Frankfurt City Guide

This Frankfurt City Guide explores the futuristic skyline, Römerberg square, and the New Old Town. Sip traditional apple wine in the Sachsenhausen district.

Frankfurt effortlessly bridges its identity as a global financial hub with the charm of a medieval town. Start in the Altstadt, specifically at the Römerberg, where meticulously reconstructed timber-framed buildings and the iconic Römer city hall showcase the city's historical heart. Nearby, the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew stands tall as a testament to Frankfurt's role in the Holy Roman Empire. For a blend of history and leisure, a stroll across the Eiserner Steg offers panoramic views of the Mainhattan skyline, best enjoyed at sunset.

The city’s cultural depth is anchored along the Museumsufer, a collection of world-class museums lining the banks of the Main River. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Städel Museum, while those seeking a taste of local life should head across the river to the cobblestone streets of Sachsenhausen. Here, traditional taverns serve the local specialty, Apfelwein, in a lively atmosphere. For those looking to venture further, the city serves as a gateway to the romantic Rhine Valley and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, though Frankfurt’s own mix of sleek skyscrapers and hidden gems provides more than enough to explore within city limits.

While the skyline defines Frankfurt's modern identity, locals find the city's soul in its green fringes and historic pockets. For a true taste of local life, head to the Lohrberg. This is the city’s last remaining vineyard within city limits, offering a panoramic view of the skyline that few visitors ever see. It is the perfect spot for a glass of local apple wine among the vines.

Stroll through the neighborhood of Bornheim, specifically along upper Berger Straße. Known as "Bernem" to residents, this area is packed with traditional apple wine taverns and independent boutiques, maintaining a cozy, village-like atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the nearby financial district.

Finally, venture west to the district of Höchst. Often overlooked, its medieval Old Town and the stunning Höchster Schloßplatz survived the war intact. The cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses provide a quiet, authentic glimpse into the city's architectural past, complete with a castle overlooking the Main River.

Frankfurt's public transport network, managed by the RMV, is exceptionally efficient and serves as the primary way to navigate the city. The S-Bahn (suburban trains) and U-Bahn (subway) form the backbone of the system, supplemented by a comprehensive web of trams and buses. For most visitors, a day ticket (Tageskarte) offers the best value for unlimited travel. The city center is remarkably compact, making walking between major landmarks like the Römerberg and the Main River banks both pleasant and practical.

Getting from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to the city center is seamless via the S8 or S9 S-Bahn lines, which run every 15 minutes and reach the Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes for approximately €5.80. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also plentiful; a taxi from the airport to the city center typically costs between €35 and €45 depending on traffic. Within the city, a single short-trip ticket costs around €1.90, while a standard single journey within the main city zone is roughly €3.40.

Frankfurt offers a dynamic shopping landscape that caters to every budget. For the quintessential retail experience, head to the Zeil, one of Europe’s busiest pedestrian shopping streets. Here, massive department stores and international high-street brands dominate. For a touch of architectural flair, visit MyZeil with its futuristic glass facade. Just a short walk away, Goethestraße serves as the city’s luxury corridor, housing elite boutiques like Chanel and Louis Vuitton for those seeking high-end designer goods.

Beyond the major fashion houses, Frankfurt is famous for its culinary treasures. No visit is complete without a trip to the Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling indoor market where locals source fresh ingredients for "Grüne Soße" (green sauce) and sample local specialties like Bethmännchen, a traditional marzipan pastry. This is also the best place to pick up a bottle of Frankfurt’s signature Apfelwein (apple wine) or a Bembel, the iconic blue-gray stoneware jug used to serve it.

For a more relaxed and local vibe, escape the city center and explore Berger Straße in the Bornheim district. This charming stretch is lined with independent bookstores, vintage shops, and cozy boutiques that offer a unique alternative to the mainstream malls. Whether you are hunting for souvenirs or the latest trends, Frankfurt’s mix of glitzy avenues and neighborhood charm provides a satisfying shopping journey for all.

The ideal time to explore Frankfurt is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these windows, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for strolling along the Museumsufer or enjoying an outdoor cider in Sachsenhausen. While summer offers vibrant festivals and warm evenings, it also brings peak tourist crowds and higher temperatures.

Travelers seeking a festive atmosphere should visit in December for the world-renowned Christmas markets, though they should expect chilly temperatures and brisk winds. Conversely, those looking for value should avoid major trade fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, when hotel prices skyrocket and availability vanishes. For the best balance of manageable crowds and affordable rates, aim for the quiet transition periods between the city's heavy event calendar.

Language: German

• Hallo — Hello
• Guten Morgen — Good Morning
• Guten Abend — Good Evening
• Auf Wiedersehen — Goodbye
• Dankeschön — Thank You
• Wo ist ______? — Where is ______?
• Bitte — Please
• Wo ist die Toilette? — Where is the bathroom?
• Einmal Handkäs' mit Musik, bitte! — Hand cheese with music, please! (Note: The 'music' refers to the marinated onions and the inevitable digestive acoustics that follow.)