Frankfurt Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Planning & Logistics
Q: Is Frankfurt worth visiting?
A: Yes, while often seen as a business hub, Frankfurt has a rich history (Römerberg), excellent museums, a vibrant food scene, and is a great base for day trips.
Q: How many days do I need in Frankfurt?
A: 1-2 full days for the main sights, 3-4 days if you plan on significant museum visits or a day trip.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Frankfurt?
A: Spring (April-May) and early Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather. December is popular for Christmas markets. Summer can be hot.
Q: Can I get by with English in Frankfurt?
A: Yes, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and businesses, most people under 50 speak good English.
Q: What currency is used in Frankfurt?
A: Euro (€).
Q: Is Frankfurt safe for tourists?
A: Generally very safe. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and around the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) at night, but serious crime is rare.
Q: What are common German “faux pas” to avoid?
A: Don’t expect free tap water in restaurants (you’ll be charged for bottled still or sparkling). Tipping is different – round up or add 5-10% directly to the waiter. Public toilets often cost money. Credit card acceptance is not as universal as in some countries, so carry cash. Don’t make jokes about Nazi history.
Q: How is credit card acceptance in Frankfurt?
A: Better than it used to be, but still not universal. Visa and Mastercard are most common. Always carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments or public toilets. Amex and Diners Club are less accepted.
Q: Should I buy a Frankfurt Card?
A: It depends on your itinerary. It offers free public transport and discounts on museums and attractions. Calculate if the savings outweigh the cost for your planned activities.
Arrival & Departure (Frankfurt Airport – FRA)
Q: How to get from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to the city center?
A: The S-Bahn ( suburban train lines S8/S9) is the easiest and fastest way. It takes about 10-15 minutes to Hauptbahnhof (main station) or the city center stations.
Q: How much does the S-Bahn from FRA to city center cost?
A: A single ticket (Einzelfahrkarte) is around €5-6.
Q: How do I buy S-Bahn tickets at the airport?
A: Use the RMV ticket machines at the train station (look for green signs). Machines have English options.
Q: Is there a direct train from FRA to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station)?
A: Yes, the S8 and S9 S-Bahn lines run directly to Hauptbahnhof.
Q: How long does it take to get through immigration at FRA?
A: Varies greatly. Could be 10 minutes or over an hour, especially during peak times or early morning/late night. Allow at least 60 minutes.
Q: Is 2 hours 5 minutes enough layover time at FRA for an international to Schengen flight?
A: It can be tight but usually doable if your first flight isn’t delayed. You’ll need to go through passport control. Baggage re-check usually isn’t required if booked on a single itinerary.
Q: Is 1 hour 40 minutes enough layover time at FRA?
A: Very risky. Many advise against it due to potential delays and long walks between gates/terminals.
Q: How to get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at FRA?
A: Use the “SkyLine” (automated people mover) or the shuttle bus. SkyLine is generally faster.
Q: Is Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN) the same as Frankfurt Airport (FRA)?
A: No, they are very different. HHN is a smaller airport about 120 km (75 miles) west of Frankfurt, primarily used by low-cost carriers. You’ll need a bus transfer, which takes about 1.5-2 hours, to get to Frankfurt city.
Q: How to get from Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN) to Frankfurt city?
A: The Flibco bus service is the main option. Book tickets in advance.
Q: Are there showers at FRA for arriving passengers?
A: Yes, some lounges offer showers. Check specific lounge access.
Accommodation
Q: What’s the best area to stay in Frankfurt?
A:
Altstadt/Innenstadt (Old Town/City Center): Best for sightseeing, easy access to attractions.
Sachsenhausen: Lively, traditional apple wine taverns, good nightlife. Across the Main River from the city center.
Westend/Bornheim: More residential, upscale, good restaurants, quieter.
Near Hauptbahnhof (Main Station): Convenient for transport, but the immediate area around the station can be a bit seedy at night.
Q: Are hotels near the Hauptbahnhof safe?
A: Generally safe, but the area around the station can be a bit rough and has a higher presence of homeless people and drug users, especially at night. Exercise caution, but it’s usually not dangerous.
Q: What are good budget hotel options?
A: Look for hostels, Ibis, Premier Inn, or similar chains.
Q: Can I find hotels with views of the skyline?
A: Yes, some hotels like those near the Main Tower or on the Sachsenhausen side of the river offer skyline views.
Public Transportation
Q: How does public transport work in Frankfurt?
A: Excellent and efficient network of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train), trams, and buses. Operated by RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund).
Q: Do I need to validate my public transport ticket?
A: Yes, usually you stamp it in a small machine on the platform or inside the vehicle. If it’s a pre-validated ticket, you don’t. Fines for not having a valid ticket are high.
Q: What kind of public transport ticket should I buy for a day?
A: A day ticket (Tageskarte) or a Frankfurt Card if it aligns with your plans.
Q: Can I use one ticket for all modes of transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus)?
A: Yes, RMV tickets are integrated across all modes within the specified fare zones.
Q: Is it easy to get around Frankfurt on foot?
A: The city center and major attractions are very walkable. Beyond that, public transport is recommended.
Q: Are taxis expensive in Frankfurt?
A: They can be, especially for longer distances. Public transport is a more cost-effective option for most travelers.
Top Attractions & Things to Do
Q: What are the must-see attractions in Frankfurt?
A: Römerberg (Old Town square), Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom), Main Tower (for skyline views), Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge), Museum Embankment (Museumsufer), Goethe House.
Q: What is Römerberg?
A: The historic medieval square in Frankfurt’s Altstadt, featuring the Römer (city hall) and charming half-timbered houses.
Q: Can I go up the Main Tower?
A: Yes, for a panoramic view of the city and its skyline. There’s an observation deck.
Q: What museums should I visit in Frankfurt?
A:
Städel Museum: Art museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern art.
Naturmuseum Senckenberg: Natural history museum, famous for dinosaurs.
Deutsches Filmmuseum: German Film Museum.
Schirn Kunsthalle: Contemporary art exhibition hall.
MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst: Museum of Modern Art.
Q: Is the Museumsufer worth it?
A: Yes, if you’re into museums. Many are clustered along the river, making it easy to visit several.
Q: What is the Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge) known for?
A: A pedestrian bridge over the Main River, famous for its “love locks” and views of the skyline.
Q: What is the Goethe House?
A: The birthplace and former home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s most famous writers.
Q: Are there any good parks or green spaces?
A: Palmengarten (botanical garden), Grüneburgpark, Lohrberg (for views and vineyards).
Q: Is the Frankfurt Zoo worth visiting?
A: It’s a popular attraction, especially for families. It’s one of the oldest zoos in Germany.
Q: What is Sachsenhausen?
A: A historic district south of the Main River, famous for its apple wine taverns, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.
Q: What is the Kleinmarkthalle?
A: An indoor market with fresh produce, international foods, and local delicacies. Great for lunch.
Q: What is Zeil?
A: Frankfurt’s main shopping street. Can be very crowded, especially on weekends.
Q: Are there any guided tours available?
A: Yes, walking tours (e.g., Frankfurt on Foot), hop-on hop-off bus tours, and river cruises.
Q: What about the Old Opera House (Alte Oper)?
A: A beautiful historic building, now a concert hall. Worth seeing even if you don’t attend a performance.
Q: Can I do a river cruise on the Main?
A: Yes, various companies offer scenic cruises, providing different perspectives of the city skyline.
Q: Is there anything to do at night in Frankfurt?
A: Bars and clubs, especially in Sachsenhausen or Bahnhofsviertel (around the main station, though some parts can be seedy). Many restaurants are open late.
Q: What about the European Central Bank (ECB) building?
A: An impressive modern skyscraper. You can view it from the outside, but public tours are limited. The former Großmarkthalle, now part of the ECB, has guided tours about the Holocaust deportations.
Q: Any specific spots for photography?
A: Eiserner Steg (especially at sunset), Main Tower observation deck, Römerberg, European Central Bank area.
Food & Drink
Q: What are Frankfurt’s culinary specialties?
A:
Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi): Apple wine, the local cider.
Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold herb sauce often served with boiled eggs, potatoes, or meat.
Frankfurter Würstchen: Small boiled sausages.
Handkäse mit Musik: A pungent sour milk cheese marinated in onions, vinegar, and oil.
Bethmännchen: Small marzipan and almond pastries, especially popular at Christmas.
Q: Where can I try authentic Apfelwein?
A: In traditional “Apfelweinwirtschaft” (apple wine taverns) in Sachsenhausen.
Q: What are some recommended apple wine taverns?
A: Adolf Wagner, Apfelwein Solzer, Fichtekränzi are popular choices. Some are more touristy than others, but locals frequent them too.
Q: Are there good vegetarian/vegan options?
A: Increasingly so. Many modern restaurants cater to these diets, and even traditional places might offer vegetarian versions of Grüne Soße.
Q: Where can I find good German food (beyond Frankfurt specialties)?
A: Look for restaurants outside the immediate tourist core, often in neighborhoods like Bornheim or Sachsenhausen. German food is regional, so don’t expect one “German food.”
Q: What are “Trinkhallen” or “Wasserhäuschen”?
A: Small kiosks selling drinks, snacks, and sometimes newspapers. A local institution for a casual drink.
Q: Any recommendations for a restaurant with a view?
A: Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge offers panoramic views. Some rooftop bars also provide good vistas.
Q: Where to get good coffee/breakfast?
A: Numerous cafes throughout the city. Independent cafes in Bornheim or Westend are popular.
Q: What’s a typical price for a meal in Frankfurt?
A: Varies widely. A casual meal could be €10-15, mid-range restaurant €20-40, fine dining much higher.
Q: Is tap water safe to drink in Frankfurt?
A: Yes, tap water in Germany is safe and of high quality.
Day Trips from Frankfurt
Q: What are the best day trips from Frankfurt by train?
A: Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdesheim (Rhine Valley), Wiesbaden, Limburg an der Lahn, Marburg, Cologne.
Q: Is Heidelberg a good day trip from Frankfurt?
A: Yes, it’s very popular, known for its romantic castle, old town, and Germany’s oldest university. Takes about an hour by train.
Q: How to get to Heidelberg from Frankfurt?
A: Direct trains (ICE, IC, or regional trains) run regularly from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
Q: What can I do in the Rhine Valley from Frankfurt?
A: Take a train along the river, visit castles (e.g., Marksburg), go for a boat cruise, and taste wine in towns like Rüdesheim or Eltville.
Q: Is Rüdesheim worth a visit?
A: Yes, a very popular town in the Rhine Gorge, known for wine, the Drosselgasse, and cable car rides over vineyards. Can be touristy.
Q: What’s special about Mainz?
A: A historic city on the Rhine, known for its Roman heritage, beautiful cathedral, and as the home of Johannes Gutenberg.
Q: Can I visit a castle near Frankfurt?
A: Yes, Heidelberg Castle is easily accessible. Burg Eltz is further but very picturesque. Saalburg Roman fort is closer and can be combined with Bad Homburg.
Q: What about Rothenburg ob der Tauber? Is it a day trip?
A: It’s quite a long day trip (2.5-3 hours by train each way with transfers), but doable for those really keen on seeing a quintessential medieval German town. Many prefer to stay overnight.
Q: Any less-known day trip recommendations?
A: Seligenstadt (charming half-timbered town), Darmstadt (Mathildenhöhe Art Nouveau complex), Wetzlar (historic old town, optics museum).
Q: Can I do a day trip to Cologne from Frankfurt?
A: Yes, high-speed trains (ICE) make it about an hour’s journey. Cologne Cathedral is a must-see.
Practicalities & Tips
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
A: Depends on your nationality. Schengen Area rules apply. Check official embassy/consulate websites.
Q: What’s the voltage/plug type in Germany?
A: 230V, 50Hz. Type F (Schuko) plug with two round pins. Bring an adapter.
Q: Is Wi-Fi widely available?
A: Yes, in hotels, many cafes, restaurants, and public areas. Free public Wi-Fi can be found in some city spots.
Q: Where can I buy a SIM card in Frankfurt?
A: Major providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or O2 have shops. Supermarkets or electronics stores also sell prepaid SIMs.
Q: Are there lockers for luggage storage?
A: Yes, at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and often at the airport.
Q: What are opening hours like for shops?
A: Generally 9/10 AM to 6/8 PM on weekdays. Shorter hours on Saturdays, most shops closed on Sundays (except at the airport or main station).
Q: What’s the tipping etiquette in Frankfurt restaurants?
A: It’s common to round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service. You tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay (e.g., “10 Euro” for a €9.30 bill).
Q: Is it rude to ask for tap water in a restaurant?
A: Not rude, but they will usually only offer bottled water (still or sparkling) for which you will be charged. Free tap water is rare.
Q: Are public toilets free?
A: Often not. Expect to pay €0.50 – €1, especially at train stations or department stores. Look for “WC” or “Toilette.”
Q: What should I do if I encounter a non-English speaker?
A: Most younger people speak English. Try “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?) or simply ask “English OK?” Google Translate can also be helpful.
Q: How to handle emergencies?
A: Emergency numbers: 112 (European emergency number for police, fire, ambulance).
Q: Is Frankfurt good for solo travelers?
A: Yes, it’s a safe and easy city to navigate independently with good public transport and plenty to see.
Q: Is Frankfurt good for families with children?
**A: **Yes, with attractions like the Palmengarten, Senckenberg Museum, and the Zoo.
Q: What about shopping in Frankfurt?
A: Zeil is the main shopping street for department stores and international brands. Goethestrasse is for luxury brands. Kleinmarkthalle for food.
Q: Are there any specific scams to be aware of?
A: Standard big-city precautions apply: be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, don’t leave belongings unattended. Avoid street games.
Specific Interests
Q: Is there a good spot for running/jogging?
A: The paths along the Main River (both sides) are popular for running. Grüneburgpark is also good.
Q: Where can I find street art?
A: Parts of Bahnhofsviertel and Ostend have some street art, but it’s not as prevalent as in some other European cities.
Q: Are there any good viewpoints besides Main Tower?
A: Lohrberg offers views over the city, especially nice at sunset. Some bridges like the Eiserner Steg also offer good skyline views.
Q: What about Frankfurt’s financial district? Can I visit anything?
A: You can walk through the district and admire the skyscrapers. The European Central Bank building is a landmark.
Q: Where can I experience local life/less touristy areas?
A: Explore neighborhoods like Bornheim (Berger Straße), Bockenheim, or parts of Sachsenhausen away from the main tourist drag. Visit local markets (e.g., Konstablerwache on certain days).
Q: What are the main football (soccer) teams in Frankfurt?
A: Eintracht Frankfurt. Their stadium is Deutsche Bank Park.
Q: Can I visit a vineyard near Frankfurt?
A: Yes, the Rheingau wine region is very close. Eltville, Rüdesheim, or Wiesbaden are good bases for exploring vineyards.
Q: Are there any events or festivals?
A: Check local event calendars. Major events include the Museumsuferfest (late August), Christmas markets (November/December), and various spring/summer festivals.
Miscellaneous
Q: What’s the deal with the “Frankfurt HBF jokes”?
A: The area around the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) has a reputation for being gritty, with a visible drug scene and homelessness, leading to exaggerated jokes and memes about it being “bad.” While it’s not glamorous, it’s generally safe for transit.
Q: Is Frankfurt an interesting city for history buffs?
A: Yes, despite heavy destruction in WWII, the Altstadt has been reconstructed, and sites like the Kaiserdom and Goethe House offer historical insights. The Historical Museum is excellent.
Q: Are there any hidden gems in Frankfurt?
A: Specific local pubs, smaller museums, or quirky shops can be found by exploring beyond the main tourist routes. Lohrberg is often cited as a local favorite for views and wine.
Q: What’s the best way to interact with locals?
A: Be polite, try a few basic German phrases (even if imperfect), and engage in local activities like visiting an Apfelweinwirtschaft.
Q: Should I learn some basic German phrases?
A: While English is widely spoken, learning “Guten Tag” (hello), “Danke” (thank you), “Bitte” (please/you’re welcome), “Entschuldigung” (excuse me/sorry) will always be appreciated.
Q: What’s the weather typically like?
A: Temperate climate. Summers can be warm, winters cold. Spring and autumn are mild. Always check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Q: Is Frankfurt a good base for a longer Germany trip?
A: Absolutely. Its central location and major airport/train station make it an excellent hub for exploring other parts of Germany and even neighboring countries.
Q: Are there specific things to avoid doing in the city?
A: Don’t jaywalk (Germans are generally rule-followers), avoid loud behavior in residential areas at night, and be mindful of public transport rules (e.g., no eating/drinking on some trains).
Q: Any final pro-tips for a first-time visitor? * A: Embrace the mix of old and new. Don’t just stick to the modern city; explore the charming Altstadt and Sachsenhausen. Utilize the excellent public transport. Try the local specialties like Apfelwein and Grüne Soße!