Frankfurt Travel & Vacation Guide

Alt-Sachsenhausen is a historic district in Frankfurt, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. No sojourn in Frankfurt is complete without a quick visit to one of the apple wine taverns (Apfelweinwirtschaften) for a glass of the renowned Frankfurt Ebbelwei.

Alte Oper is a historic concert hall in Frankfurt, originally built in 1880 and rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. Explore the restored facade and forecourt, then head up to the third-floor restaurant and bar for a drink or meal on the terrace with views of the city.

For a fun way to see Frankfurt, hop on the Ebbelwei-Express, a vintage tram that rattles through the city on weekends and public holidays. On board, passengers are served apple wine (or juice) and a bag of pretzels while local music plays in the background. The hour-long ride takes in many of Frankfurt’s main sights, and tickets are sold by the conductor. You can board at any of the tram stops along the route, but the ticket covers one full loop without hopping off and back on again.

Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s botanical garden, covering 20 hectares of parkland with greenhouses that recreate climates from around the world. Alongside the plant collections, the gardens often host exhibitions, concerts and seasonal events.

For a unique experience in Frankfurt, pay a visit to the Dialog Museum. It runs an exhibition called 'Dialogue in the Dark', where blind guides lead visitors through six rooms in complete darkness. Everyday scenes such as a walk in the park, a boat ride, or a visit to a bar are recreated, offering a powerful perspective on life without sight.

The DomRömer Quarter is Frankfurt’s “new old town”, rebuilt on the spot where the medieval streets once stood. Finished in 2018, it mixes careful reconstructions with new buildings that echo the originals. Wander between the narrow lanes for cafés, small shops and museums, and get a sense of what the city looked like before the war.

Eiserner Steg is a pedestrian bridge from 1869 linking central Frankfurt with Sachsenhausen. Pause halfway to take in the views of the river Main and the city skyline, and don’t forget the camera for a classic Frankfurt shot.

Frankfurt Cathedral, with its 95-metre tower, dominates the city centre's skyline. Dedicated to St Bartholomew in 1239, it became the site of imperial coronations for the Holy Roman Empire, with ten kings crowned here between 1562 and 1792.

Bar Helium is a colourful and quirky bar, where monkeys hang from the ceiling, playful lighting, and a mix of fun furnishings set the tone for a memorable night out. The drinks menu ranges from creative cocktails to a solid selection of beers, paired with deli-style snacks. On cooler evenings, the heated terrace is perfect for hanging out with friends.

Batschkapp, named after the local dialect word for a flat cap, is a staple of Frankfurt’s live music scene. The venue hosts everything from rock and pop shows to indie acts, themed parties, and special events. Be sure to check their website for upcoming concerts and events.

Club Voltaire is a longstanding cultural venue in Frankfurt, where locals gather for readings, talks, and occasional live music performances. The space feels lived-in and cosy, with mismatched chairs and a low-key bar serving beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks at reasonable prices. It's a place where locals and visitors alike can engage with Frankfurt's artsy side.

Elfer is a compact music club in Frankfurt for fans of rock, metal, techno, and indie. The line-up mixes live bands and DJ sets, with plenty of space to grab a beer and hit the dance floor. The venue has a laid-back, slightly gritty feel, complete with a small bar and some old-school arcade games.

Set inside the historic 15th-century Eschenheimer Turm, this bar and restaurant serves a variety of dishes from burgers to hot stone plates, along with a full selection of drinks. Inside, the lounge by the fireplace is cosy, while the outdoor seating lets you soak up the city atmosphere. For something completely unexpected, the restrooms are perched at the very top of the tower — a quirky twist to the experience.

Jazzkeller sits in the heart of Frankfurt and has been hosting top jazz musicians since 1952. The club has a cosy, intimate vibe, with a slightly old-school, speakeasy feel. Live music is on most nights, so be sure to check their calendar while you're in town.

Kiwis is a chill hangout serving a mix of local and international bites, from burgers to finger foods, alongside a range of creative cocktails in a casual atmosphere. On weekends, the vibe turns up a notch with live DJs spinning tunes on Friday and Saturday nights.

Maincafé sits right on the river Main, where locals and visitors gather in summer to enjoy a beer or a light bite. Benches, shaded tables, and open lawns make it easy to settle in as the sun sets behind Frankfurt’s skyline. Bagels, snacks, and Weiss beer are popular choices, and the riverside setting makes it one of the city’s most casual outdoor hangouts.

For a more authentic and laid-back shopping experience, head to Berger Straße in Frankfurt’s lively Bornheim district. Less glitzy than Zeil or Goethestraße, this long, tree-lined street is dotted with independent boutiques, design and vintage shops, and creative concept stores, interspersed with cafés, restaurants, and bars that give it a distinctly local charm.

For a good slice of local life, visit the farmers’ market on Berger Straße, which gathers around the Uhrtürmchen clock tower on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It’s one of Frankfurt’s largest markets, with a wide range of fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and other local treats. It’s a great place to wander, sample local flavours, and soak up the rhythm of Bornheim’s neighbourhood life.

If you’re looking for luxury shopping, Goethestraße is Frankfurt’s most exclusive address. Often called Frankfurt’s 'Rodeo Drive,' this short but prestigious street is home to top international designer boutiques such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Hermès, Versace, and Tiffany & Co. Located between the Opera District (Opernplatz) and the Banking Quarter, Goethestraße offers a refined atmosphere of sophistication and style.

Located in the heart of Frankfurt on the bustling Zeil, MyZeil is one of Germany’s largest shopping and leisure centers. Its gigantic curved glass façade makes the building an architectural highlight, worth a visit even if you’re not planning to shop. Inside, you’ll find six levels of shops, dining options, and leisure activities, featuring a mix of international and mid-range brands. And don’t miss the roof terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Located south of the Main River in the vibrant Sachsenhausen district, Schweizer Straße is a charming, character-filled shopping street that appeals especially to younger crowds and those looking for a more relaxed pace. Here, you’ll find a mix of boutiques, independent fashion stores, trendy cafés, delis, and bookshops, alongside small art and design shops.

The Zeil is Frankfurt’s main shopping street, running through the city centre with a mix of well-known brands, smaller boutiques, and the modern MyZeil shopping centre. Most of the street is pedestrian-only, making it easy to move between shops, stop for a snack, or people-watch for a while.

Wertheim Village is an outdoor shopping area designed to resemble a small town, featuring over 100 outlet stores. Less than an hour from Frankfurt, it’s easy to reach for a day trip, and a chance to give your credit card a good workout while hunting for bargains. Many boutiques offer discounts of up to 60% on the recommended retail price, so there’s plenty to discover, from fashion and accessories to homeware.

The best time to visit Frankfurt is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the city feels less crowded. Summer can get warm, around 25°C, and this is when Frankfurt is at its busiest, with tourists, outdoor events, and festivals filling the streets. From mid-September to mid-October, the city turns golden with autumn colours, which are best admired from one of Frankfurt’s tall towers. Oktoberfest runs during this period too, with plenty of beer, food, music, and local fun, though on a smaller scale than Munich. For festive cheer, December is ideal. The Christmas market fills the city centre with lights, stalls, and that unmistakable holiday atmosphere.

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Germany, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African, or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

One of Europe’s busiest international hubs, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is located about 12 km southwest of the city centre. The quickest way into the city is by S-Bahn lines S8 or S9, which run from the Regionalbahnhof under Terminal 1 to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in around 10 to 12 minutes. Regional Express (RE) trains and long-distance services also stop at the Fernbahnhof station beside Terminal 1. Taxis take roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and bus line 61 runs from Terminal 1 to Frankfurt Südbahnhof in about 25 minutes.

Frankfurt boasts an efficient and comprehensive public transport system, making it an excellent choice for tourists exploring the city. Operated by the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), the network encompasses buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (suburban trains), all integrated under a unified fare system. This integration allows passengers to use a single ticket across different modes of transport. For tourists, the Frankfurt Card is particularly advantageous. Available for 1 or 2 days, it offers unlimited travel within the RMV fare zone 50, which includes the city centre and the airport. The card also provides discounts on numerous museums, attractions, and dining establishments. Tickets can be purchased via the RMVgo app, at RMV ticket machines, or directly from bus drivers. It's important to note that Frankfurt operates on a proof-of-payment system, which means there are no turnstiles. Therefore, passengers should ensure they have a valid ticket before boarding, as plainclothes inspectors conduct random checks, and fines are imposed for non-compliance. For information on fares, timetables, and routes, visit RMV's official website.

In Frankfurt, taxis can be hailed on the street (if the roof sign is on), found at ranks near train stations, major hotels and airports, or booked via phone or apps. Local taxi services, such as Flash Taxi and Main Taxi Frankfurt, operate reliably across the city. Ride‑sharing apps, such as FreeNow and Bolt, are also available in Frankfurt.

In Germany, the electrical system operates on a voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. The country uses plug types C and F, both of which have two round pins. Type F also includes two earth clips on the side for grounding.

Pharmacies in Frankfurt are easy to spot by the bright red ‘A’ sign for Apotheke. Most are independently run rather than part of large chains, and staff are generally well-versed in English, particularly in central areas. They sell prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as travel essentials, and can often advise on local equivalents for foreign medications. For travellers, Hirsch Apotheke on the Zeil and Centrum-Apotheke an der Hauptwache are both central and reliable options.

Post offices in Frankfurt generally operate Monday to Friday from about 9 am to 7 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, though hours can vary by branch. Services include mailing letters and parcels, buying stamps and packaging, and in some branches, offering Postbank financial services. Many also serve as drop-off or pickup points for DHL parcels. The most convenient branch for travellers is the Deutsche Post at Goetheplatz 6 in the Innenstadt.