Frankfurt (German: Frankfurt am Main) is the largest city in the German state of Hesse, and is considered the business and financial centre of Germany. It is the fifth largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne. The city is known for its modern skyline, and for hosting the headquarters of the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Börse stock exchange and numerous German financial services companies. Furthermore, it hosts some of the world's most important trade shows, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair. It is on the river Main at a crossroad of the German Autobahn system and connected to several high-speed rail lines, with Germany's busiest airport on its outskirts, Frankfurt is one of the most important transportation hubs of Europe.
Understand
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Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Wealthy bankers, students and hippie drop-outs coexist in a city that has some of the highest, most avant-garde skyscrapers of Europe next to well maintained old buildings. The downtown area, especially Römer square and the museums at the River Main, draw millions of tourists every year. On the other hand, many off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods, such as Bockenheim, Bornheim, Nordend and Sachsenhausen, with their intact beautiful 19th-century streets and parks are often overlooked by visitors.
It's the heart of the Rhine-Main region, spanning from Mainz and Wiesbaden in the west to Hanau in the east and Gießen in the north to Darmstadt in the south and has some 5.6 million inhabitants (2019) in the whole surrounding metropolitan area.
Frankfurt is the place where Germany's major autobahns and railways intersect. About 650,000 people commute to the city each day, not counting some 763,000 people who live here (2019). With a huge airport — the third-largest in Europe — it is the gateway to Germany and for many people also the first point of arrival in Europe. Further, it is a prime hub for interconnections within Europe and for intercontinental flights.
In the years following 1968, especially in the late 1970s and up to the early 1980s, Frankfurt was a centre of the left wing Sponti-Szene, which frequently clashed with police and local authorities over politics and urban design issues (specifically whether or not old buildings should be torn down). Several members of these radical groups went on to have quite respectable careers in politics, among them Daniel Cohn-Bendit (long time leading MEP for the Greens) and Joschka Fischer (Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor 1998-2005), though their erstwhile radical and violent antics did hurt them in their later political careers.
Frankfurt has one of the highest percentage of immigrants in Germany: about 25% of Frankfurt's people have no German passport and another 10% are naturalized German citizens. With about 35% immigrants, Frankfurt is one of the most diverse of German cities.
Frankfurt is home to many museums, theatres and a world-class opera.
Territorial subdivisions
[edit]Frankfurt is divided into 16 Ortsbezirke, which are further subdivided into 46 Stadtteile. As Frankfurt is an expansive city with a large area given its population, most of those are of little interest to a tourist, with most attractions concentrated in the Ortsbezirk Innenstadt I (there are four Ortsbezirke starting with Innenstadt ("inner city"), distinguished by Roman numerals). Some Stadtteile of particular note are:
- Altstadt (Dom-Römer Quarter) – the heart of Frankfurt's old town, largely rebuilt after the Second World War, particularly, as part of a major urban development project, from 2012 to 2018
- Innenstadt – named confusingly (sharing its name with the larger Ortsbezirk) is the part embracing the Altstadt up until the old city fortifications, still visible as a green belt on the city map. The home to the most of Frankfurt's skyscrapers
- Bahnhofsviertel – the densely-built part of the city immediately facing the Hauptbahnhof, hosting the most hotels in town and its red light district
- Gutleutviertel – the area south of the tracks leading up to the Hauptbahnhof, with a modern residential quarter on the Main
- Gallus – the area north of the Hauptbahnhof tracks known most for the past-2010 Europaviertel development (a new city quarter with apartment blocks and offices built around the wide Europaallee next to the fairgrounds)
- Bockenheim
- Westend – the most expensive part of Frankfurt by land values, mostly covered with low-rise residential buildings and villas, but also several skyscrapers on its edges
- Nordend
- Bornheim – Popular area with small shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as historic taverns and half-timbered houses. See listing below.
- Sachsenhausen – the historic southern bank of the river Main, which preserved its typical 19th-century character, very different from the modern northern bank punctured by skyscrapers. Includes the Museumsufer museum collection directly at the riverbank. See listing below for further details.
- Höchst – Formerly a separate small town, now a suburb. The small Altstadt, around the Schloss, is one of the closest places to central Frankfurt that you can see large numbers of traditional timber-framed buildings that didn't get destroyed in the war. The square by the Schloss has some very nice traditional Gaststätte to eat or drink in. See listing below for further details.
When to visit
[edit]The best times for Frankfurt are late spring to early autumn. The summers tend to be sunny and warm around 25°C (77°F). Be prepared, however, for very hot summer days around 35°C (95°F) as well as for light rain. The winters can be cold and rainy (usually not lower than -10°C/14°F). It rarely snows in Frankfurt itself.
If you intend to stay overnight, you may wish to avoid times when trade fairs are held, as this will make finding affordable accommodation a challenging task. The biggest is the Book Fair (Buchmesse) yearly in mid-October; see Fairs for details.
Tourist information
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There are two offices for tourism information:
- 1 Touristinfo Hauptbahnhof (near the main exit, next to the DB service area, look for the signs), ☏ +49 69 2123-8800, fax: +49 69 2123-7880, [email protected]. M-F 08:00-21:00, Sa Su Holidays 09:00-18:00; New Year + New Year's Eve 08:00-13:00; closed 25-26 Dec.
- 2 Touristinfo Römer, Römerberg 27 (Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +49 69 2123-8800, fax: +49 69 21 23 78 80, [email protected]. M-F 09:30–17:30, Sa Su holidays 10:00-16:00 New Year + New Year's Eve 10:00-13:00; closed 25-26 Dec.
Get in
[edit]Frankfurt is the heart of central Germany and as such, it is one of the most important transportation hubs. It has excellent connections by rail, road and air. Reaching and leaving Frankfurt is easy.
By plane
[edit]Frankfurt Airport
[edit]- Main article: Frankfurt Airport
1 Frankfurt Airport (FRA IATA) is among the busiest in Europe — fourth in passenger traffic after London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Frankfurt is the banking centre of Germany and hosts numerous international trade fairs. Therefore all major airlines and all airline alliances fly frequently to Frankfurt and connect it to every inhabited continent and all major cities in the world. The German flag carrier Lufthansa[dead link] is the main airline in Frankfurt and offers most connections. Lufthansa also has several domestic feeder flights to and from Frankfurt that also serve business travelers.
The airport is connected to downtown Frankfurt by taxi, bus (line 61 to Frankfurt Süd(bahnhof) U1 U2 U3 U8 S5 S6 (Frankfurt South Station), and most easily by S-Bahn (fast commuter trains).
To get to the city by S-Bahn, take lines S8 or S9 in the direction of Offenbach Ost or Hanau at the regional train station, 2 Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof, on the lowest level of Terminal 1 (entrances in section A and B). If your plane lands or departs from Terminal 2, count in another 15 minutes as you need to move between the terminals with either the shuttle bus or the monorail Skytrain (both are free of charge, just follow the signs). If you want to go downtown, get off at Frankfurt Taunusanlage , Frankfurt Hauptwache or Frankfurt Konstablerwache , which are in the heart of the city. If you want to change to long-distance trains get off at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Frankfurt Central Station). The ride from the airport to the central station takes about 20 minutes. You have to purchase a ticket at the vending machines in the train station before boarding the train. The adult ticket costs €5.80, and €3.40 for children (April 2023).
If you want to go to the airport by S-Bahn, take the S8 or S9 in the direction of Wiesbaden. Don't take the S1 , since it does not stop at the airport.
Regional trains RB and RE to Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Hanau stop at the same place as the S-Bahn to Frankfurt.
Connections outside the Frankfurt region have a separate long-distance train station, 3 Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbahnhof. Here, you can board high-speed long-distance trains (Inter-City and ICE) to Cologne, Munich and other national and international destinations. Local train tickets are not valid on ICE or IC.
Hahn Airport
[edit]The smaller airport called Frankfurt/Hahn (HHN IATA), mostly used by budget airlines, advertises proximity to Frankfurt. However, Hahn is far away from Frankfurt and it takes about 90 minutes to drive there from downtown to cover the 125 km (78 mi) distance. For that airport, if you have to use it at all, allow more time in your travel plans and budget. A bus from Frankfurt/Hahn to Frankfurt Main airport and on to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Frankfurt Central Station) costs about €17.99 and leaves roughly every hour. Tickets are available from the kiosk outside in front of the main entrance.
Frankfurt/Hahn is not far (9 km) from Traben-Trarbach, which lies by the Mosel river and has a train station. The streets between the airport and Traben-Trarbach are not lit at night and have no sidewalk.
By train
[edit]- See also: Rail travel in Germany
Frankfurt has three major train stations: 4 Hauptbahnhof (main station), 5 Südbahnhof (south station) and the above-mentioned one at the airport (Flughafen Fernbahnhof). However, several inter-city trains that stop at the airport do not stop at Hauptbahnhof. Long-distance trains leaving from Hauptbahnhof do not stop at Südbahnhof, while a few long-distance trains pass by Hauptbahnhof and only stop at Südbahnhof. Check the timetable to make sure you are going to the right station!
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is one of the biggest and busiest train stations in Europe, so it's definitely worth a visit. Frankfurt has connections to most German cities - and neighbouring countries especially to the south and west - via InterCity and high-speed InterCity Express trains. There is no problem to get a connection to any train destination from Frankfurt.
Frankfurt train stations are very large, confusing, labyrinth-like places for newcomers. Allow extra time to locate the boarding area for your train. Don't hesitate to ask someone for help the first time. There is a large departures signboard above the main exit/entrance with destination and platform information, and you can also get information from the railway travel office in the station.
From the main ticket office at Frankfurt you can buy 5- and 10-day rail travel cards which allow you to travel around Germany using all train services, including the Intercity ones. These are a significant saving on individual train fares. The 5-day ticket costs €189 and the 10-day ticket €289. You cannot buy these tickets from regional train stations.
In addition to regular Deutsche Bahn trains and regional trains on which DB tickets are valid, Frankfurt is also served by Flixtrain. Tickets can be bought through Flixbus, but DB tickets are not valid and there is no BahnCard discount. That said, Flixtrain tickets are usually considerably cheaper than comparable DB tickets.
By car
[edit]- See also: Driving in Germany
Frankfurt is connected to several autobahns and can be easily reached by car. Try to avoid rush-hour and especially snowy days, as car traffic can easily break down. Parking is definitely a problem in most areas. Especially during big conventions—such the Internationale Automobilausstellung (International Automobile Exhibition) in September, or the Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair) in mid-October—you should consider using the well designed park-and-ride system If you intend to stay mostly in Frankfurt and only make day-trips to the bigger cities in the surrounding area, consider leaving the car altogether and arriving by train, as Frankfurt has a superb public transport system (see below).
By bus
[edit]- See also: Intercity buses in Germany
- 6 Fernbusbahnhof Frankfurt am Main. This new bus station opened in 2019 to cope with rising demand for intercity buses in the 2010s
Get around
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By public transport
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S-Bahn station Hauptbahnhof tief
U-Bahn station HauptbahnhofFrankfurt has a good, co-ordinated public transport system of Underground (U-Bahn), tram (Straßenbahn) and bus. Public transit nerds will be quick to point out, that the "U-Bahn" is actually a bit of a misnomer, given the fact that it has moved traffic sections in the outskirts, more in line with systems called "Stadtbahn" in other German cities. The RMV site has basic information and timetable information available in English and other languages. The U-Bahn (metro) stations are signed with a white capital "U" on a blue background . For connections to the suburbs or airport, use the S-Bahn, signed with a white "S" on green background 
. Almost all S-Bahn lines and two U-Bahn lines ( U6 , U7 ) come together in the city-tunnel in central Frankfurt (7 Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 and 8 Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ), besides line S7 , which ends at Central Station. If you want to go to the old city take the U-Bahn to 9 Dom/Römer U4 U5 or tram line 11 or 12.
The S-Bahn, run by Deutsche Bahn, connects the downtown areas to outer-lying suburbs as well as other cities in the region, such as Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Darmstadt. Beware that the S-Bahn is notorious for its delays. If you need to get somewhere on time, allow for some buffer time. In the morning rush-hour, delays of 5–15 minutes are common. If you are catching a plane or have another similar time-critical appointment, allow an extra 30 minutes to be on the safe side. Other services (subway, tram and bus) are usually more punctual.
Tickets
[edit]You can get single trip, all-day and weekly tickets. You can get tickets for one person or a group of up to five people travelling together.
You must use a ticket machine to purchase a ticket before boarding. Ticket machines can be switched to English. You have to press Einzelfahrt Frankfurt for a single trip in the city and Tageskarte Frankfurt for a day ticket in the city. If you want to ride to the airport, you have to press Einzelfahrt Frankfurt Flughafen or Tageskarte Frankfurt Flughafen. If your destination is outside Frankfurt, you have to look up your destination on the list provided at the machine, enter this number with the numeric keypad, then press the button for the type of ticket you want (Einzelfahrt - single trip; Tageskarte - day ticket). Also, every station has some stations listed as "short distance" destinations (Kurzstrecke); tickets to those are cheaper. If you have the opportunity, ask a bystander to explain the vending machines to you the first time you want to buy a ticket. Unlike in other German cities, tickets purchased are valid immediately. You cannot purchase single trip tickets in advance, but time tickets (day, week, month) can be chosen according to the date, which you have to know in advance.
Fares are based on the zones you travel through. Central Frankfurt is all contained within a single zone (zone 50) so tickets (except short trip tickets) are all the one fare. In this central zone a single trip ticket costs €3.40 and a day ticket costs €7.20. For the central zone and the airport zone together a single trip ticket costs €5.80 and a day ticket costs €11.30. Group day-tickets (5 people: €11.30 / €19.10) cost less than two individual day-tickets, so are better value if you are travelling together and purchasing day-tickets. Discounts are available for children of age 14 and under.
If you are visiting attractions and museums then consider buying a Frankfurt Card. It allows unlimited travel on Frankfurt's public transport system (city zone and airport) and discounts in many museums. The Frankfurt Card is available as a one day and two day ticket, and for a single person or a group of up to five (1 person 1 day €11.50, 2 days €17.00; group (max. 5 persons) 1 day €24, 2 days €34) [updated 2023]. These tickets are not sold at the vending machines. You can buy the Frankfurt Card at the airport (arrival gate B, terminal 1), at travel agencies, railway stations, at the tourist information desk at Hauptbahnhof, at the tourist information desk at Römer, or in advance online. A one-day one-person Frankfurt card including airport transportation is cheaper than the equivalent public transport ticket that includes the airport.
A fine of €60 applies for riding without a valid ticket.
By e-hailing
[edit]Uber, Bolt and Free Now cover the city.
By taxi
[edit]Frankfurt has plenty of taxi drivers to service the many business travellers. The city is not too big, although fares tend to be expensive. Watch out for taxi drivers that take detours if they notice that you do not know the city. Still, for door-to-door transport, taxis are a way to go.
Most taxi drivers love to drive to the airport because it's longer than inner-city fares, but not all taxi drivers are licensed to go there. They tend to drive very fast because most German business travellers expect them to do this. If you feel uncomfortable, let the driver know and he will slow down.
In the main tourist areas downtown there are also human-powered bike taxis that convey one or two passengers. For those not too keen on walking this may be a convenient way of seeing the sights.
By car
[edit]Avoid using your car in the city, especially in tourist "hot spots" like Sachsenhausen (especially on a Saturday) because of congestion and a severe lack of parking spaces. It's very limited, and people tend to park in places they're not supposed to. This ends up costing a fair bit if your car gets towed, which it often will. If you want to enter the city, your best bet is to use a Parkhaus (parking garage, which charges a fee of €1 per hour or €8 for the whole day) and then either walk, or take public transport.
Many areas are reserved for local residents, in and outside the city. You will see the areas marked by parking signs that indicate a local permit is needed during certain hours during the day. The wording to be aware of is "Parkausweis Nr.X" (where X is a number). If you park in these spaces you risk a fine.
Even vehicles registered in countries other than Germany need a "low emissions" sticker[dead link] (on the inside of the windscreen) to legally enter certain signposted environmental protection zones in Frankfurt. (The stickers are valid for all low emission zones in Germany.) Labelling a vehicle with these emission stickers, also often called "fine particle stickers", is voluntary, but vehicles without this sticker - even those with foreign number plates and even those that would otherwise meet the criteria - are not allowed into environmental zones without risking a fine of €40.
Also, remember that Germany has strict laws about driving under the influence of alcohol, only allowing 0.5mg of alcohol per mL of blood. That's just about one beer or glass of wine. Although there are Autobahns without speed limits, when there are speed limits, these are enforced rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. Heavy on-the-spot fines can be levied. The laws pertaining to tailgating have been sharpened, and the fines have gotten larger.
By bicycle
[edit]Frankfurt is bike-friendly, featuring an expansive network of bike lanes. While there are various rental-bike companies in Frankfurt, they are relatively rare and situated in inconvenient areas of the city for travellers. A more convenient source of rental bikes may be Deutsche Bahn. Look out for their rental bikes, marked in the colours red and white and the letters "DB".
These bikes are available year-round and can be found pretty much anywhere in the city - especially at street corners, which are the major pick-up and drop-off points. You can rent these bikes 24/7 just using your cell-phone and your credit card. German citizens can also sign-up for direct debit from their checking account. For instructions on how to use this service, call the number on the bike or go their website.
Another service is offered by nextbike. Sign up (either online or via their hotline) and rent bicycles and return them at any station all over town. Rates are charged by the half-hour (€1) and are capped at €9 per day.
- Call-a-bike service.
- nextbike.
- GoetheRad, Landwehrweg 1 (at the Goethe Tower in Sachsenhausen, top of the Hill), ☏ +49 1765 052 8599. Open Tu-Su 12:00-18:00. Bike Rental and Repair
- Bike Rental Outlets Frankfurt[dead link]
See
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While most of the buildings in the inner town were destroyed during the second world war, many of them in Römerberg have been meticulously restored. The imposing town hall and the cathedral St Bartholomeus where emperors of the Holy Roman empire were crowned in the 17th and 18th centuries are among them. Walk on top of a tower or get to the Main for good views of the skyline.
Historical attractions
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- 1 Römerberg (within city centre just north of Eiserner Steg bridge, subway Dom/Römer U4 U5 ). Römerberg is the historic centre of Frankfurt, with a number of beautiful buildings, including the town hall and a church from the 14th and 15th century. The name Römer itself refers to the town hall of Frankfurt, which itself received this name from the prominent main building 2 Haus zum Römer, which has existed since at least 1322 and was bought by the city administration in 1405. Fortunately, large parts of the Römer's façade survived World War II. The 3 Fountain of Justice marks the centre of the Römerberg, while the 4 Alte Nikolaikirche
(a 12th-century church, current form since the 15th century) is on its southern side. The square is replete with beautiful half-timbered houses, many of which were destroyed during World War II, and completely rebuilt afterwards. One exception is the 5 Haus Wertheim (also known as Haus Wertheym), which was first mentioned in 1383 and for which the current building dates from around 1600, presumably making it Frankfurt's oldest historic restaurant. Walking towards the Main river, you can further see the 6 Wharfinger's Tower (Rententurm), a 15th-century fortified tower in late Gothic style, which is connected to the 7 Saalhof, a 12th-century castle building that was later modernized but never completely destroyed. Numerous cafés and shops can be found at the square itself and in the vicinity. Behind and north of the Haus zum Römer, the town hall was extended in 1900–1908 with the construction of the Neues Rathaus building complex, a series of Gothic/Renaissance style buildings. This includes a tower known as 8 Langer Franz and the 9 Seufzerbrücke, a bridge connecting two buildings within the complex, both best viewed at Bethmannstraße/Paulsplatz. 
- 10 Dom-Römer-Areal (New Old City Frankfurt) (just east of the Römerberg, subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 ). Urban revitalization of the Dom-Römer complex, in which a number of old historic buildings have been rebuilt from scratch – incorporating only a few original artifacts – based on old pictures and drawings. The area includes the Steinerne Haus at Markt 44, a medieval-looking building first erected in 1464 that had already been rebuilt in the 1960s. The street known as Alter Markt or simply as Markt was in fact one of the most important ones in the old town. Upon being crowned in the cathedral, the new emperors of the Holy Roman Empire would take this path to proceed to the Römerberg and Römer, where the ceremonial procedures continued. This area also includes the remains of an ancient Roman settlement that used to be known as the Archäologische Garten, but reopened indoors as part of the new Dom-Römer-Areal revitalization project. The completed area was officially inaugurated in September 2018.
- 11 Kaiserdom (Frankfurt Cathedral/Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew) (Located right next to the Römerberg, subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 , Tram 11/12 „Römer/Paulskirche“). The main cathedral with its 95 m high tower, built in Gothic style in the 14th century. From 1562 to 1792, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned in the cathedral. It is possible to ascend the tower to a platform at 66 m height, affording excellent views over the city. For this, you will need to enter via a separate entrance at the southern side of the cathedral and climb over 300 steps in a narrow winding staircase.
- 12 Eiserner Steg (Iron bridge) (Subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 ). Relatively well-known bridge for pedestrians, built in 1869. It is just a minute away from the Römer. Crossing the bridge leads you to Sachsenhausen and provides good views of the skyline.
- 13 Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church), Paulsplatz 11 (Located just north of the Römer place, subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 ). A church with important political symbolism in Germany. This was the seat of the first democratically elected parliament in Germany in 1848. Here the revolutionaries wrote the 1848 constitution that sadly was never put into effect. Like most historic buildings in the city centre, it was destroyed during World War II, but was also among the first buildings to be rebuilt after 1945 (with different interior). Today the building is used as a memorial site and an event centre, including hosting the awarding of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. Free.
- 14 Liebfrauenkirche, Liebfrauengasse/Neue Kräme (near the Zeil). 14th century Roman Catholic church and monastery.
- 15 Hauptwache (public transport to Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ). A public area that is often considered the central hub of Frankfurt's modern downtown area due to its importance as a public transportation station and its central location, right between the main shopping street (Zeil) and the Rossmarkt (another public square), and just south of the 15th-century Eschenheimer Turm (Eschenheim Tower). The place is named after a Baroque building ("Hauptwache") more or less in its centre. The building was constructed in 1730 to house the local city militia, as Frankfurt was an independent city at the time. When Frankfurt became part of Prussia, the building gradually lost its original function. Since 1905, it has instead been serving as a café ("Café Hauptwache"). Other attractions include the Katharinenkirche, and the Palais Thurn-und-Taxis.
- 16 Alte Oper (Old Opera), Opernplatz 1 (subway to Alte Oper U6 U7 or Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 – and walk a few minutes), ☏ +49 69 134 0400 (for tickets). Renaissance Opera Building in the centre of the city. A busy square with fountains can be found in front of it. It was opened in 1880, but it has not been used for operas since the rebuilding after the war, but for concerts, congresses, and similar "fancy" events.
- 17 Börse Frankfurt (Frankfurt Stock Exchange), Börsenplatz 4, ☏ +49 69 21111515. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa Su closed. The Frankfurt stock exchange building, still in use, see the bull and bear statues just outside. You cannot enter the building unless you have registered for a guided tour at least one working day in advance. Free.
- 18 Sachsenhausen (tram to Affentorplatz). By crossing one of the bridges from the city centre you reach the Sachsenhausen part of the city south of the Main river. The old town part, 19 Alt-Sachsenhausen, especially in Kleine Ritterstraße and Große Ritterstraße (two streets near Affentorplatz), is famous for its old cider bars (see the "Drink" section for more information) and traditional half-timbered houses, many of which survived World War 2 (unlike much of the city centre). The 20 Dreikönigskirche (Church of the Three Kings) at Dreikönigsstraße 30 was built in 1880, replacing an older 14th century chapel. The Catholic 21 Deutschordenskirche (Church of the Teutonic Order) dates to the Middle Ages but suffered substantial damage during World War 2 and needed to be restored after the war. You can also walk along the river bank or visit the Schweizer Straße (see the "Buy" section).
Skyline
[edit]
Frankfurt has some of the tallest buildings in Germany (the Commerzbank Tower is the country's tallest office building). Its skyline is unique for the country, as the high rises are concentrated in a relatively small downtown area, giving Frankfurt the looks of a metropolis. One of the reasons for this are the lax zoning laws compared to the rest of Germany. Elsewhere, building such high rise buildings is almost - if not outright - impossible. The skyline is the reason why Frankfurt is sometimes called by the nickname Mainhattan.
- For a view of the skyline try the Main river bridges. The eastern bridges offer the best view, in particular the Ignaz-Bubis-Brücke and also the Alte Brücke. For a great view including the new European Central Bank building, the train bridge in Ostend and the new bridge behind it provide excellent views. Also, when you approach the city from the airport via the subway, stay to the right side of the train. Just before the train approaches the Frankfurt central station it enters a big curve, and from here you will have a nice first glance of the skyline. For another good view of the skyscrapers take a walk from Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 northwards.
- 22 Main Tower, Neue Mainzer Straße 52-58 (Subway station Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 or Taunusanlage S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S8 S9 ), ☏ +49 69 3650-4878, [email protected]. Winter: Su-Th 10:00-19:00, F-Sa 10:00-21:00. This building is special as it is the only Frankfurt high-rise tower that is open to the public with an elevator to the viewing platform at a height of 200 m (660 ft). From here, you will have a good view of Frankfurt and the surrounding area. Make sure to go on a clear day, and if you're in Frankfurt in Autumn or Spring you might wish to try to go up a short while before sunset. That way, you can witness how the city changes from day to night-life. The viewing platform will be closed during severe weather. Adults €7.50, reduced €5.
- 23 European Central Bank (Subway station Ostbahnhof). This skyscaper complex is the seat of European financial power and decisions. The building was completed in 2014. Guided tours are available but advance registration is required.
- 24 Henninger Turm (in Sachsenhausen). A 120 m (390 ft) tall tower. Inaugurated in 1961, it remained by far the highest grain storage silo tower in the world until 2005. The top part used to have rotating restaurants and observation decks. The silo tower was demolished in 2013, and rebuilt as a modern residential tower with a similar external appearance. A new restaurant is slated to open at the top.
Other attractions
[edit]- 25 Palmengarten (Palm Garden), Siesmayerstraße 63 (Entrance Palmengartenstraße: subway U4 , U6 (towards Praunheim Heerstaße), U7 (towards Hausen) to Bockenheimer Warte U4 U6 U7 ; Entrance Siesmayerstraße Westend U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 2123-3939, fax: +49 69 212-37856, [email protected]. Nov-Jan: 09:00-16:00; Feb-Oct: 09:00-18:00. The Palmengarten is one of two botanical gardens in Frankfurt. There are special exhibitions and events throughout the much of the year. Adults €7, children €2, reduced rate €3, family €16.
- 26 Botanischer Garten (Botanical Garden), Siesmayerstraße 72 (near Palmengarten), ☏ +49 69 21239058. Mar-Oct: M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su and holidays 09:00-13:00; Nov-Feb: closed. Free.
- 27 Grüneburgpark. This is Frankfurt's largest public park. Even though there are many parks in Frankfurt, the Grüneburgpark is probably the most liked. It is close to two campuses of the university: many young people meet there, and many business people jog there after work.
- 28 Campus Westend (Just east of the Grüneburgpark). Architecturally interesting campus of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University. Includes the IG Farben building, the former corporate headquarters of IG Farben and largest office building in Europe from 1930 until the 1950s.
- 29 St. Leonhardskirche (St. Leonhard’s Church). Late Romanic church built in 1219, and transformed in accordance with the Gothic style in the 15th century. English-language Catholic mass service on Saturdays and Sundays.
- 30 Bornheim (subway to Bornheim Mitte U4 ). A nice residential quarter with a lively market and beautiful medieval houses which survived the war intact (unlike the city centre). The most important and lively street is the Berger Straße, which runs from downtown all the way to the oldest parts of Bornheim. The more central downtown part of the Berger Straße (actually in the Nordend district) features a variety of small and often trendy little stores, cafés, and restaurants. Alt-Bornheim, the older part of Bornheim around the northeastern part of the Berger Straße (within walking distance from subway stop Bornheim Mitte U4 ), is famous for its historic Ebbelwoi (a local cider) taverns, some of which have been around for several centuries.
- 31 Staufenmauer. Remains of the old city wall (1138–1254) can be seen in the Fahrgasse and at the Liebfrauenkirche. More prominent examples of the city fortification built in later years include the Eschenheimer Turm (1428) near Hauptwache and the Friedberger Warte (1478, rebuilt 1637), which is on the Friedberger Landstraße a bit outside the main city centre.
- 32 Palais Thurn und Taxis, Große Eschenheimer Straße (1 minute walk north from Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 towards the Eschenheimer Turm). 18th-century palace of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis. In the 19th century, it served as the parliament of the German Confederation. Unfortunately, apart from the front façade, most of it is reconstructed. The reconstruction has a smaller scale than the building's original 18th-century size.
- 33 Hauptfriedhof, Eckenheimer Landstrasse 194. Main cemetery, where you can find several mausoleums, over 150 year old tombstones, and the final resting places of philosophers Arthur Schopenhauer and Theodor W. Adorno.
- 34 Katharinenkirche (St. Catherine's Church) (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ). Baroque-style Lutheran church at Hauptwache. Constructed 1678 to 1681 at the site of a former monastery, destroyed during World War II, and restored 1950 to 1954. The tower stands 54 m (177 ft) tall.
- 35 Literaturhaus Frankfurt (formerly: Alte Stadtbibliothek), Schöne Aussicht 2 (at Ignatz-Bubis-Brücke). Former public library building, constructed 1820-1825 in neo-classical style.
- 36 Zoo, Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16 (take subway U6 towards Ostbahnhof or U7 towards Enkheim and get off at the Zoo U6 U7 station), ☏ +49 69 2123-3735. Winter: daily 09:00-17:00; Summer: daily 09:00-19:00. €10 adults, €5, children, family €25.
- 37 Petrihaus, Am Rödelheimer Wehr 15 (Frankfurt-Rödelheim S3 S4 S5 + 10 min walk), ☏ +49 151 17591919, [email protected]. Feb-Nov: Sunday. The pittoresque and unique Swiss style pavillon once hosted famous German poets like Goethe and Brentano. Refurbished in 2002, it is open for guided tours. Located in a nice park which has a faded rose garden, some art nouveau sculptures, Europe's oldest gingko-tree and plenty of lawn to enjoy a splendid day. €5.
- 38 Höchst Old Town (take the S-Bahn from central Frankfurt to Frankfurt-Höchst S1 S2 or tram 11 to Bolongaropalast or Zuckschwerdtstrasse. All stops are within the central ticket zone). The old town of Höchst with its castle and small medieval streets full of half-timbered houses. 39 Höchst Castle is actually an ensemble of multiple castles dating from the 13th to 16th centuries. 40 Saint Justin's Church (Justinuskirche) dates to 850, making it Frankfurt's oldest surviving building and one of the oldest churches in Germany, a rare opportunity to see a church with Carolingian architecture. Further east, the baroque 41 Bolongaro Palace was built from 1772 and includes a beautiful garden complex with pavilions, sculptures and the Neptune Fountain. It was constructed on behalf of the Bolongaro brothers, who had come from Italy and set up Europe's largest snuff tobacco factory in Frankfurt. Höchst is also known as the 2nd-oldest porcelain manufacturing site in Germany. The 42 Höchst Porcelain Manufacturing Centre (Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur, Palleskestr. 32) welcomes visitors wishing to learn about the traditional manufacturing process, while the beautiful 16th century 43 Kronberger House houses a museum with over 1,000 porcelain exhibits.
- 44 Amtsgericht und Landgericht Frankfurt (court house), Heiligkreuzgasse 34. Frankfurt's courts are housed in an ensemble of buildings, including the main building erected in 1884–1889 in Neo-Renaissance style and a second building just behind it built in 1913–17 in Neoclassic style.
- 45 Odeon, Seilerstraße 34. Small museum building built in 1816, now housing a dance club.
- 46 Stiftstraße 6-10, Stiftstraße 6-10 (just off of the Zeil). Beautiful historic buildings built in 1903. Stiftstraße 8–10 is a rare example of Art nouveau in Frankfurt. Stiftstraße 6 has a colorful façade.
- 47 Frankfurt Airport's Airport Tours, Terminal 1, Concourse C, Level 2, Counter 726, [email protected]. Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, offers several different guided tours, including a Fire Department Tour. €9-22, or €7-20 for "reduced tickets" (children, students etc).
Museums
[edit]Museums in Germany are generally closed on Mondays (there are exceptions); the exact opening hours on other days depend on the museum. If you want to visit a museum on a public holiday, check with them before to be sure they open on that day.
The museums in Frankfurt offer a wide range of exhibits. Many museums are clustered on both banks of the Main in a district called Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank). To get there, take the subway to Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 (southern bank) or Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 (northern bank), then walk towards the Main river. You can see the downtown skyscrapers when you leave the station Schweizer Platz, that's the direction you have to take. There are enough museums in Museumsufer to keep you occupied for a while, and it is especially suitable if you are staying in Frankfurt only for a short time.
The Museumsufer Ticket is valid for admission to all municipal museums on two consecutive days and is available at all Frankfurt museums. Individual visitors €18, concessions €10, families (2 adults and children) €28.
At the Museumsufer
[edit]All of the following museums are at the Museumsufer in Sachsenhausen. You have a number of options to get there, e.g. Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 or Bus 46 (Museumsufer Linie) to "Städel". It is also just a 10 minute walk from Dom/Römer U4 U5 across the Eiserner Steg bridge, or 10 minutes from the main train station over the pedestrian bridge Holbeinsteg.
- 48 Städel-Museum (Staedelsches Kunstinstitut), Schaumainkai 63, ☏ +49 69 605098-0, fax: +49 69 610163, [email protected]. Tu F–Su 10:00–18:00, W-Th 10:00–21:00. It is named after Johann Friedrich Staedel. The museum displays various works of art, both modern and old. There are also varying exhibitions at any time. Behind the museum is the Städelschule, an art school with a cheap cafeteria. €12, reduced: €10, Sa-Su & holidays: €14, reduced: €12, Familyticket (2 adults and at least one child): €24, children under 12 free.
- 49 Museum Giersch (Museum of Regional Historic Art and Culture), Schaumainkai 83, ☏ +49 69 6330-4128, fax: +49 69 6330-4144, [email protected]. Tu-F 12:00-19:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. The broad exhibition range covers all types of art – painting, photography, sculpture, graphic art, architecture and applied arts. Usually the exhibitions focus on artist that have some sort of connection to Frankfurt or the Frankfurt region. It presents works on loan from public and private owners, which are often stored in depots or private collections and therefore not otherwise accessible to the general public. There are also varying exhibitions at any time. Public guided tours for groups such as pupils or adults by arrangement. €5 for adults, €3 for children.
- 50 Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts), Schaumainkai 17, ☏ +49 69 2123-4037, fax: +49 69 2123-0703, [email protected]. Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00. The museum for applied arts and design hosts just that in a beautiful Richard Meier designed building. The small park around it is a popular hangout in summer and there is a small posh restaurant on the ground floor. €9, concessions €4.50.
- 51 Liebieghaus - Skulpturensammlung (Liebieg House - sculpture collection), Schaumainkai 71, ☏ +49 69-212-38617, fax: +49 69-212-30701, [email protected]. Tu-W F-Su 10:00–18:00, Th 10:00–21:00. Large collection of sculptures and statues from all over the world. Very nice cafe in the garden. Admission: €7, reduced: €5, Familycard: €12.
- 52 Museum der Weltkulturen (Museum of World Cultures), Schaumainkai 29-37, ☏ +49 69-212-35913, fax: +49 69-212-30704, [email protected]. Tu-F Su 10:00-20:00, Sa 14:00-20:00. Due to a lack of space and funding, it doesn't display its permanent ethnographic collection but rather shows well-made exhibitions.
- 53 Museum für Kommunikation (Museum of Communication), Schaumainkai 53, ☏ +49 69-6060-0, fax: +49 69-6060-666, [email protected]. Tu 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00, Th-Su 10:00-18:00. Formerly known as the postal museum, it explains the history of communication with a strong focus on postal services and telecommunication. The permanent exhibition shows the developments in communication techniques from telegraphs, to telephones to the internet. A lot of old telegraphs, phones, fax machines etc. are on display. Descriptions in both English and German. The museum has many interactive parts which are also suitable for children. Don't miss the small but impressive art collection, hosting works with communication themes from the early 19th century up until today. There is an audio guide (free) available through the 'Lauschtour' app. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions on the first and second floor. €6 for adults; €1.50 for youth 5-17; children until 4 free.
- 54 Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM, German Architecture Museum), Schaumainkai 43, ☏ +49 69 2123-8844, fax: +49 69-21237721, [email protected]. Tu Th-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00. The Architecture Museum displays various types of exhibits about buildings and architecture. Their tagline is "From Primordial Hut to Skyscraper". There's also a small cafe in the DAM. Adults €9, reduced €4.50.
- 55 Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum), Schaumainkai 41, ☏ +49 69-21238830, fax: +49 69-21237881, [email protected]. Tu Th F Su 10:00-17:00, W Sa 10:00-20:00. The German Movie Museum displays—as the name implies—the art and history of film making (German only) €4.00 for adults, €1.50 for children.
- 56 Ikonen Museum (Icon Museum), Deutschordenshaus, Brückenstraße 3-7 / Walter-Kolb-Straße (Eastern End Schaumainkai), ☏ +49 69-21236262. Tu Th-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00. Founded in 1990 through a donation of 800 icons from the 16th-19th century this museum today has about 1,000 icons and today also has special exhibitions for modern icons. €6, concessions €4, every last Saturday in the month free entrance.
Other museums
[edit]
- 57 Kunsthalle Schirn, Römerberg (Subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +49 69 299882112. Tu F-Su 10:00-19:00, W Th 10:00-22:00. A museum specializing in contemporary art. It is located just off the Römerplatz. There are two exhibition spaces that rotate every month or two. Ticket prices vary depending on the exhibitions.
- 58 Museum für Moderne Kunst (Museum of Modern Art), Domstraße 10, ☏ +49 69 212-30447, fax: +49 69 212-37882, [email protected]. Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00. The building was designed by Hans Hollein to resemble a boat, which is most notable when approaching it from the back (east). Apart from well-known artists in the permanent collection, e.g. Roy Liechtenstein and Andy Warhol, the museum has changing exhibits that often include contemporary works. The museum has an associated restaurant Triangolo. €10 for adults, €5 for children.
- 59 Portikus, Alte Brücke 2 (on the Maininsel, access via the bridge Alte Brücke), ☏ +49 69 96244540, fax: +49 69 962445424, [email protected]. Tu-Su 11:00-18:00, W 11:00-20:00, also closed when there is no current exhibition and on some public holidays. An institution exhibiting contemporary art of both emerging and established artists. It was founded in 1987 and is part of the Städelschule (Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste, a school of art). Admission free.
- 60 Frankfurter Kunstverein, Steinernes Haus am Römerberg, Markt 44 (Römerberg, subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +49 69-219314-0. Tu-W F-Su 11:00-19:00, Th 11:00-21:00. Constantly changing contemporary art expositions. Adults €8, reduced €6.
- 61 Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum), Untermainkai 14/15 (Riverbank right side (Altstadt), Tram 11, 12 or subway to Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 – note that this museum is not on the Museumsufer but on the other bank of the river)), ☏ +49 69-21235000, fax: +49 69-21230705, [email protected]. Closed until 2019 for renovation. The Jewish community in Frankfurt can look back on over 850 years of history in the city and is the second oldest Jewish community in Germany. The well funded museum in the old Rothschild (they originate from Frankfurt) palace pays tribute to this history with a strong focus on the holocaust. Admission with audio guide: €7, children €3.50, including Museum Judengasse: €10.
- 62 Museum Judengasse, Battonnstrasse 47, ☏ +49 69 21235000, [email protected]. Tu 10:00-20:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00. It is part of the Jewish Museum, but at a different address (not anywhere near the Museumsufer). It reopened after refurbishment in 2016. Here are exhibited the foundations from the Jewish Ghetto dating back to 1462, as well as information about life as a Jewish person in this ghetto during the Middle Ages. Info is in English & German. Outside of this museum is the "Holocaust Memorial Wall" with over 11,000 names of Frankfurt's murdered Jewish citizens on it. It surrounds the medieval Jewish cemetery dating back to 1272. There is another outpost of the Jewish museum nearby, which hosts exhibitions on a regular basis. It is housed in a 4-story World War II overground bunker. Adults €6, reduced €3, free every last Saturday of the month.
- 63 Archäologisches Museum (Archaeological Museum), Karmelitergasse 1, ☏ +49 69-212-35896, fax: +49 69-212-30700, [email protected]. Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00. In a building which used to house a Carmelite monastery. Adults €7, reduced €3.50, under 18 years free, free entry every last Saturday of the month.
- 64 Goethe-Haus und -Museum, Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, ☏ +49 69 1-38-80-0. M-Sa 10:00-18:00, Su and holidays 10:00-17:30. Birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany's most famous author and poet. It's a museum and picture gallery devoted to Goethe. Adults €7, reduced €1.50-3.
- 65 Historisches Museum (Historical Museum), Saalgasse 19 (Subway to Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +49 69-212-35599. Tu-Su holidays 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-21:00. Historic museum of the city of Frankfurt and its citizens. Today it offers a wide collection of the history of the city. Adults €7, reduced €3.50, family ticket €15.
- 66 Naturmuseum Senckenberg (Nature Museum Seckenberg), Senckenberganlage 25 (To get to the museum, take the tram or subway to Bockenheimer Warte U4 U6 U7 , then walk. There are no parking spaces available at the museum.), ☏ +49 69-75420, fax: +49 69-746238. M-Tu Th-F 09:00-17:00, W 09:00-20:00, Sa Su 09:00-18:00. Commonly called just Senckenberg museum it is one of the most famous museums in Frankfurt. The Senckenberg has various exhibits on natural history; plants, animals, minerals, and so on; the biggest attraction are the dinosaur skeletons and the collection of preserved animals that were hunted and stuffed in a less enlightened age. Highly recommended for anybody interested in the subject. Also suitable for children, who can touch some of the exhibit (like replicas of Dinosaur skeletons). €12 for adults, €6 for children (aged 6–15).
- 67 Geldmuseum der Deutschen Bundesbank (Money Museum of the German Central Bank), Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 14, ☏ +49 69-9566-3073, [email protected]. 09:00–17:00, Closed Sa. A museum about money and its history. Free.
- 68 Verkehrsmuseum Frankfurt am Main (Public Transportation Museum), Rheinlandstraße 133 (take Tram 12 to the end of the line at Schwanheim Rheinlandstr), ☏ +49 69 - 213-23 039 (Su and holidays 10:00-17:00), [email protected]. Su and holidays 10:00-17:00, otherwise closed. Public transportation vehicles including many old trams, a few buses and one steam locomotive. Beside the museum is a station building that used to belong to the former Frankfurter Waldbahn, a tram line that was originally powered by steam locomotives. Adult €3, child €1, senior/student €2.
- 69 Dialogmuseum, Hanauer Landstraße 145 (take Tram 11 to Osthafenplatz). Experience the world as blind people do. Guided tour through rooms in complete darkness, led by blind or visually impaired staff members. In each room, you experience a different daily life situation (e.g., walking through a park, a boat trip, visiting a bar).
- 70 Experiminta, Hamburger Allee 22-24 (take Tram 16 or 17 to Varrentrappstraße). Interactive science museum focusing on hands-on exhibits.
- 71 Caricatura Museum for Comic Art, Weckmarkt 17 (Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +49-69-21230161. closed on Mondays. Museum for comic art, i.e., satire and illustrations. Located in the old Leinwandhaus (Linen House), a historic building that was first constructed in 1396–1399, but only reopened in 1984 after suffering substantial damage in World War II.
- 72 Hindemith Cabinet in the Cowherds' Tower (Hindemith Kabinett im Kuhhirtenturm), Große Rittergasse 118, ☏ +49 69 5970362. Su 11:00-18:00, M-Sa closed (exceptions for groups with appointment). The Cowherds' Tower is a 14th century tower and city gate. The German composer Paul Hindemith lived in this tower between 1923 and 1927. Today it contains a small museum about the composer, and a music room for chamber concerts and other events. Adults €3, reduced €1.50.
- 73 [dead link] Anne Frank Educational Center, Hansaallee 150 (Dornbusch U1 U2 U3 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 56 000 20. Sa Su 12:00-18:00, M-F closed (exceptions for groups with appointment). The well-known young Holocaust victim Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt and first lived with her family in a house at Marbachweg 307, just minutes away from this centre, before they moved to Ganghofer Straße 24, which is a few blocks further north. Based on her biography, the Anne Frank Educational Center relies on interactive methods to promote tolerance and educate people about the consequences of Nazism, discrimination, and racism. Adults €5, children free.
Do
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Culture
[edit]- Frankfurt Architectural Photo Tour[dead link], Free photography course of architectural fine arts
- The Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, ☏ +49 69-907399-100. Modern ballet in Frankfurt playing at the Bockenheimer Depot.
- 1 Cinestar Metropolis, Eschenheimer Anlage 40 (subway to Eschenheimer Tor U1 U2 U3 U8 or walk from the city centre). The cinema shows a couple of movies in English. €8-12.
- 2 English theatre, Gallusanlage 7 (Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-24231620, [email protected]. See a play at the largest English-language theatre in continental Europe
- 3 Oper Frankfurt, Untermainanlage 11 (Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-212-49-49-4. Not to be confused with the historic Alte Oper building, this modern building is where to go to see an opera performance. State subsidized performances make this a relatively affordable place to see high quality productions
- 4 [dead link] Bockenheimer Depot, Carlo-Schmid-Platz 1 (Bockenheimer Warte U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 21237000. A theatre venue of the Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt, for opera and dance performances.
Fairs
[edit]Frankfurt's trade fairs are known to have taken place as early as in 1160. The Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's largest exhibition centres, hosting a continuous stream of exhibitions small, large and gargantuan — the Motor Show draws almost a million visitors. Most fairs are open to the public for at least part of the time, and can be a fascinating if somewhat overwhelming experience if you're interested in the theme. The Messe has its own S-Bahn train station, Messe S3 S4 S5 S6 , two stops away from the Central Railway Station (from platform 104, underground), and there's also the Festhalle/Messe U4 subway stop. Advance tickets for fairs often allow free use of all RMV public transport. Trains to the trade fairs are announced in English.
- Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurt Buchmesse): . The largest event of the world's publishing industry, held yearly in mid-October. The Frankfurt Book Fair has a long history, first being held in 1485, shortly after Gutenberg's printing press in nearby Mainz made books much more easily available than before. The last two days (Sa Su) are open to the general public, with book sales allowed on Sunday only. The public days of the Book Fair have also drawn a vast contingent of manga/anime fans, many of whom dress up as their favourite characters! Photography is allowed, but only after asking permission. Day ticket €12. (date needs fixing)
Sports
[edit]- Football: 5 Eintracht Frankfurt, Waldstadion, Mörfelder Landstraße 362 (S-Bahn: S7, S8, S9 Stadion), ☏ +49 69 9550 31585. Die Adler (The Eagles) play soccer in Bundesliga, the top tier. The stadium (sponsored as Deutsche Bank Park) has a capacity of 51,500, and in 2024 it hosted games in the UEFA Euro Finals. The women's team play in their top tier at Stadion am Brentanobad.
- Swimming at Titus-Thermen or Rebstockbad, which both also have whirlpools and sauna facilities. Or visit any of the other public indoor or outdoor pools in Frankfurt. The biggest outdoor pool is next to the Nidda in Rödelheim part of Frankfurt: Bretano bath. Some of the bigger complexes outside the city limits include Taunus-Therme in Bad Homburg and Rhein-Main-Therme in Hofheim.
- 6 Ice skating ring, Am Bornheimer Hang 4 (Eissporthalle/Festplatz U7 ), ☏ +49 69 2123-9308, [email protected]. Ice skating for amateurs or watch ice hockey games by the local teams.
- 7 Sportpark Kelkheim, Mainblick 51a, 65779 Kelkheim, ☏ +49 6195 5151, [email protected]. A sports facility complex that features high rope courses, golf (no membership required), indoor climbing and bouldering, squash, and other activities.
- 8 Boulderwelt Frankfurt, August-Schanz-Straße 50 (Preungesheim U5 or S-Bahn Frankfurter Berg S6 ), ☏ +49 69 9541-6560, [email protected]. 10:00-23:00. Opened in the winter of 2012, this hall is still expanding and has boulders in various difficulties for beginners to experienced ones. The route setter is very experienced and the crew friendly. Only the air can get "powdry" at peak times. From time to time there are organised competitions. €9.90.
- 9 Kletterzentrum Frankfurt/Main (DAV Kletterzentrum), Homburger Landstraße 283 (Preungesheim U5 ), ☏ +49 69 95415170, [email protected]. M-F 10:00-23:00, Sa Su 09:00-22:00. The DAV Kletterzentrum opened for climbing in spring 2013. It offers up to 15 m (49 ft) high walls with many routes.
- 10 Dynochrom, Flinschstr. 45 (Schäfflestraße U4 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 4080-2770, [email protected]. M F 15:00-23:00, Tu-Th Sa 11:00-23:00, Su 11:00-21:00. This gym has tough boulders for enthusiastic climbers. €9.
Walks
[edit]- In the summer, a walk along the river Main is a nice thing to do. A lot of people will spend a sunny afternoon walking or sitting there on a lawn or playing frisbee or football. It's a relatively quiet area, considering it's in the heart of the city. Nearby cafes and restaurants allow you to have a drink in between. The only disadvantage is that it can be quite crowded when the weather is nice; try going during business hours on a weekday unless you're looking for a crowd.
- Go for a walk in the City Forest (Stadtwald) in the south of Frankfurt. With about 48 km², it is regarded as the largest inner-city forest in Germany. Six playgrounds and nine ponds make the forest a popular tourist attraction. The forest can be reached via tram line 17 direction Neu-Isenburg/Stadtgrenze from Frankfurt Main Station (Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 U4 U5 ). Trams 12, 19, 20 and 21 also connect the Stadtwald with downtown Frankfurt.
- Go on top of the Feldberg mountain, the highest mountain in the Taunus. Take a train from Frankfurt central to Königsstein and then go to the main bus place (Parkstraße). Buses via Feldberg depart every 2 hours. Get on top of the observation tower at the Feldberg. If it's cold, have a hot chocolate with cream (Heiße Schokolade mit Sahne) at the tower's kiosk.
- 11 Lohrberg. Head up the Lohrberg, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city, as well as of the local vineyard (the last remaining one in Frankfurt). There is a small restaurant with outdoor seating and an apple orchard serving homemade apple juice and Ebbelwoi (local cider). Other amenities include a small pool for children and a barbecue area (bring your own).
Events
[edit]- Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums): . One night a year in mid-May most Frankfurt museums are open to the public until the early morning of the next day. Special bus lines will take visitors from one to the next. Various special events are organized; for example dances, music performances, special exhibits, games, and so on. It is very crowded but also highly recommended; be prepared for very long lines. Buy a ticket in advance so you do not have to waste time during the night of the event on this, and do not forget to pick up a schedule of the events and map of the bus routes. Similar events are organized in other German cities as well. (date needs fixing)
- Christmas Market (Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt): , Römerberg, Paulsplatz und Mainkai (Dom/Römer U4 U5 ). M–Sa 10:00–21:00, Su 11:00–21:00. Get a glühwein mug and start enjoying the evening. It is one of the biggest German Christmas Markets featuring a big tree and popular participation. Late November to 22 December (date needs fixing)
- Christopher Street Day (CSD Frankfurt): (Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ). LGBT parade and festival in mid-July. (date needs fixing)
- Museumsuferfest (Museumsufer Festival): . Massive 3-day outdoor festival held every year in late August along both sides of the downtown waterfront. Numerous stages with live music, DJs, food, shops, and museum events. Beware that it can get very crowded in certain spots and there are often queues to cross the Eiserner Steg bridge. Fireworks on the last day. Free. (date needs fixing)
- There are various fireworks displays throughout the year. Many major events - like the Museumsufer festival are ended with very well done fireworks. Check your local event schedule; if you are in the city these are always worth your time. The exception are the New Year fireworks, which are unorganized and less than spectacular. Good vantage points are the Main bridges, or the river banks.
Other activities
[edit]- The RMV offers a tour of the city in the so-called Ebbelwei Express, a special tram that offers music, apple wine, and pretzels. Probably very stereotypical and more suited for people who do not mind "tacky" tourist traps.
- About once a month, an old steam engine train rides along tracks on the northern riverbank of the Main. Prices vary, starting at €4 for an adult.
- 12 Kobelt-Zoo, Schwanheimer Bahnstraße, ☏ +49 69 35353047, [email protected]. May-Sep 14:00-19:00. A small zoo with monkeys, snakes and other animals. Kids can pet rabbits, horses, donkeys, and goats, or ride ponies. Free.
- River cruises along the Main River, Mainkai at Eiserner Steg (near the Dom/Römer U4 U5 subway stop). There are two companies offering river cruises along the Main River, and both of them depart from Mainkai near the Eiserner Steg bridge in the Old Town. There are short sightseeing cruises as well as longer tours heading towards the Rhein river and its scenic spots.
Learn
[edit]- Goethe Institut, Diesterwegplatz 72 (Frankfurt Süd U1 U2 U3 U8 S5 S6 ), ☏ +49 69 961-2270. The official German language institute with a vast range of courses to learn German in Goethe's hometown.
- 13 Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Senckenberganlage 31 (U-Bahn station Bockenheimer Warte U4 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 7980. Founded in 1914, this urban university offers a wide range of faculties. Today, the university has 38,000 students on 4 major campuses: Campus Bockenheim, Campus Riedberg, Campus Westend, Campus Niederrad.
- Volkshochschule Frankfurt (Public education centre), Sonnemannstraße 13 (Frankfurt Süd U1 U2 U3 U8 S5 S6 ), ☏ +49 69 2127-1501. Vast range of language courses, cooking classes and other educational courses.
Work
[edit]Frankfurt is one of the better locations in Germany to start looking if you want to find a job. It is the centre of national and international banking/finance and there are also many high tech, chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the Rhine-Main area. All of these are more willing to accept people with no or less than adequate German skills if you can offer any other special skills.
Last but not least the airport and companies working for trade fairs, as well as several companies in the so called "Industriepark Hoechst" always need people who speak English and other (seldom spoken) languages. Especially low skilled and very high skilled jobs are available. Make sure you have the proper permits and papers; working illegally can get you into a lot of trouble.
Buy
[edit]Frankfurt is a great place for shopping, as it caters both to tourists and to the local population, so you can find anything from haute couture to ridiculously cheap, and most of the shopping possibilities are located in the centre. The majority of shops are open until 20:00, though some of the larger stores downtown may close at 21:00 or 22:00. In general, shops are closed on Sundays.
Shopping streets
[edit]- The Zeil is the main shopping street in Frankfurt and in fact one of the most frequented shopping streets in Europe. This area caters to all sorts of shopping needs. There are big department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt as well as numerous other larger shops along the Zeil. Head to the top floor of Galeria Kaufhof for a restaurant with amazing views of the city. The lower levels of both department stores sell food products from all of the world. There are also shopping complexes like the Zeilgalerie and MyZeil, which is notable for its remarkable architecture, including the longest shopping mall escalator in Europe. Some of the surrounding streets, e.g. Liebfrauenstraße, Schillerstraße, and Kaiserstraße, have a lot of interesting smaller shops. Head to the Goethestraße for upscale shopping.
- Schweizer Straße: small, traditional shops with local specialties, take subway to Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 .
- Berger Straße: smaller trendy shops and cafés, take subway to Merianplatz U4 or Höhenstraße U4 .
- Leipziger Straße: smaller shops, take subway to Leipziger Straße U6 U7 station.
Markets
[edit]- 1 Kleinmarkthalle, Hasengasse 5-7 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 or Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ; in the city centre between Zeil and Berliner Straße). M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 08:00-16:00, Su and holidays closed. A market hall with a large variety of local and international vendors ranging from fresh produce to ready-to-eat food and drinks.
- 2 Flea Market (at the Museumsufer). Sa 09:00-14:00. Along the river in Sachsenhausen during which time the road is normally closed to traffic.
- 3 Farmer's Market at Konstablerwache (Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache) (Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ). Th 10:00-20:00, Sa 08:00-17:00. Locally produced vegetables or fruits are found also directly from regional ecological producers.
- 4 Schillermarkt (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ). F 09:00-18:30. Fresh meals and local products are sold at the groceries market directly in the centre at this shopping street.
Shops
[edit]- 5 Grüneburger Bioladen, Grüneburgweg 6 (Grüneburgweg), ☏ +49 69 9550-2229. M-F 07:30-20:00, Sa 07:30-19:00. Excellent choice of cheese and fresh vegetables. The shop has affordable lunch soups and also does custom deliveries.
- 6 Petersen Gutes Essen, Eppsteiner Straße 26, ☏ +49 69 71 71 35 36. M-F 08:45-19:00, Sa 08:00-15:00. Sells gourmet food. It has bread, cheese, fresh pasta, pasterys and a lot more.
- 7 Mammut Store Frankfurt, Fahrgasse 111 (Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 46099069. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. The shop sells clothes and stuff from the alpine Swiss brand. The quality of the brand means that the producto also translates in the demanded prices.
- 8 Radsport Frankfurt (Gnewikow & Fülberth Radsport GmbH), Eschersheimer Landstraße 555 (Lindenbaum), ☏ +49 69 534100, [email protected]. M Tu F 09:00-1800, W 13:00-20:00, Th 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. Exists since 1983 and mostly sells road race bikes. They are passionate for bike sport.
- 9 Fahrradhaus Wagner, Woogstr. 21, Ginnheim (Ginnheim U1 U9 , then walk 10 min), ☏ +49 69 952 948 44, [email protected]. M Tu Th F 09:00-12:00, 15:00-18:30, W 09:00-12:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. The small shop at the outskirts of Frankfurt has a long tradition since 1929 selling bikes. One can see their passion for bikes in how well they keep the records of their sold bikes and repairs. The prices are really fair and the road- or mountain-bike can be repaired or tuned at any wish.
- Hessen Shop. Small chain of shops selling unique locally produced or locally themed goods. Locations in Bockenheim (Leipziger Straße 49), Sachsenhausen (Diesterwegstraße 22), and downtown in Kleinmarkthalle (Hasengasse 5).
Shopping centres
[edit]- 10 Hessen-Center, Borsigallee 26 (Hessen-Center U4 U7 ), ☏ +49 61 0973-3630. M-F 09:30-20:00, Sa 09:30-21:00. An older shopping mall targeted more at the local population.
- 11 NordWestZentrum (Nordwestzentrum U1 U9 ), ☏ +49 69 580-9020. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. A large modern shopping mall in the north of Frankfurt. Many of the shops there can also be found in the downtown Zeil area. The mall is both inside and outside, hence people are still allowed to smoke here, which you may find bizarre. Inside it has a big swimming pool called Titus Therme.
- 12 Skyline Plaza, Europa-Allee 6 (Festplatz/Messe U4 ). M-W 09:30-20:00, Th-Sa 9:30-22:00. The shopping centre opened in the summer 2013. It has it own parking. There is a terasse on top with a café. Otherwise you'll find around 170 different shops.
Eat
[edit]There are of course restaurants all over Frankfurt. One notable area for dining may be what is locally known as the Fressgass (a literal translation would be "munching alley"). The correct name of this street is Große Bockenheimer Straße. As the nickname implies, the Fressgass features many cafés, restaurants, and deli food stores. It is a popular area to dine after going shopping. Take the subway to station Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 or Alte Oper U6 U7 . In late May to early June (exact dates vary each year), the Fressgass Fest takes place with food stands, cheap beer and live music. The area also has a few notable historic buildings, such as the beautiful rococo style house at Große Bockenheimer Straße 31 built in 1760 and the two 18th century half-timbered houses at Kleine Bockenheimer Strasse 10 and 12.
If you are looking for an in-depth paper-based restaurant guide, a popular publication is Frankfurt Geht Aus (Frankfurt is going out), a magazine style dining guide of the city. It can be bought for €4.80 at many kiosks and book stores, or at the Tourism Information at the central station.
Traditional Hessian dishes
[edit]Typical specialities from the Hessian region are:
- Handkäs mit Musik – A cheese from curdled milk.
- Frankfurter Grüne Sauce (also known as Grie Soß) – A thick sauce made from eggs and 7-9 fresh herbs. Typically served with potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, or occasionally with a Schnitzel in a dish known as a Frankfurter Schnitzel.
- Frankfurter sausages (Frankfurter Würstchen) are well-known internationally, but it is here that you can try the original kind, consisting of pork.
- Frankfurter Rindswurst – another kind of sausage, quite different from Frankfurter Würstchen, that is very popular in this region. These consist of beef only, and were created in part to appeal to Frankfurt's large Jewish community. The ones from Metzgerei Gref-Völsings (at Hanauer Landstrasse 132) are the most well-known.
- Sachsenhäuser Schneegestöber (also known as "Frankfurter Schneegestöber") – A dish consisting of Camembert cheese, cream cheese, onions and bell pepper powder. Available only in select restaurants.
- Frankfurter Rippchen – Cured pork, slowly heated in sauerkraut or meat broth.
- Bethmännchen – A pastry made mainly from marzipan and almonds. Popular during Christmas time.
Many of the above dishes are typically eaten while drinking Apfelwein (see Drink). Most restaurants in Frankfurt feature international food, so you have to specifically search for restaurants serving traditional dishes. For popular restaurants in Frankfurt, it is highly recommended to reserve in advance as the restaurant might otherwise not have any free tables left.
Budget
[edit]In various locations
[edit]- Best Worscht in Town. Place where you can try "Curry-Wurst", which is a sliced beef sausage served with ketchup and curry spices, and considered one of the most popular German fast food products. The Best Worscht in Town chain is special in that it also serves extremely spicy variants, using some of the hottest spices available from different parts of the world. There have even been televised hot sausage eating competitions with on-site medical staff to take care of the participants. Stores can be found on Berger Straße, in the Nordwestzentrum, and other locations. These are just stands without any seating.
Around the Old Town
[edit]- 1 Denkmahl - Sandwich, Große Fischerstraße 19. At first glance a bit strange with the entrance like in a cellar but on second sight a very nice and nicely decorated sandwich restaurant. The man behind the counter was very nice. you feel welcome right away. The sandwiches were surprisingly good and are a perfect lunchtime snack. The ambience is unusual. The owner is funny, quick-witted, and a great cook.
- 2 Zum Alten Frankfurter, Ziegelgasse 2. It feels like a family run place. Intimate and quiet. Food freshly cooked with passion. Schnitzel: the breading throws bubbles the way it should be. The service charming and quick. All in all a nice experience.
- 3 Strahmann Baguetterie & Cafébar, Bethmannstraße 58. the best focaccias in town! Also they have a huge variety of other sandwiches, salads, snacks etc. Sometimes the queue is long.
- 4 China Garten, Bethmannstraße 11. If you want to eat quality and tasty Asian food and that at great prices, you have to go here. The service is always very friendly.
- 5 Tonbul Grill und Kebap Haus, Töngesgasse 4. Delicious "homemade" doner kebab with a unique special touch. Not a standard kebab. Super nice place with homemade fresh products !! The sauces are very yummy. The staff is also very friendly.
Around the main train station
[edit]- 6 Pizzeria 7 Bello, Niddastr. 82 (Main station), ☏ +49 69 236099. 10:00-12:30. Good lunch option for fast pizza and pasta. Popular during summer as they have a small terrace on the side walk.
- 7 Ruchi, Ludwig Straße 12 (Hauptbahnhof), ☏ +49 69 2729-5728, [email protected]. M-Sa 11:30-22:00. A very short walk north from the main train station you find daily Indian all-you-can-eat tasty buffet and at a good value. South Indian buffet on Saturdays. Idly, dosas, vada, Ppani puri, Manchuria, bajjis are available. Very friendly staff. €4-8.
- 8 Fennischfuchser, Mainzer Landstraße 95. Try some traditional food here. Rustic ambience. A somewhat dark restaurant inside.
- 9 Ristorante Punto e Pasta 1998, Ottostraße 4. A really friendly little pizzeria. Hidden behind the main train station. The pizzas are really tasty, crispy crust, thin dough and aromatic topping. Good traditional Italian service.
- 10 Tatie food & drinks, Am Hauptbahnhof 18. Very good restaurant that offers Moroccan cuisine. The plates are generous and the servers professional. Clean and nicely decorated restaurant.
East Frankfurt
[edit]- 11 Pizzeria Charly Braun, Röderbergweg 121 (Frankfurt-Ostend, Habsburgerallee), ☏ +49 69 492-941. M-F 10:30-23:00. A small place with cheap and excellent pizza. Pasta and salad also served. Locals usually call in an order and pick up in twenty minutes.
West Frankfurt
[edit]- 12 Bizim Döner (Frankfurt-Griesheim). A small suburban shop with fantastic kebab.
- 13 Hey Jerry - Sandwiches & Co., Goldsteinstraße 132-134, Niederrad, ☏ +49 69 69715266. Their chicken-tika with fries sub would do a British take-away proud. Very basic but good value.
Mid-range
[edit]- 14 Bier Hannes (Brauereigasthof zur Mainkur), Hanauer Landstr. 568, ☏ +49 694 128 90. M-Sa 12:00-24:00. In this small brewery of Frankfurt with rustig and authentic interior you find typical german food and their own beer.
- 15 Im Herzen Afrikas, Gutleutstraße 13 (Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 2424-6080, [email protected]. Tu-Fr 16:00–23:00 Sa 14:00–23:00. Eastern African food. Decoration is special (sand as floor) and reservation is important, as for dinner they offer only specific times.
- 16 Lahmer Esel, Krautgartenweg 1 (Niederursel U3 U8 U9 ), ☏ +49 69 573974, [email protected]. Tu-Su 11:30-14:00, 17:00-24:00. Expands in summer time over to tables in the garden. It has local authentic food to fair prices and good fresh quality. It is popular as after dinner from the Frankfurt Goethe University faculty. The local "Apfelwein" (Ebbelwoi) is recommended.
- 17 Saravanaa Bhavan, Kaiserstraße 68 (near the central station), ☏ +49 69 97 693 374, [email protected]. Daily 11:00-22:30. Purely vegetarian, authentic Indian cuisine.
- 18 Bidlabu, Kleine Bockenheimer Str. 14, 60313 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 or Alte Oper U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 95 64 87 84. M-Sa 11:30-. Bistro-style bar with special lunch menus and excellent specific dinner food. One can sit in the street and enjoy a good glass of wine, a long drink or a fancy cocktails like "Dark and Stormy". There are many Gins to choose from.
- 19 Der Fette Bulle, Kaiserstr. 73. Hipster burger place near the train station. Good food and nice atmosphere.
- 20 Iwase, Vilbeler Straße 31 (Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 283992. M-Sa 09:00-14:00, 18:30-22:00. Considered by many to be the best Japanese food in the city. Not much larger than a hole in the wall, but the staff is authentic Japanese, and the food delicious.
- 21 Koh Samui, Große Friedberger Straße 32 (Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 29 28 28, [email protected]. M-Sa 11:00-24:00, Su 15:00-24:00. The Thai restaurant has many choices and offers more than decent green curry for reasonable prices.
- 22 Orfeo's Erben, Hamburger Allee 45 (Varentrappstraße 31), ☏ +49 69-707-69-100. M-F 12:00-15:00, 17:00-01:00, Sa 17:00-01:00, Su 17:00-22:00. One of the most popular restaurants.
- 23 Paulaner am Dom, Domplatz 6 (Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +49 69 209768-90. 11:00-24:00. Traditional Bavarian restaurant, perhaps a bit touristy, right behind the cathedral near Römer. It's difficult to get a table at weekends without a reservation.
- 24 Quan Van, Schwarzburgstr. 74 (Glauburgstraße U5 ), ☏ +49 69 599723. Su-F 12:00-15:00 18:00-24:00, Sa 18:00-24:00. The Vietnamese kitchen is said to be excellent and offers Vietnamese food to affordable prices.
- 25 Salzkammer, Weißadlergasse 15 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 15393000. M-Sa 11:00-24:00. The restaurant serves food close to real Austrian cuisine.
- 26 Zum gemalten Haus, Schweizer Straße 67 (Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 614559. Tu-Su 10:00-24:00. Schweizer Straße 67 (Sachsenhausen) : restaurant serving traditional local dishes, located in a building with painted façades.
- 27 Oberschweinstiege, Oberschweinstiegschneise 65, (off Isenburger Schneise, ignore the no vehicles sign,it is possible to drive to there. Tram 14 has request stop in walking distance), ☏ +49 69 697693710. German restaurant and beer garden in the woods south of the city. Good food (German and Veggie) and drinks. Only negative is very close to airport runways so can be noisy at times.
- 28 Emma Metzler, Schaumainkai 17 (Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-8304-0094, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00, kitchen has limited hours: Tu-Sa 12:00–14:00 and 18:00–22:00, Su 12:00–15:00. A relaxed international-local cuisine with great service and changing menu. Set in the Bauhaus-Style Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts), close to the Main river, but with no view. Quite recommendable. Suitable for vegetarians.
Splurge
[edit]- 29 Speisekammer, Alt Hedernheim 41 (Heddernheim U1 U2 U3 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 57 38 88, [email protected]. 17:00- during summer, 18:00- winter, Su lunch too. This traditional place has an idyllic garden with very old trees. The food is typical and very regional, nevertheless it has many options for vegetarians. The present by the house adds to the stylish environment of a pleasurfull dinner.
- 30 Cantina Divino, Zimmerweg 8 (Taunusanlage), ☏ +49 69 71402644, [email protected]. 11:00-15:00, 18:00-24:00. Not a big menu, but it changes rapidly the excellent Italian food. The restaurant is very popular and hence crowded. Offers sicilian wines.
- 31 Moriki, Taunusanlage 12, 60325, ☏ +49 69 71913070, [email protected]. 12:00 - 16:00 and 18:00 - 23:00. The Japanese kitchen with Asian fusion elements mixed in is located in the basement of the Deutsche Bank tower. It does fine prepared Sushis. The mousse au chocolat is recommended. They offer a wide choice of Sake €40-90.
- 32 Main Nizza, Untermainkai 17 (Willy Brandt Platz), ☏ +49 69-299207511, [email protected]. 11:30-01:00. Popular business lunch set and Mediterranean food for dinner. There is some vegetarian choice or for pescatarian fresh sea food. They have a nice terrace in summer on the river bank, where one can take just a coffee. The view over the Main is lovely and the interior is well decorated. Not only for the good food the restaurant received the 2013 German "Gastronomie" price.
- 33 Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal Tandoori), Schweizer Straße 28 (Schweizer Platz U1 U2 U3 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 620240, [email protected]. 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:30. Good Indian restaurant with short walk from city centre. Reservation for dinner is recommended.
- 34 Alte Kanzlei, Niedenau 50. Traditional Italian Restaurant close by to the Alte Oper and Deutsche Bank in Westend.
Drink
[edit]Frankfurt is a young city where socialising and parties are always high on the agenda. Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim, Bornheim, Nordend and the city centre are the main areas of action.
Due to Frankfurt's large financial industry and business travellers, parts of its nightlife cater to a more upscale audience. At some such venues, sneakers may not be acceptable. However, there are also plenty of bars and clubs for other kinds of audiences, including for students, hipsters, fans of R&B and Hip Hop, or of alternative rock music.
For a quick beverage on the go, there are also small shops all over the town called Trinkhalle, which are usually open well into the night. Most of the times one orders and buys directly from the street. Drinking alcohol on the street is legal in Germany.
Near the central train station there is a rather seedy red light district – heavily patrolled by police/Ordnungsamt – with large brothels, porn cinemas and bars. Strip clubs like the Golden Gate Frankfurt are popular for bachelor/bachelorette parties at the weekend and similar joints are in walking distance. Check pricing upfront to avoid problems with bouncers afterwards.
Bars
[edit]While mostly associated with Sachsenhausen, you will find good bars all over the city.
- 1 22nd Lounge and Bar, Neue Mainzer Str. 66-68 (Alte Oper U6 U7 / Taunusanlage). M-Sa 18:00-01:00. The door requires a suit/dress and proper shoes. The location offers a great view over Frankfurt due to being on the 22nd floor. The club is very exclusive and hence pricy.
- 2 Bar ohne namen, Eschenheimer Tor 3 (Eschenheimer Tor), ☏ +49 69 2575-5388. Very minimalist place with fair prices that attracts many peoples. Even if crowded, service is friendly.
- 3 Die Rote Bar, mainkai 7, ☏ +49 69 293533, fax: +49 69 61 99 03 18, [email protected]. Su-Th 21:00-01:00, F-Sa 21:00-02:00. This cocktail bar offers excellent drinks in a stylish atmosphere. The bar has its own whiskey selection. Better be well dressed for the door. Coming late, one has to wait a bit outside until space is found inside.
- 4 Sandbar, Sandweg 6, ☏ +49 69 4908-3695, [email protected]. Su-Th 18:00-02:00, F-Sa 18:00-03:00. This place has small snacks and good wines.
- 5 Volkswirtschaft (Vowi), Jordanstraße 13 (Bockenheimer Warte U4 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 776400, [email protected]. M-F 18:00-02:00, Sa 15:00-02:00, Su 15:00-22:00. It streams important football matches. The tavern is usually very packed.
- 6 Alte Schiffsmeldestelle (Am Mainufer in Frankfurt-Höchst), ☏ +49 69 30088444, [email protected]. Apri-October: 11:00–24:00. In summertime a relaxed bar with view on the Höchst castle and the Main river. Good place to stop by on a bike tour from Frankfurt to Wiesabaden.
- 7 Club Voltaire (politik kultur kneipe legende), Kleine Hochstr. 5, ☏ +49 69 219993-11, [email protected]. M-Sa 18:00-01:00, Su 18:00-24:00. Since 1962 exists this cultural tavern. It offers drinks for mixed public of all ages. Sometimes it asks for entry for the musicians or lecturers, but generally it is free entry.
Cafes
[edit]There are few cafés on Großer Hirschgraben. Café Karin and Walden are very popular with the locals. During the summer, you can enjoy one of the open air rooftop bars.
- 8 Cafe & Bar Celona, Holzgraben 31 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-13886709. Daily 09:00-01:00, F Sa 09:00-02:00. Spanish-style bar in the heart of the city. Popular, attracts a younger crowd, good for meeting people. Very crowded around 17:00-19:00. Also serves a variety of Spanish dishes. €7-20/person.
- 9 Cafehaus Siesmayer, Siesmayerstraße 59 (Westend), ☏ +49 69 90029200, [email protected]. 08:00-19:00. In middle of the great location of the Grüneburgpark and next to the palm garden serves in Viennese café style pasteries.
- 10 Hoppenworth & Ploch (Studentenwohnheim Uni Campus Westend). M-F 09:30-18:00, Su 12:00-17:00. The student café is serving and selling excellent espressos. They are proud about their barrista knowledge. The room is not only flooded by the many students of the campus, but by excellent café flavour and electronic music. They are roasting themselves the specific well chosen beans.
- 11 [dead link] Table Schirn, Römerberg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main (Dom/Römer U4 U5 ), ☏ +4969 21 99 99 52. 10:00-. Relaxed and stylish cafe next to the exposition hall Schirn
- 12 Wacker´s Kaffee Geschäft (Wacker), Kornmarkt 9 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-28-78-10. M-F 08:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-18:00. Since 1914 known for its good coffee. Very packed over lunch time but has its own roast of coffee. Don't mind a long queue, the crew is dedicated and you will never wait more than five minutes for your coffee €2.
Clubs
[edit]There are many clubs in Frankfurt that cater to business people and organise corporate events. The German favour for electronic music results in a wide variation of clubs that offer this music. Alternative music is a niche market that cater the roots of the migrants in Frankfurt.
- 13 Batschkapp (Nachtleben), Gwinnerstraße 5 (Gwinnerstraße U4 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 952 184 10. The place for rock and alternative music. One of the oldest clubs in town (since 1976). The club moved enthusiastically to the new place in 2013.
- 14 Gibson Club, Zeil 85-93 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 94947770, [email protected]. The Gibson club has a chic and urban atmosphere. They have both live and DJ acts. It opened in spring 2012. The long lines outside the nightclub move fast. €12.
- 15 Jazzkeller, Kleinen Bockenheimer Straße Nr. 18a (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-288537, [email protected]. Since 1952 the Jazz meeting point. Outstanding Jazz music for everyone with special concerts once in a while.
- 16 Robert Johnson, Nordring 131 (S-Bahn Offenbach). F Sa 00:00-. They don't announce who is playing for that one has to subscribe to the monthly newsletter to know. It is usual playing minimal electronic music. The club has a terrace and beautiful view over the main. The sound system is refined and the décor minimalistic. The door is usually not that selective, but better have female presence in the group.
- 17 Tanzhaus West, Gutleutstraße 294 (Galluswarte S3 S4 S5 S6 ). F Sa 23:00-. The club is mostly known for drum and bass music. It has a relaxed public. The website has details on the performing artists. During summertime the back is open also on Sundays for relaxing with good music.
- 18 Velvet Club, Weißfrauenstr. 12 -16 (Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 ), ☏ +49 69 2578-0951, [email protected]. Club in downtown Frankfurt with very nice interior design. Great place for house and electronic music lovers.
- 19 Zoom, Brönnerstraße 5 (Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 or Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69 280385, [email protected]. Jazz, Reggae, Dancehall and Rock club for the middle aged (30-50 yr) with special guests and regular themes. It is the successor of the Sinkkasten artsclub and attracts many indie-bands. €8.
Ebbelwoi
[edit]The "regional speciality" Ebbelwoi (literally "apple wine", sometimes spelled Ebbelwei, or listed as Apfelwein or Äppler in standard German) is an apple cider that tastes very different from other kinds of ciders. Most locals drink their ebbelwoi with a dash of sparkling water. Just order a glass by asking for a "Sauergespritzte" or simply a "Sauer". People who are not used to the taste may also prefer to order a sweeter version, a "Süßgespritzte", which is ebbelwoi with a dash of lemonade, though this might earn you some disapproving looks from locals. If you are in a group you can also order a Bembel. This is a traditional clay jug that comes in different sizes and keeps the apple wine cool (this is also a good souvenir that you can buy in some stores). Possmann is a well-known brand of ebbelwoi, while the "Frau Rauscher" edition has a pleasant natural taste with some yeast left into it.
Mispelchen are another more recent local specialty and tend to be available in the same kinds of traditional restaurants and taverns that serve ebbelwoi. A Mispelchen is served in a small glass and consists of apple brandy and a whole loquat fruit on a tooth pick as well as optionally some loquat syrup.
Alt-Sachsenhausen, a part of the suburb Sachsenhausen south of the Main river, is particularly famous for its bars and Kneipen (a German type of pub) serving ebbelwoi. However, these days, some parts of Sachsenhausen are mostly for tourists. Good options in Alt-Sachsenhausen are Dauth-Schneider, Struwwelpeter and Lorsbacher Thal. Another option in Sachsenhausen is along Textorstraße, a two minute walk south, where you can still find a row of authentic places catering to locals (Germania, Kanonensteppel, Feuerrādchen).
Not as famous as Alt-Sachsenhause, but also well known, is Bornheim (located in the north) which also some biergarden-like ebbelwoi establishments on 'Berger Straße' and the surrounding area. Some of the popular traditional ebbelwoi places in Bornheim are Solzer, Zur Sonne and Zur Schoenen Müllerin.
Sleep
[edit]Frankfurt has plenty of accommodation but during major trade fairs, prices at even the cheapest hotels will suddenly skyrocket with charges of over €300/night quite common. Plan well ahead and alternatively, consider staying in nearby cities like Darmstadt, Neu-Isenburg, Bad Homburg, Mainz or Wiesbaden which are under an hour away by S-Bahn. If none of these works then Mannheim might be a last resort as it is 30mins by ICE high-speed train (but the train ticket is rather expensive unless bought in advance).
Frankfurt is the banking capital of Germany so most people are business travellers with an expense account. If you intend to stay for longer periods, ask for discounts or corporate rates. If you need to depart early or arrive very late then hotels around the main station are a valid alternative to expensive airport hotels as it is just a 10-minute ride from Terminal 1 by local train. See the Frankfurt Airport article for accommodation options in the vicinity of the airport.
Many of the hotels in Frankfurt are located around the Hauptbahnhof, but this is also the red light district in Frankfurt and is also known for the many beggars and druggies who hang around. Although the area is well policed and quite safe, many tourists are often left with a somewhat negative impression of Frankfurt after staying in this area.
Budget
[edit]- 1 Five Elements Hostel, Moselstr. 40 (5 min walk from main station), ☏ +49 69 2400-5885, [email protected]. Clean and new facilities with English and German speaking staff. Offers variation from dorms to single rooms. Free Wi-Fi. from €18.
- 2 Frankfurt Hostel, Kaiserstraße 74, ☏ +49 69 247-5130, [email protected]. Right in front of the Hauptbahnhof. Offers dorms and rooms and has multilingual staff. Upside is all you can eat breakfast, downsize is dynamic pricing (late bookings come at a higher price). Social third floor terrace. Free "pasta dinner party" on Saturdays. dorms €20, rooms €55.
- 3 Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt City Hauptbahnhof, Elbestraße 7. WiFi and breakfast included in the room price.
- 4 ibis Styles Frankfurt City, Moselstraße 12. WiFi and breakfast included in the room price.
- 5 Youth Hostel Frankfurt, Deutschherrnufer 12 (Sachsenhausen, Bus line 46 from main station), ☏ +49 69 610-0150. The official youth hostel of Hostelling International and the German branch. Prices are lower with HI membership but its open for all travellers. Dorms, family and single rooms.
Mid-range
[edit]The mid-range segment is the main battle ground between privately owned/run hotels and the major chain hotels (Mercure, Courtyard, Meininger etc.). During the weekends and at non trade fair dates substantial discounts are possible but vice-versa during trade fairs prices at least triple!
- 6 Hotel Ambassador, Moselstraße 12 (Near the central station), ☏ +49 69 256110. Rooms are okay, proximity to the train station a plus (about 5 minutes on foot). Near the red light district which is a minus (you don't have to actually walk through the red light district to get to the hotel though).
- 7 Hotel am Berg, Grethenweg 23 (Frankfurt Süd U1 U2 U3 U8 S5 S6 ), ☏ +49 69 660537-0, [email protected]. The place is decorated kind of old-style. 20 minutes walk to the centre. It is an old half-timbered style mansion, giving more the feeling of a B&B than a hotel and each room has its own eccentric décor. €49-.
- 8 Hotel Concorde, Karlstraße 9 (main station), ☏ +49 69-2424220. Close to main station with good breakfast. Free WLAN. All rooms with air conditioning. For long-term residents it offers apartments, too.
- 9 Corner Hotel, Mainzer Landstraße 73 (Between main station and trade fair), ☏ +49 69-2562655-0. Modern and clean hotel with 50 rooms and rather basic interior.
- 10 Hotel Cult. Excellent 4-Star Desinghotel in Frankfurt/Sachsenhausen.
- 11 Manhattan Hotel, Düsseldorfer Straße 10 (opposite main station), ☏ +49 69-269597-0. Small and clean hotel opposite main station, so perfect for early departures and/or late arrivals. Free WLAN and good buffet breakfast with multilingual staff. Rooms are good but avoid rooms facing the street as the area is busy late at night
- 12 Novotel Frankfurt City, Lise-Meitner-Straße 2 (next to trade fair ground), ☏ +49 69-793030. 235+ rooms in a solid business traveller hotel. Next to the trade fair ground and has loads of conference rooms.
- 13 Ramada Frankfurt Messe, Oeserstraße 180, ☏ +49 69-39050. Slightly older but well-maintained hotel located near the Messe exhibition centre, but far from anything else. Pool and gym. Free shuttle from the airport, but €7 for the return trip. From €60.
- 14 Topas Hotel, Niddastraße 88 (Main station), ☏ +49 69-230852. Owner-operated hotel in a side street of main station. Renovated, friendly service but just 33 clean rooms. Free newspaper
- 15 Frankfurt Marriott Hotel, Hamburger Allee 2. A typical early 1990s Marriott in a highrise tower, complete with a Champions bar. Splendid views from upper floors as most other towers are some distance away. €109.
- 16 MGallery Hotel Savigny Fankfurt (formerly Sofitel). The former Sofitel started to age badly and rather than update it, Accor downgraded it to an MGallery. A taste of erstwhile luxury can be had at really reasonable rates outside of trade fair dates. You will, however, have to contend with worn furniture and fixtures and partially indifferent staff. The Savigny is at the border of a quiet residential lowrise district and the highrise quarter, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds - but not much in terms of views from your room.
- 17 NH Frankfurt City, Vilbeler Straße 2. A typical example of the NH chain in Germany, with gemuetlich interior fixtures and subdued yet clashing colours that perhaps only Germans find appealing. Large windows with an openable section, good breakfast as always from NH and a location close to the old town.
- 18 Mercure Frankfurt City Messe, Düsseldorfer Straße 20. This Mercure thrives only on its very convenient location, as its rooms have been outdated for far too long and other areas leave much to be desired at well.
- 19 NH Frankfurt Messe, Friedrich- Ebert - Anlage 38. The other NH in Frankfurt is a more contemporary affair, with rooms featuring fresh green accents in line with NH's latest interior design guidelines.
- 20 Radisson BLU Hotel, Franklinstraße 65 (Tram 17 An der Dammheide), ☏ +49 69 770 1550. The hotel is an eye-catcher because it looks like a blue coin on the edge. It is just located at the border of Rödelheim and Bockenheim.
- 21 Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport (inside the Squaire building), ☏ +49 69 4500 2500, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Directly connected to Terminal 1. The hotel is equipped with soundproofed guest rooms, business zone and event space.
Niederrad
[edit]Many hotels billed as "Frankfurt Airport" are in the district of Frankfurt-Niederrad between the airport and city proper. The Frankfurt-Niederrad S7 S8 S9 S-Bahn is just one station away from the airport station. The hotels are within walking distance of the train station, but most at a distance you would not want to drag a suitcase.
- 22 Dorint Hotel Frankfurt Niederrad, Hahnstraße 9, ☏ +49 69 663060, [email protected]. 4-star hotel. from €64 per room/night.
- 23 Holiday Inn Hotel Frankfurt Airport North, Isenburger Schneise 40 (Frankfurt Süd U1 U2 U3 U8 S5 S6 ), ☏ +49 69-67-84-0.
- 24 Motel One Frankfurt Airport (Niederrad), Colmarer Straße 2 (Frankfurt-Niederrad), ☏ +49 69-6605360.
- 25 NH Frankfurt Niederrad, Lyoner Straße 5 (Frankfurt-Niederrad opposite the sewage works), ☏ +49 69-666080.
- 26 Sheraton Frankfurt Congress Hotel - Niederrad, Lyoner Straße 44-48 (Frankfurt-Niederrad). Do not mistake this hotel and the other Sheraton at the airport itself.
Splurge
[edit]- 27 Frankfurter Hof, Am Kaiserplatz (Willy-Brandt-Platz U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U8 ), ☏ +49 69-215-02. The grand old hotel of Frankfurt and known for excellent style and service for more than 130 years.
- 28 Intercontinental Frankfurt, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße 43 (3mins walk from main station), ☏ +49 69-26050. Major business hotel and conference centre for international travelers. Also home to loads of conventions. Amazing view from club rooms over the city.
- 29 Lindner Main Plaza, Walther-von-Cronberg-Platz 1, ☏ +49 69-66401-0. Stunning views over the skyline of Frankfurt and directly on the river.
- 30 The Pure, Niddastraße 86 (main station), ☏ +49 69 710-4570. Puristic but excellent Design Hotel north side of central station. A must stay for every style fan with fancy lounge, great cocktails & attentive staff €130+.
- 31 Radisson Blu hotel, Franklinstraße 65, ☏ +49 69-770-155-0. This architecturally outstanding hotel (the building is actually is the shape of a wheel standing on its side) is very popular with business travellers. Free W-Lan for guests and good location to trade fair. €130+ per night.
- 32 Westin Grand Frankfurt, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 7 (Konstablerwache U4 U5 U6 U7 ), ☏ +49 69-2981-0. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Fresh city centre hotel with calm rooms. Lots of international guests but staff with good local knowledge.
- 33 25 hours Frankfurt by Levi's, Niddastraße 58 (Hauptbahnhof), ☏ +49 69 2566 770, [email protected]. This hotel by the German "lifestyle hotel" chain features design elements inspired by the Levi's jeans brand. The rooms are in different colours 1960s or 70s or 80s style. There is a music rehearsal room on location as well, available for rent. €114.
- 34 Le Meridien Parkhotel, Wiesenhuettenplatz 28-38, ☏ +49 2697 0, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. In a quiet square immediately south of the Hauptbahnhof, this hotel blends a historic 19th century building and a more modern 20th century one, and such a blend is to be found in the hotel's interior design too, done with the typical German charm. Despite charging arm and leg for almost all services, including WiFi, the hotel often finds its 300 rooms fully booked.
- 35 Jumeirah Frankfurt, Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz 2 (close to Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 ). The Jumeirah occupies a lean sky-high tower rising out of the MyZeil shopping centre, right behind the Thurn und Taxis palace. Elegant decor with extensive use of dark hardwood panelling.
Stay safe
[edit]Frankfurt has one of Germany's highest crime rates, though, in part, only for statistical reasons: smuggling and similar offences at the airport as well as anything concerning credit card fraud anywhere in Germany is registered in Frankfurt, since the main credit card clearing company is based in the city. Furthermore if you count crime per person, you don't include a good chunk of people working but not living in Frankfurt.
Physical crime is in general concentrated in the red-light district around the central train station, which is also the hangout of many drug dealers/junkies, although even there you are usually safe during the day and moderate evening hours. Frankfurt is safe and it is highly unlikely that you will face armed robbery or other violent crimes. Use your common sense and avoid drunken or aggressive people at night. In general, firearms are an uncommon sight in Germany and the police have a very no-nonsense approach to people wielding guns or even knives. If shots are fired, the police are never far away, as this very rarely happens.
If you have a problem or are being harassed, ask the police for help. The German police and the Frankfurt Ordnungsamt (City Enforcement Officers) are clean, competent and willing to help. Germany is very bureaucratic but structured; as long as you behave respectfully toward the police, you should have no problem. Don't consider buying and smuggling drugs, these are major offences with dire consequences. Lately, bogus police officers have been an issue. All real officers have a green card with photograph and number, and no officer will check cash. Ring 110 if you get in any trouble.
Drugs and beggars
[edit]The central station area (Hauptbahnhof) is known for being a centre for homeless people and drug users. The situation has improved, but you will still occasionally be bothered by beggars. The drug addicts generally don't bother people, and the beggars will ask for Kleingeld (small change), which by their definition is anything between €0.20 and two euro. One way to fend off beggars is just to say you do not speak German (and this might just be true for you anyway!). They will often switch to English then, so just pretend you can not speak that either (just shake your head, or say "No English").
Connect
[edit]Internet
[edit]There are a number of Internet cafés in Frankfurt of varying prices and quality. Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops is getting more and more common but most businesses require some purchases of food or the likes to get the code. La maison du pain[dead link] offers Wi-Fi. Various other hotels offer Internet access but usually at a charge.
Burger King (corner Liebfrauenstraße / Holzgraben) near Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 offers free Wi-Fi in its restaurant, as does Starbucks near Hauptwache (Börsenplatz).
Phone
[edit]Besides public pay phones and mobile phone services, a large number of stores sell prepaid telephone cards. This is especially useful for international calls. The PTT multi-media store - 65 Baseler Straße, offers competitive rates for international calls (10 cents per min to the UK) Some other stores also offer in house phone services. Another easy to reach store that seems reliable is in the Hauptwache U1 U2 U3 U6 U7 U8 subway station. You may also visit one of the plenty Internet cafés, since they almost all offer cheap phone calls via Internet.
Post offices
[edit]The postal service in Germany is Deutsche Post. The four easiest-to-reach full-service postal offices are easy to locate:
- Inside Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station) by the long-distance ICE/IC trains; near McDonalds.
- On Goetheplatz
- At Frankfurt Süd U1 U2 U3 U8 S5 S6 (i.e., Südbahnhof, Southern Station), take exit Diesterwegplatz and cross the square; the post office is to the left.
Cope
[edit]Consulates
[edit]
Indonesia, Zeppelinallee 23, ☏ +49-69 247-0980, [email protected].
3 United States, Gießener Str. 30, ☏ +49 69 7535-0. U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt 
France, Zeppelinallee 35, ☏ +49 69 795 09 60, [email protected]. French Consulate General Frankfurt
Go next
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- Mainz — Gutenberg's home on the Rhine, with a well-preserved old city, 45 min by S-Bahn S8
- Wiesbaden — wealthy historic spa city and state capital, 45 minutes by S-Bahn S1 , S8 , S9 or 35 min. by SE10 from Hauptbahnhof
- Rüdesheim am Rhein — at the southern end of the Rhine Valley and the Rheingau, 73 min by SE10.
- Darmstadt — former residence of the duchy of Hesse, picturesque old town, art nouveau architecture
- Bad Homburg — spa town with close by old Roman fort Saalburg that is on the UNESCO heritage list
- Oberursel — Small city with a picturesque medieval Altstadt (old town area).
- Bad Nauheim — art nouveau buildings and place where Elvis Presley stayed while in the Army (1958-1960)
- Heidelberg — with famous castle and charming old town, 55 min by IC.
- Cologne — home to the Cologne Carnival and a famous cathedral, 1 hour by ICE
- Middle Rhine Valley — famous section of the Rhine, 1 hr 50 min ICE via Mainz
- Germersheim — a quiet town inside an impressive fort by the river Rhein, 130 km south of Frankfurt
- Büdingen — medieval city centre
- Taunus mountains — If you're keen on hiking, head out to the nearby Taunus mountains, which are laced with walking trails and guesthouses, the Vogelsberg (an extinct volcano), or the Odenwald
| Routes through Frankfurt |
| Cologne ← | Essen  Munich
|
→ Aschaffenburg → Nuremberg |
| Berlin ← Fulda ← | Berlin Munich
|
→ Mannheim → Stuttgart |
| Hanover ← Kassel ← | Hamburg Zurich
|
→ Mannheim → Basel |
| END ← | Frankfurt Vienna
|
→ Würzburg → Nuremberg |
| END ← | Frankfurt Amsterdam/Bruxelles
|
→ Cologne |
| END ← | Frankfurt  Paris
|
→ Mannheim → Saarbrücken |