FRANKFURT
Frankfurt Rhine-Main is Germany’s vibrant economic powerhouse, seamlessly blending a futuristic “Mainhattan” skyline with a deep-rooted history as an imperial city and a nexus for trade and culture.
This dynamic metropolitan area is centered on the Main and Rhine rivers, providing a balance of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Most Popular Attractions
Frankfurt City Core & Financial District:
Römerberg & New Old Town (Dom-Römer Quarter): Frankfurt’s historic center, featuring the iconic tiered half-timbered houses and the Römer, the city hall, which hosted imperial coronations.
Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus): A striking red-sandstone Gothic cathedral, historically the election and coronation church of Holy Roman Emperors.
Goethe House and Museum: The reconstructed birthplace and childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous writer.
Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge): A pedestrian footbridge over the Main River, famous for its thousands of “love locks” and offering superb skyline views.
St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche): A national historic symbol, this is where the first democratically elected German parliament met in 1848–49.
Hauptwache: A central square featuring a historic Baroque guard-house, surrounded by major shopping streets like the Zeil and Goethestrasse.
Kleinmarkthalle: A bustling indoor market hall offering a wide array of fresh regional and international foods, local specialties, and vibrant atmosphere.
Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Börse): The site of the German stock exchange, identifiable by the bull and bear statues outside.
Modern Architecture & Skyline Attractions:
Maintower: A sleek skyscraper with a public observation deck offering the most panoramic views of Frankfurt’s famous “Mainhattan” skyline.
European Central Bank (ECB) Building: The imposing modern headquarters of the ECB in the East End, a symbol of the city’s financial importance.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment): A concentration of world-class museums along both banks of the Main River, forming one of the most important cultural areas in Germany.
Museum for Modern Art (MMK): A key institution for contemporary and modern art, known for its triangular shape.
Culture, Art & Nature:
Städel Museum: One of Germany’s most important art museums, with collections spanning Old Masters, Modern, and Contemporary art.
Senckenberg Natural History Museum: One of Germany’s largest natural history museums, famous for its extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons.
Palm Garden (Palmengarten): Germany’s largest botanical garden, featuring tropical and subtropical plants in beautiful greenhouses and grounds.
Alte Oper (Old Opera House): A grand Neo-Renaissance building, meticulously reconstructed after WWII, now a prestigious concert hall.
Old Sachsenhausen: A historic district south of the Main, known for its cobblestone lanes, traditional half-timbered buildings, and rustic Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns.
The Green Belt (Grüner Ring): A large circular green space and recreational area encompassing the city, perfect for hiking and biking.
Regional Day Trips & Surrounding Cities (Frankfurt Rhine-Main):
Heidelberg Castle & Old Town: The romantic ruins of a stunning Renaissance castle towering over a beautifully preserved Baroque city (outside Frankfurt proper, but a key regional trip).
Rhine Gorge (Upper Middle Rhine Valley): A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, hilltop castles, and steep vineyards, easily accessible via boat tours from Rüdesheim.
Wiesbaden: The capital of the state of Hesse, famous for its elegant spa architecture, thermal springs, and historical Kurhaus (spa house).
Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom): A massive, thousand-year-old Romanesque cathedral in Mainz, the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate and the heart of the Rheinhessen wine region.
Saalburg Roman Fort: A fully reconstructed Roman fort on the Taunus hills, part of the UNESCO-listed Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Römerberg and New Old Town (Neue Altstadt): Explore Frankfurt’s historical heart, a beautifully reconstructed area with traditional half-timbered houses, including the iconic Römer (City Hall).
Stroll along the Museum Embankment (Museumsufer): Spend a day crossing the Main River to the south bank, which is home to a cluster of world-class museums, including the Städel Museum (art history), the German Film Museum, and the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.
Take a River Main Sightseeing Cruise: See the famous Frankfurt skyline, including its “Mainhattan” skyscrapers, the Museumsufer, and historic bridges from a unique water perspective.
Ascend the Main Tower Observation Deck: Get a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city and the surrounding region from the only public-access skyscraper observation platform in Frankfurt.
Go on an Apfelwein (Apple Wine) Pub Crawl in Sachsenhausen: Cross the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) to the charming district of Alt-Sachsenhausen and hop between traditional, rustic taverns to taste the local cider.
Explore the Palmengarten (Botanical Gardens): Wander through one of Germany’s largest and most beautiful botanical gardens, featuring exotic plants from different climate zones housed in impressive greenhouses.
Discover the Rheingau Wine Region: Take a day trip to this nearby region, famous for its Riesling wine. Participate in a wine tasting at a local vineyard (Weingut) or take a scenic boat trip on the Rhine River past castles near Rüdesheim.
Go on a Historical Day Trip to Wiesbaden: Visit the capital of Hesse, known for its elegant architecture, the historic Kurhaus (casino and event venue), and its thermal springs.
Hike or Cycle in the Taunus Mountains: Escape the city to this low mountain range for outdoor activities, including a visit to the Roman fort reconstruction, Saalburg, near Bad Homburg.
Shop on the Zeil: Experience Frankfurt’s main, bustling shopping street, a pedestrian zone with a mix of department stores, boutiques, and the modern Zeilgalerie shopping center.
Visit the Kleinmarkthalle: Explore this vibrant indoor food market in the city center, a popular spot for locals to buy fresh produce, local delicacies, and enjoy an affordable lunch or a glass of wine.
Local Tips & Transport
Integrated Public Transport System:
The entire Rhine-Main area is covered by one integrated public transport network, the RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund).
One Ticket is Valid for Everything: A single ticket (or day/group ticket) is valid for the S-Bahn (suburban train), U-Bahn (underground/light rail), trams, and regional buses, simplifying travel across the city and the wider region.
Key Rail Services:
S-Bahn: Connects Frankfurt city center to the surrounding suburbs and key destinations like Wiesbaden, Mainz, and the Airport. Stations are marked with a green and white ‘S’.
U-Bahn & Tram: Primarily serves within Frankfurt city limits. U-Bahn lines run both underground and above ground. Trams offer frequent service on main inner-city routes.
From the Airport (FRA): Train is Fastest: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has two train stations. The regional station is served by S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 and regional trains, offering a fast (about 10–15 minutes) and affordable connection to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) and the city center.
Cycling and Walking:
Frankfurt is very bike-friendly. Consider using one of the many bike-sharing programs available.
The city center is highly walkable, and the banks of the Main River are great for a scenic stroll.
Embrace Apfelwein Culture:
The Local Drink: The local specialty is Apfelwein (Apple Wine), also known as Ebbelwoi or Äppler—a tart, cider-like beverage. It is traditionally served in a blue-grey earthenware jug called a Bembel and drunk from a diamond-patterned glass called a Gerippte.
Where to Drink: The best place to experience this tradition is in the rustic taverns of Alt-Sachsenhausen.
Late Dining is Less Common: Unlike Southern European countries, German dining times are typically earlier. Lunch is generally between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner is often between 6 PM and 9 PM. Many kitchens will close around 10 PM.
Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): Frankfurt’s Signature Dish: This cold sauce is made from seven specific fresh herbs (borage, chervil, cress, parsley, sorrel, chives, and salad burnet) mixed with sour cream, yogurt, or quark. It is a local culinary must-try, often served with boiled eggs and potatoes or with Schnitzel.
The City of Contrasts: Frankfurt is often nicknamed “Mainhattan” due to its impressive cluster of skyscrapers (mostly banks), which stand in stark contrast to the historic and cozy atmosphere of the reconstructed Römerberg and Alt-Sachsenhausen. Don’t let the business side overshadow its rich cultural offerings.
Hidden Gems & Local Spots:
Goethe-Haus: Visit the birthplace of Germany’s most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which provides a fascinating glimpse into upper-class life in the 18th century.
Höchst Old Town: Take the S-Bahn to the west for a trip to Höchst, a district with a beautifully preserved, picture-perfect medieval old town and castle, far removed from the modern city center.
Kleinmarkthalle Terrace: Go up to the small terrace above the main floor of the Kleinmarkthalle for a popular spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a quick, fresh lunch with locals.
Language: English is widely spoken, especially in Frankfurt itself and in the financial, tourism, and hospitality sectors. However, knowing a few German phrases like Danke (thank you) and Bitte (please/you’re welcome) is always appreciated.
Top Restaurants
Apfelwein Wagner [$15-$25] – A legendary and well-loved apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen, serving hearty, traditional Hessian specialties like Grüne Soße (Green Sauce) and various Schnitzel in a rustic atmosphere.
Adolf Wagner [$15-$25] – Another iconic and historical Apfelweinwirtschaft (apple wine tavern) in Sachsenhausen, famous for its excellent cider, pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), and the authentic communal dining experience.
Atschel [$15-$25] – One of the oldest and most popular cider bars in Sachsenhausen, established in 1849, known for its traditional Frankfurt cuisine and lively, unpretentious atmosphere.
Zum Gemalten Haus [$15-$25] – A truly authentic, colorful apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen where locals go for regional dishes and a genuine slice of Hessian culture.
Dauth-Schneider [$20-$30] – A long-established Frankfurt restaurant in Sachsenhausen offering classic regional German and international dishes, with a focus on Frankfurt specialties and a pleasant beer garden.
Klosterhof [$20-$30] – Located near the train station, this popular spot offers solid, traditional German cuisine and a great selection of beers in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal [$20-$30] – A charming, rustic retreat in Sachsenhausen known for its homestyle German cooking and a warm, relaxed inn atmosphere.
Ebbelwoi Unser [$20-$30] – Renowned for its traditional apple wine and classic German dishes, this rustic tavern offers a warm and authentic experience for Frankfurt specialties.
Zum Lahmen Esel [$20-$30] – A historical monument and inn since 1807, this place in Höchst is dedicated to hearty and simple German cuisine and apple wine, with a long-standing tradition.
Fichtekränzi [$20-$30] – One of the oldest establishments in the city, an iconic venue in Sachsenhausen that serves proper Apfelwein alongside a wide selection of Frankfurter and international specialties.
Zum Bären [$20-$30] – Located in the charming district of Höchst, this spot is recommended for excellent local specialties, especially if you want to explore a more historic, less central part of Frankfurt.
Schreiber-Heyne [$20-$30] – A true Frankfurt institution in Bornheim that has been serving traditional Hessian dishes since 1897, often alongside its own cider products.
Gasthaus zum Adler [$20-$35] – Located in the Ginnheim district, this place is known for its Balkan cuisine and for brewing its own beer, offering a lovely beer garden in a local neighborhood.
Gerbermühle [$25-$40] – Situated beautifully on the banks of the Main river with a unique view of the city skyline, known for tasteful, simple German and Frankfurt specialties.
MainNizza [$25-$45] – Located on the riverbank, this restaurant offers classics like Wiener Schnitzel and a seasonal menu in a sophisticated setting, with an attractive terrace overlooking the Main.
Walhofs [$25-$45] – A great wine bar in Sachsenhausen that also offers excellent food, making it a favorite for locals looking for a relaxed evening with good wine and bites.
Bidlabu [$30-$50] – A very popular top restaurant in the city for its ‘smart dishes’, blending European fusion cuisine with a relaxed service and approachable atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended.
Heimat | Essen & Weine [$35-$60] – This chic restaurant features modern European cuisine and an excellent wine list, with daily changing main courses that showcase handcrafted perfection.
Emma Metzler [$35-$60] – A modern bistro located in the Museum Angewandte Kunst, offering regional, creative cuisine with high-quality products in a relaxed, artistic setting.
Bar Shuka [$30-$50] – An innovative spot in the vibrant Bahnhofsviertel, offering a creative Middle Eastern fusion menu, like a ‘gastro-taverna’ with oriental market vibes.
The Chairs [$40-$70] – Known for exceptionally innovative yet sophisticated food served in a no-fuss space, focusing on regional organic products and a ‘nose to tail’ philosophy.
Yaldy [$40-$70] – A modern, innovative spot in the Bahnhofsviertel with an inventive menu and a focus on creative food and drinks.
Chairs [$40-$70] – Focuses on seasonal, regional organic products, committed to “nose to tail” cooking, serving innovative and sophisticated dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Carte Blanche [$40-$80] – Offers only surprise menus composed daily based on market shopping, ensuring consistently high quality in a cozy and intimate ambience.
Knoblauch [$50-$90] – Tucked away in a residential street in Westend, this restaurant is a favorite for an intimate, high-quality dining experience.
Blumen [$50-$90] – An institution in Frankfurt with an intimate atmosphere, offering a creative surprise menu and a focus on natural, lively wines.
BellasLOKAL [$40-$70] – Located in Bad Soden am Taunus (Rhine-Main area), this restaurant is noted in the Michelin guide for its creative cuisine outside the immediate city center.
Les Deux Dienstbach [$50-$80] – Located in Hochheim am Main, this spot is recognized in the Michelin guide for its French Contemporary cuisine in the wider Rhine-Main region.
SEVEN SWANS [$80-$150] – The world’s first vegan Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the narrowest house in Frankfurt. Chef Ricky Saward offers a unique, strictly plant-based, regional, and sustainable fine dining experience.
Gustav [$100-$180] – Widely considered one of Frankfurt’s best fine dining restaurants, offering a refined dining experience with food served as a masterpiece, popular with wine lovers.
Restaurant Lafleur [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Palmengarten, known for its elegant classic cuisine and exquisite wine pairings.
Carmelo Greco [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering excellent Italian cuisine with great taste and a focus on perfect raw and cooked ingredients.
Erno’s Bistro [$100-$180] – A long-standing institution in Frankfurt known for its classic French-inspired fine dining and impeccable service.
Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge [$120-$200] – Perched on the 53rd floor, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline with a gourmet menu, combining Asian influences with high-end dining.
L’arôme Restaurant [$100-$180] – Located in the city center, this restaurant is recognized for its Fusion cuisine and very high ratings for quality and service.
Masa Japanese Cuisine [$150-$220] – A highly-rated fine dining spot specializing in authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine, often featuring a set menu experience.
Villa Rothschild Grill & Health [$100-$180] – Situated in a luxury hotel in Königstein im Taunus, offering a classic cuisine experience in a grand and elegant setting in the Rhine-Main area.
Schwarzer Stern [$80-$130] – Located in the heart of the Old Town, this restaurant provides a high-quality Western-style dining experience in a great location and cozy atmosphere.
Kleinmarkthalle [$15-$30] – Not a single restaurant, but a vibrant, traditional indoor market (especially busy on Saturdays) with numerous food stalls and small snack bars offering fresh local and international delicacies.
Im Herzen Afrikas [$20-$35] – A family-run restaurant offering delicious traditional African (Ethiopian/Eritrean) food served in a cozy location with a unique, immersive setting and low seating.
Fisch Franke [$20-$35] – A popular seafood spot in the city center and the Kleinmarkthalle, known for its fresh fish and value, with a reputation for quality seafood.
Occhio D’oro [$30-$50] – Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant provides a great atmosphere, great service, and delicious Italian-inspired Western food.
Pistazie [$25-$45] – A Persian restaurant offering flavorful and authentic Iranian cuisine in a warm setting.
Mommona [$20-$35] – Located in Sachsenhausen, this is a highly-rated, popular African restaurant.
Pflasterschisser [$20-$35] – Located in Eppstein (Rhine-Main area) in the oldest half-timbered house in the district (built in 1459!), offering comfortable charm and a unique medieval ambiance.
Liu’s Hotpot [$25-$45] – Located in the Bahnhofsviertel, this restaurant offers authentic Chinese Hotpot in a large setting where you can select ingredients from fridges.
LEUCHTENDROTER [$35-$55] – A unique and popular vegan restaurant with outstanding food and an incredible, hyped-up atmosphere.
Sorihashiya [$20-$40] – Located in the Bahnhofsviertel, this spot serves incredible, high-quality Ramen and other Japanese dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Gekkos Bar: A Frankfurt institution located in the Westend, this glamorous, dim-lit bar is known for its sophisticated atmosphere, high-quality cocktails, and top-shelf spirits, perfect for a classy night out.
Kinly Bar: Situated near the city center, this speakeasy-style bar offers an intimate setting and bartenders who specialize in creative and perfectly balanced classic cocktails.
Embury Bar Frankfurt: Found near the Commerzbank Tower, this stylish bar offers a laid-back atmosphere with a great variety of classic and unique cocktails, occasionally featuring live jazz music.
O Bar Frankfurt: A cool and modern bar located north of the city center in the Innenstadt, which is one of the best spots in the city for enjoying shisha alongside creative drinks.
Bar Helium: Situated in the heart of the city center near the Paulskirche, this bright and lively venue boasts striking industrial-chic decor and a fantastic menu of specialty cocktails.
The Tiny Cup: This small, cozy bar in Frankfurt is a well-regarded spot for expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting, focusing on quality mixology.
22nd Lounge & Bar: Located high up in the Innside Frankfurt Eurotheum hotel in the city center, this sleek lounge boasts stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, making it an excellent spot for a sophisticated drink.
Moloko+: A trendy spot in the Innenstadt, known for its stylish interior and creative cocktails, appealing to a chic and energetic crowd.
Hunky Dory Bar: Step back in time to the 1930s at this bar near the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station), where highly skilled bartenders craft excellent cocktails in a vintage ambiance.
Jazzkeller: A legendary and intimate historic venue in the Innenstadt, where you can enjoy classic cocktails while listening to live jazz music, which has hosted global legends since 1952.
Rheinhattan Bar (Mainz): A renowned cocktail destination in Mainz, celebrated for its unique ambiance and expertly crafted drinks, showcasing the skill and passion of the mixologists.
Bar One (Wiesbaden): Located in the heart of Wiesbaden, this vibrant cocktail bar is known for its stylish interior, lively atmosphere, and bartenders who are passionate about innovative mixology.
Badhaus.BAR (Wiesbaden): A stylish and modern cocktail bar in Wiesbaden that excels in offering a diverse selection of expertly crafted cocktails, often accompanied by cool jazz music.
Freigut: A unique boat bar floating on the River Main in Frankfurt, offering stunning skyline views, sunsets, and an upscale menu of cocktails and champagne.
Plank Café: A popular bar in Frankfurt’s trendy Bornheim neighborhood, known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on craft beer, but also offering excellent cocktails.
Robert Johnson (Offenbach): Located just outside Frankfurt in Offenbach, this is a world-renowned, legendary club known for its intimate atmosphere, minimalist design, and an unparalleled sound system, specializing in house and techno music.
Tanzhaus West: A staple of Frankfurt’s electronic music scene, this club near the West/Galluswarte district is housed in a former ink factory with a raw industrial aesthetic, offering multiple dance floors for techno and house.
Gibson Club: A vibrant, upscale nightclub located in the heart of Frankfurt’s city center, offering an electrifying experience with live concerts and DJ sets across various music genres, from house to commercial hits.
ZOOM (formerly Cocoon): Located centrally in Frankfurt, this venue boasts a rich history, hosting electrifying live concerts and legendary club nights, and is a key destination for diverse electronic music and events.
Silbergold: A beacon of creativity and innovation in Frankfurt’s city center, offering underground clubbing with eclectic sounds, from house and techno to jungle and electro.
Tokonoma: An underground haven for electronic music lovers in Frankfurt, where the pulse of house and techno music beats deep into the night.
Freud: An intimate industrial-style club in Frankfurt dedicated to cutting-edge electronic music, striving to push club culture forward.
Latin Palace Changó: The ultimate destination in Frankfurt for experiencing authentic Latin American culture and dance, known as the city’s largest club featuring Latin rhythms.
Velvet Club: Located in the city center, this popular nightclub attracts a diverse crowd with a mix of music genres including pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Galerie Kurzweil (Darmstadt): Found in Darmstadt (part of the larger Rhine-Main area), this club is a haven for aficionados of underground electronic and house music, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and sound system.
Chinaski Club: Located in the city center, this club is where the city’s trendsetters and creatives gather for an exclusive and effortlessly cool clubbing experience.
Adlib: Known for its electric feel and lively sounds from top DJs, this club in Frankfurt brings music fans together for a fun night of dancing.