Trip to Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Europe · FRA
Frankfurt am Main, often overshadowed by its glitzier German siblings, offers a surprisingly grounded and efficient urban experience. It's a city that works hard, a major financial hub with a skyline that belies its manageable size. Unlike Berlin's sprawling artistic vibe or Munich's Bavarian gemütlichkeit, Frankfurt pulses with a more international, business-driven rhythm. Yet, beneath the high-rises, you'll find centuries-old timber-framed houses, a lively apple wine culture, and a compact, walkable center that makes exploration straightforward. It's a city that respects punctuality and practicality, but rewards those who look beyond the financial district.
Neighborhoods to know
Altstadt (Old Town)
The historical heart, centered around the Römerberg square with its reconstructed medieval buildings. It's picturesque, especially when lit up at night, and home to the cathedral. Best visited during the day for photos or in the evening for a traditional apple wine tavern experience. Expect higher prices in the immediate vicinity of the main sights.
Sachsenhausen
South of the Main River, Sachsenhausen is Frankfurt's traditional apple wine district. Lively streets like Schweizer Straße offer a mix of traditional Apfelweinwirtschaften (apple wine taverns) and modern bars. It's a great place for an authentic evening out, especially on weekends. Prices are generally reasonable, particularly away from the very center.
Westend
An elegant, leafy residential area west of the city center, characterized by grand Wilhelminian-era apartment buildings and quiet squares. It's a more upscale neighborhood, home to wealthy residents and embassies. Ideal for a peaceful stroll, perhaps followed by a coffee in a refined café. It's less about nightlife and more about sophisticated urban living.
Bahnhofsviertel (Station Quarter)
Adjacent to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), this area has a mixed reputation. Historically known for its red-light district, it's undergoing a transformation with trendy cafes, bars, and international eateries popping up. It's vibrant and diverse, offering a more gritty, authentic feel than other parts of the city. Good for budget-friendly eats and exploring a less polished side.
Ostend
Located east of the city center, Ostend has become increasingly popular. It's home to the European Central Bank and the trendy waterside development around the Main Plaza. You'll find a mix of residential areas, parks like the Ostpark, and emerging culinary spots. It offers a glimpse into Frankfurt's modern development and a more local vibe.
Top attractions
Römerberg
The historical city square featuring the Römer, Frankfurt's town hall for over 600 years, and charming half-timbered houses. It's the city's ceremonial heart. Free to walk around. Best visited during the day for photographs or during Christmas markets.
Main Tower
This modern skyscraper offers panoramic views of Frankfurt's skyline and the Taunus mountains. Entry costs around 9.00€. Go near sunset for the best light. Expect a queue during peak times.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
A stretch along the Main River hosting numerous world-class museums, including the Städel Museum (art) and the German Film Museum. Individual museum tickets range from 8.00€ to 15.00€. Consider a MuseumsuferCard for access to multiple museums if planning multiple visits.
Goethe House & Museum
The birthplace of Germany's most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It provides insight into 18th-century bourgeois life. Entry is around 12.00€. Allow about 1.5 hours for a visit.
Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus (Imperial Cathedral)
The former coronation church of Holy Roman Emperors. Climb the tower for city views (separate fee, ~5.00€). Entry to the cathedral itself is free. It's located near the Römerberg.
Kleinmarkthalle
A bustling indoor market offering local delicacies, fresh produce, and international foods. Great for sampling regional specialties or grabbing a quick lunch. Free to enter. Go on a Saturday morning for the liveliest atmosphere.
When to go to Frankfurt
The best times to visit Frankfurt are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months (July-August). Winter (December-February) is cold, averaging around 0-5°C, but the Christmas markets offer a festive atmosphere. Spring can be a bit unpredictable with rain, while summer can get hot, sometimes exceeding 30°C. The city hosts various events throughout the year, including the Frankfurt Book Fair in October and the DFB-Pokal final at the Waldstadion.
Eating out
Dishes to try
- Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold sauce made from seven specific herbs, typically served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. It's a Frankfurt specialty, often enjoyed in spring and summer.
- Handkäs mit Musik (Hand Cheese with Music): A sour milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, onions, and caraway seeds. 'Musik' refers to the audible side effect of eating onions. Served with bread.
- Frankfurter Rippchen mit Kraut (Frankfurt Ribs with Sauerkraut): Cured pork cutlets, lightly smoked and served with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. A hearty, traditional main course.
Where to eat
For authentic Frankfurt cuisine, head to the traditional apple wine taverns in Sachsenhausen, particularly around Schweizer Straße and its side streets. For a broader range of international and modern cuisine, explore the Bahnhofsviertel or the emerging spots in Ostend. The Kleinmarkthalle offers diverse options for lunch. Expect to pay around 15-25€ for a main course in a mid-range restaurant.
Getting around
From the airport
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is well-connected. The most efficient way to the city center is via the S-Bahn trains (lines S8 and S9) which run every few minutes and take approximately 15-20 minutes to reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station), costing around 5.80€. Taxis are also readily available, costing approximately 30-40€ for the 20-30 minute journey to the city center.
In the city
Frankfurt has an excellent public transport network operated by RMV, including the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (urban rail), trams, and buses. A single ticket within the city zone costs 3.20€. Day tickets are available, starting from 5.80€ for one person. Consider a Frankfurt Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions. The city center is very walkable, and bike rentals are increasingly available through apps like Nextbike.
Local culture & tips
Frankfurt's directness can sometimes be perceived as abrupt by visitors accustomed to more effusive greetings. Punctuality is highly valued, especially in business contexts. Tipping (Trinkgeld) is customary but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving around 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and for taxi drivers. Meal times are fairly standard: lunch around 12:00-13:00, dinner from 18:00 onwards. While generally a safe city, be aware of your surroundings, particularly in the Bahnhofsviertel late at night. Many locals speak excellent English due to the international nature of the city.
How long to stay in Frankfurt?
We recommend at least 4 days on site to enjoy Frankfurt without rushing. Add 1-2 extra days if you're pairing it with another Europe stop. For a short city-break, 3 days already cover the highlights.
Quick facts
- AirportFRA
- RegionEurope
- CountryDE
Travel budget in Frankfurt
A rough daily budget estimate is around 98€ per person. A mid-range hotel could cost 58€ per night. Food expenses can be managed by eating at local taverns or markets; a simple lunch might be 10-15€, while a dinner in a restaurant averages 28€. Local transport, using a day ticket, is around 12€. A museum entry can range from 10-15€. For a frugal traveler, aiming for hostels or budget guesthouses (around 40€), street food or market meals (20€), and walking/occasional public transport (5€) could bring the daily total closer to 65€. A more comfortable trip might involve a 4-star hotel (120€+), dining out twice (50€), and paying for several attractions (30€), pushing the daily cost to 200€+.
Where to stay in Frankfurt
Plan ~€58/night mid-range in Frankfurt — central neighbourhood, double room with breakfast. To compare availability and real pricing for your dates, we send you straight to Booking.com with a pre-filled search.
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Other destinations in Europe
Frankfurt pairs well with other cities in the same region. Add one or two to your itinerary to amortize the long-haul flight and mix up the experience.