Frankfurt
City

Frankfurt

Germany's Financial Heart with Medieval Charm

Frankfurt gets a bad rap as just a business stopover, but that's their loss. Sure, the skyline screams "financial district" with those gleaming towers, but step into the cobblestone streets of Sachsenhausen and you'll find apple wine flowing in centuries-old taverns. This city pulls off something most places can't — being Europe's financial powerhouse while keeping its medieval soul intact. The Römerberg square looks like a fairy tale, complete with half-timbered houses that somehow survived World War II bombings. And here's what surprises most visitors: Frankfurt has more museums per square kilometer than almost any other German city. The Städel alone houses 700 years of European art. But the real magic happens when business hours end and locals spill into traditional Apfelwein bars, where you'll drink tart apple wine from blue-gray stone jugs and wonder why you almost skipped this place.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Frankfurt. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Altstadt puts you right in the action. The reconstructed medieval quarter around Römerberg looks postcard-perfect, and you can walk to everything that matters. Hotels here cost more, but you'll save on transport and late-night taxis. Sachsenhausen across the Main River offers better value and authentic vibes. This is where locals actually live and drink. The apple wine taverns line Schweizer Strasse, and you're still just a 10-minute walk to the city center via Eiserner Steg bridge. Westend works if you want luxury without tourist crowds. The tree-lined streets feel residential, but you're close to Palmengarten and the shopping district. Bahnhofsviertel near the main station gets sketchy after dark, despite some decent budget hotels. Skip it unless you're only here for a few hours between trains.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy groceries at Aldi or Lidl instead of tourist-area supermarkets — you'll save 30-40% on basics
  • 2.Eat lunch at Kleinmarkthalle market hall where vendors offer full meals for €6-8
  • 3.Book hotels for weekends when business travelers leave — rates drop significantly
  • 4.Skip expensive airport transfers and take the S-Bahn for €4.95 to city center
  • 5.Happy hour at apple wine taverns runs 5-7 PM with discounted drinks and food
  • 6.Many museums offer free entry on the last Saturday of each month
  • 7.Buy a Frankfurt Card for public transport plus museum discounts if staying 2+ days
  • 8.Lunch menus at upscale restaurants cost half of dinner prices for the same quality

Travel Tips

  • •Learn to say 'Ebbelwoi' — that's how locals pronounce apple wine, not 'Apfelwein'
  • •Carry cash — many traditional taverns and market stalls don't accept cards
  • •Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially in Sachsenhausen on weekends
  • •The Main Tower observation deck offers the best city views for €7.50
  • •Avoid the red-light district near the main station after dark, especially solo
  • •Frankfurt Book Fair in October makes hotels expensive — book months ahead or skip that week
  • •Sunday shopping is limited — stock up on Saturday or head to the main train station shops
  • •Tip 8-10% in restaurants by rounding up or telling servers the total you want to pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Frankfurt offers way more than business. The medieval Römerberg square, world-class museums like the Städel, and traditional apple wine culture in Sachsenhausen make it a genuine cultural destination. The mix of gleaming skyscrapers and half-timbered houses creates a unique atmosphere you won't find elsewhere in Germany.

Explore Frankfurt

Things to Do in FrankfurtWhen to Visit Frankfurt3 Days in Frankfurt7 Days in Frankfurt

Ready to explore Frankfurt?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.