Things To Do
in Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main is Germany's financial hub, known for its dramatic skyline of glass-and-steel skyscrapers overlooking the Main River. The city blends modern business districts with pockets of historic charm — the Römer square, cobbled streets in Alt-Sachsenhausen and a world-class museum riverbank. Frankfurt is culturally diverse, hosting major trade fairs, top museums (like the Städel) and a lively international food scene.
It also makes a convenient base for day trips to the Rhine Valley, Taunus hills and nearby wine regions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Römer, the iconic town hall of Frankfurt, admiring its medieval architecture. Stroll along the picturesque Römerberg square, where you can soak in the atmosphere and grab a coffee from a local café. Don’t forget to visit St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city.
After lunch at a traditional German restaurant, explore the bustling Zeil shopping street, where you can indulge in some retail therapy. Visit the nearby Alte Börse, one of the oldest stock exchanges in the world, and learn about Frankfurt's financial history. Wrap up your afternoon at the Historical Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the city’s past.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant along the Main River, where you can savor local specialties. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, enjoying the illuminated skyline of Frankfurt. Finally, consider visiting a local jazz bar to experience the vibrant music scene.
Begin your day by visiting the Städel Museum, home to an impressive collection of European art. Spend your morning admiring works from the likes of Rembrandt and Monet, immersing yourself in the rich history of art. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Museumsufer, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the river.
Head to the German Film Museum for a captivating experience, where you can learn about the history of cinema in Germany. Enjoy lunch at a café nearby before continuing to the Museum of Applied Arts, which showcases stunning design and craftsmanship. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the unique exhibitions that reflect the evolution of art and design.
For dinner, choose a restaurant in Sachsenhausen, known for its apple wine taverns and hearty local dishes. After your meal, explore the charming streets of this historic district, rich with half-timbered houses and lively bars. End your evening by sampling some local apple wine, or 'Äppelwoi', in an authentic tavern.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍺Pint of beer (0.5L) at a bar | $4-6 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🚇Single public transit ticket | $2.80-3.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent public transport and international flight connections (major airport hub).
- World-class museums and a unique skyline combining modern and historic architecture.
- Diverse food scene with traditional Hessian specialties and many international options.
- Convenient base for day trips to Rhine Valley, Taunus and German wine regions.
- Can feel businesslike and less 'picturesque' than other historic German cities.
- Accommodation and dining prices can be high during trade fairs and exhibitions.
- Busy traffic and occasional congestion around commuter times.
- Some areas around the main station feel less polished and require normal urban caution.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
- "Ich habe eine Allergie gegen ..." - I have an allergy to ...
Places to Visit in Frankfurt
Visit one of these nice places.
Observation deck offers unobstructed panoramic views of Frankfurt's skyline, especially dramatic at sunset and blue hour.
The iron footbridge and riverbanks provide excellent compositions of the city skyline, bridges and river reflections.
Historic square with timber-framed facades — ideal for capturing old-world architecture against modern cityscapes.
The grand opera house and surrounding plazas are photogenic day and night, framed by gardens and cafés.
Botanical garden with colorful flowerbeds, palm houses and tranquil scenes for nature and macro photography.
A stretch of museums, promenades and bridges that create striking riverside shots, especially during museum nights or autumn foliage.
Narrow streets and apple-wine taverns provide atmospheric, intimate street photography backdrops.
Food in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tart apple wine typically served in a Bembel (stoneware jug) and a Geripptes glass; taste it in Sachsenhausen taverns like Zum Gemalten Haus or Apfelwein Wagner.
Must-Try!
A pungent marinated cheese often served with onions and caraway — a classic local starter found in traditional taverns.
Cured pork ribs typically served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes; a homely Hessian comfort dish available in apple-wine pubs and traditional restaurants.
Cold herb sauce made from seven herbs, commonly served with boiled eggs and potatoes — seasonal and especially popular in spring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic indoor market near the cathedral offering local cheeses, meats, breads, produce and pastries — great for sampling regional products and quick bites.
Neighborhood markets selling fresh produce, cheeses, breads and street-food stalls; check local listings for special weekend food market events.
Seasonal street-food markets and food-truck events appear across the city, especially in summer and around festivals — check event calendars for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important for both social and business meetings — arrive promptly or notify if you'll be late.
Use 'Sie' and surnames with new acquaintances or in professional settings until invited to use first names and 'du'.
Respect quiet hours (Nachtruhe) late evening to early morning; follow waste-sorting rules (paper, plastic, compost, residual) as recycling is taken seriously.
A firm handshake is the common greeting in business and formal contexts; Germans value personal space and direct communication.
When paying, tell the server the total amount you want to pay (including the tip) rather than leaving change and expecting them to keep it.
Safety
Tipping in Frankfurt
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but moderate: round up the bill or leave about 5–10% for good service in restaurants. At cafés and bars, people often round up to the nearest euro. Tip directly to the server when paying, not by leaving small change on the table.
Germany historically relied on cash (Bargeld), and smaller venues may still prefer it. Larger restaurants, shops, and most public transport options accept debit/credit cards and contactless payments (Girocard/EC, Visa, Mastercard). Mobile payments are increasingly supported. Always carry some cash for markets, small cafés and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring ideal for walking and visiting Palmengarten. Expect occasional rain; festivals start to resume and outdoor terraces open up.
Warm to occasionally hot weather with long daylight hours — perfect for river cruises, outdoor cafés and open-air events. Tourist crowds and trade-fair peaks (e.g., IAA in some years) can raise prices and demand.
Crisp air and beautiful foliage along the Main and in Taunus vineyards; wine-harvest season and Oktoberfest-style events. Cooler evenings mean a light jacket; big city marathons and cultural festivals often take place.
Cold with short days; December brings atmospheric Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) in Römerberg and surroundings. Snow is possible but not abundant; pack warm layers and waterproof footwear.
Frankfurt at Night
Hiking in Frankfurt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short train ride north of Frankfurt, offering well-marked trails, scenic viewpoints, forests and winter hiking options; suitable for day hikes and nature escapes.
Vineyard paths along the Rhine offering gentle hikes, historic towns (Rüdesheim) and wine-tasting stops — excellent for combining walking with local Riesling sampling.
South-east of Frankfurt, the Odenwald features mixed forests, rock formations and longer multi-day hikes for varied terrain and fewer crowds.
Larger green zones within and near the city perimeter ideal for short woodland walks, running and informal nature outings without leaving the urban area.
Continuous riverside trails along the Main connect parks and neighborhoods, perfect for easy, scenic walks and cycling without needing to travel far.
Airports
How to reach Frankfurt by plane.
One of Europe's largest international hubs with direct S-Bahn (S8/S9) connections to the city center in about 15–20 minutes; extensive international and domestic flights.
Low-cost carrier airport located roughly 100–120 km west of Frankfurt; reachable by shuttle bus or coach services taking around 1.5–2 hours to the city.
A larger alternative for low-cost and domestic routes around 1.5–2 hours by train to Frankfurt; useful if flights to FRA are unavailable or more expensive.
About 2–3 hours by train to Frankfurt; sometimes used for regional connections and as an alternate arrival point for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large community of bankers, financiers and international corporate staff due to Frankfurt's status as a financial center and home of the European Central Bank.
Several universities and research institutions bring a sizeable student population, contributing to cultural events, cafés and nightlife.
Frankfurt is highly diverse with significant communities from Turkey, Eastern Europe, Asia and many other countries, reflected in the culinary scene and cultural offerings.
Longtime residents who maintain regional traditions such as apple-wine culture and local festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Eintracht Frankfurt is the city's major club, with passionate fans and Bundesliga matches at Deutsche Bank Park drawing large crowds.
Basketball has a strong local following with teams like the Skyliners Frankfurt competing in national leagues and community programs.
The Frankfurt Marathon is a major annual event attracting international participants; running and recreational sports are popular along the Main and in city parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Frankfurt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes, markets and many restaurants; look for vegetarian tags on menus or ask 'Gibt es vegetarische Optionen?' Most international and newer eateries cater well to vegetarians.
Vegan-friendly restaurants and dedicated vegan cafes are increasingly common, especially in Nordend and Innenstadt. Supermarkets carry vegan alternatives and many traditional dishes can be adapted.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; most mid-to-high-range restaurants can accommodate requests, and specialized bakeries or supermarkets sell gluten-free products. Always mention 'glutenfrei' when ordering.
Carry a translation card listing allergens in German if you have serious allergies; pharmacies and doctors are available but it’s best to prepare in advance.