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This article is about the city in Hesse. For the town in Brandenburg, see Frankfurt an der Oder.

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, as well as 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. Located on the river Main on the crossroads of the German Autobahn system, with Germany's busiest airport on its outskirts, Frankfurt is one of the most important transportation hubs of Germany.

Understand

Tower Opernturm and concert hall Alte Oper

Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Wealthy bankers, students and granola 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 5,500,000 inhabitants 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 700,000 people who really live here. 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.

The map of Frankfurt's subdivisions

Territorial subdivisions

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 (do note that there are no less than four Ortsbezirke starting with Innenstadt ("inner city"), distinguished by roman numerals). Some Stadtteile of particular note are:

  • Altstadt (Römer areal) - the heart of Frankfurt's old town, largely rebuilt after the Second World War
  • Innenstadt - named confusingly (sharing its name with the larger Ortsbezirke) 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)
  • Bockenheim
  • 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.
  • Nordend
  • Bornheim
  • 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.
  • Höchst - formerly a separate small town, now a suburb. The small Altstadt, around the Schloss, is the closest place 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. Take the S-Bahn or tram 11 from central Frankfurt; Höchst is within the central ticket zone.

When to visit

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 are the Frankfurt Motor Show (Automobil-Ausstellung) every two years in mid-September (next in 2015) and the Book Fair (Buchmesse) yearly in mid-October; see Fairs for details.

Tourist Information

Kaiserdom (Imperial Cathedral)
Römerberg Ostzeile (Römer square eastside)

There are two offices for tourism information:

The skyline of Frankfurt

Get in

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

Main article: Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport (FRA IATA) is among the busiest in Europe — third in passenger traffic after London Heathrow 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 connects it to every continent and major city in the world. The German flag carrier Lufthansa is the main airline in Frankfurt and offers most connections.

Frankfurt am Main International Airport

Airport to city centre

The airport is connected to downtown Frankfurt by taxi, bus (Line 61 to Frankfurt Südbahnhof (Frankfurt South Station), and most easily by S-Bahn (fast commuter trains). To get to the city, take lines S8 or S9 in the direction of Offenbach Ost or Hanau at the 3 Flughafen Regionalbahnhof (regional train station). in the Underground of Terminal 1 (entrances in section A and B): interactive route planner. 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).

The lines S1-6/8/9 travel through the cornerstone of the system, an underground tunnel (the Citytunnel) through central Frankfurt. If you want to change to long-distance trains get off at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof(Frankfurt Central Station). If you want to go downtown, get off at Frankfurt Taunusanlage, Frankfurt Hauptwache or Frankfurt Konstablerwache, which are in the heart of the city. The ride from the airport to the central station takes 14 minutes. Be sure to purchase a ticket at the vending machines (only cash) in the train station before boarding the train. The adult ticket is €4.55 (Sep 2015). Daytime tickets are usually profitable up from the second travel within the respective zones.

If you want to go to the airport via S-Bahn, take the S8 or S9 in the direction of Wiesbaden. Don't take the S1 — while it has the same general direction and leaves the central station at the same platform, it will go along the wrong side of the river Main. The line S1 does not stop at the airport.

ICE 3 at Flughafen Fernbahnhof (Airport long-distance train station)

Other airport connections

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

Frankfurt airport also has connections for Inter-City and ICE trains. Connections outside the Frankfurt region have a separate train station, the 4 Flughafen Fernbahnhof (Airport long-distance train station).. Here, you can board high-speed trains to Cologne, Munich and other national and international destinations.

Hahn airport

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 actually takes about 2 h to drive there from downtown. 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 €14 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

See also: rail travel in Germany
Hauptbahnhof with ICE 3M Niederlande

Frankfurt has three major train stations: 5 Hauptbahnhof (main station)., 6 Südbahnhof (south station). and the abovementioned 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.

Be aware that 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.

By car

See also: driving in Germany

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 (The 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 itself 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

See also: intercity buses in Germany

Frankfurt is serviced by various trans-European buslines like Eurolines. If you are on a tight budget or are scared of air travel, this can be a good way to reach Frankfurt. However, flights booked in advance or special offers for the train may still be cheaper. The bus of course is always the slowest option.

Due to its central location in Germany, Frankfurt is also a hub for domestic buses. Major lines to all big and several small cities intersect in Frankfurt, with several daily departures. Buy tickets in advance to get better rates.

All buses currently pick up and drop off passengers at kerbside at the south side of the Hauptbahnhof, next to platform 1. A proper bus terminal is currently under construction at this very site.

Get around

By public transport

S-Bahn station Hauptbahnhof tief
U-Bahn station Hauptbahnhof

Frankfurt has a good, co-ordinated public transport system of Underground (U-Bahn), tram (Straßenbahn) and bus. For connections to the suburbs use the S-Bahn . The metro stations are signed with a white capital "U" on a blue background . To go to the suburbs or airport use the S-Bahn, signed with a white "S" on green background. Almost all S-Bahn lines and two U-Bahn lines (U6, U7) come together in the city-tunnel in central Frankfurt (station „Hauptwache“ and „Konstablerwache“), beside line S7, which ends at Central Station.

If you want to the old city (Römer), you take the U-Bahn line U4, U5 or tram line 11 or 12.

Tickets

You can get single, all-day and weekly tickets. You can get individual tickets, or tickets for 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 a little confusing if you do not know how to use them, but they can be switched to operate in 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 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 track tickets in advance, to be validated just before travel, 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 with a single zone (zone 50) so tickets (except short trip tickets) are all the one fare. A one-day adult ticket in this central zone costs €6.80 and a single costs €2.75. The airport is in a separate zone. A one-day adult ticket in the central zone and the airport is €8.85 and a single €4.55. Group day-tickets (5 peoples: €10.50 /15.80) are less than the cost of two adult day-tickets, so are more or less obligatory if you are travelling together and purchasing a day-ticket. Children discounts are available to kids 14 and under. (Jan 2015)

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 €9.90, 2 days €14.50; group (max. 5 persons) 1 day €20, 2 days €29.50). 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.

The RMV site has basic information and timetable information available in English and other languages.

The S-Bahn, run by DeutscheBahn, 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. Be aware that the S-Bahn stations between Hauptbahnhof and Südbahnhof or Mühlberg will be closed between 27 March and 8 April and 16 July and 25 August 2016. Alternative connections will be published on the RMV website.

Other services (subway, tram and bus) are usually more punctual.

Fines of €60 apply for riding without a valid ticket.

By taxi

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 actually licensed to go there. They tend to drive very fast because most German business travellers expect them to do this. If you feel uncomfortable just 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 c. €30.

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.

By car

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 (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. Recently the laws (and fines) pertaining to tailgating have been sharpened, and the fines have gotten larger.

By bicycle

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."

shopping street and bicycle

These bikes are available from April to December 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.

A new service is offered by nextbike. Just 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.

  • GoetheRad (Bike Rental and Repair at the Goethe Tower in Sachsenhausen, top of the Hill). Contact: Andreas Horst, Tel: +49 1765 052 8599, Sachsenhäuser Landwehrweg 1 Frankfurt/Goetheturm. Open Tu-Su 12:00-18:00
  • Bike Rental Outlets Frankfurt

See

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

Römerberg Ostzeile
Kaiserdom - Imperial Cathedral
  • 1 Römerberg, Römerberg 27 (North of Eiserner Steg bridge and city centre). Römerberg is the old centre of Frankfurt. It features various buildings and a church from the 14th and 15th century (the buildings were mostly destroyed during World War II but completely rebuilt afterwards). The Römer itself is the town hall of Frankfurt. Cafés and shops can be found at the square itself and in the vicinity. Next to the cathedral, at the Archäologische Garten, you can see the remains of the Roman settlements that gave this place its name (closed since 2012). At the Römer, you can also visit the Alte Nikolaikirche (12th century church, current form since the 15th century). Walking towards the Main river, you can also see the Rententurm (Wharfinger's Tower), an old 15th century fortified tower in late Gothic style, which is connected to the Saalhof, an old 12th century castle building that was later modernized but never completely destroyed.
  • 2 Dom-Römer-Areal (New old city). Urban revitalization of the Dom-Römer complex.
  • 3 Kaiserdom (Saint Bartholomeus Cathedral) (Located right next to the Römerberg, U-Bahn U4/U5 „Dom/Römer“, Tram 11/12 „Römer/Paulskirche“). The main cathedral with its 95 m high tower, built in Gothic style in the 14th century. From 1562 to 1792, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned in the cathedral.
  • 4 Eiserner Steg (Iron bridge). Relatively well-known bridge for pedestrians, built in 1869. It is just a minute away from the Römer. Crossing the bridge leads you to Sachsenhausen and provides good views of the skyline.
Paulskirche - St. Paul's Church
  • 5 Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church) (Located just north of the Römer place). A church with important political symbolism in Germany. This was the seat of the first democratically elected parliament in Germany in 1848. Here the revolutionaries wrote the 1848 constitution that sadly was never put into effect. Like most historic buildings in the city centre, it was destroyed during World War II, but was also among the first buildings to be rebuilt after 1945 (with different interior). Today the building is used as a memorial site and an event centre, hosting i.e. the awarding of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. Free.
  • 6 Liebfrauenkirche. 14th century Roman Catholic church and monastery located at Liebfrauengasse/Neue Kräme near the Zeil.
  • 7 Hauptwache. A public area that is often considered the central hub of Frankfurt's modern downtown area due to its importance as a public transportation station and its central location, right between the main shopping street (Zeil), the Rossmarkt (another public square), and the Eschenheimer Tor. The place is named after a Baroque building ("Hauptwache") located more or less in its centre. The building was constructed in 1730 to house the local city militia, as Frankfurt was an independent city at the time. When Frankfurt became part of Prussia, the building gradually lost its original function. Since 1905, it has instead been serving as a café ("Café Hauptwache"). Other attractions include the Katharinenkirche, and the Palais Thurn-und-Taxis.
Alte Oper Frankfurt - Old Opera
  • 8 Alte Oper (Old Opera), Opernplatz 1 (take U6 or U7 station Alte Oper, or any line to Hauptwache and walk a few minutes), +49 69 134-0400 for tickets. Renaissance Opera Building in the centre of the city. A busy square with fountains can be found in front of it. Originally opened in 1880, it is not used for operas any more since the rebuilding after the war, but for concerts, congresses, and similar "fancy" events.
  • 9 Börse (Frankfurt Stock Exchange). The Frankfurt stock exchange building, still in use, see the bull and bear statues just outside. You cannot enter the building unless you have registered for a guided tour in advance.
  • Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank) – There you can find along the bank of the Main river the museums: Städel Museum, the German Architecture Museum (Deutsches Architekturmuseum), the German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum), Museum of World Cultures (Museum der Weltkulturen) or the Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum).
  • Sachsenhausen. By crossing one of the bridges from the city centre you reach the Sachsenhausen part of the city south of the Main river. The old town part, Alt-Sachsenhausen, at Affentorplatz is famous for its old cider bars (see the "Drink" section for more information). You can also walk along the river bank or visit the Schweizer Straße (see the "Buy" section).

Skyline

Frankfurt am Main Skyline

Frankfurt has some of the tallest buildings in Europe (the Commerzbank tower is the highest office building of Europe), and the tallest in Germany. 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, Frankfurt is the only German city with a skyline 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.
  • Take a walk from Schweizer Platz northwards for another good view of the skyscrapers.
  • 10 Main Tower, Neue Mainzer Straße 52 - 58 (Subway station Willy-Brandt-Platz or S-Bahn-station Taunusanlage), +49 69 3650-4878, . Winter: Su-Th 10:00-19:00, Fr-Sa 10:00-21:00. This building is special as it is the only Frankfurt high-rise tower that is open to the public with an elevator to the viewing platform at a height of 200 meters. From here, you will have a good view of Frankfurt and the surrounding area. Make sure to go on a clear day, and if you're in Frankfurt in Fall or Spring you might wish to try to go up a short while before sunset. That way, you can witness how the city changes from day to night-life. The viewing platform will be closed during severe weather. €6,50, reduced €4,50.
  • 11 European Central Bank (Subway station Willy-Brandt-Platz). Easily recognized by its hexagonal layout and the big neon colour € statue in front of the entrance - might be of some special interest as this is the seat of European financial power and decisions. It's not open to the public, although a small gift shop downstairs will sell you all the Euro-related memorabilia you want. The new bulidling of the European Central Bank ist built tile 2014 in Frankfurt-Ost on the river Main.
  • The Henninger Turm, located in Sachsenhausen, was a 120 m (330 ft) tall grain storage silo tower. Inaugurated in 1961, it remained by far the highest silo tower in the world until 2005. The top part used to have rotating restaurants and observation decks, but unfortunately the tower has been closed to the public since 2002 and was demolished in 2013. On its site will be a new 120 m (390 ft) tall residential tower, which is externally inspired by the old Henninger Turm, and will contain 130 luxury apartments.

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 attractions

  • 12 Palmengarten ("palm garden"), Siesmayerstraße 61 (Siesmayerstraße 61 (Entrance Palmengartenstraße: subway U4, U6 (towards Praunheim Heerstaße), U7 (towards Hausen) Station Bockenheimer Warte; Entrance Siesmayerstraße: U6, U7 Station Westend)), +49 69 2123-3939, fax: +49 69 212-37856, . Nov-Jan: 09:00-16:00; Feb-Oct: 09:00-18:00. The Palmengarten is Frankfurt's botanic garden. There are special exhibitions and events throughout the much of the year. (German language part of the website has a lot more information than the English part) €7 adults, €2 children, reduced rate €3, family €16..
  • 13 Botanischer Garten (botanical garden), Siesmayerstraße 72 (near Palmengarten). 1 Mar-31 Oct M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su and holidays 09:00-13:00. free.
Frankfurt Grüneburgpark with Europe TV-tower in the background
  • Grüneburgpark: This is Frankfurt's largest public park. Even though there are many parks in Frankfurt, the Grüneburgpark is probably the most liked. Located close to two campuses of the university, many young people meet there, and many business people jog there after work.
  • Campus Westend: architecturally interesting campus of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University. Includes the IG Farben building, the former corporate headquarters of IG Farben and largest office building in Europe from 1930 until the 1950s. Just east of the Grüneburgpark.
  • 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.
  • St. Leonhardskirche (St. Leonhard’s Church): old late Romanic church built in 1219 and later transformed in accordance with the Gothic style in the 15th century. English-language Catholic mass service on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Bornheim: A nice residential quarter with a lively market and beautiful medieval houses which survived the war intact (unlike the city centre). The most important and lively street is the Berger Straße, which runs from downtown all the way to the oldest parts of Bornheim. The more central downtown part of the Berger Straße (actually in the Nordend district) features a variety of small and often trendy little stores, cafés, and restaurants, whereas the older parts of Bornheim are famous for its historic Ebbelwoi (a local cider) taverns.
  • 14 Goetheturm (Goethe Tower). 1 Apr-30 Sep daily 10:00-18:00. An old 43-metre wooden tower with viewing platform offering nice views of the skyline. Located in the far south of Sachsenhausen.
  • Staufenmauer: remains of the old city wall (1138–1254) can be seen in the Fahrgasse and at the Liebfrauenkirche. More prominent examples of the city fortification built in later years include the Eschenheimer Turm (1428) near Hauptwache and the Friedberger Warte (1478, rebuilt 1637), which is on the Friedberger Landstraße a bit outside the main city centre.
  • Palais Thurn und Taxis: 18th century palace of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis. In the 19th century, it served as the parliament of the German Confederation. Unfortunately, apart from the front façade, most of it is reconstructed. The reconstruction has a smaller scale than the building's original 18th century size. In Große Eschenheimer Straße (1 minute walk north from Hauptwache towards the Eschenheimer Turm).
  • Hauptfriedhof: main cemetery, where you can find several mausoleums, over 150 year old tombstones, as well as the final resting places of philosophers Arthur Schopenhauer and Theodor W. Adorno.
  • Katharinenkirche: (St. Catherine's Church): Baroque style Lutheran church at Hauptwache. Constructed 1678 bis 1681 at the site of a former monastery, destroyed during World War II, and restored 1950 to 1954. The tower stands at 54m.
  • Alte Stadtbibliothek: former public library building, constructed 1820-1825 in neo-classical style.
  • 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.
  • 15 Zoo, Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16 (take subway U6 (towards Ostbahnhof) or U7 (towards Enkheim), get off at Zoo station), +49 69 2123-3735. Winter: daily 09:00-17:00; Summer: daily 09:00-19:00. €10 adults, €5, children, family €25.
  • 16 Petrihaus, Am Rödelheimer Wehr 15 (S3, S4, S5 Frankfurt-Rödelheim + 10 min walk), +49 151 17591919, . Feb-Nov Sunday. The pittoresque and unique Swiss style pavillon once hosted famous German poets like Goethe and Brentano. Refurbished since 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.

Museums

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. To get there, take the subway to Schweizer Platz (southern bank) or Willy-Brandt-Platz (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 valid for admission to all municipal museums on two consecutive days and is available at all Frankfurt museums:

Museumsufer with museum Städel and Holbeinsteg
  • Families (2 adults and children): €28
  • Individual visitors: €18 / concessions €10

At the Museumsufer

  • Sachsenhausen, Underground U1, U2, U3, U8 "Schweizer Platz" Bus 46 (Museumsufer Linie) "Städel"). About 10 minutes walk from main train station over pedestrian bridge, Holbeinsteg.
  • 17 Städel-Museum (Staedelsches Kunstinstitut), Schaumainkai 63, +49 69 605098-0, fax: +49 69 610163, . 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 arts, 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.
  • 18 Museum Giersch (Museum of Regional Historic Art and Culture), Schaumainkai 83, +49 69 6330-4128, fax: +49 69 6330-4144, . Tu-Fr 12:00-19:00, Sa+Su 11:00-17:00, Monday closed. 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.
  • 19 Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts), Schaumainkai 17, +49 69 2123-4037, fax: +49 69 2123-0703, . 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.
Liebighaus
  • 22 Museum für Kommunikation (Museum of Communication), Schaumainkai 53, +49 69-6060-0, fax: +49 69-6060-666. Tu-F 09:00-17:00, Sa+Su 11:00-19:00. Formerly known as the postal museum, it explains the history of communication with a strong focus on postal services and telecommunication. A lot of old telegraphs, phones, fax machines etc. can be tried out so it is fun for not too young kids. Don't miss the small but impressive art collection, hosting works with communication themes from the early 19th century up until today. €3 for adults; €1.50 for children.
  • 23 Architektur Museum (German Architecture Museum), Schaumainkai 43, +49 69 2123-8844, fax: +49 69-21237721, . Tu, Th-Su 10:00-17:00, We 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. €6 for adults.
  • 24 Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum), Schaumainkai 41, +49 69-21238830, fax: +49 69-21237881, . Open: 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.
Ikonen-Museum in Sachsenhausen
  • 25 Ikonen Museum (Icon Museum), Deutschordenshaus, Brückenstraße 3-7 / Walter-Kolb-Straße (Eastern End Schaumainkai), +49 69-21236262. Tu-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.
  • 26 Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum), Untermainkai 14/15 (Riverbank right side (Altstadt), Underground U1-U5, U8, Tram 11, 12 „Willy Brandt-Platz“ (This is not on the actual Museumsufer but on the other bank of the river)), +49 69-21235000, fax: +49 69-21230705, . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00. The Jewish community in Frankfurt can look back on over 850 years of history in Frankfurt 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..

Other museums

Museum of Modern Art
  • 27 Kunsthalle Schirn. A museum specializing in contemporary art. It is located just off the Römerplatz. There are two exhibition spaces that rotate every month or two.
  • 28 Museum für Moderne Kunst (Museum of Modern Art), Domstraße 10, +49 69 212-30447, fax: +49 69 212-37882, . Mon closed; Tue, Th-Su 10AM-6PM, W 10AM-8PM. The building was designed by Hans Hollein to resemble a boat, which is most notable when approaching it from the back (east). Apart from well-known artists in the permanent collection, e.g. Roy Liechtenstein and Andy Warhol, the museum has changing exhibits that often include very recent work. The museum has an associated restaurant Triangolo. €10.00 for adults, €5.00 for children.
  • Portikus, Weckmarkt 17 (Subway statiom Römer), +49 69 219987-60, +49 69 219987-59, fax: +49 69 219987-61, . M closed, Tu-Su 11AM - 6PM, W 11AM - 8PM, also closed when there is no current exhibition and on some public holidays. Exhibition hall located in the Leinwandhaus building Admission free.
  • Museum Judengasse, Kurt Schumacher-Straße 10, +49 69 2977419, fax: +49 69-21230705, . Mon closed, Tu-Su 10AM - 5PM, W 10AM - 8PM. Is part of the Jewish Museum, but at a differing address (not anywhere near the Museumsufer). 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 Frankfurts' murdered Jewish citizens on it. It surrounds the medieval Jewish cemetery dating back to 1272. There is another outpost of the Jewish museum near by, which hosts exhibitions on a regular basis. It is housed in a 4 story world war II overground bunker. Adults €5..
  • 30 Goethe Haus und Museum, Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, +49 69 1-38-80-0. 10AM – 6.00PM, Sunday until 5:30PM. Birthplace of Germany's most famous author and poet. It's a museum and picture gallery devoted to Goethe Adults €7, reduced €1.5-3.
  • 31 Historisches Museum (Historical Museum), Saalgasse 19 (U-Bahn Dom/Römer), +49 69-212-35599. Open Tuesday to Sunday and on all holidays 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 9 pm. Historic museum of the city of Frankfurt and its citizens. Today it offers a wide collection of the history of the city. . Admission: 7 €, reduced fee: 3.50 €, family ticket: 15 €.
  • 32 kindermuseum (chidren's museum), An der Hauptwache 15 - Mezzanine (Subway: Use U-Bahn or S-Bahn to "Hauptwache", look for KFC and take the stairs from there to the Mezzanine), +49 69-2123-5154. Tue - Sun: 10AM - 6PM. Presents exhibitions especially for children on topics of local historical and cultural relevance. Touching, testing, trying out: independent thinking and an autonomous learning environment are central to the children's museum. Admission: 4 €, reduced: 2 €, Family Card: 9 €.
  • 33 Naturmuseum Senckenberg (Nature Museum Seckenberg), Senckenberganlage 25 (To get to the museum, take the tram or subway to Bockenheimer Warte, then walk. There are no parking spaces available at the museum.), +49 69-75420, fax: +49 69-746238. Mo-Tu and Th-Fr 9AM-5PM, We 9AM-8PM, Sa-Su 9AM-6PM. Commonly called just Senckenberg museum it is one of the most famous museums of Frankfurt. The Senckenberg has various exhibits on natural history; plants, animals, minerals, and so on; the biggest attraction are the dinosaur skeletons and the collection of preserved animals that were hunted and stuffed in a less enlightened age. Highly recommended for anybody interested in the subject. Also suitable for children, who can touch some of the exhibit (like replicas of Dinosaur skeletons). €8.00 for adults, €4.00 for children (aged 6–15)..
  • Verkehrsmuseum Frankfurt am Main (Public Transportation Museum), Rheinlandstr. 133 (Take Tram 12 to the end of the line at Schwanheim Rheinlandstr.), +49 69 - 213-23 039 (Sundays/holidays 10:00-17:00), . Sundays/holidays 10:00-17:00. 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.

Events

Museum related events

Three special events are associated with Frankfurt's museums.

  • Every Saturday morning there's a flea market until noon at the Museumsufer.
  • Museumsuferfest: 28–30 August 2015. Once a year (usually during the last weekend in August), a festival is organized at the Museumsufer with food, music and various other activities. It is quite popular locally and offers a good chance to mingle with the locals. You can buy a badge that will give you unlimited access to all the museums during the festival weekend. Many closed collections open to the public on this weekend. Sign up for tours at the Römer tourist office. A dragon boat regatta also takes place on the river during the festival weekend and can be watched from both sides of the river. (date needs updating)
  • Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums): 23 April 2016. One night a year (in the End of April), 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 updating)

Other events

  • Christmas Market: 23 November – 22 December 2016, Römerberg, Paulsplatz und Mainkai. M–Sa 10:00–21:00, So 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 particiaption. (date needs updating)
  • Christopher Street Day (CSD): 15–19 July 2016. Konstablerwache. (date needs updating)

Do

Frankfurt and the river Main

Culture

  • The Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, +49 69-907399-100. Modern ballet in Frankfurt playing at the Bockenheimer Depot.
  • 1 Cinestar Metropolis, Eschenheimer Anlage 40 (Eschenheimer Tor U1/U2/U3 to or walk from the city centre). The cinema shows a couple of movies in English. 8-12€.
  • 2 English theatre, Gallusanlage 7 (Willy-Brandt-Platz), +49 69-24231620, . See a play at the largest English-language theatre in continental Europe
  • 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

Frankfurt's trade fairs are known to have taken place as early as in the year 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 train station, Messe, two stops away from the Central Railway Station (from platform 104, underground) on S 3/4/5/6, and there's also a Messe station on the U4 subway line. Advance tickets for fairs often allow free use of all RMV public transport. U4/U5 to station Messe/Torhaus; trains to the trade fairs will be announced in English.

  • Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurt Buchmesse): 19–23 October 2015. 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 the year 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. In recent years, the public days of the Book Fair have also drawn a vast contingent of manga/anime fans, many of whom dress up as their favorite characters! Photography is allowed, but only after asking permission. Day ticket €12. (date needs updating)
  • Frankfurt Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung): 17–27 September 2015. The world's largest motor show and Frankfurt's biggest event, held every two years. (In even-numbered years, the show is held in Hannover.) Day tickets €11-18. (date needs updating)

Sports

  • Go 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.
  • 4 Ice skating ring, Am Bornheimer Hang 4 (Eissporthalle Festplatz U7), +49 69 2123-9308, . Ice skating for amateurs or watch ice hockey games by the local teams
  • 5 Sportpark Kelkheim, Mainblick 51a, 65779 Kelkheim, +49 6195 5151, . Is a sports facility complex that features high rope courses, golf (no membership required), indoor climbing and bouldering, squash, and other activities.
  • 6 Boulderwelt Frankfurt, August-Schanz-Straße 50 (U5 Preungesheim or S-Bahn Frankfurter Berg), +49 69 9541-6560, . 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.
  • 7 Kletterzentrum Frankfurt/Main (DAV Kletterzentrum), Homburger Landstraße 283 (U5 Preungesheim), +49 69 95415170, . Mo-Fr 10:00-23:00, Sa So 09:00-22:00. The DAV Kletterzentrum opened for climbing in spring 2013. It offers up to 15m high walls with many routes.
  • 8 Dynochrom, Flinschstr. 45 (Schäfflestrasse U4 +U7), +49 69 4080-2770, . M,F 15:00-23:00, Tu-Th,Sa 11:00-2300, Su 11:00-21:00. This gym has tough boulders for enthusiastic climbers. €9.

Walks

  • 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.
  • Maintower, Neue Mainzer Straße 52 - 58 (S-Bahnstation Taunusanlage), +49 69-3650-4878. Have a breathtaking view from this skyscraper 5,- €adults, 3.5 €kids.
  • Go for a walk in the City Forest (Stadtwald) in the south of Frankfurt. With about 48 square kilometres, 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 14 direction Neu-Isenburg/Stadtgrenze from Frankfurt South Station (Frankfurt Süd). Trams 12, 19, 20 and 21 also connect the Stadtwald with downtown Frankfurt.
  • Go on top of the Feldberg mountain, the highest mountain of the Taunus. Take a train from Frankfurt central to Königsstein and then go to the main bus place (Parkstraße). Busses 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.

Learn

  • Goethe Institut, Diesterwegplatz 72 (Südbahnhof), +49 69 961-2270. The official German language institute with a vast range of courses to learn German in Goethe's hometown.
  • Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Senckenberganlage 31 (U-Bahn station Bockenheimer Warte), +49 69 7980. 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.
  • Volkshochschule Frankfurt (Public education centre), Sonnemannstraße 13 (Südbahnhof), +49 69 2127-1501. Vast range of language courses, cooking classes and other educational courses.

Work

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

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 8PM, though some of the larger stores downtown may close at 9 or 10PM. In general, shops are closed on Sundays.

Shopping mall MyZeil

Shopping streets

  • 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 U1/2/3 to Schweizer Platz.
  • Berger Straße: smaller trendy shops and cafés, take U4 to Merianplatz or Höhenstraße.
  • Leipziger Straße: smaller shops, take U6/U7 to Leipziger Straße station.

Shopping centres

  • 1 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.
  • 2 Kleinmarkthalle, Hasengasse 5-7 (Hauptwache, Konstablerwache). M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 08:00-16:00. A market hall with local and international food products in the city centre between Zeil and Berliner Straße.
  • 3 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.
  • 4 Skyline Plaza, Europa-Allee 6 (Messe U4). M-W 9:30-20:00, 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.
  • 5 Zeilgalerie, Zeil 112-114, . 10:00-20:00 Mo-Sa (closed on Sundays). An upscale'ish shopping centre with a pretence of trend and design, and more importantly, a panorama roof on the 9th floor offering views of the Hauptwache area.

Markets

  • 6 Flea Market. Sa 09:00-14:00. Along the river in Sachsenhausen during which time the road is normally closed to traffic.
  • 7 Farmer's Market at Konstablerwache (Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache) (Konstablerwache). Th 10:00-20:00, Sa 08:00-17:00. Locally produced vegetables or fruits are found also directly from regional ecological producers.
  • 8 Schillermarkt (Hauptwache). 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

  • 9 Grüneburger Bioladen, Grüneburgweg 6 (Grüneburgweg), +49 69 9550-2229. M-F 7:30-20:00, Sa 07:30-19:00. Excellent choice of cheese plus fresh vegetables. The shop has affordable lunch soups and also does custom deliveries.
  • 10 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.
  • 11 Mammut Store Frankfurt, Fahrgasse 111 (Konstablerwache), +49 69 46099069. 10:00-20:00, So closed. 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.
  • 12 Landkarten Schwarz, Kornmarkt 12 (Hauptwache), +49 69 55 38 69, . M-Fr 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-18:00. The book shop has travel guides for all over the world and many maps. Ideal for you to checkout before jumping to the next destination.
  • 13 Radsport Frankfurt (Gnewikow & Fülberth Radsport GmbH), Eschersheimer Landstraße 555 (Lindenbaum), +49 69 534100, . 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.
  • 14 Fahrradhaus Wagner, Woogstr. 21, Ginnheim (U1 Ginnheim, walk 10min), +49 69 952 948 44, . M Tu Th F 09:00-12:00, 15:00-18:30, Mi 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.

Eat

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 cafes, restaurant, and deli food stores. It's a popular area to dine after the daily shopping. Take the subway to station Hauptwache or Alte Oper. In late May to early June (exact dates vary each year), the Fressgass Fest takes place with food stands, cheap beer and live music.

Typical specialities from the hessian region are "Handkäs mit Musik" - a cheese from curdled milk, the "Frankfurter Grüne Sauce" - 7-9 fresh herbs mixed - and at Christmas time the "Bethmännchen" formed from Marzipan and almonds. This is eaten together with Apfelwein (see Drink). Most places in Frankfurt feature international food, so you have to specifically search for traditional ones. For most restaurants in Frankfurt it is highly recommended to reserve in advance as the restaurant might otherwise have no free tables.

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.

Budget

  • 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.
  • 1 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.
  • Bizim Döner (Frankfurt-Griesheim). A small suburban shop with fantastic kebab. €2.50-10.
  • 2 Im Herzen Afrikas, Gutleutstraße 13 (Willy-Brandt-Platz), +49 69 2424-6080, . Eastern African food. Decoration is special (sand as floor) and reservation is important, as for dinner they offer only specific times €6-8.50.
  • 3 Jade (Magic Wok), Moselstraße 25 (close to Hauptbahnhof, 2 blocks down Kaiserstrasse, then right, it's the one on the left), +49 69 27135988. 11:30-23:00. Small Chinese place with an international crowd. Excellent food served in enormous portions for a very cheap price. The menu is in Chinese, English and German. Very friendly service.
  • 4 Kumpir, Adalbertstr. 7a, 60486 Frankfurt (near Bockheimer Warte) (Get off at 'Bockheimer Warte' with U4 / U6 / U7), +49 69 78083376. Mo-Fr 8am-8pm, Sa 10am-9pm. Speciality is Turkish Kumpir with couscous, potato salad, fresh salad and tomatoes in a huge potato. 3-7€.
  • 5 Pizzeria 7 Bello, Niddastr. 82 (Main station), +49 69 236099. 10-12:30. Good lunch option for fast pizza and pasta. Popular during summer as they have a small terrace on the side walk.
  • 6 Pizzeria Charly Braun, Röderbergweg 121 (Frankfurt-Ostend, Habsburgerallee), +49 69 492-941. M-F 10:30-23:00, closed Sundays. 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. €3.60-7.10 (depending on size).
  • 7 Ruchi, Ludwig Straße 12 (Hauptbahnhof), +49 69 2729-5728, . Mo-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. €4-8.00.
  • 8 Lahmer Esel, Krautgartenweg 1 (Niederursel U3 U8), +49 69 573974, . Tu-So 11:30-14, 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" is recommended.

Mid-range

  • 9 Adolf Wagner, Schweizer Straße 71 (Schweizer Platz), +49 69 612565, . 11:00-24:00. The restaurant serves a variety of traditional local dishes, and is home of some of the best Apfelwein in Frankfurt, as it is made in house. Be sure to try the "Handkäse mit Musik" for an appetizer.
  • 10 Bidlabu, Kleine Bockenheimer Str. 14, 60313 (Hauptwache or Alte Oper), +49 69 95 64 87 84. 11:30-, Su closed. 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.
  • 11 Chez Mamie, Hügelstraße 168a, 60431 Frankfurt am Main (Hügelstrasse U1+U2+U3+U8), +49 69 95 20 93 60, . 18:00-22:00, Su closed. Better to reserve your table in advance as the place fills up quite quickly thanks to the good French cuisine with fresh food. The location is a bit a typical, but easily reachable by public transport.
  • 12 Fennischfuchser, Mainzer Landstrasse 95, +49 69 253855. 12:00-24:00. German cuisine near the railway station where you can try some Hessian specialties. The prices are reasonable. around 10€.
  • 13 Iwase, Vilbeler Straße 31 (Konstablerwache), +49 69 283992. M-Sa 9:00-14:00, 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. 9-37€.
  • 14 Ichiban, Düsseldorfer Strasse 11 (Hauptbahnhof). 11:30-15:00, 18:00-23:00. A Taiwanese restaurant near the main railway station serving Chinese food, sushi and some dishes from elsewhere in East Asia. You can choose from the buffet or from a menu. Wonderful food and popular among both Asians and Westerners, locals and travelers alike. It is open for lunch and dinner and closes for a few hours in the afternoon. The buffet was a little more expensive for dinner, around 15€.
  • 15 Koh Samui, Große Friedberger Straße 32 (Konstablerwache), +49 69 29 28 28, . 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. €8.50-14.
  • 16 Leib & Seele, Kornmarkt 11 (Hauptwache), +49 69 281529, . Su-Th 10:00-01:00, Fr Sa 10:00–02:00. Traditional German cuisine in a convenient location right in the centre. It has specific breakfast choices.
  • 17 Metropol Café (Café am Dom), Weckmarkt 13-15 (Dom Römer), +49 69 288287. Tu-Su 09:00-01:00. The restaurant serves food to a young crowd. There are many drink choices.
  • 18 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.
  • 19 Paulaner am Dom, Domplatz 6 (Dom), +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.
  • 20 Quan Van, Schwarzburgstr. 74 (Glauburgstrasse U5), +49 69 599723. So-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. €9-14.
  • 21 Restaurant Maximilian, Ginnheimer Stadtweg 120 (Ginnheim), +49 69 951 533 13. 16:00-24:00, Su closed. Nice little restaurant serving German cuisine and fresh daily dishes. It has also specific vegetarian choices.
  • 22 Salzkammer, Weißadlergasse 15 (Hauptwache), +49 69 15393000. M-Sa 11:00-24:00. The restaurant serves food close to real Austrian cuisine.
  • 23 Suvadee, Baumweg 19 (Merianplatz), +49 69 4940764, . M-Sa 12:00-23:00. Baumweg 19/Steinweg 7 : in case you want a change from German cuisine: a good Thai restaurant with reasonable prices. It has also a specific vegetarian section. €12-20.
  • 24 Speisekammer, Alt Hedernheim 41 (Heddernheim U1+U2+U3+U8), +49 69 57 38 88, . 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.
  • 25 Zum gemalten Haus, Schweizer Strasse 67 (Schweitzer Platz), +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.
  • 26 Leonhard's, Zeil 116 -126 (U-Bahn/S-Bahn Hauptwache). 9:30AM-9PM, closed on Sundays. This is a caffeteria-style self-service restaurant atop the Galeria Kaufhof department store at the Hauptwache. The food is unremarkable and average at best (even if prepared to order before your eyes), but the real reason to go there is the absolutely best view you can get of the Frankfurt's skyline and the Hauptwache from its 7th floor terrace. The Galeria Kaufhof is directly accessible from the Hauptwache U-Bahn/S-Bahn station, so you can pop in for a quick bite or just coffee and cake and enjoy the view.

Splurge

  • 27 Aquapazza, Westendplatz 42, +49 69-172-028, fax: +49 69-972 06 440, . Italian fish restaurant with option of alfresco dining under a pergola. Good, fresh fish dishes, but pricey.
  • 28 Cantina Divino, Zimmerweg 8 (Taunusanlage), +49 69 71402644, . 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.
  • 29 Emma Metzler, Schaumainkai 17 (U1, U2, U3, Station *Schweizer Platz*), +49 69-6199-5906, . Tue-Sat 12PM-12AM, Sun 12PM-6AM, Monday closed. 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. 40€.
  • 30 Haus Wertheym, Fahrtor 1 (Dom), +49 69-281-432, . Historic restaurant anno 1479, but due to the touristic location it is not recommended.
  • 31 Moriki, Taunusanlage 12, 60325, +49 69 71913070, . 12 - 16 and 18 - 23. The Japanese kitchen with asiatic 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€.
  • 32 Main Nizza, Untermainkai 17 (Willy Brandt Platz), +49 69-299207511, . 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.
  • 33 Surf-n-Turf Steakhouse, Grüneburgweg 95 (at the corner of Siebert-Liebigstrasse), +49 69 722122. M-F 12:00-15:00, M-Sa 18:00-24:00. This is probably the best steakhouse in Germany. €30-50.
  • 34 Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal Tandoori), Schweizer Straße 28 (Schweizer Platz), +49 69 620240, . 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:30. Good Indian restaurant with short walk from city centre. Reservation for dinner is recommended.
  • 35 Zarges, Kalbaecher Gasse 10 (Fressgass), +49 69 299030, . M-Sa 11:00-23:00. Offers breakfast, business lunch and fine dining with a French twist at a constant high level. For Dining a reservation is expected.
  • 36 Weinsinn, Fürstenbergerstraße 179 (Holzhausenstraße), +49 69 5699-8080, . Tu-Sa 18h30-. The newest most highly ranked restaurant in Frankfurt with special dedication to the served wines.

Drink

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. The city centre includes the rather seedy red light district - which is heavily patrolled by police/Ordnungsamt- near the main station 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.

For a quick beverage on the go, there exists small shops all over the town called Trinkhalle. They are usually open well into the night. Most of the times one orders and buys directly from the street.

Due to the banks and business travellers the nightlife in Frankfurt is split in upstyle parties or alternative student parties. Generally clothing must be a bit more upstyle than the German average, so sneakers will be only allowed in reggae/dancehall/r'n'b clubs etc.

Bars

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

  • 1 22nd Lounge and Bar, Neue Mainzer Str. 66-68 (Alte Oper / 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.
  • 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.
  • 3 Die Rote Bar, mainkai 7, +49 69 293533, fax: +49 69 61 99 03 18, . 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.
  • 4 Sandbar, Sandweg 6, +49 69 4908-3695, . Su-Th 18:00-02:00, F-Sa 18:00-03:00. This place has small snacks and good wines.
  • 5 tango y tapas bar, Sonnemannstr. 3 (Ostendstrasse), +49 69 811234, . M-Sa 17:30-. The bar serves Argentian wines and tapas. It happens after the end of the tango class.
  • 6 Volkswirtschaft (Vowi), Jordanstrasse 13 (Bockenheimer Warte), +49 69 776400, . 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.
  • 7 Alte Schiffsmeldestelle (Am Mainufer in Frankfurt-Höchst), +49 69 30088444, . Apri-October 11–24. 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.
  • 8 Club Voltaire (politik kultur kneipe legende), Kleine Hochstr. 5, +49 69 219993-11, . 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

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.

  • 9 Cafe & Bar Celona, +49 69-13886709. Holzgraben 31 (near Hauptwache). Daily 9AM-1AM, Fri & Sa 9AM-2AM. Spanish-style bar in the heart of the city. Popular, attracts a younger crowd, good for meeting people. Very crowded around 5PM-7PM. Also serves a variety of Spanish dishes. €7-20/person.
  • 10 Cafehaus Siesmayer, Siesmayerstraße 59 (Westend), +49 69 90029200, . 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.
  • 11 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.
  • 12 Salon Bitter & Zart, Braubachstr. 14 (Dom/Römer), +49 6994 94 2846, . M-Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 11:00-18:00. On weekends consider queuing for the rare places of this stylish salon.
  • 13 Table Schirn, Römerberg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, +4969 21 99 99 52. 10:00-. Relaxed and stylish cafe next to the exposition hall Schirn
  • 14 Wacker´s Kaffee Geschäft (Wacker), Kornmarkt 9 (Hauptwache), +49 69-28-78-10. M-F 08:00-19:00, Sat 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

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.

  • 15 Batschkapp (Nachtleben), Gwinnerstrasse 5 (U4, U7 Gwinnerstrasse), +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.
  • 16 Clubkeller, Textorstr. 26 (Südbahnhof), +49 69 6637 2697, . Th-Sa 22:00-. Small place on Textorstrasse that has a good mix of indie music and a nice atmosphere.
  • 17 Gibson Club, Zeil 85-93 (Hauptwache), +49 69 94947770, . 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.
  • 18 Hafen 2 (Kulturzentrum und interdisziplinäre Plattform), Nordring 129 (S-Bahn Offenbach). The club plays house and announces artists on the website
  • 19 Jazzkeller, Kleinen Bockenheimer Straße Nr. 18a (Hauptwache), +49 69-288537, . Since 1952 the Jazz meeting point. Outstanding Jazz music for everyone with special concerts once in a while.
  • 20 King Kamehameha Club, Hanauer Landstr. 192 (Ostend), +49 69 5233558, . Th-Sa. One of the most famous clubs (especially for after work bankers) in Frankfurt. You need to dress to impress!
  • 21 Kingkamehameha Beach Club, Hafeninsel 2, +49 69 48009610, . Artificial beach, open only during the summer, not at the same location as the regular Kingkamehameha Club! €3-5.
  • 22 Moon 13 (moon13), Carl-Benz-Straße 21 (11, 12 Dieselstraße), +49 69 87200013, . The club mainly attracts a young public as it plays current hits from the charts. It has smaller spaces to chill out.
  • 23 Odeon (Diskothek Odeon), Seilerstraße 34 (Konstablerwache), +49 69-285055, . Theme parties (e.g. Monday Black music and Thursday Fraternity parties) and crowd depends on weekday. Saturday night is best and well-known pick-up joint for older pupils and students.
  • 24 Robert Johnson, Nordring 131 (S-Bahn Offenbach). Fr,Sa 24:00-. 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.
  • 25 Tanzhaus West, Gutleutstraße 294 (S-bahn Galluswarte). Fr, Sa 23:00-. The club is mostly known for drumm 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.
  • 26 Velvet Club, Weißfrauenstr. 12 -16 (Willy-Brandt-Platz), +49 69 2578-0951, . Club in downtown Frankfurt with very nice interior design. Great place for house and electronic music lovers.
  • 27 Zoom, Brönnerstraße 5 (Hauptwache, Konstablerwache), +49 69 280385, . Jazz, Reggae, Dancehall and Rock club for the middle aged (30-50y) with special guests and regular themes. It is the successor of the Sinkkasten artsclub and attracts many indie-bands. €8.

Ebbelwoi

Alt-Sachsenhausen, a part of the suburb Sachsenhausen south of the Main river, is famous for its bars and Kneipen (a German type of pub) serving the "regional speciality" Ebbelwoi (local dialect for "apple wine", sometimes spelled Ebbelwei). However, these days it's 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, Feuerraedchen).

Not as famous as "Alt-Sachs", but also well known, is Bornheim (located in the north) which has also some biergarden-like applewine establishments on 'Berger Straße' and the surrounding area. Some of the popular apple-wine places in Bornheim are Solzer, Zur Sonne and Zur Schoenen Muellerin.

Drinking apple wine: Most locals drink their apple wine with a dash of sparkling water. Just order a glass by asking for a "Sauergespritzte" or simply a "Sauer". You can also order a "Süßgespritzte", this is apple wine with a dash of lemonade though this might earn you some disapproving looks from the waiters and locals. If you are in a group you can also order a Bembel. This is a clay jug that comes in different sizes and keeps the apple wine cool. Try the local cider "Apfelwein", especially that made by Possmann. The "Frau Rauscher" edition has a pleasant natural taste with some yeast left into it.

Sleep

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 main station are a valid alternative to expensive airports hotels as it is just a 10 minutes 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.

Budget

  • 1 Five Elements Hostel, Moselstr. 40 (5 min walk from main station), +49 69 2400-5885, . Clean and new facilities with English and German speaking staff. Offers variation from dorms to single rooms. Free WLAN €18-.
  • 2 Frankfurt Hostel, Kaiserstrasse 74, +49 69 247-5130, . 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.
  • 3 Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt City Hauptbahnhof, Elbestrasse 7. WiFi and breakfast included in the room price.
  • 4 ibis Styles Frankfurt City, Moselstrasse 12. WiFi and breakfast included in the room price.
  • 5 Luxor Hotel Frankfurt, Allerheiligentor 2-4 (Ostendstrasse), +49 69 2930-6769, . is 10 minutes to the historic downtown area, and 5 minutes to Sachsenhausen restaurants. Rooms are large and clean. There is shampoo in the bathroom, shower is nice. Hair dryer and mini-safe, cosmetic mirror, TV and closet in the room. Breakfast is excellent Prices for single rooms are available from €40/night and doubles for €50/night outside of fair dates.
  • 6 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.

Mid-range

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!

  • 7 Ambassador, Moselstrasse 10 (Near the central station.). 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).
  • 8 Hotel am Berg, Grethenweg 23 (Südbahnhof), +49 69 660537-0, . The place is decorated kind of oldstyle. 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 it's own eccentric décor. €49-.
  • 9 Hotel Concorde, Karlstrasse 9 (main station), +49 69-2424220. Close to main station with good breakfast. Free WLAN. All rooms with air conditioning. For longterm residents it offers apartments, too.
  • 10 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.
  • 11 Hotel Cult. Excellent 4-Star Desinghotel in Frankfurt/Sachsenhausen.
  • 12 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
  • 13 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
  • 14 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.
  • 15 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
Frankfurter Hof
  • 16 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.
  • 17 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.
  • 18 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.
  • 19 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.
  • 20 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.
  • 21 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.

Splurge

  • 22 Frankfurter Hof, Am Kaiserplatz (Willy-Brandt-Platz), +49 69-215-02. The grand old hotel of Frankfurt and known for excellent style and service for more than 130 years.
  • 23 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.
  • 25 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+.
  • 26 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.
  • 27 Villa Kennedy, Kennedyallee 70, +49 69-71712-0. Best hotel in town with outstanding service. Top prices for top service. Build in a former mansion with just 160 rooms and a ballroom.
  • 28 Westin Grand Frankfurt, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 7 (Konstablerwache), +49 69-2981-0. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fresh city centre hotel with calm rooms. Lots of international guests but staff with good local knowledge.
  • 29 25 hours Frankfurt by Levi's, Niddastrasse 58 (Hauptbahnhof), +49 69 2566 770, . This hotel by the German "lifestyle hotel" chain features design elements inspired by the Levi's jeans brand. The rooms are in different colors 60´s or 70´s or 80´s style. There is a music rehearsal room on location as well, available for rent. €114-.
  • 30 Le Meridien Parkhotel, Wiesenhuettenplatz 28-38, +49 2697 0, . 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.
  • 31 Jumeirah Frankfurt, Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz 2 (close to Hauptwache). 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

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 Frankfurt. 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 also is the hangout of many drug dealers/junkies, although even there you are usually save 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 any trouble.

Drugs and beggars

The central station area (Hauptbahnhof) is known for being a centre for homeless people and drug users. It has improved much in recent years, 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") and they will get frustrated and leave you alone. If you think you are up to it, you may find it useful to know one or two sentences in the Frankfurter dialect to mimic locals, as tourists are often regarded as more profitable targets for beggars. Some of these phrases would be hör uff (stop it), lass misch in ruh (leave me alone) or mach disch ab! (go away!). A polite Nein, danke (no thanks) will usually not do.

Connect

Internet

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 offers Wi-Fi. Various other hotels offer Internet access but usually at a charge.

Burger King (cnr Liebfrauenstrasse / Holzgraben) near Hauptwache offers free Wi-Fi in its restaurant, as does Starbucks near Hauptwache (Börsenplatz).

Phone

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 subway station. You may also visit one of the plenty Internet cafés, since they almost all offer cheap phone calls via Internet.

Post offices

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.
  • In the Karstadt department store (ground floor) on the Zeil shopping street.
  • On Goetheplatz
  • At the Südbahnhof (Southern Station) take exit Diesterwegplatz and cross the square; the post office is to the left.

Cope

Embassies

Go next

  • 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
Saalburg Main Gate near Bad Homburg
  • 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, 1h50 ICE via Mainz
  • Büdingen: medieval city centre

Hiking

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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