Frankfurt, Germany Travel Guide

Discover Frankfurt: A blend of modernity and history, offering skyscrapers, historic sites, cultural treasures, and vibrant shopping and dining experiences.

Frankfurt, a city where old meets new, is a fascinating destination for tourists from all over the world. Situated on the banks of the River Main, it is known for its modern skyline, dominated by tall skyscrapers, as well as its historic buildings that tell tales of a rich past. The Römer, a medieval building that has served as the city hall for over 600 years, is a must-see. Nearby, the St. Bartholomew's Cathedral stands as a testament to gothic architecture and history. Frankfurt is also a cultural hub. The city is home to many museums, such as the Städel Museum, which offers a vast collection of European art. For literature enthusiasts, the Goethe House, where the famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born, is a highlight. Don't miss the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden that provides a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. Shopping enthusiasts will find their paradise on the Zeil, one of Germany's most famous shopping streets. Frankfurt also offers a variety of dining options, from traditional German cuisine in cozy apple wine taverns to international gourmet restaurants. The city's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars and clubs, ensures that the fun continues well after the sun sets.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Frankfurt.

Visit the Kleinmarkthalle for local delicacies and a glimpse into Frankfurt’s culinary scene.
Take a walk along the River Main for stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Consider purchasing a Frankfurt Card for discounts on public transport and entry to many attractions.
Explore Sachsenhausen, a district known for its traditional apple wine taverns and vibrant nightlife.
Check the schedule of events at the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the world.

Neighbourhoods in Frankfurt

Sachsenhausen

Bahnhofsviertel

Westend

Nordend

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Frankfurt

Explore Frankfurt: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Frankfurt

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Römerberg

Explore Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic square, where medieval architecture meets vibrant culture in the heart of the city's history.

4.6

Iron Footbridge

Explore the historic Iron Footbridge in Frankfurt, a scenic pedestrian bridge with stunning views and vibrant local culture.

4.6

Deutsche Bank Park

Experience the excitement of live sports and music at Deutsche Bank Park, the heart of Frankfurt's vibrant cultural scene.

4.5

Zoo Frankfurt

Discover the rich biodiversity and educational experiences at Zoo Frankfurt, a premier destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts in the heart of Germany.

4.2

Best landmarks in Frankfurt

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Domturm

Discover the breathtaking panoramic views of Frankfurt from the iconic Domturm observation deck, a historical gem in the heart of the city.

4.6

Eisenturm

Discover the historical charm of Eisenturm in Mainz, a majestic tower that narrates the city's fascinating past through its impressive architecture.

4.2

Dom-Römer-Quartier

Step back in time in Frankfurt's Dom-Römer-Quartier, a meticulously reconstructed old town where history and modern life intertwine, offering a unique cultural experience.

4.8

Eiserner Steg

Walk across Frankfurt's iconic Eiserner Steg, a historic bridge adorned with love locks, offering stunning skyline views and connecting the city's vibrant heart with the charming Sachsenhausen district.

Best restaurants in Frankfurt

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Kish Restaurant

Discover Kish Restaurant in Frankfurt - An Authentic Persian Culinary Experience Filled with Flavor and Hospitality.

4.8

Apfelwein Wagner

Experience authentic German cuisine at Apfelwein Wagner, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality in Frankfurt's charming setting.

4.1

Paulaner am Dom

Discover authentic German cuisine at Paulaner am Dom in Frankfurt – a perfect blend of tradition and vibrant atmosphere.

4.2

Zum Gemalten Haus

Savor authentic German cuisine at Zum Gemalten Haus in Frankfurt am Main – a culinary gem offering traditional flavors and warm hospitality.

4.3

Best bars in Frankfurt

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Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Bar Helium in Frankfurt, where innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere await you.

4.6

The Fox and Hound

Experience the perfect blend of grilled delights and a warm atmosphere at The Fox and Hound in Frankfurt, a must-visit for every traveler.

4.0

Sullivan

Discover Sullivan, Frankfurt's premier cocktail bar, where exquisite drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await you in the city's nightlife scene.

4.0

Embury Bar Frankfurt am Main

Discover Embury Bar in Frankfurt: A cocktail bar with a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and unforgettable drinks in the heart of the city.

4.7

Best nightclubs in Frankfurt

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Velvet

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frankfurt at Velvet, where electrifying beats and stylish ambiance create unforgettable nights.

2.9

Gibson

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Gibson Club in Frankfurt, where live music and gourmet dining create unforgettable experiences.

2.5

Tanzhaus West

Discover the pulsating rhythms and vibrant atmosphere of Tanzhaus West, Frankfurt's premier night club for music enthusiasts and nightlife lovers.

3.9

Silbergold - Frankfurt am Main

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Silbergold, Frankfurt's premier disco club, where music and energy collide for an unforgettable experience.

3.9

Best shops in Frankfurt

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MyZeil

Discover MyZeil, Frankfurt's premier shopping destination featuring stunning architecture, diverse shops, and delightful dining experiences.

4.3

Skyline Plaza

Explore Skyline Plaza in Frankfurt: A vibrant shopping mall with diverse retail, dining, and leisure experiences in the heart of the city.

4.3

Kleinmarkthalle

Explore Kleinmarkthalle in Frankfurt, a vibrant market filled with local flavors, fresh produce, and artisanal delights waiting to be discovered.

4.6

GALERIA Frankfurt an der Hauptwache

Explore GALERIA Frankfurt an der Hauptwache for a premier shopping experience in the heart of the city, blending luxury, style, and local culture.

4.3

Explore Frankfurt on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Frankfurt, mapped for you.

Frankfurt Essentials

Frankfurt is well-connected both domestically and internationally. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, offering numerous flights to and from major cities around the world. Once at the airport, you can reach the city center via train (S-Bahn lines S8 and S9), bus, taxi, or rental car. Frankfurt is also a major railway hub, with Deutsche Bahn trains connecting it to other German cities and neighboring countries. For those traveling by car, the city is accessible via the A3, A5, and A66 highways.
Frankfurt boasts an efficient public transportation system operated by RMV, which includes U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses. A single ticket allows transfers between different modes of transport within a specific time period. Taxis are readily available throughout the city, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate here as well. For a more eco-friendly option, consider using the city's bike-sharing program, 'Call a Bike,' which has stations all over Frankfurt. Walking is also a viable option, especially in the city center and along the Main River.
The official currency in Frankfurt is the Euro (€). Most establishments accept major credit and debit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case you visit places that are cash-only. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Many places also accept contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
Frankfurt is generally a safe city, but it's wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like the Zeil shopping street and at major train stations. Avoid the area around the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) late at night, as it can attract individuals engaging in illicit activities. Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency medical services, the fire department, and the police. The city has several hospitals with emergency rooms, including University Hospital Frankfurt. Pharmacies ('Apotheken') are widely available, and some operate 24/7. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out or attending events. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and sportswear in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect religious customs when visiting churches. It's usually appropriate to dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'Apfelwein' (apple wine) and 'Handkäse mit Musik' (a type of cheese). Don’t rush your meal; dining is often a leisurely experience.
To experience Frankfurt like a local, take a stroll along the Main River and visit the weekly flea market ('Flohmarkt' am Mainufer) for unique finds. Explore the Sachsenhausen district for its traditional 'Apfelwein' taverns. Visit the Kleinmarkthalle for a variety of local and international food stalls. If you're a fan of arts and culture, don't miss the Museumsufer, a cluster of museums along the riverbank. For a nice day trip, consider visiting the nearby Rheingau wine region.

When is the best time to visit Frankfurt?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Frankfurt

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Frankfurt. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
- GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNein
  [nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-te]
- Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-gung]
- How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh heh-te gair-ne dee shpy-ze-kar-te, bit-te]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine fli-sh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merkhte bit-te tsah-len]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vekh]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsay]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen arts-t]
- I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh mikh feh-rirt]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krahngk]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh merkhte ... kow-fen]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koh-stet es]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tso toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [koon-en zee den prise zen-ken]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
- Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
- MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
- EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
- YesterdayGestern
  [ges-tern]
- TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
- 1Eins
  [iyns]
- 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
- 3Drei
  [dray]
- 4Vier
  [feer]
- 5Fünf
  [foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [zeks]
- 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [ahkt]
- 9Neun
  [noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [tsayn]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
- What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [koon-en zee meer tsai-gen (ouf dehr kar-te)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vann kohmt dehr nai-khste (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kar-te (nahkh ....)]

History of Frankfurt

Frankfurt am Main, often referred to simply as Frankfurt, traces its origins back to Roman times. The city was founded in the 1st century AD as a Roman military settlement and trading post. Its strategic location along the Main River made it an important point of trade and commerce in the region.
During the Middle Ages, Frankfurt flourished as a free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire. It became an important center for trade fairs, drawing merchants from across Europe. In 1152, Frederick I Barbarossa was elected King of Germany at the city's St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, setting a precedent for future royal elections.
Established in 1454, the Frankfurt Book Fair is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious book fairs. It began as a local market for books and has since evolved into an international event, attracting publishers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe. Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, played a significant role in the fair's early days.
Frankfurt is closely associated with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany's most renowned writers and intellectuals. Born in Frankfurt in 1749, Goethe's early life and works were heavily influenced by the city's vibrant cultural scene. His former home, now the Goethe House Museum, offers visitors a glimpse into his life and times.
The 19th century brought significant industrial growth to Frankfurt. The city's infrastructure expanded rapidly with the construction of railways, factories, and modern buildings. Frankfurt's stock exchange, founded in 1820, became one of the most important financial hubs in Europe, a status it retains to this day.
Frankfurt suffered extensive damage during World War II, with much of its historic center destroyed by Allied bombing raids. However, the post-war period saw a remarkable effort to rebuild the city. Landmarks such as the Römer, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, and parts of the Altstadt (Old Town) were meticulously reconstructed to restore their historical appearance.
Today, Frankfurt is known as a global financial powerhouse. It is home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, and numerous other financial institutions. The city's skyline, dominated by sleek skyscrapers, reflects its status as one of the world's leading financial centers. Frankfurt's diverse population and vibrant cultural scene make it a dynamic and cosmopolitan city.