Frankfurt am Main travel guide
Frankfurt am Main Tourism | Frankfurt am Main Guide
You're Going to Love Frankfurt am Main
Known for its futuristic skyline and historic center, Frankfurt, or Frankfurt-am-Main, to give it its full name, is a city where old and new coexist in harmony. It's also Germany's center of finance and transport and an artistic and cultural melting pot that's filled with memorable attractions.
Museums and galleries or shopping and nightclubs; the city appeals to all tastes. Dine in the finest restaurants or picnic in one of its beautiful parks. It's all about freedom of choice in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt also enjoys a great location on the banks of the River Main and it's the capital of the scenic Hesse state. This friendly, modern city is the ideal choice for that long summer vacation, Christmas shopping trip, or spring getaway that you've been promising yourself.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Frankfurt am Main
1. The Renowned Liquid Gold
For over 250 years, apple wine has been the drink of choice for Frankfurters. Try "Apfelwein" or "Ebbelwoi" in one of the traditional German Kneipen (bars) in Alt-Sachsenhausen, or take the multicolored Ebbelwei Express tram. The one-hour tour takes in some of the city's most iconic sights as you relax with a glass of apple wine or juice to a soundtrack of traditional music.
2. It's Goethe's Birthplace
Famous statesman and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born here. Visit the site of his family home; the elegant four-floor, half-timbered house in the Innenstadt neighborhood is a city landmark, and it has been reconstructed as a museum.
3. That Famous Skyline
Frankfurt has some of Germany's tallest buildings, and its skyline has earned it the nickname "Mainhattan". The best views are from the eastern bridges on the River Main or from the viewing platform of the Main Tower, the only skyscraper that's open to the public.
4. Römerberg
The old center of Frankfurt is known for the Römer complex of renovated historical buildings and Kulturschirn open-fronted shops. Highlights include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), and the 14th-century St. Leonhard's Church. Visit during the festive season to shop at over 200 stalls in the Christmas Market.
5. An Eclectic Range of Attractions
See the massive dinosaur skeletons alongside extinct plant and animal species at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. Or, visit Frankfurt Zoo for unique features like the Exotarium, where you can see snakes, fish, spiders, coral, and alligator or the Grzimek House, which is dedicated to the flora and fauna of Madagascar.
What to do in Frankfurt am Main
1. Altstadt: Centuries of History
Dating back over 1000 years, Frankfurt's atmospheric Old City has been restored to its original glory. Begin at Römerberg Square with the Fountain of Justice outside of the grand City Hall. The architecture is quintessentially German, and beyond the timber houses, age-old monuments beckon. Visit Old St. Nicholas Church and St. Paul's Church, and check out the view from the spire of Frankfurt Cathedral. The Museum of Modern Art and Goethe's birthplace are also must-see attractions.
2. Main Tower: A New Point of View
In stark contrast to Frankfurt's historical center, this contemporary skyscraper towers over the Innenstadt. Completed at the turn of the Millennium, all 800 feet of the blue glass exterior glimmers in the sun. Take the elevator to the observation deck at the top for panoramic views of Germany's sprawling financial center. Try to pinpoint landmarks and get the lay of the land down below from a bird's eye view. You can even enjoy the new perspective from a gourmet restaurant.
3. Senckenberg Naturmuseum: History of the Earth
One of Germany's largest and most renowned collections of natural history is on display in this popular museum. The evolution of species is explained and elaborated through the staggering skeletons and fossils - proof that dinosaurs and otherworldly creatures did, in fact, roam our planet. From the Triceratops to the T-Rex, your favorite Prehistoric creatures from childhood are found here. This is also the only place to find the remains of the beloved American Mammoth in Europe!
4. Museumsufer: Concentration of Culture
The River Main flows through the heart of Frankfurt with sites spread across each bank, but the best waterside real estate has been given to the city's greatest museums. Walk the Museum Embankment for inspiration from unique institutions that beckon with every step. The Museum of World Cultures, the German Architecture Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Städel Museum of Fine Arts are all highlights. And after a day of walking around galleries, hit the parks along the river for a relaxing break.
5. Zeil: Shopping Galore
The city's broad, pedestrianized shopping promenade is abuzz all day with locals and tourists alike. Shopping has never been so easy and stress-free as it is along this stretch that is speckled with all your favorite shops, alongside new ones you've never seen before - so get inspired! Even if only for window shopping, the MyZeil Shopping Center is worth stopping into, for its spectacular contemporary architecture at the very least. And if you're feeling active, you can follow the Zeil all the way to the Zoo.
1. Altstadt: Centuries of History
Dating back over 1000 years, Frankfurt's atmospheric Old City has been restored to its original glory. Begin at Römerberg Square with the Fountain of Justice outside of the grand City Hall. The architecture is quintessentially German, and beyond the timber houses, age-old monuments beckon. Visit Old St. Nicholas Church and St. Paul's Church, and check out the view from the spire of Frankfurt Cathedral. The Museum of Modern Art and Goethe's birthplace are also must-see attractions.
2. Main Tower: A New Point of View
In stark contrast to Frankfurt's historical center, this contemporary skyscraper towers over the Innenstadt. Completed at the turn of the Millennium, all 800 feet of the blue glass exterior glimmers in the sun. Take the elevator to the observation deck at the top for panoramic views of Germany's sprawling financial center. Try to pinpoint landmarks and get the lay of the land down below from a bird's eye view. You can even enjoy the new perspective from a gourmet restaurant.
3. Senckenberg Naturmuseum: History of the Earth
One of Germany's largest and most renowned collections of natural history is on display in this popular museum. The evolution of species is explained and elaborated through the staggering skeletons and fossils - proof that dinosaurs and otherworldly creatures did, in fact, roam our planet. From the Triceratops to the T-Rex, your favorite Prehistoric creatures from childhood are found here. This is also the only place to find the remains of the beloved American Mammoth in Europe!
4. Museumsufer: Concentration of Culture
The River Main flows through the heart of Frankfurt with sites spread across each bank, but the best waterside real estate has been given to the city's greatest museums. Walk the Museum Embankment for inspiration from unique institutions that beckon with every step. The Museum of World Cultures, the German Architecture Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Städel Museum of Fine Arts are all highlights. And after a day of walking around galleries, hit the parks along the river for a relaxing break.
5. Zeil: Shopping Galore
The city's broad, pedestrianized shopping promenade is abuzz all day with locals and tourists alike. Shopping has never been so easy and stress-free as it is along this stretch that is speckled with all your favorite shops, alongside new ones you've never seen before - so get inspired! Even if only for window shopping, the MyZeil Shopping Center is worth stopping into, for its spectacular contemporary architecture at the very least. And if you're feeling active, you can follow the Zeil all the way to the Zoo.
1. Altstadt: Centuries of History
Dating back over 1000 years, Frankfurt's atmospheric Old City has been restored to its original glory. Begin at Römerberg Square with the Fountain of Justice outside of the grand City Hall. The architecture is quintessentially German, and beyond the timber houses, age-old monuments beckon. Visit Old St. Nicholas Church and St. Paul's Church, and check out the view from the spire of Frankfurt Cathedral. The Museum of Modern Art and Goethe's birthplace are also must-see attractions.
2. Main Tower: A New Point of View
In stark contrast to Frankfurt's historical center, this contemporary skyscraper towers over the Innenstadt. Completed at the turn of the Millennium, all 800 feet of the blue glass exterior glimmers in the sun. Take the elevator to the observation deck at the top for panoramic views of Germany's sprawling financial center. Try to pinpoint landmarks and get the lay of the land down below from a bird's eye view. You can even enjoy the new perspective from a gourmet restaurant.
3. Senckenberg Naturmuseum: History of the Earth
One of Germany's largest and most renowned collections of natural history is on display in this popular museum. The evolution of species is explained and elaborated through the staggering skeletons and fossils - proof that dinosaurs and otherworldly creatures did, in fact, roam our planet. From the Triceratops to the T-Rex, your favorite Prehistoric creatures from childhood are found here. This is also the only place to find the remains of the beloved American Mammoth in Europe!
4. Museumsufer: Concentration of Culture
The River Main flows through the heart of Frankfurt with sites spread across each bank, but the best waterside real estate has been given to the city's greatest museums. Walk the Museum Embankment for inspiration from unique institutions that beckon with every step. The Museum of World Cultures, the German Architecture Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Städel Museum of Fine Arts are all highlights. And after a day of walking around galleries, hit the parks along the river for a relaxing break.
5. Zeil: Shopping Galore
The city's broad, pedestrianized shopping promenade is abuzz all day with locals and tourists alike. Shopping has never been so easy and stress-free as it is along this stretch that is speckled with all your favorite shops, alongside new ones you've never seen before - so get inspired! Even if only for window shopping, the MyZeil Shopping Center is worth stopping into, for its spectacular contemporary architecture at the very least. And if you're feeling active, you can follow the Zeil all the way to the Zoo.
Where to Eat in Frankfurt am Main
Try Frankfurt's famous bratwurst sausage at the Kleinmarkthalle food market, where even locals queue to buy lunch each day. For a truly international experience, visit IIMORI Patisserie on Braubachstrasse, where French dishes and pastries are served in an authentic German setting - "just like Grandma's living room" - by the Japanese owners. No trip to Frankfurt is complete without exploring the Fressgass, which can be translated as "munching alley". Its correct name is Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse, and it's filled with restaurants, food stores, and delis. You'll pay EUR29 for dinner for two in a pub or from EUR62 in a refined restaurant.
When to visit Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt enjoys four distinct seasons, and each is an invitation to discover the city in a different light. Visit in summer for riverside attractions on the Main, or choose Christmas if you want to revel in the romantic atmosphere of the city's Christmas markets and illuminated landmarks. While summer is the peak time for tourists, spring and fall are popular; most of the city's attractions remain open all year round and you'll benefit from warm weather and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Frankfurt am Main
Plane
International flights land at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) which is six miles from the city center. Take line 8 or 9 of the S-Bahn trains from the airport station to the downtown Hauptbahnhof station. Trains depart at 15-minute intervals and a ticket costs EUR4.25. Taxis can be found outside the terminal buildings and the fare is EUR35. If you're renting a car, follow the signs for Stadtmitte (downtown) on the A5 autobahn.
Train
The city's Hauptbahnhof, or rail station, is one of Europe's busiest and it's noted for its elegant architecture. High-speed IC and ICE trains travel from all over Europe each day. It's easy to reach the city center using the S-Bahn train system, and trains depart from platforms 101 to 104.
Car
It's a pleasure to drive to and in Frankfurt, as roads are well lit and maintained. The A5 connects drivers easily to the rest of the German autobahn system.
Bus
Operators such as Eurolines and Flixbus run regular bus services to Frankfurt from many European cities. You'll arrive at the terminus on the south side of the Hauptbahnhof and from there you can take a taxi, bus, or U-Bahn train to your final destination in the city.
Airlines serving Frankfurt am Main
Where to stay in Frankfurt am Main
Altstadt – this is the old center and where you'll find the Römer square and Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church), a symbol of German democracy and freedom and the birthplace of the German constitution.
Popular Neighborhoods in Frankfurt
Sachsenhausen – this neighborhood is noted for the world-class museums along its riverbank. It's home to some of the city's best restaurants and Apfelwein bars, and is known for its party atmosphere in summer.
Innenstadt – this inner city district stretches from Konstablerwache to Alte Oper. It includes the Zeil shopping street and the Friedberger Tor, one of the city's two medieval watchtowers.
Where to stay in popular areas of Frankfurt am Main
Most booked hotels in Frankfurt am Main
How to Get Around Frankfurt am Main
Public Transportation
Frankfurt has an excellent public transportation system known as the RMV, which is comprised of buses, the U-Bahn subway system, the S-Bahn suburban railway, and Strassenbahn streetcars. Fares are issued by zone and tickets are valid on all parts of the system for an hour after purchase. A single fare in the inner zone costs EUR2.60 during peak morning and evening rush hour times and EUR2.30 the rest of the time. Day tickets cost EUR7.00 or EUR9.10 for the central zone plus airport.
Taxi
Taxis are a readily available, if expensive, way to get around Frankfurt. A typical five-mile journey costs EUR16.
Car
Leading car rental brands like Europcar and Sixt have outlets at the airport and in the city, and you can rent a car from as little as EUR28 per day. You should note that parking spaces can be difficult to find in tourist hotspots like Sachsenhausen, particularly on weekends. To avoid being towed and fined, park in a garage or Parkhaus for EUR1 per hour or EUR8 per day.
Best car hire deals in Frankfurt am Main
Economy
2 Adults, 2 Bags
$40/day
Compact
4 Adults, 2 Bags
$42/day
The Cost of Living in Frankfurt am Main
Shopping Streets
Goethestrasse, named after the famous writer, is one of the city's most exclusive shopping streets, and you'll find designer boutiques alongside art galleries and stylish cafes. Frankfurt also boasts Germany's longest pedestrian shopping street, the Zeil; the area includes department stores like Karstadt and Galeria Kaufhof and malls such as Zeilgalerie and MyZeil, which is noted for its spectacular glass roof tunnel feature and for having the biggest rock climbing installation in Europe.
Groceries and Other
There are lots of good supermarkets to choose from in Frankfurt. Local favorites like REWE and Scheck-in-Center carry a wide range of German and international products and you'll pay EUR1.01 for a quart of milk and EUR3.45 for 12 eggs.