Planning Your Frankfurt Trip: Essential Information
General Information
Location: Germany
Time Zone: GMT+2 (Summer) / GMT+1 (Winter)
Language: German
Currency: Euro (€)
Frankfurt Weather & Climate: A Month-by-Month Guide
January-February: Bundle up! It’s cold, often below freezing, with potential snow. Expect temperatures from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F).
March-April: Things are warming up, but be prepared for cool days and chilly nights. Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C (37°F to 59°F).
May-June: Ah, pleasant weather! Enjoy warm days and mild nights. Temperatures typically range from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F).
July-August: The warmest months! Occasional heat waves are possible. Temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) or even higher.
September-October: Mild and sunny days with cooler evenings make this a lovely time to visit. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F).
November-December: It gets cold and often damp, with the possibility of frost. Temperatures range from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F).
Frankfurt: City Overview
Frankfurt, or Frankfurt am Main to be precise, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city in the state of Hesse, Germany. It’s famous as the financial heart of Germany and a major European hub, creating a fascinating contrast between modern skyscrapers and historic charm. As home to the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, it has a distinctly international feel. But Frankfurt is more than just money! It’s got a thriving cultural scene with loads of museums, theaters, and art galleries. Take a step back in time at the Römerberg, Frankfurt’s old town center, with its charming buildings and lively atmosphere. And when you need a break from the city buzz, head to one of Frankfurt’s green spaces, like the Palmengarten, or stroll along the Main River embankments. The diverse food scene and exciting nightlife add to the city’s appeal, making Frankfurt a dynamic destination for travelers. Plus, its central location and great transport links make it perfect for exploring the rest of Germany and Europe.
Best Time to Visit Frankfurt
Spring (April-May):
Pros: Pleasant weather, gardens in bloom, fewer crowds than summer.
Cons: Occasional rain.
Summer (June-August):
Pros: Warmest weather, lots of outdoor events and festivals.
Cons: More crowded, higher accommodation prices.
Autumn (September-October):
Pros: Mild weather, beautiful fall colors, wine festivals.
Cons: Shorter daylight hours, some rain.
Winter (November-March):
Pros: Christmas markets, festive atmosphere.
Cons: Cold weather, short days.
Getting To Frankfurt & Visa Information
Flights: Fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA), a major international hub with connections worldwide. (Affiliate link to flight booking site)
Trains: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) is one of Europe’s busiest, connecting to major European cities. (Affiliate link to train booking site)
Visa Details: Germany is in the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check your country’s German embassy or consulate website for specifics.
Airport Transfers: The S-Bahn (S8 and S9 lines) connects the airport to the city center. Taxis and airport shuttles are also available. (Affiliate link to shuttle booking site)
Frankfurt Highlights: History, Culture & Fun
Fun Fact: “Mainhattan”
Frankfurt is nicknamed “Mainhattan” due to its skyline, which resembles Manhattan in New York City. It’s one of the few European cities with so many skyscrapers.
Famous Frankfurt Personalities
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Anne Frank
Top 10 Frankfurt Attractions: Don’t Miss These!
1. Römerberg: Frankfurt’s historic old town center, featuring the Römer, the city hall since the 15th century.
- Address: Römerberg 27, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2. Goethe House & Museum: The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most celebrated writer.
- Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
3. Städel Museum: One of Germany’s most important art museums, showcasing art from the early 14th century to today.
- Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
4. Main Tower: Head to the top of this skyscraper for amazing panoramic city views!
- Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
5. Palmengarten: A beautiful botanical garden with a wide variety of plants from all over the world.
- Address: Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
6. Museumsufer: A collection of fantastic museums along the Main River.
- Address: Schaumainkai, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
7. Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom): A stunning Gothic cathedral that served as the coronation church for German emperors.
- Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
8. Kleinmarkthalle: A bustling market hall overflowing with food stalls and local products. Great for a snack or a souvenir!
- Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
9. Senckenberg Natural History Museum: One of Germany’s largest natural history museums, famous for its dinosaur exhibits.
- Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
10. Eiserner Steg: This pedestrian bridge over the Main River provides iconic city views, especially at sunset.
- Address: Eiserner Steg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt’s Hidden Gems: Explore Beyond the Tourist Trail
1. Bethmannpark: A peaceful park featuring a Chinese garden and a cool playground.
- Address: Mauerweg 9, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2. Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung: A sculpture museum housed in a gorgeous villa.
- Address: Schaumainkai 71, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
3. Holzhausenpark: A smaller, local park with a moated castle-like building. Perfect for a relaxing break.
- Address: Grüneburgweg 148, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Festivals & Events: Join the Fun!
Dippemess: A traditional folk festival with rides, food, and games (spring and autumn).
Museumsuferfest: A cultural festival with music, food, and museum exhibits (August).
Christmas Market: A traditional Christmas market with festive decorations, food, and crafts (November-December).
Wäldchestag: Frankfurt’s “national holiday,” a four-day folk festival in the Frankfurt City Forest (Tuesday after Pentecost).
Day Trips from Frankfurt: Explore the Region
Heidelberg: A historic city with a famous castle (approx. 1 hour by train). (Affiliate link to tour booking site)
Rhine Valley: A scenic region with vineyards, castles, and charming towns (approx. 1-2 hours by train). (Affiliate link to tour booking site)
Würzburg: Known for the Würzburg Residence, a stunning baroque palace (approx. 1.5 hours by train). (Affiliate link to tour booking site)
Frankfurt’s Best Photo Spots: Capture the Memories
Eiserner Steg: Capture the Frankfurt skyline from this pedestrian bridge.
Römerberg: Photograph the historic old town square and its half-timbered houses.
Main Tower: Get panoramic city views from the observation deck.
Palmengarten: Discover numerous photogenic spots within the botanical garden.
Holzhausenpark: Capture the unique moated castle in this tranquil park.
Where to Stay in Frankfurt: Hotels for Every Budget
Recommended Stay Length
3-4 days
Top Frankfurt Hotels
Budget-Friendly Hotels
- a&o Frankfurt Ostend: Orber Str. 24a, 60386 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt/Main Messe: Europa-Allee 64-66, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt: Moselstraße 40, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Hotel Europa Style: Mainzer Landstraße 174, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Hotel Topas: Mendelssohnstraße 53, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel NH Frankfurt Messe: Hamburger Allee 26-28, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- INNSiDE by Meliá Frankfurt Ostend: Hanauer Landstraße 81-83, 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- The niu Charly: Niddastraße 62, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- MOXY Frankfurt East: Ratsweg 10, 60386 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt City – Hauptbahnhof: Mainzer Landstraße 201, 60326 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
Luxury Hotels
- Roomers Frankfurt, a Member of Design Hotels: Gutleutstraße 85, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Sofitel Frankfurt Opera: Opernplatz 16, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof: Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Jumeirah Frankfurt: Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz 2, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
- Grandhotel Hessischer Hof: Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 40, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Affiliate Link)
Getting Around Frankfurt: Transportation Options
Public Transport: Frankfurt has an excellent public transport system with U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train), trams, and buses. Purchase tickets from machines or via the RMV app. (Affiliate link to RMV)
Taxis: Taxis are easy to find but can be pricey.
Bikes: Bike sharing services are available for exploring the city on two wheels.
Walking: The city center is very walkable, making it easy to explore many attractions on foot.
Frankfurt Travel Tips: Be Prepared for Your Adventure
What to Pack for Frankfurt
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers are key, especially during spring and fall. Don’t forget a warm coat, scarf, and gloves for winter.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
Rain Gear: An umbrella or raincoat is a good idea, as rain is common.
European Adapter: If your electronics use a different plug type.
Useful Apps for Your Frankfurt Trip
RMV: Your go-to app for public transport schedules and tickets.
Google Maps: For getting around and finding places.
DB Navigator: For train travel information.
Frankfurt Card: Get discounts at attractions and on public transport with this card. (Affiliate Link)
Frankfurt: Local Customs, Safety & Etiquette
Do: Be punctual, respect personal space, and use formal titles (Herr/Frau) when addressing people you don’t know well.
Don’t: Jaywalk, be overly loud in public, or assume everyone speaks English.
Scams to Avoid: Watch out for street games and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Frankfurt Food, Fun & Finds: A Local’s Guide
Top Frankfurt Restaurants: Where to Eat
Apfelwein Wagner: Traditional German cuisine and Apfelwein (apple wine). Schweizer Straße 71, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Atschel: Another excellent spot for traditional Frankfurt dishes. Wallstraße 7, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Restaurant Seven Swans: A Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant. Mainkai 4, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Stanley Diamond: International cuisine in a stylish setting. Kaiserstraße 29, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Ebbelwoi Unser: A cozy, traditional spot with local specialties. Berger Straße 257, 60385 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Must-Try Frankfurt Dishes: A Culinary Adventure
Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold sauce made with seven herbs, typically served with boiled eggs and potatoes.
Frankfurter Würstchen: Thin, boiled sausages.
Handkäse mit Musik: Sour milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, and onions.
Apfelwein: Apple wine, a local favorite!
Bethmännchen: Marzipan cookies with almonds, traditionally enjoyed at Christmastime.
Frankfurt Nightlife & Entertainment: After Dark
Jazzkeller Frankfurt: A legendary jazz club. Kleine Bockenheimer Str. 18a, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
The Cave: A rock and metal club. Brönnerstraße 11, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Gibson Club: A popular nightclub with DJs. Zeil 125, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Adlib: An upscale nightclub with a dress code. Schwedenpfad 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
O’Reilly’s Irish Pub: A lively atmosphere and live music. Am Hauptbahnhof 8, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Frankfurt Souvenirs & Shopping: Take Home a Piece of Frankfurt
Kleinmarkthalle: For local food products and unique souvenirs. Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Zeil: Frankfurt’s main shopping street with a wide variety of stores. Zeil, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Schweizer Straße: A street with boutiques and local shops. Schweizer Straße, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Christmas Market (seasonal): For festive decorations, crafts, and tasty treats. Römerberg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Bethmännchen: Buy these delicious marzipan cookies at confectioneries around the city as a sweet souvenir.
