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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Frankfurt

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A picturesque old imperial city on the River Main, Frankfurt am Main has long been an important commercial and economic center. Frankfurt's impressive skyline is dominated by a great cluster of high-rise buildings in the banking quarter, giving it a distinct North American flavor, along with the nicknames "Mainhattan" and "Chicago on the Main."

Frequently ranked in the top 10 best cities in which to live and do business, this truly global city has also long been an important center for cultural and tourism activities. Its huge trade fair complex, Messe Frankfurt , hosts important events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), the world's most important publishing event, along with internationally renowned music and cultural festivals.

Frankfurt is also well known for its exceptional number of fine museums covering art, science, and history. It's also a lovely city to explore on foot, with many of these museums and attractions being within easy walking distance of the downtown core. If you do walk, be sure to include a stroll across the Main via the Eiserner Steg , a pedestrian footbridge originally built in 1911 (and rebuilt since) that links the Sachsenhausen district to the downtown core.

To learn more about the best places to visit and things to do along the way, be sure to read our full list of the top tourist attractions in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

1. Römerberg: Frankfurt's Old Town Center

2. städel museum, 3. museum district: museumsufer, 4. maintower, 5. the palm garden, 6. senckenberg natural history museum, 7. frankfurt cathedral, 8. kleinmarkthalle, 9. goethe house and museum, 10. the hauptwache, 11. museum of modern art, 12. frankfurt zoo, 13. the old opera house, 14. eschenheim tower, 15. jewish museum frankfurt, where to stay in frankfurt for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to frankfurt.

Set in the heart of Frankfurt's Old Town (Altstadt), the Römerberg is an irregularly shaped square with the Justice Fountain (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) at its center. Not only is it Frankfurt's most picturesque public square, it's the city's busiest pedestrian zone and home to numerous tourist attractions and fun things to do, including Christmas markets and other events.

Points of interest here include its many open-fronted shops. Once common throughout the old town, and the Römer , this cluster of 11 historic buildings together made up the medieval-era Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This popular Frankfurt attraction was faithfully reconstructed in 1954 from original 15th- to 18th-century floorplans. Of special note is the elegant Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), once the scene of splendid banquets.

Other notable buildings in the Römerberg include the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) dating from 1908; the 14th-century Gothic Church of St. Leonhard; and St. Nicholas Church , with its carillon.

Also of interest here is the Historical Museum ( Historisches Museum Frankfurt) . Founded in 1878, its interesting collections relate to Frankfurt's rich cultural history from medieval to modern times, and the six traditional-style buildings of the Ostzeile .

The historic Wertheim House (Haus Wertheym), the only building to have survived the 1944 air raids that destroyed much of old Frankfurt, can also still be seen and is now home to a popular restaurant. Built in 1479, it's an undeniably romantic setting for a memorable meal (reservations recommended).

Address: Römerberg 26, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Germany

The Städel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie), with its excellent collection of paintings from the 14th century, is the most important of the world-class museums that make up Frankfurt's Museum District (Museumsufer).

Of its many collections, the most important include works by Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Goya, and into the later centuries with Monet, Degas, Beckman, and Picasso. The more contemporary works include those by Bacon and Baselitz. The collection also features prints and drawings from Durer and Cezanne to Pollock and Ernst.

English-language guided tours are available, along with audio guides for those who prefer to go it alone. For those with additional time, workshops and talks, along with a research library, are also available. A café and bookshop are also located on-site.

Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt's Museum District (Museumsufer) on the south and north banks of the River Main is a first-rate collection of some 16 separate museums, many of them of international standing.

In addition to the centerpiece, the Städel Art Museum , a highlight is the excellent Museum of World Cultures (Museum der Weltkulturen). Regarded as one of Europe's top ethnological museums, it was founded in 1904 and features collections that include more than 65,000 artifacts from as far afield as Asia, Africa, and North and South America.

The Museum of Ancient Sculpture is another important museum here. Situated in the 19th-century Liebieghaus , the museum is home to a large collection of Asian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures, as well as pieces from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Also worth visiting, the Icon Museum (Ikonen-Museum der Stadt Frankfurt am Main) is a rare institution housing a treasury of more than a thousand Christian Orthodox images from all over the Orthodox Diaspora.

Other museums of note are the German Architecture Museum (Deutsches Architekturmuseum), focusing on architectural design and offers more than 200,000 plans, drawings, and models; the Film Museum (Deutsches Filminstitut), with exhibits relating to the Lumière brothers and the history of cinema; and the Museum of Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst), or MAK for short, with its displays of more than 30,000 objects representing European and Asian decorative art.

Try to squeeze in a visit to the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum (Archäologisches Museum Frankfurt), set in a former monastery and dealing with the city's history from its foundation to the present. Even a quick visit is time well spent.

Address: Schaumainkai, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Germany in Winter

Located in the heart of Frankfurt's Inner City (Innenstadt) district, the 200-meter-tall Maintower (Aussichtspunkt Frankfurt) should rank highly on your list of fun things to do. Considered one of the top tourist attractions in Germany, it was completed in 1999, this impressive 56-story skyscraper is one of the largest in Germany and was built with a superb rooftop observatory that's open to the public.

Two public viewing platforms are on its top floors, and the views from here are simply breathtaking. In addition to enjoying panoramic vistas of the Old Town (Altstadt) and the many other Frankfurt attractions on your must-see list, the river views alone make the fast glass-fronted elevator journey to the top worth it.

If visiting on a Friday or Saturday, you may want to time your visit for after nightfall. The viewing platforms are open later on these days, offering a unique opportunity to view the city from on high at night.

You may also want to combine your visit with a meal at the popular Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge on the building's 53rd floor (reservations recommended). Be sure to also check out the art installations and mosaics in the building's lobby area, too.

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Located on Bockenheimer Landstrasse, the beautiful 54-acre Palm Garden (Palmengarten) is the largest botanic garden in Germany. One of three such gardens in Frankfurt, it was an instant hit with the public upon its opening in 1871. In fact, the attraction lured some of the top performers of the time from around the world, including Buffalo Bill, who visited with his Wild West show in 1890.

Highlights of a visit today are the lovely outdoor botanical exhibits laid out according to their geographical location, along with a number of greenhouses containing subtropical and tropical plant species. The gardens also offer boating, a children's playground, and picnic spots, and guided tours are available.

The Europaturm , a 337-meter-tall telecommunications tower also known as the "Tower of Europe," is just a short walk away and worth visiting for its viewing platform and restaurant. Great views can also be enjoyed from the viewing platforms of the nearby Main Tower, one of its tallest skyscrapers.

Other Frankfurt parks of interest are the 72-acre Grüneburgpark and the even larger Nidda Valley People's Park (Volkspark Niddatal). Covering some 415 acres on the outskirts of the city, Nidda Valley is a pleasant place for a stroll or a fun family picnic.

Address: Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Located in Frankfurt's Senckenberg Gardens , the Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg) is one of the most modern museums of natural history in Europe and the second largest of its kind in Germany.

Along with its numerous displays relating to our planet's biodiversity and the evolution of organisms, the museum houses Europe's biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs, making it a particularly pleasant spot to stop if you're traveling with kids. A number of life-size replica dinosaurs greet you in the museum's forecourt and make for an excellent backdrop for a family selfie.

The museum is also home to the world's largest collection of stuffed birds, along with an extensive exhibit outlining the development of mankind. English language tours are available, and you can rent audio guides if you want to tour on your own. Educational workshops and lectures are also held regularly. A bistro and a souvenir shop are also located on the premises.

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Roman Catholic Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom) certainly stands out for its lovely color. Officially known as St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Dom St. Bartholomäus), its dazzling exterior comes from the red sandstone it was built with between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Add to this its Gothic styling and 95-meter-tall tower, and this impressive cathedral still manages to stand out in this city of skyscrapers. One of only a handful of churches in Germany to be designated as an Imperial Cathedral, it was here in the Election Chapel from 1562 to 1792 that the coronation of Emperors took place.

Beneath the tower is the magnificent Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen, sculpted in 1509, while in the Marienkapelle is the Maria-Schlaf-Altar from 1434. Other highlights include the grave slab of King Günther von Schwarzburg, who died in Frankfurt in 1349, as well as numerous carved side altars dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The cathedral's most important relic is the skullcap of St. Bartholomew, kept in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew's Choir. Many of the cathedral's most important artifacts can be viewed in Frankfurt Cathedral Museum (Dommuseum Frankfurt).

Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Markets are always a good place to get a feel for a city, and Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle , where many locals shop daily, is no exception. The present hall dates from 1954, and its 1,500 square meters house 150 market stalls selling some of the finest foods in Germany.

This is a good place to try out the famous Frankfurt "Green Sauce" ( Frankfurter Grüne Soße), a traditional condiment made of seven herbs, sour cream, and egg. You can also savor local specialties like sausages, cheeses, and pastries.

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt was the birthplace of Germany's greatest writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His family home, Goethe House (Goethe Haus), was where Goethe was born on August 28, 1749, and lived until 1765. Immaculately preserved, it shows how the well-to-do family and their staff would have lived at the time.

You can see everything from the sumptuously decorated dining room on the main floor to Goethe's writing room on the top floor. It was here he penned many of his early works and where he played as a child with his puppet theater.

Next door is the Goethe Museum , a 14-room gallery showcasing artworks from the writer's time, including masterpieces of the Late Baroque and Romantic periods. Family guided tours of both properties are available.

Goethestrasse , a high-end shopping area with many fine boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, is another Frankfurt attraction that testifies to the writer's fame and importance.

Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, D-60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Situated in the middle of the city and one of Frankfurt's busiest pedestrian areas, the Hauptwache, which literally translates as the "Main Guard," 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. Built in 1730, it once housed the city's militia, a prison, and later, a police station, and now houses a café.

The square itself is one of Frankfurt's main shopping areas, complete with a large underground mall. It's also the point from which the city's main shopping and commercial streets radiate.

Pedestrian-friendly Zeil heads east, and Kaiserstrasse , with its many places of entertainment in its side streets, runs southwest past the Rossmarkt and Kaiserplatz to the Hauptbahnhof. This is the city's main train station, built in 1888 and one of the largest train terminals in Europe.

Address: An der Hauptwache 15, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art (MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt) is widely regarded as one of Europe's most important galleries of contemporary art.

Opened in 1991 in a stunning postmodern building in the heart of the city, the museum includes in its vast collection some 5,000 fine examples from more than 450 leading artists. Spanning from the 1960s to the present, works are by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Francis Bacon.

The museum also operates Zollamt MMK, a satellite exhibition space featuring works by younger and as yet unknown artists; the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Art (Museum für angewandte Kunst), with more than 30,000 items of European and Asian applied art, including furniture, tapestries, glass, ceramics, and books; and Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, showing both modern and contemporary art.

Also of interest is the Caricatura Museum (Caricatura Museum für Komische Kunst), which is notable for its exhibits and displays relating to comic art.

Address: Domstraße 10, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Home to more than 4,000 animals representing at least 450 different species, Frankfurt Zoo covers 32 acres near the city's old Friedberger Tor.

Founded in 1858 as the Frankfurt Zoological Garden, it's Germany's second-oldest zoo and is noted for its excellent animal houses, including the unique Grzimek House with displays of Madagascar's diverse fauna.

Also of interest is the Exotarium, with animals from different climatic regions, including marine life, reptiles, and crocodiles. The Borgori Forest has a superb ape house in an authentic jungle setting.

Other highlights include the Nocturnal Animals House and the Bird Hall. A variety of events and programs are offered, including family festivals, exhibits, themed tours, and feeding experiences.

Address: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Situated in the heart of Frankfurt's Opera Square (Opernplatz), the Old Opera House (Alte Oper) was constructed in 1880 in the style of the Italian High Renaissance. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1981 as one of the city's most important concert venues. Fun English-language guided tours are available.

The city's new opera house, Oper Frankfurt , and the drama theater, Schauspiel Frankfurt, share a contemporary, state-of-the-art venue known as Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt.

Address: Opernplatz, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Eschenheim Tower (Eschenheimer Turm) was built in the early 1400s and remains the finest relic from Frankfurt's old town walls. Standing 47 meters high, it still impresses with its dimensions and dominates the Eschenheimer Gate district.

Today, the tower houses a great café restaurant as well as meeting rooms used by local historical societies. Also of interest is the nearby Stock Exchange , built in 1879 and the largest in the country.

Address: Börsenplatz, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Opened in 1988 on the 50th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a pivotal point in the persecution of Germany's Jews in the 1930s, the Jewish Museum Frankfurt (Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt) is well worth a visit.

Spread across two venues, the displays in the main collection in the Rothschild Palace location focus on the more than 900-year history of Jewish life and culture in Frankfurt. Highlights include an exhibit relating to Anne Frank in the Frank Family Center, as well as a state-of-the-art research library.

The second location, Museum Judengasse, is also worth seeing. Of greatest interest here are the foundations of 19 houses dating back to the foundation of Europe's first Jewish ghetto in the 1400s. Artifacts and interesting exhibits relating to this period provide a fascinating glimpse into Jewish culture during this period of European history.

Address: Untermainkai 14-15, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

If you want to sightsee in Frankfurt, one of the most convenient places to stay is the city center. Many of the top tourist attractions are found here, including the Frankfurt museum embankment (Museumsufer), historic churches, quaint shops, and the Old Town (Aldstadt) with its lovely half-timbered buildings and picturesque town square (the Römerberg). Below are some highly-rated hotels in the city center:

Luxury Hotels:

• Located in a great location near the shops of Zeil Street and a short stroll from the Römerberg, JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt offers modern luxury in the heart of the city. Rooms come in a variety of sizes, and many offer excellent views of the city and River Main. There are also suites with separate living space and pullout sofas should you be traveling with the kids. Some suites even have kitchens. Amenities here include an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a great fine-dining restaurant.
• As its name suggests, the five-star Sofitel Frankfurt Opera is within walking distance of Frankfurt's Alte Oper, which dates back to the 1800s. The hotel is set inside a stylish villa in the heart of Old Town Frankfurt. The rooms and suites are contemporary and plush and feature warm hues, designer toiletries, and Bose sound systems. On-site amenities include a French restaurant, an indoor pool, a spa with a sauna, and a fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• If you just want a good-value hotel and don't mind a chain brand property then check out the popular Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe Hotel . Just a short bus ride from Frankfurt's main attractions, it features amenities like Hypnos beds in contemporary rooms, which are big enough to sprawl out in. The restaurant serves three meals a day including a breakfast buffet.
• Located in the center of Frankfurt's creative east end, 25hours Hotel The Goldman is an excellent mid-range choice. The property features bright and colorful rooms decorated with historic-themed art and unique wooden headboards on comfy beds. There is a restaurant on-site, and you can rent a bike to explore the city.
• Just across the street from Frankfurt's Central Train Station, the trendy Hotel Hamburger Hof has an energetic city center vibe. The rooms here are colorful and comfortable. If you are traveling with the family, consider a suite with a separate living room for the kids to sleep in. There is a free breakfast buffet each morning.
• Hotel Villa Florentina is an excellent value mid-range choice that is just outside the city center in Frankfurt's elegant Westend banking district. This popular three-star hotel is inside a century-old villa and has an Italian design theme throughout. Families will appreciate the fact that kids under 12 stay free.

Budget Hotels:

• Within walking distance of the main train station in the city center, Ibis Frankfurt Centrum overlooks the River Main and is a great option if you're watching your wallet. The rooms are contemporary and clean, and business travelers will appreciate in-room work desks, as well as free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
• About a 10-minute walk from the Römerberg, Hotel Expo Frankfurt City Centre is another popular budget property, near shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This boutique property features tidy rooms with wood furnishings and pops of color in the form of bed covers and matching drapes. If you're traveling with a small family, some rooms can sleep up to three people. Wi-Fi and parking are also free here.
• Sightseeing: The most convenient, single-day sightseeing tour option is the double-decker, open-air Frankfurt City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . This tour allows you to get off at any of the 14 stops to explore some of the top attractions or stay on the bus and listen to the audio commentary and get acquainted with the city and sites.
• Day Trips: If you have time to explore the countryside, there are some wonderful day trips from Frankfurt . One of the most popular is the Rhine Valley Trip including a Rhine River Cruise , with full-day and half-day options available. This is a coach tour through the scenic Rhine Valley and a steamboat cruise along the Rhine River, complete with a guide and lunch. Another good option is a Half-Day Trip to Heidelberg , with coach transportation, plenty of free time to explore this medieval city, and free entrance to the Heidelberg Castle. Combining two popular tours and visiting one of Germany's most famous castles, the Frankfurt Super Saver: Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg Day Trip is a great option. This tour includes skip-the-line admission to the Neuschwanstein Castle and a guided tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, as well as time to explore the medieval streets on your own.

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Germany Vacation Ideas : In addition to the great tours mentioned above, there are so many other great things to do in Germany . Those interested in seeing more world-class attractions should visit the country's capital Berlin , where they can spend time exploring the wonderful galleries and museums of Museum Island . The historic city of Potsdam , just a short journey away from Berlin, is another must-see destination. Some of the best places to visit, including fine old palaces and art galleries, are located on the grounds of Sanssouci Park.

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Where to Try Apfelwein in Frankfurt

Your Trip to Frankfurt: The Complete Guide

Frankfurt has a long history dating back to the early days of the Holy Roman Empire. During World War II the financial center of the country was thoroughly destroyed. Unlike Dresden and many other German cities , Frankfurt shrugged off its elegant historic architecture and emerged anew as "Mainhattan" (named for the Main River winding through the city and the skyscrapers reminiscent of Manhattan).

This sleek German hub is an international destination for business, its major international airport , and its exciting event and dining scene. The largest city in the state of Hesse and fifth-largest in Germany, Frankfurt is a world-class city with an impressive skyline of skyscrapers and a vibrant community of university students, internationals, convention-goers, and cultured locals

Use this guide to plan your trip to the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt , including when to visit, where to stay, eat, party, and more.

Planning Your Trip to Frankfurt

• Best Time to Visit: Events take place throughout the year in Frankfurt, so you might have a hard time choosing what time of year to visit. The weather is best in spring and fall. The very best time to visit Frankfurt may be in October, the month of the Frankfurt Book Fair .
• Language: German, but English is widely spoken.
• Currency: Euro.
• Getting Around : Frankfurt is a common entry point in Germany because of its major international airport. From there, visitors can easily travel to and through the city via its extensive public transportation network, which includes U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and buses. Taxis are also accessible, though Uber and other ride-shares have yet to find a firm foothold. Much of Frankfurt has been an "environmental zone" since 2008,   so if you're driving ensure that your vehicle has an emissions sticker.
• Travel Tip: The city can accommodate large groups for the many conventions that take place in Frankfurt, but visiting during a large conference can result in higher prices for hotels and restaurants requiring reservations. Consult Frankfurt's tourism calendar for dates of significant events.

Things to Do in Frankfurt

If you are in town for business or a short trip , there are still plenty of operas or museums or jazz concerts you can fit into your itinerary. On top of that, Frankfurt has top attractions like the Main Tower to entertain the whole family .

• Even though Frankfurt is famous for its futuristic skyline, it also has a reconstructed and romantic Altstadt (old city) worth visiting. Walk the cobblestone streets and admire the half-timbered houses of the Römerberg.
• Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832) is one of Germany's most famous writers and a son of Frankfurt. He is revered at the rebuilt Goethe House and Museum .
• Step away from civilization at the tranquil Palmengarten , a botanical garden founded in 1868. It includes 50 acres and more than 6,000 different botanical species from all around the world.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the top attractions in Frankfurt and the best things to do in Frankfurt with kids .

What to Eat and Drink in Frankfurt

Frankfurt's dining scene can be refreshingly international with options from Japanese to SoCal. But those are merely a welcome distraction from Frankfurt's traditional cuisine. The city has several restaurants that are more than 100 years old and an endless supply of sausage . Try classics like the fragrant, poetically named handkäse mit musik (cheese with music), or order hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes with Frankfurter grüne sosse (Frankfurt green sauce).

Frankfurt also has hip and modern bars in places like the Bahnhofsviertel , a formerly seedy area surrounding the central train station. But if you want to get to the heart of the city, you have to visit an apfelweinlokal (traditional apple wine bar). Known as ebbelwoi in the local dialect, this tart, slightly sour fruit wine, is a must-try when in Frankfurt. The charming bembel the drink is served in also makes for a great souvenir if you find one at the city's many flea markets.

Explore our articles on Frankfurt's apfelwein , the top restaurants in Frankfurt , and Frankfurt's nightlife .

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is composed of 46 distinct neighborhoods, each with its positives and negatives. Some areas nod to the city's historical past while others embrace its forward-thinking style. Innenstadt is the center of the city with both modern and reconstructed historic hotels. For easy travel in and out of the city, the Bahnhofsviertel area around the train station has the highest concentration of hotels, many at affordable prices.

No matter where you stay, the center of the city is compact and walkable. Excellent public transport links mean it is easy to get anywhere.

Explore the different areas of the city in our article on the best neighborhoods in Frankfurt .

Getting to Frankfurt

The Frankfurt-Flughafen am Main (FRA) is the main entry point for most visitors and with 70 million passengers in 2019, it's the busiest airport in Germany.   It is the hub for Lufthansa, as well as Condor, and a major transfer point for domestic and international travel. The airport has two passenger terminals, four runways, and extensive services for travelers.

From the airport, visitors can easily reach the city via public transportation or by private transport. The S8 and S9 (direction Offenbach or Hanau) reach Frankfurt's Hauptbahnhof (central railway station) in about 10 minutes for just 4.65 euros. Taxis are also readily available.

Within the city, the network of public transportation includes U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (local trains), and buses that run throughout the night.

Culture and Customs in Frankfurt

• Customer service in Germany is infamous for its low standards, but because of Frankfurt's international populace, service is often better here than in the rest of the country.
• When eating out in Germany, know that you should seat yourself and will need to ask for the bill at the end of the meal. Say " Die Rechnung, bitte " (the check, please) and tip by rounding up to the nearest euro, or no more than 10 percent.
• Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel used to be a dangerous area to hang around, but today it is downright trendy. There is still some drug use and prostitution , but the latter is legal.
• Since 2018, Frankfurt has a tourism fee for overnight stays of two euros per person per night.  

Money-Saving Tips for Frankfurt

• Make use of walking and public transport in Frankfurt as it is inexpensive and the best way to see the city. Regular tickets ( einzelfahrt ) costs 2.75 euros and allows for travel on all forms of transport in one direction for two hours. Zone 50 includes most of Frankfurt, excluding the airport. If you are going to be using transport all day, buy a Tageskarte (day ticket) for 5.35 euros.
• Many hotels are geared toward business travel, so prices stay low (think under 100 euros a night). However, the decor can be very basic.
• If you have flexibility on your travel dates, check the Messe (convention center) calendar for major trade fairs that will drive up prices. It is best to avoid those days.
• Looking for souvenirs? Frankfurt’s largest flea market is held every other Saturday. It's a bargain-hunters' dream.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun in the city with our article on the best things to see and do for free in Frankfurt .

Frankfurt Tourist+Congress Board. "Practical Information."

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. "Passengers at Frankfurt Airport."

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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. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Frankfurt

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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

• Bars and pubs

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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• 1.1 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 .  
• 50.136 8.6619 67 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 68 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 72 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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Welcome to visit britain industry site.

Welcome to the website for VisitBritain/VisitEngland - the national tourism agency. Here you’ll find support for industry professionals through the latest news and information, data and resources, and business development opportunities.

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Explore ways to work with us

Arabian travel market 2024.

We are glad to meet you at Arabian Travel Market, a leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. This even brings together a global community of travel professionals from leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel and provides insights on the latest industry trends and innovations.

Brazil Roadshow 2024

Brazil Roadshow 2024 offers an invaluable opportunity for trade-ready businesses to meet face-to-face hand-picked buyers and agents from this market. With the guidance of our in-market experts you will get a facilitated environment to create and enhance business relationships and learn all about the market demand.

Australia Roadshow 2024

Australia Roadshow 2024 offers UK international trade-ready businesses the unique opportunity to meet hand-picked buyers from this market, provide agents training and join numerous networking sessions. This event enables delegates to strengthen their existing relationships, learn about the market directly from our in-market team and trade, and gain valuable direct contacts to unlock new opportunities.

European Sales Mission 2024

Promote your destination during a 3-day sales mission to Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich, including 3 networking events with German based business event agencies and corporates responsible for booking international events in Europe.

In July 2024, the MeetEngland team will host a trade mission to Germany to engage with meeting, incentive, conference, and event organisers from the corporate market.

International Markets Updates Webinars

Get the latest inbound data and insights from our research teams. Learn about trends and product demand from our in-market specialists.

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IBTM World 2024

Promote your destination and partners at IBTM World, a leading trade show for the meetings, incentive, conferences and events sector.

Our proposed 2024/25 trade events programme

We are currently gathering expressions of interest for our proposed leisure trade events programme.

USA Co-operative Partnership Marketing Campaign 2024

An opportunity to be part of our 2024 multi-million pound international campaign.

VisitEngland Webinar - Cut energy, save money and

Prepare for winter, save on energy, and embrace a low carbon future with VisitEngland's webinar for the tourism and hospitality sector. Learn from energy experts about cost-effective solutions to lower your bills and reduce emissions.

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Register for commercial partnership opportunities with us

Partner with us to reach international consumers and trade.

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Information for destination partners

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Step up your sustainability

Save money, reduce your environmental impact, support your local community and win more customers with our sustainability guide and inspirational case studies.

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Make your business inclusive

Make your business accessible to all and widen your market and tap into a £15 billion plus market.

VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence recognise the best of England's tourism industry.

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Get quality assessed

Elevate your business, attract new customers and enjoy exclusive benefits with our star ratings, accreditations or awards.

Resources for the travel trade

Use our tools and resources to find destination knowledge, new products, images and more.

National Geographic

Looking to actively reach the Australian travel trade? The Australia Roadshow is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

Destination Britain India 2023

Looking to actively reach the Indian travel trade? Destination Britain India is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

Showcase Britain 2024

Showcase Britain 2024 is VisitBritain’s international B2B hosted buyer programme. The programme brings a fantastic chance for UK suppliers to connect with a target of 120 hosted international leisure travel buyers.

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Destination Britain China 2023

Looking to actively reach the Chinese and Hong Kong travel trade? Destination Britain China is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

World Travel Market 2023

Looking to engage with VisitBritain to discover latest activities and opportunities? Come and meet with us and UKinbound exhibitors.

London, Excel

In November 2024, the MeetEngland team will be on stand at this leading events trade show in Barcelona, taking part in scheduled appointments and networking opportunities with global event planners and associations.

IMEX America 2024

The MeetEngland team will be joined by English stand partners on the official MeetEngland stand, taking part in scheduled appointments and networking opportunities with global event planners and associations at this leading business events trade show in Las Vegas.

Meet us at ATM 2024 - Arabian Travel Market

Attracting over 30,000 visitors in 2023, Arabian Travel Market is the perfect place to showcase your products and services to buyers from the Middle East, India and Africa, generate new business and build new relationships.

IMEX Frankfurt 2024

In May 2024, the MeetEngland team will be attending leading business events trade show, IMEX Frankfurt on the official MeetEngland stand, taking part in scheduled appointments and networking opportunities with global event planners and associations. 

International markets updates - webinar programme

Visitengland webinar - cut energy, save money and reduce carbon emissions.

Save money on energy this winter and ready your business for a low carbon future

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VisitBritain Shop

Expand the distribution and sales of your tourism product, or earn commission via the affiliate scheme and travel trade discounts on over 500 British experiences available to book online.

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VisitEngland Academy - business support webinars

Discover industry insights, useful advice in our live webinars, recordings and FAQs.

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Be part of our international campaigns and activity

Grow the profile of your business – for free – by sharing your consumer and trade news.

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TXGB is a digital platform that brings together tourism businesses to drive sales and boost productivity by connecting the market in a new and unique way.

Resources for business events partners

Find advice, training and support for Britain business event stakeholders and partners.

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English Tourism Week

Join our high-profile campaign to celebrate England’s vibrant visitor economy.

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VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar award

VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar award celebrates the dedication and passion of our industry’s employees and volunteers.

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Resources for event planners

Find out what Britain can offer your international business event across each nation.

Blenheim Palace

Taking England to the World – trade education programme

Designed for tourism businesses in England, our free training equips you with the skills and knowledge to reach new international customers.

VisitBritain/Mark Gilligan

Looking to actively reach the Brazilian travel trade? The Brazil Roadshow 2024 is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

Business Events Association Conference 2024

Bringing together association meeting planners, professional conference organisers and decision-makers from nations and city convention bureaus.

EICC, Edinburgh

Nordics Workshop 2024

Looking to engage with Nordic trade? This workshop will be a high-impact opportunity to showcase your product, get exposure and develop your business relationships with buyers from Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Spain Roadshow 2023 - in cooperation with Tourism Ireland

Spain Roadshow 2023 – in cooperation with Tourism Ireland.

Business Events Growth Programme

Grants to support bid for new events, grow existing events, secure Government advocacy in key priority sectors.

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Promote your destination and partners at IMEX America, one of the leading trade shows or the meetings, incentive programs, conferences and the events sector.

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Declaration of commitment (invitation for visitors from abroad)

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Do you want to invite friends or relatives and they need a visa? Will your guests be staying for up to 90 days and are not able to prove sufficient financial means to the German diplomatic mission?

If the answer is “yes”, then your guest needs a declaration of commitment from you.

See below for detailed information about the declaration of commitment.

COMPETENT AUTHORITY

Citizens' office.

Please hand in the declaration of commitment in person at one of the Frankfurt Citizen’s Offices Internal Link  (“Bürgerämter”). Please book an appointment in advance ( online appointment Internal Link ).

This declaration then needs to be submitted to the relevant German mission abroad (embassy or consulate general) in order to apply for a visa.

In advance, please use our  online process External Link  to check your financial status and prepare the application documents.

All topics at a glance

Service description.

What is a declaration of commitment?

If you want to invite a foreign visitor to Germany for a short period of time, you will usually need a declaration of commitment (“Verpflichtungserklärung”). Your visitor must submit this to a German mission abroad (embassy or consulate general) in his or her home country, especially if your guest is unable to pay for the costs of his/her stay in Germany himself/herself.

With the issued visa, your guests can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. It is valid for private visits, tourist trips and business trips.

What do you commit to as a host?

With the declaration, you agree to cover all costs that the state may incur as a result of your guest's stay in Germany. These include:

• the total cost of living for the guest
• the guest's full medical expenses in the event of illness (we recommend that you take out health insurance for the duration of the stay)
• the costs of a possible deportation according to §§ 66, 67 Residence Act ("AufenthG")

These obligations apply, no matter the period of validity of the visa, for the entire stay, including times of possible illegal residence.

The person committing must sign a written declaration that they have been made aware of the scope of their obligations.

• For a non-committal advance check of your financial capacity to submit a declaration of commitment, please use our online credit score estimator External Link . You can complete and download all the documents you need to bring with you in the online process.
• At your visit to the Citizens’ Office (“Bürgeramt”), your documents will first be checked for completeness.
• Then the Citizens' Office will calculate whether your financial means are sufficient to issue a declaration of commitment. The result is noted on the declaration of commitment. The fees for the service are due regardless of the result of the credit check!
• You forward the issued declaration of commitment to your guest. With the declaration of commitment, your guest will appear at a German diplomatic mission in his or her home country – the German diplomatic mission abroad makes the final decision as to whether or not a visa will be issued.

Prerequisites

General information

• You can submit the declaration of commitment at the earliest six months  before  your guest plans to enter the country.
• Persons with a tourist visa or certificate of toleration (“Duldung”) cannot submit a declaration of commitment.

Financial Status

This means that you should be able to pay all costs that may arise during your guests’ stay in Germany from your own income.

Your average net income will be compared with maintenance necessities. The “seizure exemption limit” found in §§ 850 et seq. Code of Civil Procedure ("ZPO") will be followed. If you have enough attachable income, you can provide a  declaration of commitment.

Note on the maintenance obligation:

The credit score calculation includes all persons living in the household or in Germany for whom you are liable to pay maintenance (spouse, underage children, children of full age without own income as well as other persons for whom there is a maintenance obligation). Spouses and children who live abroad permanently are not taken into account.

For example, with a husband/wife and two children, there is a maintenance obligation for three persons. Accordingly, you would have to earn €2,583 net to be able to invite one person.

Joint submission of a declaration of commitment

• Spouses can submit a joint declaration of commitment. In this case, it is fine for one spouse to come and bring along the proof of salary, a declaration of consent as well as an identity document of the other spouse (however, this is only possible if the person, who comes to us has at least a small income of their own).
• You cannot add the income of a third person (not spouse). However, two people can invite one guest together. In this case, each host must submit a separate declaration of commitment. Each declaration of commitment costs 29 euros and the sponsors must appear together in person.  Note: As soon as one of the two sponsors has a sufficient income, he/she must submit the declaration of commitment alone.

Required documents

• Original proof of net income for the last three months (bank statements are not enough) Pensioners: Pension notification Self-employed persons: Certificate from a tax consultant or tax assessment from the tax office (not older than two years)
• Valid identification document (for foreign citizens, a residence permit is also needed)
• Completed form: Required information for the submission of a declaration of commitment (pdf , 67KB) Download Link
• Signed form: Declaration for the submission of a declaration of commitment (pdf , 99KB) Download Link
• In the case of joint submission with a spouse or life partner: Consent form of the spouse, signature of both spouses or life partners on the Declaration for the submission of a declaration of commitment (pdf , 99KB) Download Link  and identification document of the spouse or of the life partner
• The declaration of commitment costs € 29.00.

You have to submit all documents in the original!

€ 29.00

The fees are due regardless of the result of the credit check!

Payments can be made in cash or by card (girocard/debit card).

Legal basis

Applications and forms.

• Required information for the submission of a declaration of commitment (pdf , 67KB) Download Link   (German only)
• Declaration for the submission of a declaration of commitment (pdf , 99KB) Download Link   (German only)
• Consent form of the spouse (pdf , 41KB) Download Link  (German only)
• Information sheet declaration of commitment (pdf , 719KB) Download Link (German only)

What else should I know?

For intended stays in Germany that exceed three months and do not serve the purpose of a visit (family reunification, to take up employment, au pair, etc.), the necessary application procedure must be handled directly by the competent German mission abroad.

Language pupils and students should contact the Foreigners' Registration Office (“Ausländerbehörde”) in Frankfurt am Main directly.

Private invitations are not sufficient for legal entities such as associations, church institutions and companies. In these cases, please contact the Central Citizen's Office (“Zentrales Bürgeramt”): [email protected] Internal Link

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• Corporate information

British Tourist Authority annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

This document contains the following information: British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain and VisitEngland) annual report and accounts 2021/22.

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-2716-0, CCS0621804704 07/21, HC 476

PDF , 1.86 MB , 98 pages

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British Diplomatic representation in Germany. Information on consular services of the British Consulate in Frankfurt am Main. On this website you will find information on visa applications for the purpose of marriage, study, living with your partner and general visits. Furhermore we offer specific information on getting married abroad, overseas British birth regulations, death of a British citizen abroad and British passport renewals.

British Visas

In the Visa section of this website you will find extended information on UK Fiancee visas and Spouse visas. Separately we dedicated a special page on Student Visas and also a General Visitor Visas page including links to visa applications forms for each visa type. You also find information on the latest visa requirements.

British Passports

In the Passport section of this website you will find all information regarding the renewal of British passports, lost or stolen passports, emergency travel documents and the new rules concerning passport photos. Furthermore you will find info on the different type of passports and how much they cost and links to downloadable application forms for each type.

Honorary Consul / Visa & Passports

A British honorary consul does not offer any passport or visa services and cannot provide any advice. If you have any questions about the application process of your visa or passport, contact UK Visas and Immigration for visa matters as mentioned in our Visa section and His Majesty’s Passport Office for passport matters as mentioned in our Passport section .

British Consulate General versus British Embassy

A British consulate general is like a mini British embassy or satellite of the British embassy manned by fewer staff members and is headed by the Consul General.

Most British consulates general, but not all , will be able to provide most of the services given by an British Embassy but on the spot, at a local level, usually quickly and including, for example, consular assistance to British nationals who might be situated nearby and usually are able to help with such consular services like visa applications , lost, damaged or stolen passports , prison visiting, assistance with domestic matters such as births , deaths and marriages , etc.