The best areas to stay in Frankfurt are Innenstadt and the surrounding area such as Altstadt, Bahnhofsviertel, Gutleutviertel, Westend, Gallusviertel or Sachsenhausen. Know them in more detail!
Despite being a city with no more than 730,000 inhabitants, Frankfurt am Main (river that runs through the city) is one of the most important in Germany and Europe: it has the strongest stock exchange in the EU, it is the seat of the ECB and, industrially , is one of the most important in the world.
His birth occurred in the second half of the seventh century, but it was not until the sixteenth when Frankfurt began to gain importance and become the place of coronation of the emperor of the Holy Empire. By the 19th century it was already the capital of the first confederation of Germanic regions and within it was the parliament of it.
Currently, Frankfurt is a well-connected city through its international airport, train station and, above all, its network of roads and highways.
Nor should we forget its financial area called “Mainhattan” where there are skyscrapers such as the Commerzbank, with 259 meters; the MesseTurm, with 257 meters high, and other towers that also exceed 200 meters.
This commitment to modernity combines with the conservation of older areas such as the renovated old town where the famous Römer square is located.
The best time to visit the city is between April and October, because of a more benevolent climate and great festivals in the city.
The best areas to stay in Frankfurt
The best areas to stay in Frankfurt are the Innenstadt and those found in its surroundings, areas that bring together the highest density of hotels and other types of accommodation.
The accommodation options in Frankfurt are varied and with very varied prices (you can sleep in downtown Frankfurt for $ 50).
Old Town (Altstadt)
This small district corresponds to the old town of Frankfurt, an area of less than a square kilometer with a large tourist influx. That much of its area is occupied by museums and historic buildings has also caused it to be the least populated district.
Despite its antiquity, the area is well connected by subway and to drive by car along Mainkai avenues, parallel to the Main River, and Berliner Street, north of the district. In addition, three bridges connect Altstadt with the district of Sachsenhausen, on the south side of the city, of which we must highlight the pedestrian Puente de Hierro.
On a tourist level, the most visited area is the Römer Square, the heart of Frankfurt since the Middle Ages and the market place of celebration. Today it houses one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, in addition to buildings such as the Römer, seat of the town hall, the Römerberg wooden houses, the Church of St. Nicholas or the Fountain of Justice.
Beyond the square, it is also advisable to visit the Collegiate Church of San Bartolomé, from the 9th century and place of coronation of emperors; the Paulskirche church, once a Protestant temple that became in 1848 (only for one year) in the parliament of the confederation of Germanic regions; museums like the Die Schirn, the one of History or the anthropological one, and the native house of Goethe, to the northwest.
In Altstadt there is also one of the most picturesque German restaurants: the Haus Wertheym where you can taste the typical sauerkraut and, of course, the famous smoked sausages of Frankfurt with traditional wine cider.
Food can make way for shopping in the Römer square itself, where there are numerous small souvenir shops such as Liebling. And, to end the day, at dusk the area is activated thanks to some pubs and venues where you can enjoy the night of Frankfurt: the Rote Bar, south of the district, or The Place To Be, a street north of Berliner Street .
As for sleeping in Frankfurt in this area, the few accommodations are north and west of Berliner Street, with average prices of 100 euros per night.
Accommodations in Altstadt
Innenstadt
Innenstadt is known as the “city center” (it translates as follows), the area immediately north of Altstadt. This area is mostly surrounded by parks such as Bethmannpark or Bockenheimer Anlage and a large circular avenue that reaches the river, facilitating communications. In addition, there are two metro stops and a national highway crossing it.
For those who want to stay in Frankfurt without leaving Innenstadt, the number of accommodations is not much higher than in the old town and prices remain high. The residential population, however, is somewhat larger as there are not so many historic buildings.
Within this area, the first thing to note is its western area, where the famous Mainhattan, responsible for the city’s skyline. Among all skyscrapers it is worth climbing Main Tower. It has a cost, but also the best of the viewpoints at 200 meters high.
In relation to cultural activities, in this area there is also Alter Oper, one of the best opera houses in the city and the 19th century, and, in the west, the Jewish Museum.
To make some purchases it is recommended to visit Goethestrasse, but especially the “Golden Mile” of Frankfurt or Zeil Street with dozens of shops and the MyZeil Shopping Center. Also on this street and adjacent there are a good number of international restaurants such as Turkish Doy-Doy Kebab or Greek Ariston.
The offer of nightlife congregates, especially in the surroundings of Zeil Street, with venues such as The Cave, Citybeach Frankfurt or the Jazzkeller, where you can enjoy a good jazz concert.
Accommodations in Innenstadt
Bahnhofsviertel
Considered the “red light district” of Frankfurt for its leisure and cultural offer, it was formerly an industrial and residential neighborhood until, in 2000, it began to be renovated to become a very touristy place with many bars, cafes, restaurants and a high density of hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
To the east of Frankfurt Central Train Station and west of Mainhattan, the neighborhood is crossed by the tourist tram (which has a stop in the neighborhood), and surrounded to the north and west by Mainzer Avenue and the 44 motorway.
Bahnhofsviertel also has cultural attractions such as The English Theater; the Hammer Museum, a small space created by the sculptor Oskar Mahler, or the Acac Gallery, which promotes local artists.
As for shopping, the most dynamic street is Kaiserstrasse, which has a weekly market as well as a variety of stores. But the strong point of this neighborhood is its gastronomic (very international) and leisure offer.
As for restaurants, do not miss the Bento Boutique, with the best sushi in Frankfurt; Nor does EarDoori, with a few years of life but very crowded, or, for fish lovers, Alims Fisch Imbiss, with fresh products. Most restaurants are located between Kaiserstrasse and Munich streets.
And for a drink, especially at night, Bahnhofsviertel houses the James de Bar, a theater and art gallery on the small street of Neckarstrabe. Another interesting place is the Orange Peel room, for jazz and blues lovers.
If you want to dance to Latin rhythms, it is recommended to visit the Changó room. And to enjoy a whole show, the Pil-Dame cabaret, the oldest such place in the city.
If you are looking for a lively place with lots of leisure and places to go out at night, that is close to the center, and excellently well connected, this neighborhood is an excellent option to stay in Frankfurt.
Hotels in Bahnhofsviertel
Gutleutviertel
Between the tracks of Frankfurt Central Station and the Main River, west of Bahnhofsviertel and with Gutleutstrasse Avenue as the main artery is Gutleutviertel, until recently a working-class industrial-looking neighborhood that is gradually changing thanks to tourism.
Of a residential nature, however, most of the accommodations (not many) are located in the east, near the entrance to the Central Station.
One of the attractions of the neighborhood is the Westhafen Tower, facing the river and 112 meters high. Its rhomboid shape mimics the classic glass of cider in Frankfurt. Next to this tower, in a small park, there is a very interesting outdoor graffiti exhibition and, not far away, the Westhafen Pier, where a complex has been built to hold events of all kinds on the riverbank.
Behind this area is one of the most emblematic buildings in the neighborhood: the Gutleutkaserne, built in the 19th century and military barracks until 1994, at which time it became a public building after a major renovation.
A little further west, also in front of the river, there is another very interesting place: the Sommerhoofpark or Summer Park, formerly – 19th century – a private park that today is public and protagonist in some books and paintings.
Precisely, on the banks of the Main River there are the best restaurants where to try authentic German food based on fresh products. Two of them, near Pier 1 of Westhafen, are Druckeasserwerk, a very elegant restaurant, and the Chicago Meatpackers Riverside, with an outdoor terrace and specializes in grilled meats.
In the westernmost area, there is also another place frequented by locals: the Orange Beach brewery, with a small bar and a large outdoor terrace. In relation to nightlife, the most interesting place is the Tanzhaus West, disco and concert hall.
Accommodations in Gutleutviertel
Gallusviertel
The main Mainzer motorway crosses this district (known as “Gallus”) just north of Gutleutviertel and separated by railway lines that depart from Frankfurt Central Station. In addition to having a train stop, the area also has several tram stops to communicate with the east and west of the city.
Being near the train station and having been an industrial zone dedicated to the function of iron and crafts, the area is mostly residential, although the urban development of recent years has increased tourism, especially in the east.
In this sense, we must highlight two buildings: Tower 185, the eastern limit, 200 meters high and part of the Europaviertel project, and the large Skyline Plaza shopping, dining and shopping complex.
In addition to Europaviertel and its shops and restaurants, the main Mainzer Avenue and nearby streets also have numerous restaurants such as the Gasthaus Luftikus, specializing in German cuisine; cultural attractions such as the Gallus Theater, on Kleyerstrabe Street, or end the night at the Bristol Bar and Pitcher’s Pub.
As for staying in Frankfurt in this area, the area around the junction between Mainzer and Highway 44 has a good range of accommodation, in addition to the surroundings of Europa-Allee.
Accommodations in Gallusviertel
Westend
It consists of two neighborhoods (north and south) and is the area of greater purchasing power in Frankfurt and residential. It is well connected to the center through Bockenheimer Avenue, as well as two highways east and west that converge near the Frankfurt Central Train Station. To sleep in Frankfurt on the Westend, the area with the highest number of accommodations in the west, near the botanical garden.
Its main attractions are the Goethe University campus, in the Westend-nord; the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the country, with large greenhouses and the famous Palmeras Garden; the huge Grüneburgpark, or the Senckenberg Natural Museum.
It is also interesting to visit the part of the Westend within the Financial District where the Westend Tower, with 208 meters; the Messeturm, 255 meters or the Deutsche Bank Twin Towers, with 155 meters each.
In addition there are other interesting places such as the Hammering Man statue, the Festhalle Messe Frankfurt concert hall and the place where the Frankfurt Book Fair takes place in mid-October.
As for shopping, boutiques predominate, especially north of Bockenheimer Street. In the street mentioned, however, is where there are more restaurants like The Black Bulls, specializing in steaks. To go out in the evening, one of the most recommended places is the Jimmy’s Bar, in the financial district.
Hotels in Westend
Bornheim
In the 19th century they called it the “People of Fun” because of its many taverns where cheap cider, brothels and dance halls were drunk. Today some of these taverns are preserved as a tourist attraction.
Away from the center, it is well connected by highway 8, subway and tram. It is mostly residential although, little by little, it is gaining in popularity among tourists; Not so much for the number of accommodations, there are hardly any.
Among its attractions, stand out the Bornheim Weekly Market, where you can buy fresh produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For family visits, to the southeast there is a large entertainment area with an ice rink included or, already on the border with Ostend, the city zoo.
On a cultural level, it is recommended to visit the small museum of Bornheim, on Turmstrasse street, set up in a typical German house built in 1770.
For shopping, eating and going out in the late evening, Berger Street is the ideal place. In this street some of the old taverns such as Zur Sonne still survive. Although remodeled, it maintains the original spirit and appearance and has a large outdoor terrace in a purely German style.
In addition to the pubs, the neighborhood has other places to extend the night like the Weinkellerei Dünker or the Sugar Cocktail Bar.
Accommodations in Bornheim
Sachsenhausen
To the south of the Main River, in front of the central district, is Sachsenhausen. With a lower density of accommodation than the northern area, however, there are enough hotels and hostels at reasonable prices of up to € 50 a night.
It is a very good alternative to stay in Frankfurt in large part because it is very well connected by road, subway and tram. Getting to the center is a matter of minutes.
Mostly residential, it has a very touristic area to the north, thanks to its many museums that gather in front of the river bank: the Museum of Creative Arts, the Sculpture in the Villa Liebieghaus, or the Städel. These and others can be visited for free on Museum Night. Also in this area one of the largest street markets in Frankfurt is held and where you can find everything.
Known as the most dynamic area of the city, on Schweizer streets (and its square) there are numerous restaurants and cider houses such as Zum gemalten Haus, where one of the best wine ciders in the city is produced by hand. Another place to visit is the German restaurant Apfelwein Wagner, also an old tavern.
To go out at night, the Schweizer Square area is still the most recommended area with places like Hopper’s Cocktail Bar or Mogk’s Bierstubb.
Accommodations in Sachsenhausen
Airport Area
Located about 10 kilometers southwest of the center although at high prices. On the contrary, in the nearby town of Kelsterbach, hotel rates are cheaper.
Communications with the city center are good by road, train and bus, both from the airport and from the town of Kelsterbach.
The rest of the towns surrounding the airport are residential and do not have many tourist attractions. Just northeast of it, it may be interesting to visit the Commerzbank-Arena, home of the Eintracht Frankfurt city team. Also, for golf fans, about 500 meters from the stadium is the Frankfurt Golf Club.
Only recommended to stay in Frankfurt if you need to be near the airport for any reason.
Accommodations in Airport Area