So, you’re planning a trip to Frankfurt, Germany? Excellent choice!
Frankfurt may be famous for being a financial hub with a dazzling skyline of modern skyscrapers, but it’s not only about business here. There’s plenty of other things to see and do, so here’s the lowdown on everything this vibrant city has to offer.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikada. Image Location: Main River, Frankfurt, Germany
What is Frankfurt best known for?
Frankfurt is known for being one of the banking centers of Europe, and for its skyline of flashy skyscrapers. But far from simply being just an economic hub, Frankfurt offers so much more. The best part? This Germany hub is connected to most major European cities, with Brussels, Berlin, and Paris, no more than 4 hours away by train.
Does Frankfurt have castles?
So, you might be wondering if Frankfurt has castles, right? Well, here’s the scoop: Frankfurt itself doesn't have castles within the city. But hold on to your hats because there’s a silver lining: The surrounding Hesse region is a treasure trove of castles and they’re a mere train ride away.
One of those nearby castles is Frankenstein Castle. Yes, the one that reportedly inspired Mary Shelley's castle in her iconic story. You could also explore a trio of enchanting castles near Frankfurt, each with its own unique charm: Heidelberg Castle offers majestic views and Gothic architecture, Eltz Castle captivates with its medieval fairytale setting, and the Würzburg Residence dazzles as a UNESCO-listed Baroque gem.
Image Credit: Getty Images, imagenavi. Image Location: Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany
What to do in Frankfurt, Germany
If it’s your first visit, head to the Palmengarten, one of Frankfurt’s stunning botanical gardens. Then, take a leisurely 30-min stroll to check out the historic Römerberg, a beautiful market square in Frankfurt’s medieval Altstadt (old town).
Art lovers will dig the Städel Museum right on the Main River, ideal for a visit on a day when the weather is nice. For family-friendly fun, don’t miss the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, or Frankfurt Zoo.
Hungry? Visit Freßgass (“Grazing Street”), the official name for the streets Kalbächer Gasse and Große Bockenheimer Straße, where you’ll find Frankfurt’s main culinary scene and some fantastic food options.
Frankfurt’s hippest neighborhoods
If you've got the basics covered, get ready to explore some of Frankfurt's trendiest neighborhoods, each with their own flavor.
Sachsenhausen is your go-to spot for Ebbelwoi (apple wine) taverns and indulging in hearty German cuisine. It’s the perfect place to savor some of Frankfurt’s traditional dishes and drinks.
Now, if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, head to Alt-Sachsenhausen. Here, the party never stops, with a lively atmosphere, bars, pubs, and even outdoor seating when the weather is on your side.
Over in Nordend, you’ll discover a trendy vibe with a mix of global cuisine, cozy cafés, and unique eateries. It’s a foodie’s paradise with options ranging from vegan delights to international flavors.
The Frankfurt Book Fair in October
If you happen to be in Frankfurt in mid-October, get ready for a book lover's dream: the Frankfurt Book Fair. It's like a literary extravaganza where you can dive into all things books. Roam around the fair, browse through the bookshop for literary gems, join in on captivating literary events, and totally immerse yourself in Frankfurt's awesome literary history. It's a must-do for any bookworm.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kryssia Campos. Image Location: Fountain of Justice, Römerberg, Frankfurt, Germany
Day trips from Frankfurt by train
And don’t forget, Frankfurt’s central location makes it an ideal base for day trips by train.
- Frankfurt to Mainz by train: from 30m. Mainz offers Roman history, cathedrals, and the Gutenberg Museum.
- Frankfurt to Heidelberg by train: from 49m. Heidelberg boasts a historic university, a medieval old town, and the stunning Heidelberg Castle.
- Frankfurt to Cologne by train: from 1h 3m. Cologne is known for the stunning Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and its picturesque old town.
- Frankfurt to Koblenz by train: from 1h 19m. Koblenz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers with historic architecture and riverfront promenades.
- Frankfurt to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train: from 2h 58m. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picture-perfect medieval town in Bavaria.
Frank-ly inspired?
If you're ready to start planning your journey to one of Germany's most historic and vibrant cities, download the Trainline app and find out just how easy it is to get the best deals on train tickets in Germany and across Europe.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, benedek. Image Location: Frankfurt, Germany