaufhof Frankfurt

Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.

Zeil 116-126, 60313

5. Hessen Center

The Hessen Center is located 7 km from the old town.

Brands: Bonita, Douglas, Tom Tailor, Vero Moda.

Borsigallee 26, 60388

6. Wertheim Village

The Wertheim Village is an outlet located in Wertheim 88.5 km (55 miles) from Frankfurt .

Brands: Fossil, Coach, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Gant, Escada, Lacoste, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger.

Almosenberg, 97877 Wertheim

Plan your Trip

Frankfurt  has easy train access from various cities in Germany . Famous cities nearby: Mannheim , Heidelberg ,  Stuttgart , Koblenz , Wiesbaden .

Mannheim – 84.2 km (52.3 miles)

Heidelberg – 88.7 km (55.1 miles)

Stuttgart – 206 km (128 miles)

Koblenz – 127 km (78.9 miles)

Wiesbaden – 39 km (24.2 miles)

Cologne – 189 km (118 miles)

Würzburg – 119 km (73.9 miles)

Baden-Baden – 175 km (108 miles)

Book a Train Trip

Frankfurt Germany Map

Book your trip, book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using  Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

20 Top Things to do in Frankfurt

10 Best Hotels near Romerberg Square Frankfurt

The Best Museums in Frankfurt

The Best Beer Gardens (Biergarten) in Frankfurt

Top 10 Hotels Near the Frankfurt Messe

10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

German States Map

German States and Regions

• Destinations

Frankfurt Travel Guide

The city of contrasts. From bratwurst and beer to Asian fusion, half-timbered homes to a stunning skyline—Frankfurt is being rebuilt in style and claiming its spot on the tourist map. Only 500 kilometers away from almost every other major city in Europe and with one of the continent’s busiest airports, Frankfurt is a great base to explore the region. —Inga Ros Antoniusdottir

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• 1.1 Territorial subdivisions
• 1.2 When to visit
• 1.3 Tourist information
• 2.1.1 Frankfurt Airport
• 2.1.2 Hahn Airport
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1.1 Tickets
• 3.2 By e-hailing
• 3.3 By taxi
• 3.5 By bicycle
• 4.1 Historical attractions
• 4.2 Skyline
• 4.3 Other attractions
• 4.4.1 At the Museumsufer
• 4.4.2 Other museums
• 5.1 Culture
• 5.6 Other activities
• 8.1 Shopping streets
• 8.2 Markets
• 8.4 Shopping centres
• 9.1 Traditional Hessian dishes
• 9.2.1 In various locations
• 9.2.2 Around the Old Town
• 9.2.3 Around the main train station
• 9.2.4 East Frankfurt
• 9.2.5 West Frankfurt
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 10.4 Ebbelwoi
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2.1 Niederrad
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12.1 Drugs and beggars
• 13.1 Internet
• 13.3 Post offices
• 14.1 Consulates

Frankfurt (German: Frankfurt am Main ) is the largest city in the German state of Hesse , and is considered the business and financial centre of Germany. It is the fifth largest city in Germany after Berlin , Hamburg , Munich and Cologne . The city is known for its modern skyline, and for hosting the headquarters of the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Börse stock exchange and numerous German financial services companies. Furthermore, it hosts some of the world's most important trade shows, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair. It is on the river Main at a crossroad of the German Autobahn system and connected to several high-speed rail lines, with Germany's busiest airport on its outskirts, Frankfurt is one of the most important transportation hubs of Europe.

Understand [ edit ]

Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Wealthy bankers, students and hippie drop-outs coexist in a city that has some of the highest, most avant-garde skyscrapers of Europe next to well maintained old buildings. The downtown area, especially Römer square and the museums at the River Main, draw millions of tourists every year. On the other hand, many off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods, such as Bockenheim, Bornheim, Nordend and Sachsenhausen, with their intact beautiful 19th-century streets and parks are often overlooked by visitors.

It's the heart of the Rhine-Main region, spanning from Mainz and Wiesbaden in the west to Hanau in the east and Gießen in the north to Darmstadt in the south and has some 5.6 million inhabitants (2019) in the whole surrounding metropolitan area.

Frankfurt is the place where Germany's major autobahns and railways intersect. About 650,000 people commute to the city each day, not counting some 763,000 people who live here (2019). With a huge airport — the third-largest in Europe — it is the gateway to Germany and for many people also the first point of arrival in Europe. Further, it is a prime hub for interconnections within Europe and for intercontinental flights.

In the years following 1968, especially in the late 1970s and up to the early 1980s, Frankfurt was a centre of the left wing Sponti-Szene , which frequently clashed with police and local authorities over politics and urban design issues (specifically whether or not old buildings should be torn down). Several members of these radical groups went on to have quite respectable careers in politics, among them Daniel Cohn-Bendit (long time leading MEP for the Greens) and Joschka Fischer (Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor 1998-2005), though their erstwhile radical and violent antics did hurt them in their later political careers.

Frankfurt has one of the highest percentage of immigrants in Germany: about 25% of Frankfurt's people have no German passport and another 10% are naturalized German citizens. With about 35% immigrants, Frankfurt is one of the most diverse of German cities.

Frankfurt is home to many museums, theatres and a world-class opera.

Territorial subdivisions [ edit ]

Frankfurt is divided into 16 Ortsbezirke , which are further subdivided into 46 Stadtteile . As Frankfurt is an expansive city with a large area given its population, most of those are of little interest to a tourist, with most attractions concentrated in the Ortsbezirk Innenstadt I (there are four Ortsbezirke starting with Innenstadt ("inner city"), distinguished by Roman numerals). Some Stadtteile of particular note are:

• Altstadt (Dom-Römer Quarter) – the heart of Frankfurt's old town, largely rebuilt after the Second World War, particularly, as part of a major urban development project, from 2012 to 2018
• Innenstadt – named confusingly (sharing its name with the larger Ortsbezirk ) is the part embracing the Altstadt up until the old city fortifications, still visible as a green belt on the city map. The home to the most of Frankfurt's skyscrapers
• Bahnhofsviertel – the densely-built part of the city immediately facing the Hauptbahnhof , hosting the most hotels in town and its red light district
• Gutleutviertel – the area south of the tracks leading up to the Hauptbahnhof, with a modern residential quarter on the Main
• Gallus – the area north of the Hauptbahnhof tracks known most for the past-2010 Europaviertel development (a new city quarter with apartment blocks and offices built around the wide Europaallee next to the fairgrounds)
• Westend – the most expensive part of Frankfurt by land values, mostly covered with low-rise residential buildings and villas, but also several skyscrapers on its edges
• Bornheim – Popular area with small shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as historic taverns and half-timbered houses. See listing below.
• Sachsenhausen – the historic southern bank of the river Main, which preserved its typical 19th-century character, very different from the modern northern bank punctured by skyscrapers. Includes the Museumsufer museum collection directly at the riverbank. See listing below for further details.
• Höchst – Formerly a separate small town, now a suburb. The small Altstadt, around the Schloss, is one of the closest places to central Frankfurt that you can see large numbers of traditional timber-framed buildings that didn't get destroyed in the war. The square by the Schloss has some very nice traditional Gaststätte to eat or drink in. See listing below for further details.

When to visit [ edit ]

The best times for Frankfurt are late spring to early autumn. The summers tend to be sunny and warm around 25°C (77°F). Be prepared, however, for very hot summer days around 35°C (95°F) as well as for light rain. The winters can be cold and rainy (usually not lower than -10°C/14°F). It rarely snows in Frankfurt itself.

If you intend to stay overnight, you may wish to avoid times when trade fairs are held, as this will make finding affordable accommodation a challenging task. The biggest is the Book Fair ( Buchmesse ) yearly in mid-October; see Fairs for details.

Tourist information [ edit ]

There are two offices for tourism information:

• 50.1071 8.66424 1 Touristinfo Hauptbahnhof ( near the main exit, next to the DB service area, look for the signs ), ☏ +49 69 2123-8800 , fax : +49 69 2123-7880 , [email protected] . M-F 08:00-21:00, Sa Su Holidays 09:00-18:00; New Year + New Year's Eve 08:00-13:00; closed 25-26 Dec .  
• 50.11063 8.68176 2 Touristinfo Römer , Römerberg 27 ( Dom/Römer    U4     U5   ), ☏ +49 69 2123-8800 , fax : +49 69 21 23 78 80 , [email protected] . M-F 09:30–17:30, Sa Su holidays 10:00-16:00 New Year + New Year's Eve 10:00-13:00; closed 25-26 Dec .  

Get in [ edit ]

Frankfurt is the heart of central Germany and as such, it is one of the most important transportation hubs. It has excellent connections by rail, road and air. Reaching and leaving Frankfurt is easy.

By plane [ edit ]

Frankfurt airport [ edit ].

50.0483 8.5732 1 Frankfurt Airport ( FRA  IATA ) is among the busiest in Europe — fourth in passenger traffic after London Heathrow , Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport . Frankfurt is the banking centre of Germany and hosts numerous international trade fairs. Therefore all major airlines and all airline alliances fly frequently to Frankfurt and connect it to every inhabited continent and all major cities in the world. The German flag carrier Lufthansa [dead link] is the main airline in Frankfurt and offers most connections. Lufthansa also has several domestic feeder flights to and from Frankfurt that also serve business travelers.

The airport is connected to downtown Frankfurt by taxi , bus (line 61 to Frankfurt Süd(bahnhof)    U1     U2     U3     U8     S5     S6   (Frankfurt South Station), and most easily by S-Bahn (fast commuter trains).

To get to the city by S-Bahn, take lines   S8   or   S9   in the direction of Offenbach Ost or Hanau at the regional train station, 50.05127 8.57147 2 Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof , on the lowest level of Terminal 1 (entrances in section A and B). If your plane lands or departs from Terminal 2, count in another 15 minutes as you need to move between the terminals with either the shuttle bus or the monorail Skytrain (both are free of charge, just follow the signs). If you want to go downtown, get off at Frankfurt Taunusanlage  , Frankfurt Hauptwache  or Frankfurt Konstablerwache  , which are in the heart of the city. If you want to change to long-distance trains get off at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof  (Frankfurt Central Station). The ride from the airport to the central station takes about 20 minutes. You have to purchase a ticket at the vending machines in the train station before boarding the train. The adult ticket costs €5.80, and €3.40 for children (April 2023).

If you want to go to the airport by S-Bahn, take the   S8   or   S9   in the direction of Wiesbaden . Don't take the   S1   , since it does not stop at the airport.

Regional trains RB and RE to Mainz , Wiesbaden , and Hanau stop at the same place as the S-Bahn to Frankfurt.

Connections outside the Frankfurt region have a separate long-distance train station, 50.05292 8.56986 3 Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbahnhof . Here, you can board high-speed long-distance trains (Inter-City and ICE) to Cologne , Munich and other national and international destinations. Local train tickets are not valid on ICE or IC.

Hahn Airport [ edit ]

The smaller airport called Frankfurt/Hahn ( HHN  IATA ), mostly used by no-frills airlines, advertises proximity to Frankfurt. However, Hahn is far away from Frankfurt and it takes about 90 minutes to drive there from downtown to cover the 125 km (78 mi) distance. For that airport, if you have to use it at all, allow more time in your travel plans and budget. A bus from Frankfurt/Hahn to Frankfurt Main airport and on to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Frankfurt Central Station) costs about €17.99 and leaves roughly every hour. Tickets are available from the kiosk outside in front of the main entrance.

Frankfurt/Hahn is not far (9 km) from Traben-Trarbach , which lies by the Mosel river and has a train station. The streets between the airport and Traben-Trarbach are not lit at night and have no sidewalk.

By train [ edit ]

Frankfurt has three major train stations: 50.10682 8.66313 4 Hauptbahnhof (main station) , 50.09933 8.68609 5 Südbahnhof (south station) and the above-mentioned one at the airport ( Flughafen Fernbahnhof ). However, several inter-city trains that stop at the airport do not stop at Hauptbahnhof. Long-distance trains leaving from Hauptbahnhof do not stop at Südbahnhof, while a few long-distance trains pass by Hauptbahnhof and only stop at Südbahnhof. Check the timetable to make sure you are going to the right station!

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is one of the biggest and busiest train stations in Europe, so it's definitely worth a visit. Frankfurt has connections to most German cities - and neighbouring countries especially to the south and west - via InterCity and high-speed InterCity Express trains. There is no problem to get a connection to any train destination from Frankfurt.

Frankfurt train stations are very large, confusing, labyrinth-like places for newcomers. Allow extra time to locate the boarding area for your train. Don't hesitate to ask someone for help the first time. There is a large departures signboard above the main exit/entrance with destination and platform information, and you can also get information from the railway travel office in the station.

From the main ticket office at Frankfurt you can buy 5- and 10-day rail travel cards which allow you to travel around Germany using all train services, including the Intercity ones. These are a significant saving on individual train fares. The 5-day ticket costs €189 and the 10-day ticket €289. You cannot buy these tickets from regional train stations.

In addition to regular Deutsche Bahn trains and regional trains on which DB tickets are valid, Frankfurt is also served by Flixtrain . Tickets can be bought through Flixbus, but DB tickets are not valid and there is no BahnCard discount. That said, Flixtrain tickets are usually considerably cheaper than comparable DB tickets.

By car [ edit ]

Frankfurt is connected to several autobahns and can be easily reached by car. Try to avoid rush-hour and especially snowy days, as car traffic can easily break down. Parking is definitely a problem in most areas. Especially during big conventions—such the Internationale Automobilausstellung (International Automobile Exhibition) in September, or the Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair) in mid-October—you should consider using the well designed park-and-ride system If you intend to stay mostly in Frankfurt and only make day-trips to the bigger cities in the surrounding area, consider leaving the car altogether and arriving by train, as Frankfurt has a superb public transport system (see below).

By bus [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ].

By public transport [ edit ]

The S-Bahn, run by Deutsche Bahn, connects the downtown areas to outer-lying suburbs as well as other cities in the region, such as Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Darmstadt. Beware that the S-Bahn is notorious for its delays. If you need to get somewhere on time, allow for some buffer time. In the morning rush-hour, delays of 5–15 minutes are common. If you are catching a plane or have another similar time-critical appointment, allow an extra 30 minutes to be on the safe side. Other services (subway, tram and bus) are usually more punctual.

Tickets [ edit ]

You can get single trip, all-day and weekly tickets. You can get tickets for one person or a group of up to five people travelling together.

You must use a ticket machine to purchase a ticket before boarding . Ticket machines can be switched to English. You have to press Einzelfahrt Frankfurt for a single trip in the city and Tageskarte Frankfurt for a day ticket in the city. If you want to ride to the airport, you have to press Einzelfahrt Frankfurt Flughafen or Tageskarte Frankfurt Flughafen . If your destination is outside Frankfurt, you have to look up your destination on the list provided at the machine, enter this number with the numeric keypad, then press the button for the type of ticket you want ( Einzelfahrt - single trip; Tageskarte - day ticket). Also, every station has some stations listed as "short distance" destinations ( Kurzstrecke ); tickets to those are cheaper. If you have the opportunity, ask a bystander to explain the vending machines to you the first time you want to buy a ticket. Unlike in other German cities, tickets purchased are valid immediately. You cannot purchase single trip tickets in advance, but time tickets (day, week, month) can be chosen according to the date, which you have to know in advance.

Fares are based on the zones you travel through. Central Frankfurt is all contained within a single zone (zone 50) so tickets (except short trip tickets) are all the one fare. In this central zone a single trip ticket costs €3.40 and a day ticket costs €7.20. For the central zone and the airport zone together a single trip ticket costs €5.80 and a day ticket costs €11.30. Group day-tickets (5 people: €11.30 / €19.10) cost less than two individual day-tickets, so are better value if you are travelling together and purchasing day-tickets. Discounts are available for children of age 14 and under.

If you are visiting attractions and museums then consider buying a Frankfurt Card . It allows unlimited travel on Frankfurt's public transport system (city zone and airport) and discounts in many museums. The Frankfurt Card is available as a one day and two day ticket, and for a single person or a group of up to five (1 person 1 day €11.50, 2 days €17.00; group (max. 5 persons) 1 day €24, 2 days €34) [updated 2023]. These tickets are not sold at the vending machines. You can buy the Frankfurt Card at the airport (arrival gate B, terminal 1), at travel agencies, railway stations, at the tourist information desk at Hauptbahnhof, at the tourist information desk at Römer, or in advance online. A one-day one-person Frankfurt card including airport transportation is cheaper than the equivalent public transport ticket that includes the airport.

A fine of €60 applies for riding without a valid ticket .

By e-hailing [ edit ]

Uber, Bolt and Free Now cover the city.

By taxi [ edit ]

Frankfurt has plenty of taxi drivers to service the many business travellers. The city is not too big, although fares tend to be expensive. Watch out for taxi drivers that take detours if they notice that you do not know the city. Still, for door-to-door transport, taxis are a way to go.

Most taxi drivers love to drive to the airport because it's longer than inner-city fares, but not all taxi drivers are licensed to go there. They tend to drive very fast because most German business travellers expect them to do this. If you feel uncomfortable, let the driver know and he will slow down.

Blacklane - offers an extensive fleet of vehicles for business travellers. An airport transfer service from city centre to Frankfurt Airport is about €30.

DCAcar - is the leader in luxury travel. Originally founded in Washington DC they have been providing service in Europe since 2022.

Limousine & Shuttle Service Frankfurt - Is Your reliable partner for Your appointments and celebrations, both in the greater Frankfurt area and throughout Germany. Limousine & Shuttle Service Frankfurt safely, professionally and reliably transport You in their exclusive limousine and shuttle vehicles to Your desired destinations.

In the main tourist areas downtown there are also human-powered bike taxis that convey one or two passengers. For those not too keen on walking this may be a convenient way of seeing the sights.

Avoid using your car in the city, especially in tourist "hot spots" like Sachsenhausen (especially on a Saturday) because of congestion and a severe lack of parking spaces. It's very limited, and people tend to park in places they're not supposed to. This ends up costing a fair bit if your car gets towed, which it often will. If you want to enter the city, your best bet is to use a Parkhaus (parking garage, which charges a fee of €1 per hour or €8 for the whole day) and then either walk, or take public transport.

Many areas are reserved for local residents, in and outside the city. You will see the areas marked by parking signs that indicate a local permit is needed during certain hours during the day. The wording to be aware of is "Parkausweis Nr.X" (where X is a number). If you park in these spaces you risk a fine.

Even vehicles registered in countries other than Germany need a "low emissions" sticker [dead link] (on the inside of the windscreen) to legally enter certain signposted environmental protection zones in Frankfurt. (The stickers are valid for all low emission zones in Germany.) Labelling a vehicle with these emission stickers, also often called "fine particle stickers", is voluntary, but vehicles without this sticker - even those with foreign number plates and even those that would otherwise meet the criteria - are not allowed into environmental zones without risking a fine of €40.

Also, remember that Germany has strict laws about driving under the influence of alcohol, only allowing 0.5mg of alcohol per mL of blood. That's just about one beer or glass of wine. Although there are Autobahns without speed limits, when there are speed limits, these are enforced rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. Heavy on-the-spot fines can be levied. The laws pertaining to tailgating have been sharpened, and the fines have gotten larger.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Frankfurt is bike-friendly , featuring an expansive network of bike lanes. While there are various rental-bike companies in Frankfurt, they are relatively rare and situated in inconvenient areas of the city for travellers. A more convenient source of rental bikes may be Deutsche Bahn. Look out for their rental bikes, marked in the colours red and white and the letters "DB".

These bikes are available year-round and can be found pretty much anywhere in the city - especially at street corners, which are the major pick-up and drop-off points. You can rent these bikes 24/7 just using your cell-phone and your credit card. German citizens can also sign-up for direct debit from their checking account. For instructions on how to use this service, call the number on the bike or go their website.

Another service is offered by nextbike. Sign up (either online or via their hotline) and rent bicycles and return them at any station all over town. Rates are charged by the half-hour (€1) and are capped at €9 per day.

• Call-a-bike service .  
• nextbike .  
• GoetheRad , Landwehrweg 1 ( at the Goethe Tower in Sachsenhausen, top of the Hill ), ☏ +49 1765 052 8599 . Open Tu-Su 12:00-18:00 . Bike Rental and Repair  
• Bike Rental Outlets Frankfurt [dead link]

See [ edit ]

While most of the buildings in the inner town were destroyed during the second world war, many of them in Römerberg have been meticulously restored. The imposing town hall and the cathedral St Bartholomeus where emperors of the Holy Roman empire were crowned in the 17th and 18th centuries are among them. Walk on top of a tower or get to the Main for good views of the skyline.

Historical attractions [ edit ]

Skyline [ edit ]

Frankfurt has some of the tallest buildings in Germany (the Commerzbank Tower is the country's tallest office building). Its skyline is unique for the country, as the high rises are concentrated in a relatively small downtown area, giving Frankfurt the looks of a metropolis. One of the reasons for this are the lax zoning laws compared to the rest of Germany. Elsewhere, building such high rise buildings is almost - if not outright - impossible. The skyline is the reason why Frankfurt is sometimes called by the nickname Mainhattan .

• For a view of the skyline try the Main river bridges. The eastern bridges offer the best view, in particular the Ignaz-Bubis-Brücke and also the Alte Brücke. For a great view including the new European Central Bank building, the train bridge in Ostend and the new bridge behind it provide excellent views. Also, when you approach the city from the airport via the subway, stay to the right side of the train. Just before the train approaches the Frankfurt central station it enters a big curve, and from here you will have a nice first glance of the skyline. For another good view of the skyscrapers take a walk from Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   northwards.

Other attractions [ edit ]

• 50.1272 8.6583 26 Botanischer Garten ( Botanical Garden ), Siesmayerstraße 72 ( near Palmengarten ), ☏ +49 69 21239058 . Mar-Oct: M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su and holidays 09:00-13:00; Nov-Feb: closed . Free .  

• 50.10945 8.69311 35 Literaturhaus Frankfurt ( formerly: Alte Stadtbibliothek ), Schöne Aussicht 2 ( at Ignatz-Bubis-Brücke ). Former public library building, constructed 1820-1825 in neo-classical style.  
• 50.115866 8.698756 36 Zoo , Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16 ( take subway   U6   towards Ostbahnhof or   U7   towards Enkheim and get off at the Zoo    U6     U7   station ), ☏ +49 69 2123-3735 . Winter: daily 09:00-17:00; Summer: daily 09:00-19:00 . €10 adults, €5, children, family €25 .  
• 50.124059 8.614085 37 Petrihaus , Am Rödelheimer Wehr 15 ( Frankfurt-Rödelheim    S3     S4     S5   + 10 min walk ), ☏ +49 151 17591919 , [email protected] . Feb-Nov: Sunday . The pittoresque and unique Swiss style pavillon once hosted famous German poets like Goethe and Brentano. Refurbished in 2002, it is open for guided tours. Located in a nice park which has a faded rose garden, some art nouveau sculptures, Europe's oldest gingko-tree and plenty of lawn to enjoy a splendid day. €5 .  
• 50.117253 8.690407 45 Odeon , Seilerstraße 34 . Small museum building built in 1816, now housing a dance club. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• 50.115183 8.68292 46 Stiftstraße 6-10 , Stiftstraße 6-10 ( just off of the Zeil ). Beautiful historic buildings built in 1903. Stiftstraße 8–10 is a rare example of Art nouveau in Frankfurt. Stiftstraße 6 has a colorful façade. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• 50.050931 8.574516 47 Frankfurt Airport's Airport Tours , Terminal 1, Concourse C, Level 2, Counter 726 , [email protected] . Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, offers several different guided tours, including a Fire Department Tour. €9-22, or €7-20 for "reduced tickets" (children, students etc) . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Museums [ edit ]

Museums in Germany are generally closed on Mondays (there are exceptions); the exact opening hours on other days depend on the museum. If you want to visit a museum on a public holiday, check with them before to be sure they open on that day.

The museums in Frankfurt offer a wide range of exhibits. Many museums are clustered on both banks of the Main in a district called Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank) . To get there, take the subway to Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   (southern bank) or Willy-Brandt-Platz    U1     U2     U3     U4     U5     U8   (northern bank), then walk towards the Main river. You can see the downtown skyscrapers when you leave the station Schweizer Platz , that's the direction you have to take. There are enough museums in Museumsufer to keep you occupied for a while, and it is especially suitable if you are staying in Frankfurt only for a short time.

The Museumsufer Ticket is valid for admission to all municipal museums on two consecutive days and is available at all Frankfurt museums. Individual visitors €18, concessions €10, families (2 adults and children) €28.

At the Museumsufer [ edit ]

All of the following museums are at the Museumsufer in Sachsenhausen. You have a number of options to get there, e.g. Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   or Bus 46 (Museumsufer Linie) to "Städel". It is also just a 10 minute walk from Dom/Römer    U4     U5   across the Eiserner Steg bridge, or 10 minutes from the main train station over the pedestrian bridge Holbeinsteg.

• 50.10336 8.67387 48 Städel-Museum ( Staedelsches Kunstinstitut ), Schaumainkai 63 , ☏ +49 69 605098-0 , fax : +49 69 610163 , [email protected] . Tu F–Su 10:00–18:00, W-Th 10:00–21:00 . It is named after Johann Friedrich Staedel. The museum displays various works of art, both modern and old. There are also varying exhibitions at any time. Behind the museum is the Städelschule, an art school with a cheap cafeteria. €12, reduced: €10, Sa-Su & holidays: €14, reduced: €12, Familyticket (2 adults and at least one child): €24, children under 12 free .  
• 50.10137 8.67027 49 Museum Giersch ( Museum of Regional Historic Art and Culture ), Schaumainkai 83 , ☏ +49 69 6330-4128 , fax : +49 69 6330-4144 , [email protected] . Tu-F 12:00-19:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00 . The broad exhibition range covers all types of art – painting, photography, sculpture, graphic art, architecture and applied arts. Usually the exhibitions focus on artist that have some sort of connection to Frankfurt or the Frankfurt region. It presents works on loan from public and private owners, which are often stored in depots or private collections and therefore not otherwise accessible to the general public. There are also varying exhibitions at any time. Public guided tours for groups such as pupils or adults by arrangement. €5 for adults, €3 for children .  
• 50.10626 8.68119 50 Museum für Angewandte Kunst ( Museum of Applied Arts ), Schaumainkai 17 , ☏ +49 69 2123-4037 , fax : +49 69 2123-0703 , [email protected] . Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00 . The museum for applied arts and design hosts just that in a beautiful Richard Meier designed building. The small park around it is a popular hangout in summer and there is a small posh restaurant on the ground floor. €9, concessions €4.50 .  

• 50.10195 8.6713 51 Liebieghaus - Skulpturensammlung ( Liebieg House - sculpture collection ), Schaumainkai 71 , ☏ +49 69-212-38617 , fax : +49 69-212-30701 , [email protected] . Tu-W F-Su 10:00–18:00, Th 10:00–21:00 . Large collection of sculptures and statues from all over the world. Very nice cafe in the garden. Admission: €7, reduced: €5, Familycard: €12 .  
• 50.10581 8.6793 52 Museum der Weltkulturen ( Museum of World Cultures ), Schaumainkai 29-37 , ☏ +49 69-212-35913 , fax : +49 69-212-30704 , [email protected] . Tu-F Su 10:00-20:00, Sa 14:00-20:00 . Due to a lack of space and funding, it doesn't display its permanent ethnographic collection but rather shows well-made exhibitions.  
• 50.10444 8.67583 53 Museum für Kommunikation ( Museum of Communication ), Schaumainkai 53 , ☏ +49 69-6060-0 , fax : +49 69-6060-666 , [email protected] . Tu 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00, Th-Su 10:00-18:00 . Formerly known as the postal museum, it explains the history of communication with a strong focus on postal services and telecommunication. The permanent exhibition shows the developments in communication techniques from telegraphs, to telephones to the internet. A lot of old telegraphs, phones, fax machines etc. are on display. Descriptions in both English and German. The museum has many interactive parts which are also suitable for children. Don't miss the small but impressive art collection, hosting works with communication themes from the early 19th century up until today. There is an audio guide (free) available through the ' Lauschtour ' app. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions on the first and second floor. Exhibiton 'KLIMA_X' until 27 Aug 2023 about communication around the topic of climate change. €6 for adults; €1.50 for youth 5-17; children until 4 free . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 50.10483 8.67719 54 Deutsches Architekturmuseum ( DAM, German Architecture Museum ), Schaumainkai 43 , ☏ +49 69 2123-8844 , fax : +49 69-21237721 , [email protected] . Tu Th-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00 . The Architecture Museum displays various types of exhibits about buildings and architecture. Their tagline is "From Primordial Hut to Skyscraper". There's also a small cafe in the DAM. Adults €9, reduced €4.50 .  
• 50.10506 8.67769 55 Deutsches Filmmuseum ( German Film Museum ), Schaumainkai 41 , ☏ +49 69-21238830 , fax : +49 69-21237881 , [email protected] . Tu Th F Su 10:00-17:00, W Sa 10:00-20:00 . The German Movie Museum displays—as the name implies—the art and history of film making ( German only ) €4.00 for adults, €1.50 for children .  

• 50.10692 8.68802 56 Ikonen Museum ( Icon Museum ), Deutschordenshaus, Brückenstraße 3-7 / Walter-Kolb-Straße ( Eastern End Schaumainkai ), ☏ +49 69-21236262 . Tu Th-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00 . Founded in 1990 through a donation of 800 icons from the 16th-19th century this museum today has about 1,000 icons and today also has special exhibitions for modern icons. €6, concessions €4, every last Saturday in the month free entrance .  

Other museums [ edit ]

• 50.10801 8.68732 59 Portikus , Alte Brücke 2 ( on the Maininsel, access via the bridge Alte Brücke ), ☏ +49 69 96244540 , fax : +49 69 962445424 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 11:00-18:00, W 11:00-20:00, also closed when there is no current exhibition and on some public holidays . An institution exhibiting contemporary art of both emerging and established artists. It was founded in 1987 and is part of the Städelschule (Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste, a school of art). Admission free . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 50.1107 8.6828 60 Frankfurter Kunstverein , Steinernes Haus am Römerberg, Markt 44 ( Römerberg, subway to Dom/Römer    U4     U5   ), ☏ +49 69-219314-0 . Tu-W F-Su 11:00-19:00, Th 11:00-21:00 . Constantly changing contemporary art expositions. Adults €8, reduced €6 .  
• 50.10712 8.67451 61 Jüdisches Museum ( Jewish Museum ), Untermainkai 14/15 ( Riverbank right side (Altstadt), Tram 11, 12 or subway to Willy-Brandt-Platz    U1     U2     U3     U4     U5     U8   – note that this museum is not on the Museumsufer but on the other bank of the river) ), ☏ +49 69-21235000 , fax : +49 69-21230705 , [email protected] . Closed until 2019 for renovation . The Jewish community in Frankfurt can look back on over 850 years of history in the city and is the second oldest Jewish community in Germany. The well funded museum in the old Rothschild (they originate from Frankfurt) palace pays tribute to this history with a strong focus on the holocaust. Admission with audio guide: €7, children €3.50, including Museum Judengasse: €10 .  
• 50.11234 8.68857 62 Museum Judengasse , Battonnstrasse 47 , ☏ +49 69 21235000 , [email protected] . Tu 10:00-20:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00 . It is part of the Jewish Museum, but at a different address (not anywhere near the Museumsufer). It reopened after refurbishment in 2016. Here are exhibited the foundations from the Jewish Ghetto dating back to 1462, as well as information about life as a Jewish person in this ghetto during the Middle Ages. Info is in English & German. Outside of this museum is the "Holocaust Memorial Wall" with over 11,000 names of Frankfurt's murdered Jewish citizens on it. It surrounds the medieval Jewish cemetery dating back to 1272. There is another outpost of the Jewish museum nearby, which hosts exhibitions on a regular basis. It is housed in a 4-story World War II overground bunker. Adults €6, reduced €3, free every last Saturday of the month .  
• 50.1135 8.6792 66 Kindermuseum ( Children's Museum ), An der Hauptwache 15 - Mezzanine ( Take U-Bahn or S-Bahn to Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   , look for KFC and take the stairs from there to the Mezzanine ), ☏ +49 69-2123-5154 . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, . Presents exhibitions especially for children on topics of local historical and cultural relevance. Touching, testing, trying out: independent thinking and an autonomous learning environment are central to the children's museum. Adults €4, reduced €2, family card €9 .  
• 50.136 8.6619 68 Geldmuseum der Deutschen Bundesbank ( Money Museum of the German Central Bank ), Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 14 , ☏ +49 69-9566-3073 , [email protected] . 09:00–17:00, Closed Sa . A museum about money and its history. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 50.08214 8.58141 69 Verkehrsmuseum Frankfurt am Main ( Public Transportation Museum ), Rheinlandstraße 133 ( take Tram 12 to the end of the line at Schwanheim Rheinlandstr ), ☏ +49 69 - 213-23 039 (Su and holidays 10:00-17:00) , [email protected] . Su and holidays 10:00-17:00, otherwise closed . Public transportation vehicles including many old trams, a few buses and one steam locomotive. Beside the museum is a station building that used to belong to the former Frankfurter Waldbahn, a tram line that was originally powered by steam locomotives. Adult €3, child €1, senior/student €2 .  
• 50.10667 8.68974 73 Hindemith Cabinet in the Cowherds' Tower ( Hindemith Kabinett im Kuhhirtenturm ), Große Rittergasse 118 , ☏ +49 69 5970362 . Su 11:00-18:00, M-Sa closed (exceptions for groups with appointment) . The Cowherds' Tower is a 14th century tower and city gate. The German composer Paul Hindemith lived in this tower between 1923 and 1927. Today it contains a small museum about the composer, and a music room for chamber concerts and other events. Adults €3, reduced €1.50 . ( updated Nov 2018 )

Do [ edit ]

Culture [ edit ]

• Frankfurt Architectural Photo Tour [dead link] , Free photography course of architectural fine arts
• The Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company , ☏ +49 69-907399-100 . Modern ballet in Frankfurt playing at the Bockenheimer Depot.  
• 50.118298 8.679133 1 Cinestar Metropolis , Eschenheimer Anlage 40 ( subway to Eschenheimer Tor    U1     U2     U3     U8   or walk from the city centre ). The cinema shows a couple of movies in English. €8-12 .  
• 50.10968 8.670841 2 English theatre , Gallusanlage 7 ( Willy-Brandt-Platz    U1     U2     U3     U4     U5     U8   ), ☏ +49 69-24231620 , [email protected] . See a play at the largest English-language theatre in continental Europe  
• 50.108552 8.673702 3 Oper Frankfurt , Untermainanlage 11 ( Willy-Brandt-Platz    U1     U2     U3     U4     U5     U8   ), ☏ +49 69-212-49-49-4 . Not to be confused with the historic Alte Oper building, this modern building is where to go to see an opera performance. State subsidized performances make this a relatively affordable place to see high quality productions  

Fairs [ edit ]

Frankfurt's trade fairs are known to have taken place as early as in 1160. The Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's largest exhibition centres, hosting a continuous stream of exhibitions small, large and gargantuan — the Motor Show draws almost a million visitors. Most fairs are open to the public for at least part of the time, and can be a fascinating if somewhat overwhelming experience if you're interested in the theme. The Messe has its own S-Bahn train station, Messe    S3     S4     S5     S6   , two stops away from the Central Railway Station (from platform 104, underground), and there's also the Festhalle/Messe    U4   subway stop. Advance tickets for fairs often allow free use of all RMV public transport. Trains to the trade fairs are announced in English.

• Frankfurt Book Fair ( Frankfurt Buchmesse ): . The largest event of the world's publishing industry, held yearly in mid-October. The Frankfurt Book Fair has a long history, first being held in 1485, shortly after Gutenberg's printing press in nearby Mainz made books much more easily available than before. The last two days (Sa Su) are open to the general public, with book sales allowed on Sunday only. The public days of the Book Fair have also drawn a vast contingent of manga/anime fans, many of whom dress up as their favourite characters! Photography is allowed, but only after asking permission. Day ticket €12 .  (date needs fixing)

Sports [ edit ]

• Football: 50.0686 8.6455 5 Eintracht Frankfurt , Waldstadion, Mörfelder Landstraße 362 ( S-Bahn: S7, S8, S9 Stadion ), ☏ +49 69 9550 31585 . Die Adler (The Eagles) play soccer in Bundesliga, Germany's top tier. The stadium (sponsored as Deutsche Bank Park) has a capacity of 51,500. In 2024 it hosts games in the UEFA Euro Finals. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Swimming at Titus-Thermen or Rebstockbad, which both also have whirlpools and sauna facilities. Or visit any of the other public indoor or outdoor pools in Frankfurt. The biggest outdoor pool is next to the Nidda in Rödelheim part of Frankfurt: Bretano bath . Some of the bigger complexes outside the city limits include Taunus-Therme in Bad Homburg and Rhein-Main-Therme in Hofheim.
• 50.125503 8.721532 6 Ice skating ring , Am Bornheimer Hang 4 ( Eissporthalle/Festplatz    U7   ), ☏ +49 69 2123-9308 , [email protected] . Ice skating for amateurs or watch ice hockey games by the local teams.  
• 50.137893 8.45893 7 Sportpark Kelkheim , Mainblick 51a, 65779 Kelkheim , ☏ +49 6195 5151 , [email protected] . A sports facility complex that features high rope courses, golf (no membership required), indoor climbing and bouldering, squash, and other activities.  
• 50.163951 8.684819 8 Boulderwelt Frankfurt , August-Schanz-Straße 50 ( Preungesheim    U5   or S-Bahn Frankfurter Berg    S6   ), ☏ +49 69 9541-6560 , [email protected] . 10:00-23:00 . Opened in the winter of 2012, this hall is still expanding and has boulders in various difficulties for beginners to experienced ones. The route setter is very experienced and the crew friendly. Only the air can get "powdry" at peak times. From time to time there are organised competitions. €9.90 .  
• 50.159938 8.686472 9 Kletterzentrum Frankfurt/Main ( DAV Kletterzentrum ), Homburger Landstraße 283 ( Preungesheim    U5   ), ☏ +49 69 95415170 , [email protected] . M-F 10:00-23:00, Sa Su 09:00-22:00 . The DAV Kletterzentrum opened for climbing in spring 2013. It offers up to 15 m (49 ft) high walls with many routes.  
• 50.137401 8.733827 10 Dynochrom , Flinschstr. 45 ( Schäfflestraße    U4     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 4080-2770 , [email protected] . M F 15:00-23:00, Tu-Th Sa 11:00-23:00, Su 11:00-21:00 . This gym has tough boulders for enthusiastic climbers. €9 .  

Walks [ edit ]

• In the summer, a walk along the river Main is a nice thing to do. A lot of people will spend a sunny afternoon walking or sitting there on a lawn or playing frisbee or football. It's a relatively quiet area, considering it's in the heart of the city. Nearby cafes and restaurants allow you to have a drink in between. The only disadvantage is that it can be quite crowded when the weather is nice; try going during business hours on a weekday unless you're looking for a crowd.
• Go for a walk in the City Forest (Stadtwald) in the south of Frankfurt. With about 48 km², it is regarded as the largest inner-city forest in Germany. Six playgrounds and nine ponds make the forest a popular tourist attraction. The forest can be reached via tram line 17 direction Neu-Isenburg/Stadtgrenze from Frankfurt Main Station ( Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof    S1     S2     S3     S4     S5     S6     S7     S8     S9     U4     U5   ). Trams 12, 19, 20 and 21 also connect the Stadtwald with downtown Frankfurt.
• Go on top of the Feldberg mountain , the highest mountain in the Taunus . Take a train from Frankfurt central to Königsstein and then go to the main bus place (Parkstraße). Buses via Feldberg depart every 2 hours. Get on top of the observation tower at the Feldberg. If it's cold, have a hot chocolate with cream (Heiße Schokolade mit Sahne) at the tower's kiosk.

Events [ edit ]

• Lange Nacht der Museen ( Long Night of Museums ): . One night a year in mid-May most Frankfurt museums are open to the public until the early morning of the next day. Special bus lines will take visitors from one to the next. Various special events are organized; for example dances, music performances, special exhibits, games, and so on. It is very crowded but also highly recommended; be prepared for very long lines. Buy a ticket in advance so you do not have to waste time during the night of the event on this, and do not forget to pick up a schedule of the events and map of the bus routes. Similar events are organized in other German cities as well.  (date needs fixing)
• Christmas Market : ,  Römerberg, Paulsplatz und Mainkai ( Dom/Römer    U4     U5   ). M–Sa 10:00–21:00, Su 11:00–21:00 . Get a glühwein mug and start enjoying the evening. It is one of the biggest German Christmas Markets featuring a big tree and popular participation. Late November to 22 December  (date needs fixing)
• Christopher Street Day ( CSD Frankfurt ): ( Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ). LGBT parade and festival in mid-July.  (date needs fixing)
• Museumsuferfest ( Museumsufer Festival ): . Massive 3-day outdoor festival held every year in late August along both sides of the downtown waterfront. Numerous stages with live music, DJs, food, shops, and museum events. Beware that it can get very crowded in certain spots and there are often queues to cross the Eiserner Steg bridge. Fireworks on the last day. Free .  (date needs fixing)
• There are various fireworks displays throughout the year. Many major events - like the Museumsufer festival are ended with very well done fireworks. Check your local event schedule; if you are in the city these are always worth your time. The exception are the New Year fireworks, which are unorganized and less than spectacular. Good vantage points are the Main bridges, or the river banks.

Other activities [ edit ]

• The RMV offers a tour of the city in the so-called Ebbelwei Express , a special tram that offers music, apple wine, and pretzels. Probably very stereotypical and more suited for people who do not mind "tacky" tourist traps.
• About once a month, an old steam engine train rides along tracks on the northern riverbank of the Main . Prices vary, starting at €4 for an adult.
• 50.08181 8.58286 12 Kobelt-Zoo , Schwanheimer Bahnstraße , ☏ +49 69 35353047 , [email protected] . May-Sep 14:00-19:00 . A small zoo with monkeys, snakes and other animals. Kids can pet rabbits, horses, donkeys, and goats, or ride ponies. Free . ( updated Aug 2018 )
• River cruises along the Main River , Mainkai at Eiserner Steg ( near the Dom/Römer    U4     U5   subway stop ). There are two companies offering river cruises along the Main River, and both of them depart from Mainkai near the Eiserner Steg bridge in the Old Town. There are short sightseeing cruises as well as longer tours heading towards the Rhein river and its scenic spots. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Learn [ edit ]

• Goethe Institut , Diesterwegplatz 72 ( Frankfurt Süd    U1     U2     U3     U8     S5     S6   ), ☏ +49 69 961-2270 . The official German language institute with a vast range of courses to learn German in Goethe's hometown.  
• Volkshochschule Frankfurt ( Public education centre ), Sonnemannstraße 13 ( Frankfurt Süd    U1     U2     U3     U8     S5     S6   ), ☏ +49 69 2127-1501 . Vast range of language courses, cooking classes and other educational courses.  

Work [ edit ]

Frankfurt is one of the better locations in Germany to start looking if you want to find a job. It is the centre of national and international banking/finance and there are also many high tech, chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the Rhine-Main area. All of these are more willing to accept people with no or less than adequate German skills if you can offer any other special skills.

Last but not least the airport and companies working for trade fairs, as well as several companies in the so called "Industriepark Hoechst" always need people who speak English and other (seldom spoken) languages. Especially low skilled and very high skilled jobs are available. Make sure you have the proper permits and papers; working illegally can get you into a lot of trouble.

Buy [ edit ]

Frankfurt is a great place for shopping, as it caters both to tourists and to the local population, so you can find anything from haute couture to ridiculously cheap, and most of the shopping possibilities are located in the centre. The majority of shops are open until 20:00, though some of the larger stores downtown may close at 21:00 or 22:00. In general, shops are closed on Sundays.

Shopping streets [ edit ]

• The Zeil is the main shopping street in Frankfurt and in fact one of the most frequented shopping streets in Europe. This area caters to all sorts of shopping needs. There are big department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt as well as numerous other larger shops along the Zeil. Head to the top floor of Galeria Kaufhof for a restaurant with amazing views of the city. The lower levels of both department stores sell food products from all of the world. There are also shopping complexes like the Zeilgalerie and MyZeil , which is notable for its remarkable architecture, including the longest shopping mall escalator in Europe. Some of the surrounding streets, e.g. Liebfrauenstraße, Schillerstraße, and Kaiserstraße, have a lot of interesting smaller shops. Head to the Goethestraße for upscale shopping.
• Schweizer Straße : small, traditional shops with local specialties, take subway to Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   .
• Berger Straße : smaller trendy shops and cafés, take subway to Merianplatz    U4   or Höhenstraße    U4   .
• Leipziger Straße : smaller shops, take subway to Leipziger Straße    U6     U7   station.

Markets [ edit ]

• 50.11271 8.68311 1 Kleinmarkthalle , Hasengasse 5-7 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   or Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ; in the city centre between Zeil and Berliner Straße ). M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 08:00-16:00, Su and holidays closed . A market hall with a large variety of local and international vendors ranging from fresh produce to ready-to-eat food and drinks. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 50.107238 8.683221 2 Flea Market ( at the Museumsufer ). Sa 09:00-14:00 . Along the river in Sachsenhausen during which time the road is normally closed to traffic.  
• 50.114418 8.686698 3 Farmer's Market at Konstablerwache ( Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache ) ( Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ). Th 10:00-20:00, Sa 08:00-17:00 . Locally produced vegetables or fruits are found also directly from regional ecological producers.  
• 50.114237 8.678504 4 Schillermarkt ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ). F 09:00-18:30 . Fresh meals and local products are sold at the groceries market directly in the centre at this shopping street.  

Shops [ edit ]

• 50.120967 8.674773 5 Grüneburger Bioladen , Grüneburgweg 6 ( Grüneburgweg ), ☏ +49 69 9550-2229 . M-F 07:30-20:00, Sa 07:30-19:00 . Excellent choice of cheese and fresh vegetables. The shop has affordable lunch soups and also does custom deliveries.  
• 50.120633 8.66733 6 Petersen Gutes Essen , Eppsteiner Straße 26 , ☏ +49 69 71 71 35 36 . M-F 08:45-19:00, Sa 08:00-15:00 . Sells gourmet food. It has bread, cheese, fresh pasta, pasterys and a lot more.  
• 50.113829 8.685935 7 Mammut Store Frankfurt , Fahrgasse 111 ( Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 46099069 . M-Sa 10:00-20:00 . The shop sells clothes and stuff from the alpine Swiss brand. The quality of the brand means that the producto also translates in the demanded prices.  
• 50.153926 8.659696 8 Radsport Frankfurt ( Gnewikow & Fülberth Radsport GmbH ), Eschersheimer Landstraße 555 ( Lindenbaum ), ☏ +49 69 534100 , [email protected] . M Tu F 09:00-1800, W 13:00-20:00, Th 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-13:00 . Exists since 1983 and mostly sells road race bikes. They are passionate for bike sport.  
• 50.145164 8.647441 9 Fahrradhaus Wagner , Woogstr. 21, Ginnheim ( Ginnheim    U1     U9   , then walk 10 min ), ☏ +49 69 952 948 44 , [email protected] . M Tu Th F 09:00-12:00, 15:00-18:30, W 09:00-12:00, Sa 09:00-13:00 . The small shop at the outskirts of Frankfurt has a long tradition since 1929 selling bikes. One can see their passion for bikes in how well they keep the records of their sold bikes and repairs. The prices are really fair and the road- or mountain-bike can be repaired or tuned at any wish.  
• Hessen Shop . Small chain of shops selling unique locally produced or locally themed goods. Locations in Bockenheim (Leipziger Straße 49), Sachsenhausen (Diesterwegstraße 22), and downtown in Kleinmarkthalle (Hasengasse 5). ( updated Sep 2019 )

Shopping centres [ edit ]

• 50.140262 8.751036 10 Hessen-Center , Borsigallee 26 ( Hessen-Center    U4     U7   ), ☏ +49 61 0973-3630 . M-F 09:30-20:00, Sa 09:30-21:00 . An older shopping mall targeted more at the local population.  
• 50.157724 8.63319 11 NordWestZentrum ( Nordwestzentrum    U1     U9   ), ☏ +49 69 580-9020 . M-Sa 10:00-20:00 . A large modern shopping mall in the north of Frankfurt. Many of the shops there can also be found in the downtown Zeil area. The mall is both inside and outside, hence people are still allowed to smoke here, which you may find bizarre. Inside it has a big swimming pool called Titus Therme.  
• 50.109206 8.653212 12 Skyline Plaza , Europa-Allee 6 ( Festplatz/Messe    U4   ). M-W 09:30-20:00, Th-Sa 9:30-22:00 . The shopping centre opened in the summer 2013. It has it own parking. There is a terasse on top with a café. Otherwise you'll find around 170 different shops.  

Eat [ edit ]

There are of course restaurants all over Frankfurt. One notable area for dining may be what is locally known as the Fressgass (a literal translation would be "munching alley"). The correct name of this street is Große Bockenheimer Straße . As the nickname implies, the Fressgass features many cafés, restaurants, and deli food stores. It is a popular area to dine after going shopping. Take the subway to station Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   or Alte Oper    U6     U7   . In late May to early June (exact dates vary each year), the Fressgass Fest takes place with food stands, cheap beer and live music. The area also has a few notable historic buildings, such as the beautiful rococo style house at Große Bockenheimer Straße 31 built in 1760 and the two 18th century half-timbered houses at Kleine Bockenheimer Strasse 10 and 12.

If you are looking for an in-depth paper-based restaurant guide, a popular publication is Frankfurt Geht Aus (Frankfurt is going out), a magazine style dining guide of the city. It can be bought for €4.80 at many kiosks and book stores, or at the Tourism Information at the central station.

Traditional Hessian dishes [ edit ]

Typical specialities from the Hessian region are:

• Handkäs mit Musik – A cheese from curdled milk.
• Frankfurter Grüne Sauce (also known as Grie Soß ) – A thick sauce made from eggs and 7-9 fresh herbs. Typically served with potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, or occasionally with a Schnitzel in a dish known as a Frankfurter Schnitzel .
• Frankfurter sausages (Frankfurter Würstchen) are well-known internationally, but it is here that you can try the original kind, consisting of pork.
• Frankfurter Rindswurst – another kind of sausage, quite different from Frankfurter Würstchen, that is very popular in this region. These consist of beef only, and were created in part to appeal to Frankfurt's large Jewish community. The ones from Metzgerei Gref-Völsings (at Hanauer Landstrasse 132) are the most well-known.
• Sachsenhäuser Schneegestöber (also known as "Frankfurter Schneegestöber") – A dish consisting of Camembert cheese, cream cheese, onions and bell pepper powder. Available only in select restaurants.
• Frankfurter Rippchen – Cured pork, slowly heated in sauerkraut or meat broth.
• Bethmännchen – A pastry made mainly from marzipan and almonds. Popular during Christmas time.

Many of the above dishes are typically eaten while drinking Apfelwein (see Drink ). Most restaurants in Frankfurt feature international food, so you have to specifically search for restaurants serving traditional dishes. For popular restaurants in Frankfurt, it is highly recommended to reserve in advance as the restaurant might otherwise not have any free tables left.

Budget [ edit ]

In various locations [ edit ].

• Best Worscht in Town . Place where you can try "Curry-Wurst", which is a sliced beef sausage served with ketchup and curry spices, and considered one of the most popular German fast food products. The Best Worscht in Town chain is special in that it also serves extremely spicy variants, using some of the hottest spices available from different parts of the world. There have even been televised hot sausage eating competitions with on-site medical staff to take care of the participants. Stores can be found on Berger Straße, in the Nordwestzentrum, and other locations. These are just stands without any seating. ( updated May 2022 )

Around the Old Town [ edit ]

• 50.109761 8.686237 1 Denkmahl - Sandwich , Große Fischerstraße 19 . At first glance a bit strange with the entrance like in a cellar but on second sight a very nice and nicely decorated sandwich restaurant. The man behind the counter was very nice. you feel welcome right away. The sandwiches were surprisingly good and are a perfect lunchtime snack. The ambience is unusual. The owner is funny, quick-witted, and a great cook. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.112044 8.682182 2 Zum Alten Frankfurter , Ziegelgasse 2 . It feels like a family run place. Intimate and quiet. Food freshly cooked with passion. Schnitzel: the breading throws bubbles the way it should be. The service charming and quick. All in all a nice experience. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.110615 8.675853 3 Strahmann Baguetterie & Cafébar , Bethmannstraße 58 . the best focaccias in town! Also they have a huge variety of other sandwiches, salads, snacks etc. Sometimes the queue is long. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.110204 8.678691 4 China Garten , Bethmannstraße 11 . If you want to eat quality and tasty Asian food and that at great prices, you have to go here. The service is always very friendly. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.113588 8.685598 5 Tonbul Grill und Kebap Haus , Töngesgasse 4 . Delicious "homemade" doner kebab with a unique special touch. Not a standard kebab. Super nice place with homemade fresh products !! The sauces are very yummy. The staff is also very friendly. ( updated May 2022 )

Around the main train station [ edit ]

• 50.108136 8.659972 6 Pizzeria 7 Bello , Niddastr. 82 ( Main station ), ☏ +49 69 236099 . 10:00-12:30 . Good lunch option for fast pizza and pasta. Popular during summer as they have a small terrace on the side walk. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.108146 8.658591 7 Ruchi , Ludwig Straße 12 ( Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +49 69 2729-5728 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11:30-22:00 . A very short walk north from the main train station you find daily Indian all-you-can-eat tasty buffet and at a good value. South Indian buffet on Saturdays. Idly, dosas, vada, Ppani puri, Manchuria, bajjis are available. Very friendly staff. €4-8 .  
• 50.108928 8.659751 8 Fennischfuchser , Mainzer Landstraße 95 . Try some traditional food here. Rustic ambience. A somewhat dark restaurant inside. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.107938 8.660719 9 Ristorante Punto e Pasta 1998 , Ottostraße 4 . A really friendly little pizzeria. Hidden behind the main train station. The pizzas are really tasty, crispy crust, thin dough and aromatic topping. Good traditional Italian service. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.1085 8.663252 10 Tatie food & drinks , Am Hauptbahnhof 18 . Very good restaurant that offers Moroccan cuisine. The plates are generous and the servers professional. Clean and nicely decorated restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )

East Frankfurt [ edit ]

• 50.116199 8.710773 11 Pizzeria Charly Braun , Röderbergweg 121 ( Frankfurt-Ostend, Habsburgerallee ), ☏ +49 69 492-941 . M-F 10:30-23:00 . A small place with cheap and excellent pizza. Pasta and salad also served. Locals usually call in an order and pick up in twenty minutes. ( updated May 2022 )

West Frankfurt [ edit ]

• 50.098011 8.574281 12 Bizim Döner ( Frankfurt-Griesheim ). A small suburban shop with fantastic kebab. ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.084751 8.630041 13 Hey Jerry - Sandwiches & Co. , Goldsteinstraße 132-134, Niederrad , ☏ +49 69 69715266 . Their chicken-tika with fries sub would do a British take-away proud. Very basic but good value. ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 50.133255 8.768064 14 Bier Hannes ( Brauereigasthof zur Mainkur ), Hanauer Landstr. 568 , ☏ +49 694 128 90 . M-Sa 12:00-24:00 . In this small brewery of Frankfurt with rustig and authentic interior you find typical german food and their own beer. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.107437 8.671656 15 Im Herzen Afrikas , Gutleutstraße 13 ( Willy-Brandt-Platz    U1     U2     U3     U4     U5     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 2424-6080 , [email protected] . Tu-Fr 16:00–23:00 Sa 14:00–23:00 . Eastern African food. Decoration is special (sand as floor) and reservation is important, as for dinner they offer only specific times. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 50.169427 8.621875 16 Lahmer Esel , Krautgartenweg 1 ( Niederursel    U3     U8     U9   ), ☏ +49 69 573974 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 11:30-14:00, 17:00-24:00 . Expands in summer time over to tables in the garden. It has local authentic food to fair prices and good fresh quality. It is popular as after dinner from the Frankfurt Goethe University faculty. The local "Apfelwein" (Ebbelwoi) is recommended. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.1081 8.6667 17 Saravanaa Bhavan , Kaiserstraße 68 ( near the central station ), ☏ +49 69 97 693 374 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00-22:30 . Purely vegetarian, authentic Indian cuisine. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.114242 8.674349 18 Bidlabu , Kleine Bockenheimer Str. 14, 60313 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   or Alte Oper    U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 95 64 87 84 . M-Sa 11:30- . Bistro-style bar with special lunch menus and excellent specific dinner food. One can sit in the street and enjoy a good glass of wine, a long drink or a fancy cocktails like "Dark and Stormy". There are many Gins to choose from. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.107793 8.666397 19 Der Fette Bulle , Kaiserstr. 73 . Hipster burger place near the train station. Good food and nice atmosphere. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.11697 8.686304 20 Iwase , Vilbeler Straße 31 ( Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 283992 . M-Sa 09:00-14:00, 18:30-22:00 . Considered by many to be the best Japanese food in the city. Not much larger than a hole in the wall, but the staff is authentic Japanese, and the food delicious. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.116 8.686279 21 Koh Samui , Große Friedberger Straße 32 ( Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 29 28 28 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11:00-24:00, Su 15:00-24:00 . The Thai restaurant has many choices and offers more than decent green curry for reasonable prices. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.116206 8.644877 22 Orfeo's Erben , Hamburger Allee 45 ( Varentrappstraße 31 ), ☏ +49 69-707-69-100 . M-F 12:00-15:00, 17:00-01:00, Sa 17:00-01:00, Su 17:00-22:00 . One of the most popular restaurants. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.110872 8.685829 23 Paulaner am Dom , Domplatz 6 ( Dom/Römer    U4     U5   ), ☏ +49 69 209768-90 . 11:00-24:00 . Traditional Bavarian restaurant, perhaps a bit touristy, right behind the cathedral near Römer. It's difficult to get a table at weekends without a reservation. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.127501 8.685003 24 Quan Van , Schwarzburgstr. 74 ( Glauburgstraße    U5   ), ☏ +49 69 599723 . Su-F 12:00-15:00 18:00-24:00, Sa 18:00-24:00 . The Vietnamese kitchen is said to be excellent and offers Vietnamese food to affordable prices. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.111509 8.678153 25 Salzkammer , Weißadlergasse 15 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 15393000 . M-Sa 11:00-24:00 . The restaurant serves food close to real Austrian cuisine. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.100673 8.681886 26 Zum gemalten Haus , Schweizer Straße 67 ( Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 614559 . Tu-Su 10:00-24:00 . Schweizer Straße 67 (Sachsenhausen) : restaurant serving traditional local dishes, located in a building with painted façades. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.071824 8.682484 27 Oberschweinstiege , Oberschweinstiegschneise 65, ( off Isenburger Schneise, ignore the no vehicles sign,it is possible to drive to there. Tram 14 has request stop in walking distance ), ☏ +49 69 697693710 . German restaurant and beer garden in the woods south of the city. Good food (German and Veggie) and drinks. Only negative is very close to airport runways so can be noisy at times. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.106254 8.680333 28 Emma Metzler , Schaumainkai 17 ( Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   ), ☏ +49 69-8304-0094 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00, kitchen has limited hours: Tu-Sa 12:00–14:00 and 18:00–22:00, Su 12:00–15:00 . A relaxed international-local cuisine with great service and changing menu. Set in the Bauhaus-Style Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts), close to the Main river, but with no view. Quite recommendable. Suitable for vegetarians. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 50.157381 8.648447 29 Speisekammer , Alt Hedernheim 41 ( Heddernheim    U1     U2     U3     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 57 38 88 , [email protected] . 17:00- during summer, 18:00- winter, Su lunch too . This traditional place has an idyllic garden with very old trees. The food is typical and very regional, nevertheless it has many options for vegetarians. The present by the house adds to the stylish environment of a pleasurfull dinner. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.112403 8.665745 30 Cantina Divino , Zimmerweg 8 ( Taunusanlage ), ☏ +49 69 71402644 , [email protected] . 11:00-15:00, 18:00-24:00 . Not a big menu, but it changes rapidly the excellent Italian food. The restaurant is very popular and hence crowded. Offers sicilian wines. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.113988 8.669274 31 Moriki , Taunusanlage 12, 60325 , ☏ +49 69 71913070 , [email protected] . 12:00 - 16:00 and 18:00 - 23:00 . The Japanese kitchen with Asian fusion elements mixed in is located in the basement of the Deutsche Bank tower. It does fine prepared Sushis. The mousse au chocolat is recommended. They offer a wide choice of Sake €40-90 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.106612 8.673853 32 Main Nizza , Untermainkai 17 ( Willy Brandt Platz ), ☏ +49 69-299207511 , [email protected] . 11:30-01:00 . Popular business lunch set and Mediterranean food for dinner. There is some vegetarian choice or for pescatarian fresh sea food. They have a nice terrace in summer on the river bank, where one can take just a coffee. The view over the main is lovely and the interior is well decorated. Not only for the good food the restaurant received the 2013 German "Gastronomie" price. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.103567 8.679209 33 Taj Mahal ( Taj Mahal Tandoori ), Schweizer Straße 28 ( Schweizer Platz    U1     U2     U3     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 620240 , [email protected] . 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:30 . Good Indian restaurant with short walk from city centre. Reservation for dinner is recommended. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 50.113085 8.665423 34 Alte Kanzlei , Niedenau 50 . Traditional Italian Restaurant close by to the Alte Oper and Deutsche Bank in Westend. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

Frankfurt is a young city where socialising and parties are always high on the agenda. Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim, Bornheim, Nordend and the city centre are the main areas of action.

Due to Frankfurt's large financial industry and business travellers, parts of its nightlife cater to a more upscale audience. At some such venues, sneakers may not be acceptable. However, there are also plenty of bars and clubs for other kinds of audiences, including for students, hipsters, fans of R&B and Hip Hop, or of alternative rock music.

For a quick beverage on the go, there are also small shops all over the town called Trinkhalle , which are usually open well into the night. Most of the times one orders and buys directly from the street. Drinking alcohol on the street is legal in Germany.

Near the central train station there is a rather seedy red light district – heavily patrolled by police/Ordnungsamt – with large brothels, porn cinemas and bars. Strip clubs like the Golden Gate Frankfurt are popular for bachelor/bachelorette parties at the weekend and similar joints are in walking distance. Check pricing upfront to avoid problems with bouncers afterwards.

Bars [ edit ]

While mostly associated with Sachsenhausen, you will find good bars all over the city.

• 50.113246 8.671796 1 22nd Lounge and Bar , Neue Mainzer Str. 66-68 ( Alte Oper    U6     U7   / Taunusanlage ). M-Sa 18:00-01:00 . The door requires a suit/dress and proper shoes. The location offers a great view over Frankfurt due to being on the 22nd floor. The club is very exclusive and hence pricy.  
• 50.117304 8.679021 2 Bar ohne namen , Eschenheimer Tor 3 ( Eschenheimer Tor ), ☏ +49 69 2575-5388 . Very minimalist place with fair prices that attracts many peoples. Even if crowded, service is friendly.  
• 50.109579 8.686207 3 Die Rote Bar , mainkai 7 , ☏ +49 69 293533 , fax : +49 69 61 99 03 18 , [email protected] . Su-Th 21:00-01:00, F-Sa 21:00-02:00 . This cocktail bar offers excellent drinks in a stylish atmosphere. The bar has its own whiskey selection. Better be well dressed for the door. Coming late, one has to wait a bit outside until space is found inside.  
• 50.116504 8.695857 4 Sandbar , Sandweg 6 , ☏ +49 69 4908-3695 , [email protected] . Su-Th 18:00-02:00, F-Sa 18:00-03:00 . This place has small snacks and good wines.  
• 50.11849 8.648358 5 Volkswirtschaft ( Vowi ), Jordanstraße 13 ( Bockenheimer Warte    U4     U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 776400 , [email protected] . M-F 18:00-02:00, Sa 15:00-02:00, Su 15:00-22:00 . It streams important football matches. The tavern is usually very packed.  
• 50.096413 8.545904 6 Alte Schiffsmeldestelle ( Am Mainufer in Frankfurt-Höchst ), ☏ +49 69 30088444 , [email protected] . Apri-October: 11:00–24:00 . In summertime a relaxed bar with view on the Höchst castle and the Main river. Good place to stop by on a bike tour from Frankfurt to Wiesabaden.  
• 50.115116 8.673963 7 Club Voltaire ( politik kultur kneipe legende ), Kleine Hochstr. 5 , ☏ +49 69 219993-11 , [email protected] . M-Sa 18:00-01:00, Su 18:00-24:00 . Since 1962 exists this cultural tavern. It offers drinks for mixed public of all ages. Sometimes it asks for entry for the musicians or lecturers, but generally it is free entry.  

Cafes [ edit ]

There are few cafés on Großer Hirschgraben. Café Karin and Walden are very popular with the locals. During the summer, you can enjoy one of the open air rooftop bars.

• 50.11287 8.67988 8 Cafe & Bar Celona , Holzgraben 31 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ), ☏ +49 69-13886709 . Daily 09:00-01:00, F Sa 09:00-02:00. Spanish-style bar in the heart of the city. Popular, attracts a younger crowd, good for meeting people. Very crowded around 17:00-19:00. Also serves a variety of Spanish dishes. €7-20/person.  
• 50.122198 8.658554 9 Cafehaus Siesmayer , Siesmayerstraße 59 ( Westend ), ☏ +49 69 90029200 , [email protected] . 08:00-19:00 . In middle of the great location of the Grüneburgpark and next to the palm garden serves in Viennese café style pasteries.  
• 50.129228 8.66615 10 Hoppenworth & Ploch ( Studentenwohnheim Uni Campus Westend ). M-F 09:30-18:00, Su 12:00-17:00 . The student café is serving and selling excellent espressos. They are proud about their barrista knowledge. The room is not only flooded by the many students of the campus, but by excellent café flavour and electronic music. They are roasting themselves the specific well chosen beans.  
• 50.11031 8.6835 11 [dead link] Table Schirn , Römerberg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main ( Dom/Römer    U4     U5   ), ☏ +4969 21 99 99 52 . 10:00- . Relaxed and stylish cafe next to the exposition hall Schirn  
• 50.11135 8.68643 12 Wacker´s Kaffee Geschäft ( Wacker ), Kornmarkt 9 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ), ☏ +49 69-28-78-10 . M-F 08:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-18:00 . Since 1914 known for its good coffee. Very packed over lunch time but has its own roast of coffee. Don't mind a long queue, the crew is dedicated and you will never wait more than five minutes for your coffee €2 .  

Clubs [ edit ]

There are many clubs in Frankfurt that cater to business people and organise corporate events. The German favour for electronic music results in a wide variation of clubs that offer this music. Alternative music is a niche market that cater the roots of the migrants in Frankfurt.

• 50.135579 8.739311 13 Batschkapp ( Nachtleben ), Gwinnerstraße 5 ( Gwinnerstraße    U4     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 952 184 10 . The place for rock and alternative music. One of the oldest clubs in town (since 1976). The club moved enthusiastically to the new place in 2013.  
• 50.11418 8.68232 14 Gibson Club , Zeil 85-93 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 94947770 , [email protected] . The Gibson club has a chic and urban atmosphere. They have both live and DJ acts. It opened in spring 2012. The long lines outside the nightclub move fast. €12 .  
• 50.114385 8.673808 15 Jazzkeller , Kleinen Bockenheimer Straße Nr. 18a ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ), ☏ +49 69-288537 , [email protected] . Since 1952 the Jazz meeting point. Outstanding Jazz music for everyone with special concerts once in a while.  
• 50.111634 8.739162 16 Robert Johnson , Nordring 131 ( S-Bahn Offenbach ). F Sa 00:00- . They don't announce who is playing for that one has to subscribe to the monthly newsletter to know. It is usual playing minimal electronic music. The club has a terrace and beautiful view over the main. The sound system is refined and the décor minimalistic. The door is usually not that selective, but better have female presence in the group.  
• 50.098065 8.646644 17 Tanzhaus West , Gutleutstraße 294 ( Galluswarte    S3     S4     S5     S6   ). F Sa 23:00- . The club is mostly known for drum and bass music. It has a relaxed public. The website has details on the performing artists. During summertime the back is open also on Sundays for relaxing with good music.  
• 50.10945 8.675811 18 Velvet Club , Weißfrauenstr. 12 -16 ( Willy-Brandt-Platz    U1     U2     U3     U4     U5     U8   ), ☏ +49 69 2578-0951 , [email protected] . Club in downtown Frankfurt with very nice interior design. Great place for house and electronic music lovers.  
• 50.11546 8.683235 19 Zoom , Brönnerstraße 5 ( Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   or Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69 280385 , [email protected] . Jazz, Reggae, Dancehall and Rock club for the middle aged (30-50 yr) with special guests and regular themes. It is the successor of the Sinkkasten artsclub and attracts many indie-bands. €8 .  

Ebbelwoi [ edit ]

The "regional speciality" Ebbelwoi (literally "apple wine", sometimes spelled Ebbelwei , or listed as Apfelwein or Äppler in standard German) is an apple cider that tastes very different from other kinds of ciders. Most locals drink their ebbelwoi with a dash of sparkling water. Just order a glass by asking for a "Sauergespritzte" or simply a "Sauer". People who are not used to the taste may also prefer to order a sweeter version, a "Süßgespritzte", which is ebbelwoi with a dash of lemonade, though this might earn you some disapproving looks from locals. If you are in a group you can also order a Bembel. This is a traditional clay jug that comes in different sizes and keeps the apple wine cool (this is also a good souvenir that you can buy in some stores). Possmann is a well-known brand of ebbelwoi, while the "Frau Rauscher" edition has a pleasant natural taste with some yeast left into it.

Mispelchen are another more recent local specialty and tend to be available in the same kinds of traditional restaurants and taverns that serve ebbelwoi. A Mispelchen is served in a small glass and consists of apple brandy and a whole loquat fruit on a tooth pick as well as optionally some loquat syrup.

Alt-Sachsenhausen, a part of the suburb Sachsenhausen south of the Main river, is particularly famous for its bars and Kneipen (a German type of pub) serving ebbelwoi. However, these days, some parts of Sachsenhausen are mostly for tourists. Good options in Alt-Sachsenhausen are Dauth-Schneider, Struwwelpeter and Lorsbacher Thal. Another option in Sachsenhausen is along Textorstraße, a two minute walk south, where you can still find a row of authentic places catering to locals (Germania, Kanonensteppel, Feuerrādchen).

Not as famous as Alt-Sachsenhause, but also well known, is Bornheim (located in the north) which also some biergarden-like ebbelwoi establishments on 'Berger Straße' and the surrounding area. Some of the popular traditional ebbelwoi places in Bornheim are Solzer, Zur Sonne and Zur Schoenen Müllerin.

Sleep [ edit ]

Frankfurt has plenty of accommodation but during major trade fairs, prices at even the cheapest hotels will suddenly skyrocket with charges of over €300/night quite common. Plan well ahead and alternatively, consider staying in nearby cities like Darmstadt , Neu-Isenburg , Bad Homburg , Mainz or Wiesbaden which are under an hour away by S-Bahn. If none of these works then Mannheim might be a last resort as it is 30mins by ICE high-speed train (but the train ticket is rather expensive unless bought in advance).

Frankfurt is the banking capital of Germany so most people are business travellers with an expense account. If you intend to stay for longer periods, ask for discounts or corporate rates. If you need to depart early or arrive very late then hotels around the main station are a valid alternative to expensive airport hotels as it is just a 10-minute ride from Terminal 1 by local train. See the Frankfurt Airport article for accommodation options in the vicinity of the airport.

Many of the hotels in Frankfurt are located around the Hauptbahnhof, but this is also the red light district in Frankfurt and is also known for the many beggars and druggies who hang around. Although the area is well policed and quite safe, many tourists are often left with a somewhat negative impression of Frankfurt after staying in this area.

• 50.109092 8.665557 1 Five Elements Hostel , Moselstr. 40 ( 5 min walk from main station ), ☏ +49 69 2400-5885 , [email protected] . Clean and new facilities with English and German speaking staff. Offers variation from dorms to single rooms. Free Wi-Fi. from €18 .  
• 50.107747 8.665492 2 Frankfurt Hostel , Kaiserstraße 74 , ☏ +49 69 247-5130 , [email protected] . Right in front of the Hauptbahnhof. Offers dorms and rooms and has multilingual staff. Upside is all you can eat breakfast, downsize is dynamic pricing (late bookings come at a higher price). Social third floor terrace. Free "pasta dinner party" on Saturdays. dorms €20, rooms €55 .  
• 50.10702 8.66932 3 Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt City Hauptbahnhof , Elbestraße 7 . WiFi and breakfast included in the room price.  
• 50.10709 8.66816 4 ibis Styles Frankfurt City , Moselstraße 12 . WiFi and breakfast included in the room price.  
• 50.107098 8.689576 5 Youth Hostel Frankfurt , Deutschherrnufer 12 ( Sachsenhausen, Bus line 46 from main station ), ☏ +49 69 610-0150 . The official youth hostel of Hostelling International and the German branch. Prices are lower with HI membership but its open for all travellers. Dorms, family and single rooms.  

The mid-range segment is the main battle ground between privately owned/run hotels and the major chain hotels (Mercure, Courtyard, Meininger etc.). During the weekends and at non trade fair dates substantial discounts are possible but vice-versa during trade fairs prices at least triple!

• 50.10698 8.66824 6 Hotel Ambassador , Moselstraße 12 ( Near the central station ), ☏ +49 69 256110 . Rooms are okay, proximity to the train station a plus (about 5 minutes on foot). Near the red light district which is a minus (you don't have to actually walk through the red light district to get to the hotel though).  
• 50.0976 8.6891 7 Hotel am Berg , Grethenweg 23 ( Frankfurt Süd    U1     U2     U3     U8     S5     S6   ), ☏ +49 69 660537-0 , [email protected] . The place is decorated kind of old-style. 20 minutes walk to the centre. It is an old half-timbered style mansion, giving more the feeling of a B&B than a hotel and each room has its own eccentric décor. €49- .  
• 50.10908 8.66353 8 Hotel Concorde , Karlstraße 9 ( main station ), ☏ +49 69-2424220 . Close to main station with good breakfast. Free WLAN. All rooms with air conditioning. For long-term residents it offers apartments, too.  
• 50.10949 8.66148 9 Corner Hotel , Mainzer Landstraße 73 ( Between main station and trade fair ), ☏ +49 69-2562655-0 . Modern and clean hotel with 50 rooms and rather basic interior.  
• 50.10197 8.69808 10 Hotel Cult . Excellent 4-Star Desinghotel in Frankfurt/Sachsenhausen.  
• 50.10855 8.66311 11 Manhattan Hotel , Düsseldorfer Straße 10 ( opposite main station ), ☏ +49 69-269597-0 . Small and clean hotel opposite main station, so perfect for early departures and/or late arrivals. Free WLAN and good buffet breakfast with multilingual staff. Rooms are good but avoid rooms facing the street as the area is busy late at night  
• 50.11582 8.64238 12 Novotel Frankfurt City , Lise-Meitner-Straße 2 ( next to trade fair ground ), ☏ +49 69-793030 . 235+ rooms in a solid business traveller hotel. Next to the trade fair ground and has loads of conference rooms.  
• 50.11046 8.59522 13 Ramada Frankfurt Messe , Oeserstraße 180 , ☏ +49 69-39050 . Slightly older but well-maintained hotel located near the Messe exhibition centre, but far from anything else. Pool and gym. Free shuttle from the airport, but €7 for the return trip. From €60 .  
• 50.1079 8.65923 14 Topas Hotel , Niddastraße 88 ( Main station ), ☏ +49 69-230852 . Owner-operated hotel in a side street of main station. Renovated, friendly service but just 33 clean rooms. Free newspaper  

• 50.11461 8.65048 15 Frankfurt Marriott Hotel , Hamburger Allee 2 . A typical early 1990s Marriott in a highrise tower, complete with a Champions bar. Splendid views from upper floors as most other towers are some distance away. €109 .  
• 50.11139 8.6618 16 MGallery Hotel Savigny Fankfurt ( formerly Sofitel ). The former Sofitel started to age badly and rather than update it, Accor downgraded it to an MGallery. A taste of erstwhile luxury can be had at really reasonable rates outside of trade fair dates. You will, however, have to contend with worn furniture and fixtures and partially indifferent staff. The Savigny is at the border of a quiet residential lowrise district and the highrise quarter, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds - but not much in terms of views from your room.  
• 50.11719 8.68701 17 NH Frankfurt City , Vilbeler Straße 2 . A typical example of the NH chain in Germany, with gemuetlich interior fixtures and subdued yet clashing colours that perhaps only Germans find appealing. Large windows with an openable section, good breakfast as always from NH and a location close to the old town.  
• 50.10923 8.66156 18 Mercure Frankfurt City Messe , Düsseldorfer Straße 20 . This Mercure thrives only on its very convenient location, as its rooms have been outdated for far too long and other areas leave much to be desired at well.  
• 50.11216 8.65624 19 NH Frankfurt Messe , Friedrich- Ebert - Anlage 38 . The other NH in Frankfurt is a more contemporary affair, with rooms featuring fresh green accents in line with NH's latest interior design guidelines.  
• 50.117438 8.627019 20 Radisson BLU Hotel , Franklinstraße 65 ( Tram 17 An der Dammheide ), ☏ +49 69 770 1550 . The hotel is an eye-catcher because it looks like a blue coin on the edge. It is just located at the border of Rödelheim and Bockenheim.  

Niederrad [ edit ]

Many hotels billed as "Frankfurt Airport" are in the district of Frankfurt-Niederrad between the airport and city proper. The Frankfurt-Niederrad    S7     S8     S9   S-Bahn is just one station away from the airport station. The hotels are within walking distance of the train station, but most at a distance you would not want to drag a suitcase.

• 50.085534 8.632736 22 Dorint Hotel Frankfurt Niederrad , Hahnstraße 9 , ☏ +49 69 663060 , [email protected] . 4-star hotel. from €64 per room/night . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 50.07412 8.66157 23 Holiday Inn Hotel Frankfurt Airport North , Isenburger Schneise 40 ( Frankfurt Süd    U1     U2     U3     U8     S5     S6   ), ☏ +49 69-67-84-0 .  
• 50.08177 8.61916 24 Motel One Frankfurt Airport (Niederrad) , Colmarer Straße 2 ( Frankfurt-Niederrad ), ☏ +49 69-6605360 .  
• 50.08494 8.62975 25 NH Frankfurt Niederrad , Lyoner Straße 5 ( Frankfurt-Niederrad opposite the sewage works ), ☏ +49 69-666080 .  
• 50.07694 8.62768 26 Sheraton Frankfurt Congress Hotel - Niederrad , Lyoner Straße 44-48 ( Frankfurt-Niederrad ). Do not mistake this hotel and the other Sheraton at the airport itself.  
• 50.10457 8.66905 28 Intercontinental Frankfurt , Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße 43 ( 3mins walk from main station ), ☏ +49 69-26050 . Major business hotel and conference centre for international travelers. Also home to loads of conventions. Amazing view from club rooms over the city.  
• 50.10622 8.69571 29 Lindner Main Plaza , Walther-von-Cronberg-Platz 1 , ☏ +49 69-66401-0 . Stunning views over the skyline of Frankfurt and directly on the river.  
• 50.10797 8.65949 30 The Pure , Niddastraße 86 ( main station ), ☏ +49 69 710-4570 . Puristic but excellent Design Hotel north side of central station. A must stay for every style fan with fancy lounge, great cocktails & attentive staff €130+ .  
• 50.1175 8.62711 31 Radisson Blu hotel , Franklinstraße 65 , ☏ +49 69-770-155-0 . This architecturally outstanding hotel (the building is actually is the shape of a wheel standing on its side) is very popular with business travellers. Free W-Lan for guests and good location to trade fair. €130+ per night .  
• 50.1158 8.68731 32 Westin Grand Frankfurt , Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 7 ( Konstablerwache    U4     U5     U6     U7   ), ☏ +49 69-2981-0 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Fresh city centre hotel with calm rooms. Lots of international guests but staff with good local knowledge.  
• 50.109479 8.663473 33 25 hours Frankfurt by Levi's , Niddastraße 58 ( Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +49 69 2566 770 , [email protected] . This hotel by the German "lifestyle hotel" chain features design elements inspired by the Levi's jeans brand. The rooms are in different colours 1960s or 70s or 80s style. There is a music rehearsal room on location as well, available for rent. €114 .  
• 50.10557 8.66666 34 Le Meridien Parkhotel , Wiesenhuettenplatz 28-38 , ☏ +49 2697 0 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . In a quiet square immediately south of the Hauptbahnhof, this hotel blends a historic 19th century building and a more modern 20th century one, and such a blend is to be found in the hotel's interior design too, done with the typical German charm. Despite charging arm and leg for almost all services, including WiFi, the hotel often finds its 300 rooms fully booked.  
• 50.11489 8.68064 35 Jumeirah Frankfurt , Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz 2 ( close to Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   ). The Jumeirah occupies a lean sky-high tower rising out of the MyZeil shopping centre, right behind the Thurn und Taxis palace. Elegant decor with extensive use of dark hardwood panelling.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Frankfurt has one of Germany's highest crime rates, though, in part, only for statistical reasons: smuggling and similar offences at the airport as well as anything concerning credit card fraud anywhere in Germany is registered in Frankfurt, since the main credit card clearing company is based in the city. Furthermore if you count crime per person, you don't include a good chunk of people working but not living in Frankfurt.

Physical crime is in general concentrated in the red-light district around the central train station, which is also the hangout of many drug dealers/junkies, although even there you are usually safe during the day and moderate evening hours. Frankfurt is safe and it is highly unlikely that you will face armed robbery or other violent crimes. Use your common sense and avoid drunken or aggressive people at night. In general, firearms are an uncommon sight in Germany and the police have a very no-nonsense approach to people wielding guns or even knives. If shots are fired, the police are never far away, as this very rarely happens.

If you have a problem or are being harassed, ask the police for help. The German police and the Frankfurt Ordnungsamt (City Enforcement Officers) are clean, competent and willing to help. Germany is very bureaucratic but structured; as long as you behave respectfully toward the police, you should have no problem. Don't consider buying and smuggling drugs, these are major offences with dire consequences. Lately, bogus police officers have been an issue. All real officers have a green card with photograph and number, and no officer will check cash. Ring 110 if you get in any trouble.

Drugs and beggars [ edit ]

The central station area (Hauptbahnhof) is known for being a centre for homeless people and drug users. The situation has improved, but you will still occasionally be bothered by beggars. The drug addicts generally don't bother people, and the beggars will ask for Kleingeld (small change), which by their definition is anything between €0.20 and two euro. One way to fend off beggars is just to say you do not speak German (and this might just be true for you anyway!). They will often switch to English then, so just pretend you can not speak that either (just shake your head, or say "No English").

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ].

There are a number of Internet cafés in Frankfurt of varying prices and quality. Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops is getting more and more common but most businesses require some purchases of food or the likes to get the code. La maison du pain [dead link] offers Wi-Fi. Various other hotels offer Internet access but usually at a charge.

Burger King (corner Liebfrauenstraße / Holzgraben) near Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   offers free Wi-Fi in its restaurant, as does Starbucks near Hauptwache (Börsenplatz).

Phone [ edit ]

Besides public pay phones and mobile phone services, a large number of stores sell prepaid telephone cards. This is especially useful for international calls. The PTT multi-media store - 65 Baseler Straße, offers competitive rates for international calls (10 cents per min to the UK) Some other stores also offer in house phone services. Another easy to reach store that seems reliable is in the Hauptwache    U1     U2     U3     U6     U7     U8   subway station. You may also visit one of the plenty Internet cafés, since they almost all offer cheap phone calls via Internet.

Post offices [ edit ]

The postal service in Germany is Deutsche Post . The four easiest-to-reach full-service postal offices are easy to locate:

• Inside Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station) by the long-distance ICE/IC trains; near McDonalds.
• On Goetheplatz
• At Frankfurt Süd    U1     U2     U3     U8     S5     S6   (i.e., Südbahnhof, Southern Station), take exit Diesterwegplatz and cross the square; the post office is to the left.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Mainz — Gutenberg's home on the Rhine, with a well-preserved old city, 45 min by S-Bahn   S8  
• Wiesbaden — wealthy historic spa city and state capital, 45 minutes by S-Bahn   S1   ,   S8   ,   S9   or 35 min. by SE10 from Hauptbahnhof
• Rüdesheim am Rhein — at the southern end of the Rhine Valley and the Rheingau , 73 min by SE10.
• Darmstadt — former residence of the duchy of Hesse, picturesque old town, art nouveau architecture
• Bad Homburg — spa town with close by old Roman fort Saalburg that is on the UNESCO heritage list
• Oberursel — Small city with a picturesque medieval Altstadt (old town area).
• Bad Nauheim — art nouveau buildings and place where Elvis Presley stayed while in the Army (1958-1960)
• Heidelberg — with famous castle and charming old town, 55 min by IC.
• Cologne — home to the Cologne Carnival and a famous cathedral, 1 hour by ICE
• Middle Rhine Valley — famous section of the Rhine, 1 hr 50 min ICE via Mainz
• Germersheim — a quiet town inside an impressive fort by the river Rhein, 130 km south of Frankfurt
• Büdingen — medieval city centre
• Taunus mountains — If you're keen on hiking, head out to the nearby Taunus mountains, which are laced with walking trails and guesthouses, the Vogelsberg (an extinct volcano), or the Odenwald

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Frankfurt am Main

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Thrusting, dynamic FRANKFURT is the beating heart of Germany’s financial sector and home to the European Central Bank. It has an impressive skyline bristling with eye-catching skyscrapers, earning it the nickname Mainhattan, and business travellers flock here for the trade shows, which include the world’s largest book fair. It’s an important transport hub too, with Germany’s busiest Autobahn intersection and its largest international airport, linked directly to the high-speed ICE rail network.

Eating and drinking, Frankfurt style

Frankfurt and german history, frankfurt festivals, frankfurt’s jewish community: integration and persecution, the museumsufer.

First impressions of limousines, office towers and briefcases can suggest Germany’s fifth largest city is all work and no play, and among business travellers it sometimes commands more respect than affection. Yet if Frankfurt’s charms are occasionally elusive, they’re real enough, from alfresco Apfelwein -imbibing in Sachsenhausen to museum-hopping on the Museumsufer or Ibiza-style DJ bars atop city-centre car parks. Spend time discovering them and you’ll find this sophisticated, cosmopolitan city repays your investment with interest.

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Frankfurt has its own, highly distinctive traditional food and drink culture. The Apfelwein taverns of Sachsenhausen are the ideal places to try Handkäs mit Musik – cheese marinated in oil and vinegar, which is absolutely delicious if done well – or Frankfurter Grüne Sosse – a refreshing, creamy sauce made with yoghurt or sour cream, eggs, and a bewildering variety of fresh green herbs, usually served with boiled meat. As for the Apfelwein itself – also known as Ebbelwoi , it’s the tart Frankfurt version of cider, often served in jugs and drunk Gespritzt with the addition of mineral water.

For all its high-octane modernity, Frankfurt has long played an often distinguished role in German history. In the Middle Ages it was a free imperial city, and even today its fierce civic pride echoes that doughty medieval independence. In 1562 it succeeded Aachen as the city in which Holy Roman Emperors were crowned, a role it retained until 1792, and in 1848 it was the setting for the first democratically elected German national assembly. A century later, it narrowly lost out to Bonn in the competition to become capital of the new Federal Republic of Germany. Frankfurt also has a proud Jewish history: the Rothschild banking dynasty originated here, and though the Jewish tradition was all but wiped out under the Nazis it has, of late, made a spirited comeback.

Frankfurt’s major festivals include the traditional Mainfest funfair and the Museumsuferfest cultural festival, both of which take place on the banks of the River Main in August; early September brings wine tasting to Fressgass in the form of the Rheingauer Weinmarkt . The city’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s most famous, with historic Römerberg as its setting.

In the early nineteenth century Frankfurt’s professional classes played a key role in the birth of the Jewish Reform movement , which introduced preaching and prayers in German and organ accompaniment for choirs, as well as rescinding the strict separation of men and women. On the eve of the Nazi takeover, the city’s Jewish community numbered 30,000, among them the young Anne Frank . In the years 1938 to 1942 more than seven hundred despairing Frankfurt Jews took their own lives; deportations of the rest to the ghettoes of Łódź, Minsk and Riga began late in 1941. The postwar community, founded in 1948, has grown in recent years and now has more than seven thousand members.

Along Schaumainkai stretches the so-called Museumsufer , an impressive line-up of museums and art galleries.

Museum für Angewandte Kunst

Museumsufer’s first attraction is the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art), an airy white building by American architect Richard Meier. The collection highlights the magnificence of the craft skills of Renaissance Nuremberg and Augsburg; there are also superb Islamic ceramics and a crowd-pleasing section of modern classics, from the WG24 Bauhaus lamp to an Eileen Gray table and more recent pieces by Ron Arad, Philippe Starck and Verner Panton. The sections dealing with contemporary design have good labelling in English.

Museum der Weltkulturen

The Museum der Weltkulturen is the city’s ethnological museum, and presents temporary exhibitions of art from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It was closed for renovation at the time of writing, but scheduled to reopen during 2012.

Deutsches Filmmuseum

Reopened in the autumn of 2011 after extensive reconstruction, the Deutsches Filmmuseum has a new permanent exhibition on two floors. The focus of the exhibits on the first floor is the development of the moving picture, starting with the eighteenth and nineteenth century predecessors of modern film, including early peep-show devices such as the Mutoscope and Magic Lantern before progressing to the pioneering work of the Lumière brothers. On the second floor, filmmaking techniques are explained. Temporary exhibitions explore the cultural side of cinema history. There’s also a small art-house cinema, whose programme includes screenings of silent movie classics.

Deutsches Architekturmuseum

The Deutsches Architekturmuseum next door to the Filmmuseum features a house-within-a-house used in the staging of temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition traces the development of building from the paleolithic hut to the skyscraper, and there’s good labelling in English.

Museum für Kommunikation

The Museum für Kommunikation presents the history of post and telecommunications with real flair, from the horse-drawn mail coaches which switched from wheels to sleighs in winter to the vintage postal vans and buses, a wartime Enigma-code machine and an amusing display of brick-like, early mobile phones.

Städel Museum

The undoubted star of the Museumsufer is the Städel Museum , which has a world-class collection of fine art from seven centuries. Recently refurbished and extended with a new gallery for post-1945 art added beneath the museum’s garden, the Städel has doubled its exhibition space, reopening in three phases during the winter of 2011/12. The original nineteenth-century museum building now exhibits the old masters and works of classic modernism. The Städel lost seven hundred works as a result of the Nazi campaign against “degenerate” modern art, and one of the most interesting features of the collection is the way in which works lost during the Third Reich have subsequently been re-acquired. Thus, you can see Franz Marc’s Dog Lying in the Snow , painted in 1910–11 and acquired in 1919, which was confiscated in 1937 and repurchased in 1961, or Max Beckmann’s Still Life with Saxophones , repurchased in 1955.

Other modernist gems include Picasso’s Portrait of Fernande Olivier , considered a definitive work of Cubism. Works of European art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque include Tischbein’s Goethe in the Roman Campagna , painted in 1787, which is the best-known likeness of the writer, while there is a heavyweight selection of early German painting, including Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Venus and works by Stephan Lochner and Albrecht Dürer. Non-German masters include Tiepolo’s Saints of the Crotta Family and Rembrandt’s Blinding of Samson . The Städel also hosts big-name temporary exhibitions.

Housed in a grandiose nineteenth-century villa at Schaumainkai 71, the sculpture collection of the Liebieghaus encompasses the art of classical antiquity along with splendid examples of the medieval German “beautiful” style and works of the Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque periods. Among the highlights are Hans Multscher’s alabaster Holy Trinity of 1430 from Ulm and Matthias Steinl’s gorgeously theatrical Maria Immaculata from Vienna, created in 1688. The museum regularly stages excellent themed exhibitions, while the villa’s upper floors give an insight into the heavy historicist decor favoured by the city’s nineteenth-century elite. Close by, the westernmost of the Museumsufer’s museums, the Museum Giersch presents exhibitions of art from the Rhine–Main region.

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2 Days in Frankfurt Itinerary + Travel Guide 2024

Wondering what to do with 2 days in Frankfurt? No worries, this Frankfurt 2 day itinerary has you covered with all the best activities, places to eat and travel tips for your trip.

We made a weekend trip to Frankfurt from London and, after a few muck ups with the airport, had a fantastic time exploring the city. 2 days in Frankfurt is the ideal amount of time to see the city.

Hot tip: make sure that if you’re arriving by plane, you fly into Frankfurt-am-Main airport, not Frankfurt Hahn (Hahn is 2 hours out of town and serviced only by bus).

You could also plan a few days in Frankfurt at one end of a bigger Germany or Europe trip. It’s well connected by train or Autobahn.

Frankfurt Itinerary 2 days

If you’re in need of a step-by-step guide on how to fill your Frankfurt 2 day trip, then here’s the exact list of Frankfurt recommendations covering all meals and activities. 

If some of these aren’t to your taste you can swap out others from the list of things to do in Frankfurt in 2 days below.

Day 1 in Frankfurt

Start your day off with a filling brunch at Café Karin or Café Walden, both a few blocks from the river near the Old Town. They have German and international brunch options to suit all tastes.

A great way to get your bearings after arriving in Frankfurt is to take a walking tour. There are both free and paid walking tours available covering the historic centre and surrounding neighbourhoods to help you get a taste of old and new Frankfurt.

We took the Frankfurt by Foot paid tour which at 4 hours is a fair bit longer than the 2.5 hour free tours offered by Free Tours Frankfurt . If you want a more comprehensive experience this is the way to go.

The Frankfurt by Foot tour includes a stop at the Kleinmarkthalle market where you can grab some food for lunch. 

Even if you’re on a different tour it’s worth coming here to eat, they have all the local specialties with some vendors who’ve been running their stalls for multiple generations.

Once you’re finished exploring the highlights of the Old City, head across the river to Sachsenhausen where you can spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the cute alleyways or enjoying the German tradition of outdoor drinking.

Either way, try to get a table at Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal for dinner. It’s one of the city’s best restaurants that do local cuisine, but not particularly swanky, and fantastic in summer when you can enjoy some apfelwein in the garden.

Day 2 in Frankfurt

This morning head to one of the many many delicious looking bakeries around town for some breakfast pastries and coffee before heading south of the river to Frankfurt’s museum district.

Frankfurt has over 20 museums but if you’re short on time then the one to prioritise is the Stadel Museum. This treasure trove of art really proves the point about the city’s reputation for culture.

The museum is easily worth a few hours, or a whole morning of your time, with an incredible array of old masters like Monet, Rubens and Picasso as well as some temporary touring exhibits to keep things fresh.

After a morning of culture it’s time for some touristy fun on the party tram!

The Ebbelwoi Express is a bright red tram that does a 1 hour loop of Frankfurt passing lots of the interesting sights while playing German folk songs and dishing out apfelwein and pretzels to the patrons.

It somehow manages to be just on the right side of tacky and it’s super cheap at only 8Euros with your first drink and pretzels included.

If you have time before your trip home then wind up your time in Frankfurt with a Frankfurt-style schnitzel (with green sauce) at an old town restaurant.

Things to do in Frankfurt in 2 days

Here are the top 10 things I’d recommend doing on a Frankfurt weekend trip, most are in the itinerary, but others make great alternatives if you want to swap something out:

• Visit the Stadel museum
• Ride the Ebbelwoi Express tram
• Drink apfelwin in a Sachsenhausen pub
• Wander the Old City and Dom Romer Quarter
• People watch in Romerburg main square
• Eat your way through Kleinmarkthalle
• Marvel at the Kaiserdom St Batholomaus
• Try the infamous grune sobe/green sauce (best with schnitzel)
• Stroll along the Main river
• Check out the insane architecture of the MyZeil

If you manage everything on this list, you’ll have really made the most of your time in Frankfurt.

How to get around Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a super walkable city and getting around on foot is a great way to see more of the city. However, there is also lots of public transport if you need to get off your feet.

The trams are most useful for visitors as they are easy to see, travel lots of inner city routes, and pass by frequently.

However, if you’re staying further out, the underground S-bahn can be helpful. Google Maps has timetable and route information.

Where to stay in Frankfurt

As a major commercial hub, Frankfurt has tons of accommodation options, although mostly at the mid/higher end price bracket, you need somewhere to host all those visiting bankers.

Here are the Frankfurt places to stay I’d recommend for each budget:

Hostel: Five Elements Hostel is conveniently located right by the train station and has a really social atmosphere.

Mid-range: Fleming Hotel Riverside is just on the edge of the old city with spacious rooms and a great breakfast service.

Luxury: Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof is a stunning historic property with lots of old-world glamour.

Frequently asked questions about Frankfurt

Frankfurt is famous for being a financial hub and the headquarters of the European Central Bank. It’s Lufthansa airline’s hub with easy connecting flights.

Yes, Frankfurt is a great destination to visit and use as a base for exploring southern/western Germany. However, you don’t need a ton of time to see the city’s highlights a weekend is plenty.

2 days in Frankfurt is the ideal amount of time to see the city, beyond that you might want to try some day trips to the surrounding region.

In short: Frankfurt 2 day itinerary

If you’re interested in history, art or just German food and drink then you’ll love Frankfurt. It’s a beautiful city and the local afelwein is delicious.

With two days in Frankfurt, you’ll have plenty of time to see the best of what the city has to offer without getting bored. And if you have some more time there’s all of Germany to discover.

More Europe Guides

Plannig a European trip and need some inspiration? Check out these articles:

• Ultimate Belgium Itinerary for 5 Days or 7 Days
• Top 11 Things To Do In Torremolinos
• Day Trips from Reykjavik

Happy travelling!

Europe Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
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• Sort your Euros and other currencies with a Wise multi-currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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FootLoose Dev

Travel blog by an Indian travel blogger.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Top Tourist Experiences, And More.

Walking along the far side of the glittering Main River, looking for top tourist experiences in Frankfurt, I heard a song-like melody approaching me. I did not see her face, as she slowly overtook me, walking in the same direction, but her humming sounded familiar. Every sound she made with her flawless throat felt soothing. The magic of the riverside Frankfurt had perhaps overpowered me. Love was in the air!

The next thing I know is that I took a boat tour of the Frankfurt Main River. I sat next to the window, staring out, hoping to explore some tourist places for my Frankfurt travel guide. The city was indeed more beautiful than I had expected. The romantic riverside, the astonishing skyline, and the suited public, everything looked just aptly perfect.

The city, at large, appeared to me as a small village with a “touch of the city”, and that’s what it is. It’s one of those remarkable places in the northern hemisphere that are metropolitan, yet have a relaxing flair.

And speaking of top tourist experiences in Frankfurt, let’s start with our travel guide!

Frankfurt Travel Guide

‘Frankfurt am Main’, more commonly known as Frankfurt, has indeed come a long way since its foundation in the 1st century.

Today, the city might appear as one of the largest financial centres in Europe (which, in reality, it is) home to a number of national banks and stock exchanges, but there is more to the city than just money and business.

Top Tourist Experiences In Frankfurt

Explore the parks.

Frankfurt is not only a cosmopolitan city, with Germany’s most elegant skyline but a green city too. And the 200,000 trees tended across the city’s many streets and public areas justifies that fact. Of the total city area, over 50 percent comprises open spaces and water-bodies. There is a fair share of green for everyone.

I particularly loved The Chinese Bethmannpark and Koreanischer Garten with their traditional ponds, pagodas, and perfect little gardens.

“In silence, one finds the strength to new thinking,” reads the calligraphy on a panel at the water pavilion inside the Bethmannpark. The exceptional complex of Bethmannpark, as soon as you enter, exudes its tranquillity and aesthetic appeal onto you. You feel some kind of meditative calm in you.

So yea, exploring the parks is one of the top experiences I suggest in this Frankfurt travel guide.

Walk The Riverside

Enjoying an evening stroll alongside the glittering river of Main, was perhaps one of the top things to do in Frankfurt. I found a riverside stroll experience here the best among all riversides I have explored in Europe (including Ljubljana riverside – my personal favorite).

As the sun goes weary, the buildings light up making Frankfurt riverside even more romantic and far more surreal.

For example, this coffeehouse on Frankfurt riverside, glittering with a romantic yellow…

People of all mix of races and cultures fill the space, with some taking a stroll on either side of the river Main (as often was the case with me) while others sail through the water.

And that’s the thing about this city, it’s not only vibrant but also very diverse in cultures and nationalities, compared to other parts of Germany I visited (limited to the western belt so far). You can find a very diverse array of restaurants and ex-pats from all over the world, representing all social classes.

Walking the riverside is certainly one of the top tourist experiences in Frankfurt.

Explore Frankfurt Skyline

No wonder, this city in Germany can keep up with the list of cities with the most beautiful skylines. With more than 30 buildings higher than a hundred meters, including the Europaturm, Commerzbank Tower and Messeturm – the city’s towering skyline is one of its highlights offering an ever-impressive sight to behold. The skyline moreover makes for some of the most beautiful Europe pictures .

Though the buildings look no less elegant and dominating throughout the day, their authority looks even more charming after sunset (or before sunrise) as they slowly light up to life, giving a shade of red and orange and blue in the river Main.

And the Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge, which connects the city’s Römerberg and Old Town on the north flank and Sachsenhausen on the south flank is perhaps the ideal place, to explore it.

Walking the Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge is such a popular thing that you will read its mentions in every Frankfurt travel guide out there.

Old Town of Altstadt

Though the historic old town of Frankfurt was largely destroyed by the air raids during the Second World War, the streets of Altstadt still look beautiful and charming.

For some reason, I found the old town in Frankfurt more beautiful than most old towns I saw in Europe, including the ones I saw during my 24 hours in Zurich and while exploring top attractions in Munich .

Totalling some 7,000 square metres of area, the new version of the old town (after restoration) with its many small shops, restaurants, plazas, and cobbled laneways can take you to the middle age of the timber-framework era. And this particularly applies if you’re standing facing the Römer – today’s city hall.

Exploring Alstadt is one of the top tourist experiences in Frankfurt.

Rent A Bike And Explore

I loved travelling to Frankfurt more than any other capital town in Europe. And this is because of its larger-than-life perspective.

People in their business attire chasing down the streets, on their rented old-school bikes, makes Frankfurt just too colourful and far practical.

Despite being a fairly modern town, it has a small-town-like charm that you otherwise find in smaller German towns like Rothenburg ob Der Tauber and Kühlungsborn .

And even if Frankfurt is nowhere near the top bike-friendly cities in the world, the fact that despite having a modern flair Frankfurt follows an eco-friendly approach to living is something to admire.

Whether you’re into outdoor activities, architecture, or romantic riverside experiences, be assured that Frankfurt has everything.

And now, a few photos in this Frankfurt travel guide, before we discuss other things.

Where To Stay In Frankfurt

Regarding where to stay in Frankfurt, let me tell you that there is no dearth of options. However, if you want to stay in the middle of the central location, here are a few suggestions. These hotels will help you cover top tourist experiences in Frankfurt without travelling a lot…

• Grand Hotel Downtown
• a&o Hostel
• Hotel Münchner Hof
• Frankfurt Hostel

If you plan to be in Vienna for a bit longer than the average holiday, you should consider renting an apartment. Websites such as Homelike make it super easy for you to rent move-in-ready apartments in Frankfurt online within minutes.

Related Read: Rüdesheim and Bingen day trip from Frankfurt

Best Time To Travel Travel Guide

Honestly speaking, any time is a good time for Frankfurt.

If you want more backpackers around and want to enjoy open/street cafes, summer is the best time. But remember that summer is the peak season for most countries in Europe including Germany (read how to plan a Europe trip from India for more related tips).

If, however, you want to experience Christmas markets in Frankfurt and cosy indoor cafes, visit during winter. For the off-season, visit during monsoon.

I wrote this Frankfurt Travel Guide as part of my media visit with Frankfurt Tourism . Though my trip to Frankfurt was hosted, all recommendation ideas are solely mine. I only recommend what I really love and see.

If you have more top tourist experiences in Frankfurt suggestions, write me a comment below.

Well said. Frankfurt is more than just stock exchange and business!

Annther great article Dev. By the way, I am a fan of your photography 😀

Thanks Sarah

Hi there, Great article about Frankfurt, thank you so much!! I’m so fed up with people who say it’s just a business city that has nothing to offer…and generally those people didn’t even stay for a long time in FFM! Anyway, nice pictures too! Viele Grüße, Laure

PS: Holbeinsteg is actually not the bridge you are talking about. The one you are refering to in your article is called the Eiserner Steg. 😉

Thanks for your comment Laure and pointing out the mistake. Will correct it right away.

I totally agree with you, Frankfurt is more than just a corporate city as most of the people look at it. There is a very romantic side to the city as well.

Your pictures are so good Dev, which camera and lens do you use? I am also planning to take photography seriously. Any tips?

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