Frankfurt is known for being a global financial hub, home to the European Central Bank. It's also famous for its futuristic skyline, the historic 'Römer' city hall, the Goethe House, and its annual trade fairs such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The best time to visit Frankfurt is late spring (April to May) and early autumn (August to September) when the weather is pleasant, and the city hosts various outdoor events and festivals.
Top attractions include the Römerberg plaza, Frankfurt Cathedral, Main Tower, Goethe House, Palmengarten botanical gardens, and the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History. The Main River also offers picturesque walks and river cruises.
Traditional foods to try include Frankfurter Wurstchen (Frankfurt sausages), Grüne Soße (a sauce made with seven specific herbs), Handkäs mit Musik (a sour milk cheese served with onions), and Apfelwein (apple wine), which is a popular regional drink.
Frankfurt can be quite walkable, especially in the city center where many tourist attractions are located close to each other. However, the city also has an excellent public transportation network for access to further out destinations.
The best way to get around Frankfurt is through its efficient public transport system, which includes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter rail), trams, and buses. Taxis and bike rentals are also available for more direct or flexible travel options.
While it's always helpful to know some German phrases, many people in Frankfurt speak English, especially in the service industry and tourism sectors, so you can travel comfortably as an English-speaking tourist.
Popular shopping areas include the Zeil, one of Germany's busiest shopping streets, the exclusive Goethestraße for luxury shopping, and the Skyline Plaza mall. For more unique and boutique shopping experiences, visitors can explore the area around Berger Straße and Brückenstraße.
Yes, there are several popular day trip destinations from Frankfurt, including Heidelberg with its famous castle, the Rhine Valley for its stunning landscapes and vineyards, and the historic city of Mainz with its impressive cathedral and Gutenberg Museum.
Frankfurt offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and international chains to budget hostels and bed-and-breakfasts. You can also find serviced apartments and vacation rentals throughout the city.
