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Overview
Frankfurt am Main sits at the heart of the Rhine-Main region and punches well above its size on the global stage. Home to the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, it is one of the world's leading financial centres — yet its skyline of glass towers coexists with carefully restored medieval streetscapes, a dense museum quarter, and a vibrant food-and-drink scene rooted in cider-house tradition.
With a population of around 650,000, Frankfurt is Germany's fifth-largest city and its most internationally connected. Roughly a third of residents hold foreign passports, giving the city a cosmopolitan texture that shows up in its restaurants, neighbourhoods, and cultural calendar. The city was heavily bombed in World War II and subsequently rebuilt; the reconstructed Römerberg square and the newer Neue Altstadt district offer a sense of how the medieval centre once looked.
Despite its financial reputation, Frankfurt rewards slow exploration. The Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) along the south bank of the Main river concentrates more than a dozen museums within walking distance of one another. The Sachsenhausen neighbourhood on the south bank is the heartland of Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns. And Frankfurt Airport — one of Europe's largest — makes the city a natural base for a wider Germany or Central Europe itinerary.
Before You Go
Visas
Germany is a member of the Schengen Area. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and consult the official German Federal Foreign Office website (auswaertiges-amt.de) or your nearest German embassy well before travel.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for entry to Germany from most countries, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Germany has an extensive public and private healthcare system. EU/EEA residents should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors from other countries should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
Money
Frankfurt is a cashless-friendly city in many venues, but some traditional Apfelwein taverns, smaller bakeries, and market stalls still prefer or require cash. ATMs (Geldautomaten) are widely available. Notify your bank before travelling to avoid card blocks.
What to pack
- Rain layer year-round; Frankfurt weather can be unpredictable
- Comfortable walking shoes — the Museumsufer and Sachsenhausen are best explored on foot
- A transit card or contactless payment method for public transport
- Plug adapter (Type F, two-pin, 230V) if travelling from outside Continental Europe
Getting There
By air
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's largest and one of Europe's busiest international hubs, served by airlines from across the globe. It has two terminals connected by a free SkyLine shuttle. The airport is linked to the city centre by S-Bahn (suburban rail) lines S8 and S9, which run frequently and take roughly 11–15 minutes to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). A long-distance rail station (Fernbahnhof) is also built into the airport, allowing direct ICE connections to other German cities without entering the city first. Verify current timetables and fares with Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de) or the airport's official site.
A smaller airport, Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN), is located roughly 120 km west of the city and is used by some budget carriers — confirm transfer time and options when booking, as it is not conveniently close.
By rail
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is one of Germany's busiest rail terminals. High-speed ICE trains connect Frankfurt to Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and internationally to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Journey times vary; check Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de) for current schedules and booking.
By road
Frankfurt sits at the intersection of several major autobahns (A3, A5, A66). Driving into the city centre involves a Low Emission Zone (Umweltzone) — vehicles require a valid emissions sticker (Umweltplakette). Verify current zone regulations before driving in. Parking in the centre is limited and can be expensive; public transport is generally more practical for city exploration.
By coach
Several long-distance coach operators serve Frankfurt's central bus terminal (ZOB), located near the Hauptbahnhof. This is often the lowest-cost surface option from other German and European cities.
Getting Around
Public transport
Frankfurt's Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) network is comprehensive and reliable, covering U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (suburban rail), trams, and buses. Tickets cover all modes within the same journey. Single tickets, day passes, and group options are available from machines at stations and via the RMV app. Validate tickets before boarding on tram and bus lines. Verify current fares at rmv.de.
Walking and cycling
The city centre, Römerberg, Museumsufer, and Sachsenhausen are all walkable from one another. Frankfurt has a well-developed cycle path network, and several bike-share schemes operate in the city — check locally for current providers and rates. The riverside MainKai promenade is a particularly pleasant cycling or walking route.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis are metered and plentiful, available at ranks outside the Hauptbahnhof and at major hotels. Ride-hailing apps also operate in Frankfurt — verify availability on your preferred platform before arrival.
Driving
Driving within the city centre is practical only if you have luggage or are accessing areas not well-served by transit. Parking is limited and regulations around the Low Emission Zone apply. For most sightseeing, public transport or walking is preferable.
Things to See & Do
Old Town and Historic Centre
- Römerberg: The reconstructed medieval market square centred on the Römer (Frankfurt's historic city hall). This is the traditional heart of the city and the site of major seasonal events including the Christmas market and summer festivals.
- Neue Altstadt (New Old Town): A recently completed reconstruction of the medieval quarter between the Römer and the Frankfurt Cathedral, featuring around 35 replicated historical buildings. It has attracted debate but also considerable visitor interest.
- Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus: Frankfurt's Gothic cathedral, used for centuries as the election and coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors. The tower offers views over the city; opening hours and access to the tower vary — verify locally.
- Paulskirche: The church where Germany's first democratically elected parliament convened in 1848–49. It functions today as a memorial and event hall rather than a place of worship.
Museums
Frankfurt's Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) lines the south bank of the Main river and includes more than a dozen institutions within walking distance:
- Städel Museum: One of Germany's most important art museums, covering seven centuries of European painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Senckenberganlage): Germany's largest natural history museum, particularly noted for its dinosaur skeletons. Located slightly north of the river near the university.
- Museum für Kommunikation Frankfurt: Covers the history of communication from postal services to digital media.
- Deutsches Filmmuseum: Dedicated to cinema history and film culture.
- Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt: Documents Jewish history and culture in Frankfurt and the wider region.
Most museums are closed on Mondays. Many offer reduced or free entry on specific days — verify on individual museum websites before visiting.
Financial and Modern Frankfurt
- Maintower Observation Deck: One of the few Frankfurt skyscrapers with a publicly accessible viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the skyline and Main valley. Verify opening hours and fees locally.
- Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Deutsche Börse): The trading floor area is visible from a public gallery; tours and visitor programmes exist but should be booked in advance — check deutsche-boerse.com for current access options.
Green Spaces
- Palmengarten: A large botanical garden with extensive greenhouse collections and outdoor areas. Hosts concerts and events seasonally.
- Grüneburgpark: A popular open park north of the city centre, good for a relaxed afternoon.
- Nizza Garden: A small riverside garden along the Main near the Alte Brücke, pleasant in good weather.
Seasonal highlights
- Frankfurt Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt): One of Germany's oldest and largest, held in Römerberg and surrounding streets from late November to Christmas Eve.
- Museumsuferfest: A large late-summer festival along the museum embankment, typically held in late August — verify dates for the relevant year.
- Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse): Held each October, the world's largest trade book fair. Open to the public on the final weekend; trade days are professional access only.
Food & Drink
Local specialities
Frankfurt has a distinctive regional cuisine that is worth seeking out beyond the international restaurant scene the city also offers:
- Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi): Frankfurt's signature drink — a dry, tart apple wine served in a Bembel (grey stoneware jug) and drunk from ribbed glasses called Geripptes. This is not sweet cider; expect a sharp, slightly acidic flavour.
- Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold herb sauce made from exactly seven specific fresh herbs (typically including sorrel, chervil, borage, cress, parsley, chives, and salad burnet), served with boiled eggs and potatoes or beef. A Frankfurt institution and a protected regional speciality.
- Handkäse mit Musik: A pungent sour-milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, and onions — the 'music' refers colloquially to the digestive effects. A classic tavern snack.
- Frankfurter Rippchen: Cured pork rib chops, typically served with sauerkraut and bread.
- Frankfurter Würstchen: The original Frankfurt sausage — a thin, lightly smoked pork sausage quite different from what is sold abroad under the name. Protected geographical indication under EU law.
Where to eat and drink
Sachsenhausen (Alt-Sachsenhausen in particular) is the traditional neighbourhood for Apfelwein taverns. Establishments here range from atmospheric, decades-old Weinstuben to more tourist-oriented venues — both have their place. Look for the pine bough hung above the door, a traditional signal that Apfelwein is served.
The Kleinmarkthalle (covered market hall near Römerberg) is an excellent spot for provisions, local produce, and casual eating at market stalls — selling everything from butcher's cuts to international street food. Verify current opening hours locally.
The Bahnhofsviertel (station quarter) has transformed in recent years into one of Frankfurt's most diverse and interesting food neighbourhoods, reflecting the city's international population.
For higher-end dining, Frankfurt has a notable restaurant scene including several Michelin-recognised establishments — consult the current Michelin Guide for up-to-date listings, as these change annually.
Shopping
Main shopping areas
- Zeil: Frankfurt's principal pedestrianised shopping street, running east from Hauptwache square. Contains major German and international retailers, department stores, and the Zeil Galerie shopping centre.
- Goethestraße: Frankfurt's luxury retail street, featuring high-end international fashion and jewellery houses.
- Berger Straße (Nordend/Bornheim): A longer neighbourhood high street with independent boutiques, bookshops, cafés, and local character — popular with residents.
- Schweizer Straße (Sachsenhausen): Another neighbourhood commercial street with a mix of independent shops, delis, and wine merchants.
Markets
- Kleinmarkthalle: Covered daily market for fresh food, deli items, and regional products — a better option than supermarkets for picnic supplies or local edibles to take home.
- Flohmarkt am Museumsufer: A flea and antiques market held on the south bank of the Main on Saturdays (verify current schedule locally).
- Christmas Market: For seasonal crafts, ornaments, and gifts in the Advent period.
Practical notes
Most shops observe standard German retail hours — generally closed on Sundays except at the airport and in some tourist areas. Shops at Frankfurt Airport airside operate extended hours.
Practical Information
Emergency contacts
- Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): 112 (Europe-wide emergency number) and 110 (police only in Germany)
- Non-emergency police: Contact the local police station; numbers vary by district — verify locally
- Frankfurt University Hospital (Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt): One of the major hospitals for serious medical needs; locate the nearest hospital or clinic to your accommodation on arrival
Communications
Germany uses the standard European plug (Type F). Public Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and some public spaces, though coverage varies. SIM cards and eSIMs from German or EU networks are available at the airport and in phone shops; EU roaming rules apply for travellers from EU member states.
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is common. It is normal to tell the server the total you wish to pay (including tip) rather than leaving cash on the table after paying by card. Tipping in taxis and for hotel housekeeping is discretionary.
Tap water
Tap water in Frankfurt is safe to drink and meets high quality standards.
Accessibility
Frankfurt's main transport infrastructure and many major museums have accessibility provisions, but older buildings and cobblestoned areas (such as Römerberg) can present challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Check individual venues in advance; the Frankfurt tourism board (frankfurt-tourismus.de) publishes accessibility information.
Safety
Frankfurt is generally a safe city for travellers by European standards. As with any large urban centre, normal precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings in busy areas, keep valuables secure on public transport and in crowded tourist spots, and avoid leaving bags unattended.
The Bahnhofsviertel (immediately around the Hauptbahnhof) has a visible street-level drug scene concentrated on certain blocks and is the subject of ongoing city policy debate. The area is not dangerous in the conventional sense — it is heavily policed and used daily by commuters — but some travellers find it confronting, particularly at night. The neighbourhood has also been rapidly gentrifying and contains many well-regarded restaurants and bars.
Pickpocketing has been reported on the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and at crowded tourist sites such as Römerberg, particularly during major events. Use standard anti-theft precautions with bags and phone.
For the most current travel safety advice, consult your government's official foreign travel advisory service before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Frankfurt occupies an interesting cultural position in Germany: it is wealthier than the national average, profoundly international in population, and sometimes described — not always charitably — by other Germans as a purely functional business city. In practice, the city has a substantial cultural life that repays engagement.
Goethe, Germany's most celebrated writer, was born in Frankfurt in 1749; the Goethe-Haus (his birthplace, now a museum) on Großer Hirschgraben is one of the city's most visited literary sites. The Frankfurt School of critical theory, associated with the Institut für Sozialforschung at Goethe University, shaped twentieth-century philosophy and social science.
Apfelwein culture is genuinely important and not merely a tourist phenomenon. Traditional taverns operate on a bring-your-own-food or simple-menu basis; the Bembel is refilled at the table; and locals often spend entire evenings in the same establishment. Visiting one — particularly in Sachsenhausen — gives insight into Frankfurt's working-class and neighbourhood identity that exists alongside its financial-centre persona.
Frankfurt's Fasching (carnival) season is celebrated but less flamboyant than Cologne's Karneval. The city observes standard German public holidays; note that many businesses and museums close on public holidays, and transport runs on reduced schedules.
