Frankfurt am Main

Introduction

Situated on the banks of the Main river in the foreland of the Taunus, Frankfurt serves as a major hub within the Rhine-Main metropolitan region. You will find yourself in a bustling urban environment that forms a continuous conurbation with Offenbach am Main.

As an institutional seat of the European Union and home to the European Central Bank, the city holds a prominent role as an Alpha-rated world city.

Before you go

Experience a city of striking contrasts where avant-garde skyscrapers stand alongside well-maintained historic buildings. While the downtown area and the museums along the River Main are popular destinations, you can also explore off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods like Bockenheim, Bornheim, Nordend, and Sachsenhausen to see intact 19th-century streets and parks. The city serves as a major hub for both rail and road travel, featuring a large airport that acts as a gateway to the country.

Plan your visit between late spring and early autumn to enjoy warmer weather. If you are staying overnight, consider checking the local calendar to avoid periods when trade fairs are held, as these events can make finding accommodations more difficult. When exploring the city, be aware that the area surrounding the central train station is a known hub for homeless people and drug users; while most individuals will not bother you, you may occasionally encounter beggars asking for small change.

As a central German transportation hub, Frankfurt is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. If you arrive at Frankfurt Airport, you can reach the heart of the city via taxi, bus, or S-Bahn. The S-Bahn provides a convenient connection to downtown stations like Taunusanlage, Hauptwache, and Konstablerwache, while the airport's own long-distance station offers high-speed trains to other major cities. If you choose to fly into Frankfurt/Hahn, be aware that this location is far from the city center; you should allow extra time for your journey as it requires a bus transfer to reach the main transport hubs.

For those traveling by train, the city features three major stations: Hauptbahnhof, Südbahnhof, and the airport station. Because these large stations can be labyrinth-like, you should allow extra time to locate your platform and consult the departure boards or railway offices. If you arrive by car, the city is connected to several autobahns, though parking is limited in many areas; during major trade fairs, utilizing a park-and-ride system is recommended. Additionally, the Fernbusbahnhof serves as a hub for domestic and international long-distance buses, offering seamless transfers to local rail services.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a coordinated public transport system consisting of the U-Bahn (underground metro), trams, and buses. The U-Bahn is marked with a white capital "U" on a blue background, while the S-Bahn, which connects the downtown area to suburbs and neighboring cities like Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Darmstadt, is identified by a white "S" on a green background. To reach the old city, you can take the U-Bahn to Dom/Römer or use tram lines 11 or 12. While the U-Bahn and trams are generally punctual, be aware that the S-Bahn is known for delays; if you have a time-critical appointment like a flight, allow extra buffer time.

Tickets can be purchased at machines in multiple languages before you board. You can choose from single trip, all-day, or weekly options for individuals or groups of up to five. If you plan to visit several museums and attractions, consider the Frankfurt Card, which provides unlimited travel on the public transport system including the airport zone. For those preferring to drive, use a "Parkhaus" (parking garage) rather than searching for limited street parking in areas like Sachsenhausen. You can also explore the city via taxi, e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, or by bicycle using the extensive network of bike lanes and available rental options.

Where to stay

You can find a wide variety of accommodations throughout Frankfurt, though you should plan your stay well in advance to avoid the significant price surges that occur during major trade fairs. If you prefer to stay outside the city center, nearby locations such as Darmstadt, Neu-Isenburg, Bad Homburg, Mainz, or Wiesbaden are all accessible within an hour by S-Bahn. Mannheim serves as another option reachable by high-speed train.

If your schedule requires early departures or late arrivals, you might consider staying near the main station to avoid more expensive airport hotels, as it is a short local train ride from Terminal 1. While many hotels are located in this area, be aware that the district is also known as the red light district and can leave some travelers with a negative impression of the city. For longer stays, you may find success by inquiring about corporate rates or discounts.

Food & drink

Explore a wide variety of dining options throughout the city, including the Fressgass on Große Bockenheimer Straße, an area filled with cafés, restaurants, and deli food stores popular for dining after shopping. To experience traditional Hessian cuisine, look for regional specialties such as Handkäs mit Musik, Frankfurter Grüne Sauce served with potatoes or eggs, and various sausages like the pork-based Frankfurter Würstchen or the beef-only Frankfurter Rindswurst. Other local staples include the Sachsenhäuser Schneegestöber, Frankfurter Rippchen, and marzipan-filled Bethmännchen pastries. If you prefer a quick bite, find a stand for Curry-Wurst, which features sliced beef sausage with ketchup and curry spices.

The local drinking culture centers around Apfelwein, a regional apple wine often served with sparkling water as a Sauergespritzte or with lemonade as a Süßgespritzte. You can enjoy this tradition in traditional taverns and pubs, particularly in the Alt-Sachsenhausen district or along Textorstraße. For those seeking other local flavors, Mispelchen is a specialty consisting of apple brandy served with a loquat fruit. While many establishments offer international cuisine, you should seek out specific restaurants for traditional dishes and consider making reservations in advance to secure a table.

• Fressgass (Große Bockenheimer Straße)
• Sachsenhausen
• Bornheim
• Handkäs mit Musik
• Frankfurter Grüne Sauce
• Frankfurter Würstchen
• Frankfurter Rindswurst
• Sachsenhäuser Schneegestöber
• Frankfurter Rippchen
• Bethmännchen
• Curry-Wurst
• Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)
• Mispelchen

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city where meticulously restored buildings in Römerberg stand as landmarks, including the imposing town hall and the St Bartholomeus cathedral. For a glimpse into the past, visit Sachsenhausen to see traditional half-timbered houses and old cider bars that survived the war, or head to the Höchst Old Town to wander through narrow streets filled with medieval architecture and the 9th-century St. Justin's Church. You can also find authentic village structures in Bornheim along Berger Straße, where many medieval and baroque buildings remain intact.

Experience the city's unique "Mainhattan" skyline by viewing its concentrated cluster of high-rise buildings from various vantage points:

• Walk across the eastern bridges, such as the Alte Brücke or Ignaz-Bubis-Brücke, for premier views.
• Observe the European Central Bank and surrounding towers from the train bridge in Ostend or the nearby new bridge.
• Take a stroll north from Schweizer Platz to see the skyscrapers.
• Visit the Goetheturm in southern Sachsenhausen or climb the Henninger Turm.

When to go

You can experience a variety of seasons in Frankfurt, which enjoys a temperate oceanic climate. During the summer months, you will find warm weather that supports Mediterranean vegetation like fig trees and lemon trees in the local microclimate. If you visit during the spring, you will notice an early growing season as trees begin to leaf out earlier than in other parts of the country.

The winter season is characterized by cool, dark conditions with frequent rain showers and overcast skies. While snow is possible, the city remains relatively mild compared to other German locations during the colder months.

Three days in Frankfurt am Main

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Sachsenhausen and the nearby streets of Bornheim. You might then wander through Nordend or visit Bockenheim to experience the local character of these neighborhoods.

Day two, you can head toward the center to see the Taunusanlage and the bustling areas around Hauptwache and Konstablerwache. You can also spend time near the River Main to take in the views of the water.

Day three, you can travel toward the outskirts or look toward neighboring areas like Offenbach. You can also explore the surroundings of the European Central Bank or plan a trip toward the Rhine.

About this place

• Frankfurt am Main