Our guide on the Mistakes To Avoid In Frankfurt and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Frankfurt is a major financial hub and one of Germany’s most vibrant cities. Often seen as a gateway city for travelers flying into Europe, it’s sometimes overlooked in favor of Berlin or Munich. However, Frankfurt offers a unique blend of skyscrapers, historic sites, and cultural landmarks, making it an exciting destination in its own right.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to experience the best of what Frankfurt has to offer. Enjoy your time in this fascinating city that seamlessly blends the old and the new! Gute Reise!
To make the most of your trip, here’s a guide to the most common mistakes visitors make in Frankfurt and how to avoid them.
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Mistakes To Avoid In Frankfurt
1. Treating Frankfurt Only as a Layover City
Mistake: Many travelers treat Frankfurt as just a transit hub, spending only a few hours or skipping it entirely, assuming it lacks character compared to other German cities.
How to Avoid:
Spend at Least a Day or Two: Frankfurt has much to offer beyond its airport and financial district. Explore its charming old town, world-class museums, and diverse neighborhoods.
Visit Römerberg Square: Stroll through this beautiful old square, lined with half-timbered houses and historic buildings.
Take a Walk Along the River Main: The Main riverbank is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with great views of the city’s skyline and bridges.
Tip: Plan at least one or two days in Frankfurt to visit the main sights and experience its unique mix of modern and traditional German culture.
2. Skipping the Museums
Mistake: Ignoring Frankfurt’s impressive collection of museums along the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment).
How to Avoid:
Plan Time for the Museum District: Museumsufer is home to over a dozen museums, each focusing on different themes, from art to history to film.
Must-Visit Museums:
Städel Museum: Renowned for its collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Picasso.
German Film Museum: Perfect for movie enthusiasts, with exhibits on the history and technology of filmmaking.
Schirn Kunsthalle: A leading venue for contemporary art exhibitions.
Get a Museumsufer Ticket: This pass allows entry to more than 30 museums for two days, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to visit several.
Tip: Check the museums’ opening hours, as many are closed on Mondays.
3. Underestimating the Price of Accommodations
Mistake: Booking accommodations without considering Frankfurt’s fluctuating prices, especially during major trade fairs.
How to Avoid:
Check the Trade Fair Schedule: Frankfurt hosts several large international trade fairs, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and Frankfurt Motor Show, which cause hotel prices to skyrocket and availability to plummet.
Book in Advance: If your visit coincides with a trade fair, book your hotel months in advance or consider staying in nearby towns like Wiesbaden or Mainz, which are just a short train ride away.
Tip: If you’re flexible, avoid visiting during trade fair weeks to save significantly on accommodation costs.
4. Not Taking Advantage of Public Transport
Mistake: Assuming that taxis or rideshares are the best way to get around the city.
How to Avoid:
Use Public Transport: Frankfurt has an efficient public transportation system, including trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses that connect all major attractions.
Get a Day Ticket: Consider buying a Frankfurt Card or a day pass, which offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on major attractions.
Explore on Foot: The city center is compact and walkable, so walking is a great way to soak in the sights.
Tip: Download the RMV app for easy route planning and ticket purchases on your phone.
5. Ignoring the Local Food Scene
Mistake: Assuming that Frankfurt’s food scene is limited to international cuisine and not exploring its local specialties.
How to Avoid:
Try the Local Specialties: Frankfurt is known for its Apfelwein (Apple Wine), which you should enjoy in a traditional Apfelwein tavern in the Sachsenhausen district. Pair it with dishes like:
Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A herb sauce made with seven fresh herbs, usually served with boiled potatoes and eggs.
Frankfurter Würstchen: A local version of the German sausage, often served with bread and mustard.
Handkäse mit Musik: A tangy cheese served with onions, vinegar, and oil.
Visit Kleinmarkthalle: A food market filled with stalls selling local produce, meats, and freshly baked goods. It’s a great spot to sample local flavors and snacks.
Tip: For a more authentic experience, head to a traditional Apfelwein pub like Atschel or Zum Gemalten Haus in Sachsenhausen.
6. Sticking Only to the Financial District (Bankenviertel)
Mistake: Spending all your time in the skyscraper-filled Bankenviertel and missing out on the more atmospheric parts of the city.
How to Avoid:
Explore Beyond the Business Area: While the financial district is home to the impressive Main Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, there are more charming areas to explore.
Discover Sachsenhausen: South of the river, this district is famous for its cobblestone streets, traditional taverns, and the Museumsufer.
Stroll Through Nordend and Bornheim: These residential districts are full of character, with beautiful 19th-century architecture, local cafés, and lively weekly markets.
Tip: For a glimpse of modern Frankfurt, visit the Europaviertel neighborhood, which showcases the city’s new architectural developments.
7. Not Booking a River Cruise on the Main
Mistake: Overlooking a scenic river cruise, which offers a unique perspective of Frankfurt’s skyline and bridges.
How to Avoid:
Book a Short Cruise: Opt for a 50- or 100-minute cruise along the Main River to see the best views of Frankfurt’s skyline and learn more about its history.
Take an Evening Cruise: For a magical experience, choose an evening cruise to see the city illuminated.
Tip: Board your cruise at the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge), a pedestrian bridge with great photo opportunities.
8. Visiting Only the Modern Skyscrapers
Mistake: Ignoring Frankfurt’s old town and historical sites in favor of its modern skyscrapers.
How to Avoid:
Visit the Reconstructed Old Town: Head to the Römerberg, Frankfurt’s historic square, which features the reconstructed medieval-style houses and the Römer, the city’s historic town hall.
See the Frankfurt Cathedral: Climb to the top of Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus for views of the city.
Explore the Goethe House: Visit the former home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s greatest writers.
Tip: Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town to gain deeper insights into the city’s history and culture.
9. Skipping Day Trips from Frankfurt
Mistake: Missing out on the beautiful nearby towns and attractions that are easily accessible from Frankfurt.
How to Avoid:
Take a Day Trip to Heidelberg: A romantic university town with a beautiful castle overlooking the Neckar River.
Visit the Rhine Valley: Just an hour away, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque castles and vineyards. Take a boat cruise along the river to see the famous Loreley Rock.
Explore Wiesbaden: A historic spa town with beautiful architecture and thermal baths.
Tip: Use the Deutsche Bahn trains for quick and convenient travel to these nearby destinations.
10. Not Knowing About the Sunday Closures
Mistake: Assuming that shops and attractions are open on Sundays, as in other major cities.
How to Avoid:
Plan Ahead for Sundays: Most shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays. However, restaurants, cafés, and some museums remain open.
Visit Flea Markets and Museums: Spend your Sunday visiting the local flea markets, such as the one along the Main river, or exploring the museums on Museumsufer.
Tip: If you need to shop on a Sunday, head to the Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station), where some stores remain open.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.