How safe is Frankfurt for visitors?
It’s necessary for you to understand the safety landscape of Frankfurt before your visit. As a major…
Frankfurt.
A city that blends old-world charm with contemporary energy.
Frankfurt, often referred to as “Mainhattan” due to its striking skyline along the Main River, is one of Germany’s most important and dynamic cities. As the financial capital of Germany and home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Frankfurt is widely known for its economic influence and modern infrastructure. However, beyond its business reputation, the city is a fascinating travel destination, offering a blend of medieval history, cultural richness, culinary delights, and vibrant urban life.
Unlike many other European cities that remain deeply rooted in their historic past, Frankfurt is a city of contrasts and reinvention. The city seamlessly combines ultramodern skyscrapers with centuries-old architecture, creating an urban landscape that is both futuristic and historic. The Old Town (Altstadt), with its charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, offers a glimpse into Frankfurt’s medieval past, while the glassy towers of the banking district reflect its cutting-edge, globalized future.
For first-time visitors, Frankfurt offers a diverse range of experiences, from world-class museums and cultural landmarks to lively food markets, traditional apple wine taverns, and scenic riverside walks. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, foodie, or nightlife seeker, Frankfurt has something to offer. Its efficient public transportation system, international airport, and central location in Germany make it an easily accessible and traveler-friendly destination.
A Brief History of Frankfurt
Understanding Frankfurt’s history is essential for truly appreciating the city’s unique character. While today it is a bustling global financial hub, Frankfurt has a long and fascinating past that stretches back over 1,200 years.
Founded in the 8th century, Frankfurt quickly became a key trade and economic center in the Holy Roman Empire due to its strategic location along the Main River. By the 16th century, Frankfurt had gained prominence as the coronation city of the Holy Roman Emperors, solidifying its political importance.
During the 19th century, Frankfurt evolved into one of Europe’s financial powerhouses, laying the foundation for its modern reputation as Germany’s banking capital. However, like many major cities, Frankfurt endured severe destruction during World War II, with much of its historic Old Town reduced to rubble. After the war, the city was rebuilt with a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, leading to the distinctive cityscape seen today. Today, Frankfurt continues to balance its historic legacy with modern innovation, making it a city that constantly reinvents itself while preserving its cultural roots.
ACTIVITIES
What to do in Frankfurt?
There are quite a few activities you can do in and around the city. Frankfurt is filled with historical and cultural landmarks.
ATTRACTIONS
What to see in Frankfurt?
There are quite a few attraction you can visit in and around the city. Frankfurt is filled with historical and cultural landmarks.
FOOD AND DRINKS
What to eat in Frankfurt?
Classic German and wide variety of international cuisine are making Frankfurt a foodie paradise, fit for everyone’s taste.
ACCOMMODATION
Where to stay in Frankfurt?
Hotels for every taste, guest houses and various accomodation options available.
Best Time to Visit Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels.
Each season in Frankfurt offers unique experiences:
- Spring (March-May): The city comes alive with blooming cherry blossoms, outdoor cafés, and pleasant temperatures (10-20°C). It’s a great time for sightseeing and enjoying Frankfurt’s many parks and gardens.
- Summer (June-August): The warmest season (20-30°C) sees the city at its liveliest, with beer gardens, riverside activities, and open-air festivals in full swing. It’s also peak tourist season, so expect more crowds.
- Autumn (September-November): A fantastic time to visit, with colorful fall foliage, fewer tourists, and numerous wine and food festivals. The weather is mild (10-18°C), making it ideal for walking tours.
- Winter (December-February): While temperatures drop to 0-5°C, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with its famous Christmas Markets, cozy cafés, and festive atmosphere.
No matter when you visit, Frankfurt offers plenty to see and do in every season.
Getting to Frankfurt
As one of the most important transportation hubs in Europe, Frankfurt is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the world. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or road, getting to Frankfurt is convenient and stress-free.
- By Air: Frankfurt is home to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of the busiest airports in Europe, handling over 70 million passengers annually. It offers direct flights to more than 300 destinations worldwide, making it a major international gateway.
- By Train: Frankfurt’s Hauptbahnhof (Central Train Station) is one of Europe’s largest and busiest railway stations, with high-speed train connections to cities like Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich.
- By Road: The city is well-connected by Germany’s Autobahn network, making it an ideal stop for road trips through Germany and Central Europe.
Once you arrive, Frankfurt’s efficient public transport system ensures easy navigation throughout the city.
Frankfurt travel facts
Population: Approximately 750,000 residents, but the greater Frankfurt metropolitan area has over 5.8 million people.
Annual Visitors: Over 10 million tourists visit Frankfurt every year.
Overnight Stays: More than 9.7 million hotel bookings annually.
Most Common Visitors: Tourists mainly come from the USA, China, the UK, and neighboring European countries.
Number of Museums: 60+ museums, including some of Germany’s best cultural institutions on Museum Embankment (Museumsufer).
Frankfurt Book Fair: The world’s largest book fair, held annually since 1454, attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe.
Getting Around Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s public transportation system is one of the best in Germany, offering quick and convenient ways to explore the city.
- U-Bahn (Subway): The fastest way to travel within Frankfurt, covering all major districts.
- S-Bahn (Suburban Train): Connects Frankfurt to nearby towns and Frankfurt Airport.
- Trams & Buses: Great for short distances and reaching areas not covered by trains.
- Biking: Frankfurt is bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling lanes and bike rental services.
- Walking: The city center is highly walkable, with major attractions within easy distance of each other.
For visitors, purchasing a Frankfurt Card is a great option, providing unlimited public transport access and discounts on major attractions.
Where to Stay in Frankfurt
Choosing the right area to stay in can greatly enhance your experience in Frankfurt. The city offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors:
- Altstadt (Old Town): Ideal for history lovers, close to Römer Square, museums, and traditional German restaurants.
- Bahnhofsviertel (Train Station District): Lively, diverse, and budget-friendly, though some areas can be a bit rough at night.
- Sachsenhausen: A charming district known for its apple wine taverns, local markets, and relaxed vibe.
- Westend: A more luxurious area with high-end hotels, beautiful parks, and quieter surroundings.
- Innenstadt (City Center): Perfect for shopping, business travelers, and being close to major attractions.
Whether you prefer a historic stay in Old Town or a modern experience in the financial district, Frankfurt has accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs.gifts, sip on Glühwein (mulled wine), and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Latest travel articles about Frankfurt
Fun & Unique Facts About Frankfurt
✅ Frankfurt has more skyscrapers than any other German city, giving it the nickname “Mainhattan”.
✅ The European Central Bank headquarters is located in Frankfurt, influencing global finance.
✅ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous writer, was born in Frankfurt in 1749.
✅ Frankfurt is one of the greenest cities in Germany, with over 50 parks and green spaces covering nearly 40% of the city.
✅ Frankfurt has Germany’s largest airport (FRA), making it one of the world’s most important air travel hubs.
✅ More than 180 nationalities live in Frankfurt, making it one of Germany’s most diverse and multicultural cities.
✅ The Römer (Frankfurt’s historic town hall) has been in use since 1405.
✅ Frankfurt’s stock exchange is over 400 years old, one of the world’s oldest.
✅ There are over 3,000 restaurants in Frankfurt, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to traditional taverns.