General Information
Frankfurt am Main, often called “Mainhattan”, is Germany’s financial capital, home to the European Central Bank, and a key international hub. With its impressive skyline, rich history, and cultural landmarks, Frankfurt blends modernity with tradition. From world-class museums and historic old town squares to vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine, the city has something for every traveler.
Location
Frankfurt is situated in central Germany, along the Main River. It is a major transportation hub, offering easy access to other German and European cities. Nearby destinations include:
- Wiesbaden (40 km) – Germany’s spa capital.
- Heidelberg (90 km) – A charming university town with a famous castle.
- Rhine Valley (80 km) – A UNESCO-listed region known for vineyards and medieval castles.
How to Get There
- By Air:
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s busiest airports, with direct flights worldwide.
- The S-Bahn (S8, S9) connects the airport to the city center in 15 minutes.
- By Train:
- Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) is a major rail hub with high-speed ICE trains to Berlin, Munich, Paris, and Zurich.
- By Car:
- Located at the junction of the A3, A5, and A66 highways, making it easy to drive to/from major cities.
- By Bus:
- FlixBus and BlaBlaBus provide affordable options from other European destinations.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March – May): Perfect for exploring parks, gardens, and river cruises.
- Summer (June – August): Ideal for outdoor festivals, beer gardens, and riverside dining.
- Autumn (September – November): Best for wine festivals and Frankfurt Book Fair (October).
- Winter (December – February): Experience the magical Christmas markets.
Key Festivals & Events:
- Dippemess (Spring & Autumn Fairs): A fun traditional festival with rides and food stalls.
- Museum Embankment Festival (August): One of Europe’s largest cultural festivals.
- Frankfurt Christmas Market (December): One of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Jumeirah Frankfurt: A 5-star hotel with stunning skyline views.
- Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof: A historic hotel with luxurious amenities.
- Mid-range:
- NH Collection Frankfurt City: A modern hotel with great city-center access.
- Motel One Frankfurt-Römer: A stylish, budget-friendly option.
- Budget:
- Five Elements Hostel: A popular budget-friendly hostel near the main train station.
- MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt/Main Messe: Affordable and great for backpackers.
- Unique Stays:
- Lindley Lindenberg: A trendy boutique hotel with a co-living concept.
- The Pure: A chic, minimalist-designed hotel near the main station.
Top Attractions
- Römerberg: The historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring medieval buildings and the famous Römer City Hall.
- Goethe House: The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous writer.
- Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus): A stunning Gothic cathedral with a tower offering panoramic city views.
- Palmengarten: A breathtaking botanical garden with exotic plants and scenic landscapes.
- Main Tower: A skyscraper with an observation deck offering the best city views.
- Städel Museum: One of Germany’s top art museums, featuring works from Rembrandt to Picasso.
- Senckenberg Natural History Museum: A must-visit for dinosaur and science enthusiasts.
- Ebbelwei-Express: A vintage tram ride offering sightseeing with local apple wine (Ebbelwei).
Getting Around
- Public Transport: Frankfurt has an efficient U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (regional trains), trams, and buses.
- Walking: The city center is pedestrian-friendly, especially in the Altstadt (Old Town).
- Bike Rentals: Services like Call a Bike and Lime offer convenient bike rentals.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis and Uber are available, but public transport is often more convenient.
Local Cuisine
- Frankfurter Würstchen: A traditional pork sausage, often served with mustard and bread.
- Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A local herb-based sauce served with boiled eggs and potatoes.
- Handkäs mit Musik: A regional cheese dish with onions and vinegar.
- Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi): Frankfurt’s famous apple cider, best enjoyed in a traditional tavern.
Best Restaurants:
- Apfelwein Wagner: A traditional cider tavern serving authentic local dishes.
- Zum Gemalten Haus: A historic eatery famous for Frankfurt specialties.
- Gustav: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern German cuisine.
Shopping
- Zeil: Frankfurt’s main shopping street, home to international brands.
- Goethestraße: The city’s luxury shopping district, featuring designer boutiques.
- Kleinmarkthalle: A historic indoor market with fresh food and regional delicacies.
Nightlife
- Long Island Summer Lounge: A rooftop bar with panoramic city views.
- Jazzkeller Frankfurt: A legendary jazz club with live performances.
- Gibson Club: A modern nightclub with DJs and live music.
- O’Reilly’s Irish Pub: A lively pub great for beer and sports fans.
Day Trips from Frankfurt
- Heidelberg (90 km): A romantic town with a famous castle.
- Rhine Valley (80 km): Known for vineyards, castles, and scenic river cruises.
- Wiesbaden (40 km): A historic spa town with thermal baths.
- Eltz Castle (140 km): One of Germany’s most stunning medieval castles.
