Frankfurt
Western Europe · Germany
Did you know?
- Römerberg sits within a reconstructed old town beside the Imperial Cathedral.
- Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim and Bornheim are local nightlife hubs.
- River cruises depart along the Main from the Eiserner Steg.
See also
Overview
Frankfurt balances its business focus with old-town squares and museums. Römerberg offers a historic setting within a city shaped by a multicultural atmosphere.
Languages: German
Why go?
Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse, with a striking modern skyline of skyscrapers housing the European Central Bank and stock exchange. It hosts major trade fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair and Auto Show, and its airport is Europe's third-busiest. Despite the business focus, the city has charming old-town areas like Römerberg, excellent museums, and a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
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Get in
Frankfurt is a major transport hub. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe's busiest, with a regional and long-distance train station. The Hauptbahnhof is the main rail hub, with ICE connections to Cologne (1 hr), Munich (3 hr), Berlin (4 hr), and beyond. Long-distance buses (FlixBus) stop at Fernbusbahnhof on Stuttgarter Straße, beside the central station.
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Get around
The city has an extensive public transport network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses operated by RMV. Bike-sharing is available through Call-a-bike and nextbike. The central area is walkable.
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When to go
Frankfurt is a year-round destination, but major trade fairs (Auto Show, Book Fair) cause hotel prices to skyrocket. The Fressgass Fest occurs in late May to early June. Summer is pleasant for outdoor activities and river cruises.
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Where to stay
Accommodation in Frankfurt is plentiful but expensive during trade fairs. Many hotels are near the Hauptbahnhof, though the area is also the red-light district. During weekends and non-trade fair dates, substantial discounts are possible. Consider staying in nearby cities like Mainz or Wiesbaden if prices are high.
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Food and drink
For dining, head to the 'Fressgass' (Große Bockenheimer Straße) for cafés and restaurants. Try the local specialty: Curry-Wurst at Best Worscht in Town. For drinks, Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim, and Bornheim are nightlife hubs. There are also small Trinkhalle shops for quick beverages.
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Things to do
Explore the reconstructed old town around Römerberg and the Imperial Cathedral. Walk up the Goetheturm for skyline views (seasonal). Take a river cruise along the Main River from the Eiserner Steg. For culture, see the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company at Bockenheimer Depot.
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Stay safe
Frankfurt's crime rate is high statistically, but violent crime is rare. The red-light district around the Hauptbahnhof has drug dealers and junkies, but is generally safe during the day. Be cautious at night. Beware of bogus police officers checking cash; real police have a green card. Call 110 for emergencies.
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Day trips
Frankfurt is a great base for day trips. Mainz (45 min by S-Bahn), Wiesbaden (45 min), Darmstadt, Bad Homburg with the Saalburg Roman fort, Heidelberg (55 min by IC), and the Middle Rhine Valley are all easily reachable.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Frankfurt, continue to other German cities: Cologne (1 hr ICE), Berlin (4 hr ICE), Munich (3 hr ICE), or take the TGV to Paris. Nearby cities like Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Heidelberg are also recommended.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
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.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Goetheturm
An old 43-metre wooden tower with viewing platform offering nice views of the skyline. It burned down in 2017, but has since been rebuilt.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Goethe Institut
The official German language institute with a vast range of courses to learn German in Goethe's hometown.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
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).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University
Founded in 1914, this urban university offers a wide range of faculties. Today, the university has 38,000 students on 4 major campuses: Campus Bockenheim, Campus Riedberg, Campus Westend, Campus Niederrad.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
River cruises along the Main River
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.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
The Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company
Modern ballet in Frankfurt playing at the Bockenheimer Depot.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Volkshochschule Frankfurt
Vast range of language courses, cooking classes and other educational courses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Many hotels near Hauptbahnhof; discounts on weekends.
Food
Try Curry-Wurst at Best Worscht in Town; Fressgass for dining.
Money
Hotels triple in price during trade fairs; book early or stay in nearby cities.
Safety
Crime concentrated around Hauptbahnhof; beware bogus police. Call 110 for emergencies.
Transport
Excellent train (ICE) and air connections; public transport extensive.