Frankfurt
Eco-friendly travel guide to Frankfurt advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Frankfurt, Germany.
- Air quality: 4.5 / 5
- Exploring by foot: 5 / 5
- Exploring by bicycle: 5 / 5
- Public transportation: 4 / 5
- Parks: 5 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
- Locals' English level: 3 / 5
- Safety: 4 / 5
- Accommodation: US$15 - $100
- Budget per day: US$60 - $200
Contents
Responsible Travel
Frankfurt, the largest metropolitan city in the Hesse State of Germany, homes more than 763,380 residents and is a crucial part of Germany. The city is served by Frankfurt Airport, which is the largest International Airport in Germany. You will find that city homes many culturally and historically significant sites that attract more than 2 million tourists every year. The city's unique feature is that it is one of Germany's cities that has adopted eco-friendly ways of living. The pollution rates are low because of such measures, which has led to good air and water quality. The majorities of the people in Frankfurt follow Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam as their primary religion.
While traveling to Frankfurt, make sure that you don't negatively impact the local environment. Here are some advice and measures to help you along the way to becoming a responsible traveler;
- Avoid using disposable and plastic items as they create a lot of pollution, and a lot of natural resources are wasted in disposing of them properly. Instead, you should prefer reusable and recycled products like water bottles, handkerchiefs, cloth bags, etc.
- If you want to get the best Frankfurt experience out of your trip, prefer local businesses as they possess an authenticity that other international and retail brands lack and they also have a more sustainable and ethical business model. You will support the local communities in growing and learning about the local culture and traditions.
- While traveling to the different areas of the city, avoid using rental cars and boats as the service providers usually overcharge tourists and these options also emit many harmful gases into the atmosphere. Instead, you should prefer public buses, electronic vehicles, bicycles, trains, and trams to travel in the city. These transport options will also help you get a closer experience of the people's local culture and livelihood.
- The people in Frankfurt follow various eco-friendly measures laid down by the government and the municipalities to keep the city clean and livable. As a tourist, you need to be aware of such laws to avoid any adverse harm to the local environment.
- As a tourist, your first preference in accommodation would be 5-star hotels, but try to avoid them. Instead, it would be best if you preferred eco-hotels, hostels, guest houses, and rental apartments. These options are not only affordable but are far better than the 5-star hotels. Also, the hostels and guest houses will give you proper exposure to the local culture as some of them host frequent social events where the guest can join and enjoy.
Besides these tips, you need to follow all the laws and avoid illegal activities like using drugs and underage drinking. If you are conscious of your actions, you will be able to travel responsibly.
Air Quality and Pollution
You will find that the pollution levels in Frankfurt are at some of the lowest levels in Germany. The reason behind such good air quality is that the people follow the government's various measures and take an active part in protecting their environment. The use of recycled, reusable, and organic products has gained a lot of popularity. Also, electronic vehicles and renewable sources have led the city to become one of Europe's safest and cleanest cities. Here are some statistics relating to air pollution and quality to help understand the quality of life led by the locals;
- PM10 – 27
- PM2.5 – 18
- PM10 Pollution Level – Low to Moderate
- Pollution Index – 37.59
- Pollution Exp Scale – 63.17
Respect the Culture
Most tourists often forget an essential part of traveling, respecting the culture and the city's people or place you are visiting. The best way to appreciate the culture is by becoming a part of it. How can you become a part of the culture? That's easy; all you need to do is participate in activities that can give you full exposure to the people and the culture. You can opt for the various tours that expose the participants to diverse and fantastic local food and drink culture, historically and culturally significant places, and the many theatres and social event places.
Top 10 Places to Visit
- Römerberg: Frankfurt's Old Town Center: Romerberg is an irregular-shaped square with an old justice fountain in its center, and it is present in the heart of Frankfurt's old town. Not only is it home to a tourist attraction, but it also is the busiest Pedestrian public square, including Christmas markets and others. The sites include various attractions such as one fronted shops, and a Romer, a cluster of 11 buildings that made up a medieval-era Old town hall that was reconstructed in 1954 and has actual footprints dating between the 15th and 18th century.
- Museum District of Museumsufer: Sitting on the south and north banks of the River Main, Museumsufer District has about 16 separate museums, amongst which some of them are of international standings. It was founded in 1904; the district consists of approximately 65,000 artifacts from different continents gathered and showcased in the 16 museums.
- The Palm Garden: It is located on Bockenheimer Landstrasse in Frankfurt, Germany. It is a 54-acre Palm Garden and is the most extensive Botanic Garden in Germany and is serving Frankfurt since 1871. A remarkable fact of this place is that it lured a well-known top performer of Buffalo Bill, who visited in the Garden with his Wild West show cast in 1890. It contains a varied species of subtropical and tropical plants in the greenhouses and offers a picnic spot, boating area, children's playground, and guided tours. The Tower of Europe or the Europaturm - a 337-meter-tall telecommunications tower is walking distance from the palm garden and is worth visiting for its panoramic views and fantastic dining options in the tower's restaurant.
- Frankfurt Cathedral: The Roman Catholic Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom) certainly stands out for its lovely red color and architecture. It was built using red sandstone between the 13th and 15th centuries and possesses a remarkable gothic style architecture with a 95-meter tall tower. It is one of the churches in Germany designated as an Imperial Cathedral. You will be surprised to know that the coronation of Emperors took place in the Election Chapel between 1562 to 1792. Beneath the tower, you can find a magnificent Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen, which dates back to 1509. In the Marienkapelle, you can also find the Maria-Schlaf-Altar from 1434. The grave-slab of King Günther von Schwarzburg and numerous carved side altars dating from the 15th and 16th centuries are the other major attractions. The most iconic relic in the cathedral is the St. Bartholomew's skullcap, which is kept in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew's Choir. Many of the cathedral's essential artifacts are held at Dommuseum Frankfurt.
- Kleinmarkthalle: So this is one of the local markets of Frankfurt where you may find many local shops. Its hall is about 1500 square meters and dates back to 1954. You can find approximately 150 stalls selling the most refined foods in Germany. This place is famous for Frankfurt's Green Sauce, a traditional ingredient made using seven herbs, sour cream, and egg. You can also try other local specialties such as sausages, cheese, and pastries in the market.
- The Hauptwache: The Hauptwache sits in the middle area of the city. It is the busiest pedestrian area, the Hauptwache –when translated, means the "Main Guard," is famous for its mix of delicate historic and modern building structures. The square is named after the most notable building, the old Baroque Guard House, and built-in 1730. It once housed the city's militia, a prison, and later, a police station that now serves as a café. The square is Frankfurt's main shopping area, with a large underground mall. It is a significant point where the main shopping and commercial streets of Frankfurt meet. It is Pedestrian-friendly and has many entertainment places on the roads like Zeil, Kaiserstrasse, Rossmarkt, and Kaiserplatz. You can also find the central train station in Frankfurt here, which dates back to 1888, and it is one of the largest train terminals in Europe.
- Frankfurt Zoo: The zoo homes a wide variety of enriching flora and fauna in the city's old Friedberger Tor area. It is the home to about 4500 animals, and an estimated 150 species of them live in the place. The zoo covers over 32 acres of land. It was founded in 1858 and is the second-largest zoo. It has excellent animal shelters, including the unique Grzimek House.
- The Old Opera House: It is situated in the heart of Frankfurt's Opera Square (Opernplatz) and has a unique style of the Italian High Renaissance, which dates back to 1880. The Opera House has faced a lot of destruction during World War II by bombs in 1944s, and after the rebuilding process in 1971, it reopened in 1981 as the city's most important concert venues.
- Eschenheim Tower: The Eschenheim Tower (Eschenheimer Turm) was built in the 1400s and is one the finest relic from Frankfurt's old town walls. Standing approximately 47 meters high, it still impresses most of the architectural designers by its dimensions and dominates the Eschenheimer Gate district. Today, the tower consists of a café and meeting rooms that the local historical societies of Frankfurt use. Near to it lies another attraction: the Stock Exchange was built in 1879 and is Germany's largest stock exchange.
- Old Sachsenhausen: It is a small village that has a historical background attached to its past. Many changes were made to the town until the 19th-century to serve vegetables, fruit, and fish supplies to Frankfurt's markets. During the middle ages in the 16th century, the village was famous as a wine production preference and had several vineyards. Later, it transformed into a place full of fruit orchards due to the area's climatic disturbance.
Explore
Besides these top must-visit places, there are so many other places that you can visit to discover Frankfurt properly. The various city parks, national parks, museums, and landmarks are the places where you can explore in order to get to know the local German culture and people's lives. The city parks and national parks will serve as getaway places.
City Parks
- Adolph von Holzhausen Park: The park's small castle is a popular attraction for both young and older people. Adolph von Holzhauzen Park once belonged to the Holzhausen Family of Germany from 1500 and is considered their most significant garden property until 1771, which later became an official residence place. It is impressive but is often understated for its architectural design that represents the French Classicistic-Baroque style. Its entry is Free and is opened 24 hours for everyone.
- Nizza: Sitting alongside a riverside, it covers over 11-acres of land and features a promenade & café landscaped with beautiful and exotic Mediterranean plants. It is located in Untermainkai in Frankfurt am Main and is open 24 hours for the public. The ambiance is perfect with the view of the Main River. It has a magnificent garden landscape that dates back to 1866 and 1875. You can find walls with sandstone retaining that protect the park and home a variety of citrus trees, fig-trees, palm trees, cedars, even a ginkgo tree.
- Rothschild Park: It is a public park in Frankfurt, Germany. It features a network of winding paths that offers incredible views around almost every corner. Behind a hill, one can espy the restored neo-Gothic tower. You can find the park sitting in the central business district; Bankenviertel, and the north of the Opera Tower, adjacent to the Opera Square. Its main attraction is a leafy city-center park featuring 19th-century buildings and bridges, a small lake & manicured greens. It is open 24 hours to the public.
- Martin Luther King Park: It is a lovely city park with a small pond and lush green areas that provide a peaceful ambiance. There is a great playground for children and a small pond as well. It is located in Praunheimer Weg in Frankfurt am Main. It allows people to enjoy the outdoors with fresh air, sunshine, and exercise on tap for visitors. The minimum charge to rent the pavilion from Monday to Thursday is $15, whereas it is $30 for weekends and holidays.
- Bethmannpark: Bethmannpark is the most peaceful park in the city that is shrouded with thick walls. It is an oasis for tourists looking for peace or stressed office workers looking for a break. It features a plush floral display and has the famous Chinese Garden, which is landscaped according to the principles of feng-shui. It is the biggest attraction in the park. The park’s calm ponds and old wooden bridges serve as the best place for significant serenity, and there are lots of gorgeous camping and caravan sites surrounding the black forest.
- Rebstock Park: Rebstock Parkexhibits cold Avant-garden urban planning that genuinely befits a contemporary city like Frankfurt and allows Frankfurters to bond with nature right amid their urban space. As you stroll in the paths, you will find open meadows, towering trees, a human-made canal, and many locals jogging, walking, or swimming. It is located in Frankfurt, Germany, and is opened 24 hours for everyone.
National Parks
Although there are no National Parks in the city itself. The closest one is Kellerwald-Edersee National Park which is a two hour car ride from Frankfurt. This National park has a very rich history and has rock formations dating back to the last ice age. There is so much to do! You can hike up to the woods and discover wild boars, bats and rare species of birds or you can take a dip in pristine waters or stroll around its lush meadows
Beaches
There are no beaches in Frankfurt as it sits in a central location where only the Main river and several canals run. Those who want a German beach experience will need to visit a town in the country's coastal region. The Raunheim town is the closest to Frankfurt, and a beach is a must-visit place for beach lovers.
- Raunheimer Waldsee : The Baggersee in Raunheim is surrounded by forest, making it incredibly beautiful and a great getaway spot. On the large sandy beach, you can sunbathe in summer peacefully without much disturbances from others. For more action on the water, you can try the water ski system. There is always something going on at Raunheimer, and a trip there is unquestionably worth all your time and money. The beach is open for mid-May to mid-September access from Monday to Friday from 10 to 2 o'clock.
Landmarks
- Iron Bridge: It is a footbridge spanning over the river Main in Frankfurt, Germany, which connects Frankfurt's center with Sachsenhausen's district. Its total length is 174 meters and has a neo-Gothic style built in 1869 and has been rebuilt many times until 1993. This iron bridge's guardrail is covered with iron locks that the visitors come and hang to make their wishes come true. It is mainly known for its city views & padlocks attached by romantic couples.
- Eurotower: The Eurotower is a cultural landmark in downtown Frankfurt. It has a height of 148 meters. From 1998 until 2014, it was the seat of the European Central Bank (ECB). There are several shops in the base at the street level.
- Kurpark Bad Homburg: Kurpark Bad Homburg is home to one of Germany's most extensive and loveliest spa parks and is classified as a listed site of historical interest. The park covers more than 40 hectares of land and is designed similar to an English landscaped garden with spacious lawns and solitary trees, bushes, curving paths, and a small lake. Historical buildings and monuments were carefully added over time and bore witness to this former world-class spa history. Because it has been lovingly cared for, therefore, it is tended for more than 150 years.
- Opel Zoo: You will find that over 1,400 animal species live at the Opel Zoo in vast enclosures of 27 hectares. You can spot animals from different parts of the world like the African elephants, giraffes, hippos, brown hyenas, meerkats, and red pandas. There is a small petting zoo for children to participate in various activities like horse and camel riding. Besides this, many adventure playgrounds have tall trees, slides, sandboxes, swings, see-saw, jungle gym, etc.
- EXPERIMINTA Science Centre: The EXPERIMINTA Science Centre opened on March 1, 2011. In terms of visitor numbers, EXPERIMINTA is regularly one of the top ten museums in Frankfurt. It has more than 130 experimental stations from physics, mathematics, technology, and computer.
- Fountain of Justice: Fountain of Justice is located in Auf dem Romerberg in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. It has almost 443 restaurants nearby, which attracts the public to visit here. The landmark sits in the middle of the Auf dem Romerberg square and is adorned with a goddess Justitia Statue (Justice), with unbound eyes and a sword representing justice. It is Frankfurt's oldest fountain, which was first introduced in 1543.
- Commerzbank Tower: The Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, Germany, is the city's tallest structure. The building is known for its delightful gardens that are located on its top floors. Designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, this attractive tower rises some 300 meters from street level. The Commerzbank is situated in the financial district of Frankfurt.
Museums
- Museum fur Post und Kommunikation: Initially, the place served as the Postal Museum of Frankfurt till 1958, but later it closed and renovated to become the Museum of Communication in 1990. It has many exhibition rooms that show how communication has evolved around us. The building is a combination of tradition and modern style with an original villa with impressive modern architecture.
- Stadel Museum: The Stadel Museum is situated in a stately Grunderzeit building, which was established in 1815. The Stadel Houses are one of the most important collections of fine art in Germany. The museum showcases an extensive collection of art representing the 700 years of art history by some world-renowned artists like Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. Every Thursday a month, Stadel Museum hosts art talks, where visitors are can discuss their art opinions in an informal atmosphere.
- Deutsches Filminstitut Filmmuseum: The Deutsches Filminstitut Filmmuseum is a must-visit place for people that want to learn about the film industry. The museum’s permanent exhibitions include documentaries about the film history, traveling exhibitions of renowned directors, and an in-house movie theatre. The museum's permanent collection also includes; Filmic Vision, an excellent place for visitors to explore and learn about cinematic workings, light effects, and optical illusions.
- Senckenberg Naturmuseum Frankfurt: This museum is one of the largest history museums in the whole of Germany. It exhibits extraordinary historical artifacts and actively engages in new scientific findings in biology, Palaeontology, and Geology. The museum features particularly in an extensive collection of large dinosaur bones and fossils and many topics, such as the solar system, the history of life on earth, and human beings and animals' evolution.
- Museum Fur Moderne Kunst: The Museum Fur Moderne Kunst Frankfurt that dates back to 1981 and first opened for viewing in 1991, is Frankfurt's young museums. It is the important museums of contemporary art in Germany, and because of the triangular shape of the museum, it is popularly called "piece of cake" by many people. As a cultural destination, the museum offers an environment where you can participate in corporate events and private gatherings.
- Liebieghaus: The Liebieghaus is a late 19th-century monument of Frankfurt that consists of a sculpture museum, The Stadtische Liebieghaus Gallery, and a part of the Museumsufer that lies on the banks of the Main River. The museum’s perimeter is adjacent to Frankfurt's most beautiful gardens. The Liebieghaus showcases a collection of over 3,000 sculptures that date from ancient Eqypt to Neoclassicism times.
Eat
While visiting a city, it is essential to explore the food and drink culture as these places will give you deep insights into the local people's lives and traditions. By examining the food and drink culture, you will enhance your Frankfurt and discover many unique things that will make your trip memorable. There are many restaurants, cafes, street vendors, bars, pubs, and breweries where you can indulge and explore Frankfurt’s drink and food culture.
Traditional Local Restaurants
- Seven swans: Seven Swans is housed in the narrowest building in Frankfurt with a dining room on each floor. The restaurant offers a private dining atmosphere and breath-taking views of the Main river through its glass windows. You can get a personal service from the efficient staff of the restaurant. It's a Michelin Star restaurant that serves traditional German food.
- Klosterhof: This traditional restaurant sits at the site of a 15th-century monastery in the city's Altstadt district. The restaurant’s wood-paneled walls with coats of arms decorate the dining room and give off a German charm. Many of the authentic German recipes of Klosterhof’s menu are derived from historic German monastic cookbooks. It gives options for portion sizes that come in large and full. The food items are made using homegrown ingredients and locally sourced meat, the restaurant's primary highlight.
- Ramen Muku: It's a genuinely legendary Japanese restaurant. The noodles are homemade, as is the broth, and you can see through to the kitchen where the staff is hard at work. The menu has plenty of options for appetizers, vegetarian ramen, ice creams, and sake. It is moderately priced, so it attracts many customers who look for unique restaurants at affordable prices.
- Fichtekranzi: It was founded in 1849; the Fichtekranzi is one of the oldest cider bars in towns. A unique feature of Fichtekranzi is that it serves authentic apple wines. This restaurant brings to life the community-style spirit, which is so traditional in Germany. You will find that people sit together without issues with the other person's social status, ethnicity, or beliefs.
- The Wild West: The Wild West is an American Restaurant located in the KaisertraBe area of Frankfurt am Main. The restaurant's main highlights are Chicken Wings Boneless, Mango Colada, Austin Fever Water, Cocktails, wine, and beer. The outdoor seating and cozy and casual ambiance attract the customer to this place more often.
- Fischhaus Ohrmann: This restaurant's traditional craft business, which is now in the third generation, offers you as a customer a maximum of freshness and quality for the demands of sophisticated modern cuisine. It is located in the OederWeg area in Frankfurt, and its specials include Salmon fillet, Breant, Seawater Prawns, Matjes.
Vegetarian and Vegan
- Atschel: Atschel is a magnet for tourists and locals as it has a cozy parlor and spacious Garden, which attract customers a lot. Daily specials are written on a blackboard. Atschel serves up home-cooked comfort food, from grilled park ribs with sauerkraut, to crispy Frankfurt's schnitzels with the city's signature 'green sauce.'
- Im Herzen Afikas: It's a family-run restaurant; Im Herzen Afrikas emphasizes making sure all diners are completely relaxed and calm. The restaurant serves an extensive menu of food items solely made for people that prefer gluten-free and plant sources.
- Saravanna Bhavan: This restaurant is ranked #1 for Vegetarian food in Frankfurt am Main. Its specialty is the South Indian Food – Poori, Dosas, and the South Indian Thali. The dosa with Mint is specially ordered the most.
- Ginkgo: It is located in Berger St. of Frankfurt am Main. The dinner menu always has two primary labeled vegan items, Ovo-Lacto main courses and vegan desserts. The restaurant's outdoor seating is the main attraction that attracts not only locals but also tourists.
- Picknickbank: It is a Moroccan restaurant located in the Wei Badlergasse area of Frankfurt am Main. The main attraction is the large picnic plate, vegan and extremely tasty—homemade hummus, pita bread, spicy potato puree`, and great carrots with cinnamon.
- VEVAY: VEVAY is in a good location near Old Town and serves delicious vegan dishes, smoothies, cakes, and more. It is located in Neue Mainzer St of Frankfurt am Main, and the favorite food items are Vevay Teller, Superfood Salad, Udon Noodles, Kuchen, Barbeque Falafel Burger.
Street Food
- Frankfurter Würstchen: It is one of the special sausages which can be found on the street of Frankfurt. They are different from the original links as they are served very apart from the sausage from the other sausage. It is a partly cooked sausage made using pure pork, filled in a sheep's intestines, and heated in hot water until it is ready.
- HandkäsmitMusik: A German regional made homemade sour cheese on the platter with raw, white onion vinaigrette and is served as an appetizer. It is done throughout the country and has a pungent smell. In some places, it is filled with apple cider. It is more prevalent among dietitians and health food devotees as it consists of high protein and low-fat content.
- GrüneSoße: It is the traditional recipe of Frankfurt. It has a combination of different specific herbs to be proper GrüneSoße. It was widespread in Frankfort and the surrounding area during the 19th century. It is also the city's culinary specialties. It is used in other dishes as the main ingredients for this dish with the same name and also used as dipping sauces for various food items of fish and meat.
- Frankfurter Rippchen: It is among the traditional food of Frankfurt origin and a famous dish in the whole of Germany. It consists of different ingredients such as pork cutlets, meat broth, or sauerkraut and usually served with mashed potatoes, yellow mustard, and sauerkraut, and is eaten along with srippchen. It has a similar taste and structure but has a slightly milder in flavor to its looks.
- Rindswurst: It is usually made up of beef, and beef fat is only considered pure beef and was invented by Greg-Völsing in 1894, and now their different butches can make it inside Frankfurt city. Rindswurst is a sausage; it may be grilled, fried, boiled, baked, or microwaved. The product sells about 1 lbs package containing 3 Rindswurst links.
- Frankfurter Kranz: It is a well-known dessert in Frankfurt and refers to a famous cake of ring shape or more like crown-shaped. It is a simple three-layer sponge cake with two bottom layers that spread buttercream with some red cherry or strawberry jam stacked one on another with even more buttercream. It is then sprinkled with krokant, which is caramelized brittle nuts.
- Frankfurt Bethmännchen: Well, it’s the oldest dating pasties served to the people in Frankfurt's Christmas market, one of the oldest Christmas markets. They are made up of marzipan with almonds, flour, rosewater, powdered sugar, and eggs. It is a traditional cookie made for Christmas day and widely available in bakeries of Frankfurt. Its names come from the family of Bethmann as it was developed by a legend pastry chef Jean Jacques Gautier for the banker and city councilor of Simon Moritz von Bethmann in 1838.
Drink
- Wine: One of the german visionaries and 16th-century church reformer Martin Luther also had some thoughts on wine that Beers are human-made, but wine comes from God." German people agree as they consume about 20.5 million hectoliters of wine each year. Since the Roman ages, German breweries have produced many quality wines with German monasteries perfecting white wines offerings. People outside Germany prefer German sweet wines like Gewürztraminer, but within the country folks, german select dry wines like a crisp Riesling. Eiswein is a super sweet dessert wine from grapes that went through a freeze after they were fully ripened, stands out as an exception. Or if you want light — ideal for hot days — try a Schorle or Gespritzten with some sparkling water. Germany's wine road winding is s famous wine region in Germany. Along the Rhein and Mosel rivers in Franconia, look for a wine room where you can sample to your heart's delight.
- Schnaps: These high-alcohol shots were consumed from olden times after a meal to aid in digestion. Schnaps can come in various types which such as; Obstwasser/Obstler and Kräuterlikör. While Schnapps could be found anywhere in Germany, some traditional kneipe serves different stores dedicated to Schnapps' craft, but some old favorites are still drunk in parts of Berlin and East Germany.
- Sekt (Sparkling Wine): Germany is the third-biggest producer of sparkling wine in the world after France and Italy. The real champagne can only be sourced from the Champagne region in France; DeutscherSekt is a type of sparkling wine made exclusively with German grapes. Types include Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. Sekt has a sweet taste with a lower alcohol percentage other than champagne with a pleasant fruity aroma. Rotkäppchen is among the inexpensive and most popular brands that are particularly famous in Germany's eastern areas. The locals consume about 80% of the Sekt produced in the breweries of Germany.
- Long Drinks: Newcomers in Europe are confused by the term "long drink" on the drink menu as it is simply referred to as an alcoholic beverage composed of your chosen liquor, plus juice or soda, in a tumbler or highball glass. Within its ice would be nice but usually minimal in Germany. Most popular long drinks include gin & tonic, whiskey cola, screwdriver, vodka lemon, etc. The trendy energy drink found in many a hipster is a particularly Berlin concoction is vodka Club-Mate.
- Mixed Beer: Germans take a perverse pleasure in adding flavors or other soft drinks mixers to their beer. For example, Diesel is half coke, half beer. Or a Radler, half lemon/lime soda, half beer, or Sprite mixed with Hefeweizen to create a Russe. These are usually enjoyed during Sunny days or when someone is trying to limit alcohol consumption. There are different regional favorites like a Kölsch-Cola, half of Coca-Cola and half of Cologne's famed Kölsch, or a Berliner Weisse, a raspberry pump woodruff-flavored syrup and white beer served in summer. The drink is low in alcohol content with a festively red or green color that depends on the flavor you pick. The drink is served fresh in a bowl-like glass. You can opt to choose your flavor mixes and style it how you want it.
- Bowle: Bowle is an ideal summer drink that consists of low alcohol, fruity, and served in mass quantities—swirling around giant glass bowls, a mixture of fruit juice and alcohol. Strawberry is a popular one, but practically any fruit can be used for making a bowl.
- Glühwein: It is a wine that is only available and served during winter throughout the country. It is because it is served warm with spices that not only help in getting warmth but have various medicinal benefits too.
Tap-water
You’ll be surprised to know that the tap water in Frankfurt is the safest in Germany. You can use the drinking fountains and other public water sources in the city to drink and will hardly face any problem. The water is filtered correctly and tested for bacteria and other harmful substances. Only after proper cleaning, the water supply is done to the various areas of the city.
Organic Cafés
There are many cafés in Frankfurt, but not all of them serve organic food. Organic food refers to food items made using locally sourced ingredients grown and produced by local farmers and producers. You will find some significant amount of organic cafés in Frankfurt that serve mouth-watering dishes of various cuisines. Here are some of the best organic cafés in Frankfurt that will enhance your experience;
- The Good Coffee
- VEVAY
- Rohkosteria
- Picknick Café Bornheim
- Grüneburger Bioladen
- Café No.48
Breweries
Many breweries in Germany produce and sell world-class beverages with authentic tastes. You will find that Germans have a passion for drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages. Because alcoholic drinks are consumed at such high amounts, there are many breweries in Germany. Frankfurt also shares a significant amount of breweries in Germany. These breweries are must-visit places as you will learn a lot about the local German culture and traditions.
- Brauerei Flügge
- Schöfferhofer Weizenbier GmbH
- Zu den 12 Aposteln
- Bier-Hannes
- Kelterei Possmann GmbH & Co. KG
Activities
Besides the tourist places, there are loads of other things in Frankfurt that will help you understand the local culture, history, and traditions. Your trip to Frankfurt will become memorable if you participate and indulge in these activities. Doing so will also help you discover many astonishing facts and knowledge that will make all the money you spend worth it.
- Experience a blind person’s life in the Dialogue Museum
- Rent an e-bike and explore Frankfurt
- Take the 100-minute sightseeing Cruise
- Visit ParaPoly
Yoga and Retreats
Frankfurt homes a health-conscious community of people who indulge in activities that can help them stay fit. You can find many yoga studios and other recreational activity classes in Frankfurt that can help you keep your body and mind healthy. Professional and experienced teachers often guide these places, so you won't need to doubt the viability of their methods and practices.
- Inside Yoga
- Yoga Vidya Frankfurt
- Ashtanga Yoga Raum Frankfurt
- Iyengar Yoga Institut Frankfurt am Maim
- YouBody YourSoul
Accommodation
There are many options for accommodation in Frankfurt that offer different affordability rates according to your budget. You can choose from 5-star hotels, eco-hotels, hostels, guest houses, and rental apartments. As a tourist, you would want to book a 5-star hotel room with various luxurious amenities, but don't do that. Instead, prefer green or eco-hotels as they offer the same amenities and use eco-friendly practices, which are essential today.
Green Hotels
Green hotels or eco-hotels follow various sustainable measures like eco-friendly products, renewable resources, recycling of waste, etc. Hotels that follow such practices are better choices than 5-star hotels that directly and indirectly harm the local environment. Here are some of the best green hotels in Frankfurt where you can get quality services and budget-friendly prices;
- Citadines City Centre Frankfurt
- Mercure Hotell & Residenz Frankfurt
- Radisson Blu Hotel
- Hotel a der Messe
- Hotel Frankfurt Messe
Hostels and Guest Houses
If you prefer living your life like an adventure, you should opt for staying at hostels and guest houses rather than hotels. These hotels and guest homes enable you to meet and interact with other fellow tourists in Frankfurt and learn from them. By stay in a German hostel or guest house, you will be able to live in an environment filled with energy, social events, and lots of fun. Some of these places also regularly host various social events to learn about the local German culture and traditions. Here the famous hostels and guest houses of Frankfurt;
- MEININGER Frankfurt/Main Messe
- MEININGER Frankfurt/Main Airport
- Frankfurt Hostel
- Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt
- Frankfurt Bed & Breakfast
- A&O Frankfurt Galluswart
Apartments
If you want a cheap and better option than hotels, hostels, and guest houses, rental apartments are the best choices. You can find many apartment buildings in Frankfurt where you can lease a room for the time you are in Frankfurt. While choosing an apartment, make sure to inspect it properly before paying any amount to the landlord. Also, prefer apartments closer to the city center or central districts to walk away from all significant places.
Couchsurfing
Couch surfing is a comparatively new concept in the world but is very prevalent in Europe. You can easily find many couch surfing hosts in Frankfurt that offer free or charged stay at their homes. You will need to find a host before you visit Frankfurt and set a deal regarding your stay. These couch surfing hosts serve more than one tourist, which means you will be able to meet other fellow tourists and even befriend them.
Camping
If you face a little trouble in gathering cash for accommodation, then camping is the best option for you. There are many campsites in Frankfurt where you will need to pay a small amount as entry and enjoy some peaceful and outdoorsy time. Some camps are inside the city in the city parks or campgrounds, whereas others lie in the town's outskirts. If you want to spend some time outdoors, then the campsites outside the city are the ones for you, but they may not be as cheap as the city's campsites. Many of these campsites host various activities where the campers can enjoy and learn about the local German culture and traditions.
- City Camp Frankfurt
- Campingplatz Mainkur
- Campingplatz Bürgel
- Zeppelin Park
- Rebstock Park
- Camping- und Freizeitgelände Hans Dill
How to Get There
There are many ways of reaching Frankfurt as it is located in a central location inside Germany. If you are in Europe, you can take an international train from any neighboring country. These long-distance trains can be a bit costly but are some of the best modes of traveling in Europe. Apart from international trains, international flights are the best option for traveling from any city to Frankfurt.
Air
Frankfurt is served by the Frankfurt Airport, the largest airport in Germany, and has domestic and international flights. You will find that all major airlines have flights to Frankfurt or Berlin. If you are outside the country, you can either direct or transfer flights to Frankfurt, but direct flights are the better option as they will not waste your time and give you troubles.
Bus
Buses are the cheapest and most comfortable mode of travel when it comes to long-distance travel. You will find that many bus services offer routes to all the major cities in Germany like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. These bus services offer various affordable options that you can choose according to your budget and preference.
Train
When traveling through trains, you will find that Europe's train network is the most extensive and most efficient. Many trains offer international travel to different cities like France, Italy, Germany, etc. Although these trains can be somewhat costly, they are worth every single penny. You can indulge in various international cuisines on these trains and enjoy breath-taking views of the lands outside your train window.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a widespread practice in Europe as there are not many international road restrictions. If you have a travel visa, it will be enough to travel to all major cities inside and outside Germany. Many European countries have even built hitchhiking stations to rest and look for drivers that can lift them because of immense popularity. Although hitchhiking can be challenging and may take hours to get just one ride, it is the cheapest mode of traveling without paying even a single penny. While hitchhiking, you will meet many fellow travelers and drivers that will guide you about things you need to do while traveling.
Others
There are other modes of transports like boats, private planes, and rental cars, but you should avoid them at all costs as they are very costly and cause a lot of harm to the environment by emitting harmful greenhouse gases.
Moving Around
With a well-connected transportation system, you will hardly face any problem in moving around Frankfurt. You can walk distances or use vehicles like bicycles, public buses, trains, trams, and electronic cars. These modes can help you in reaching the different areas inside and outside the city.
Walk
If you prefer a healthy way of moving around the city, then walking is the best option for you. The streets and roads are completely safe, and the chances of getting into a road accident are relatively low. Walking will help you move around with ease and cost you not even a penny. You will learn a lot about the local German people's livelihood and culture. You can even discover some hidden gems in the city that will make your experience a memorable one.
Bicycle
Bicycles are the best alternatives to walking as they will help you stay fit and cover lots of distances in a short time. You will find that mechanical and electric bicycles are colossal popular in European countries as they are the healthiest and eco-friendly modes of transport. You have the options where you can either choose to buy or rent a bike from a local bicycle shop in Frankfurt, but as a tourist, you should always prefer renting out any vehicle as it will cost you less.
Electronic Vehicles
There is a huge craze amongst the locals and tourists for electric vehicles. You will find that almost everyone in Frankfurt owns a bicycle or electric motorbike. The reason for such popularity is that the German government has emphasized changing the lifestyle and leading an eco-friendly life. The government has provided many amenities like free parking space, reduced tax rates, reduced costs at charging stations, etc. These vehicles are the best way to move around Frankfurt and travel eco-friendly.
Public Bus
Although buses are the cheapest transportation mode, you will face some trouble while moving around Frankfurt using public buses because they are not very comfortable. These buses are used by the locals daily and can be a bit crowded at times. Nevertheless, available buses are the cheapest and the best mode of traveling around the city areas.
Tram, Train and Subway
Trams and trains are the best way of moving around Frankfurt as they have an efficient and widespread network that covers almost every area or district. The metro system has about nine suburban routes and nine underground routes. It is the most reliable and affordable mode of transport and is used by almost every Frankfurt resident. You can buy the ticket online using the metro system's mobile application on google play store and apple store. The tram system is also well spread, and there are about nine tram lines in the city that you can use to get to Frankfurt's central districts.
Sustainable Shopping
In an era where natural resources are depleting, and the need for alternative and sustainable measures is increasing at a significant rate every day, sustainable shopping or eco-friendly shopping is a concept formed to make the people aware of these things. In this concept, products that are sourced from the local environment by the local people are promoted. These include recycled, reusable, and organic products that cause relatively less harm to nature and the local communities. You can find such products in various second-hand stores, eco-fashion stores, food markets, and flea markets in Frankfurt.
Food Markets
If you are looking for fresh and quality vegetables, seafood, foods, spices, and food items, these food markets are the best places. You will find that these markets are the best places to explore and learn about Frankfurt's food culture. You will find authentic and organic food items that the vendors grow or produce by themselves. Here are some popular food markets in Frankfurt which you can visit;
- Kleinmarkthalle
- Bauernmarkt Konstablerwache
- Gallus Markt
- Wochenmarkt Ostend
- Bauernladen
- Wochenmarkt Bockenheim
Flea Markets
Flea markets are the best places for people that are low on cash and can’t afford branded products. These markets are the places where local people sell second-hand items at reasonable rates. You can find a wide variety of products like utensils, paintings, furniture, books, clothing items, equipment, etc. Such markets are the best places to get deep insights into the local people's culture and livelihood. Presently, there are only three flea markets in Frankfurt, some of which are the best in Germany.
- VIP Trend Sales
- Flohmarkt Offenbach
- Flea Market Frankfurt
Second Hand Stores
These stores are the best places to visit if you want to buy cheap but quality products. You will find a wide variety of products from the necessary utensils to furniture items. These stores are usually preferred by low-income German families and are the best places for low-budgeted tourists. You can find many antiques in these stores that can be the perfect souvenirs from your trip. Here are some popular thrift stores in Frankfurt;
- COCO First & Second Hand
- Pxfam Buchshop Frankfurt am Main
- World Shop
- Ludwigsbrüder
- ReSales Frankfurt
- Oxfam Fashionshop Frankfurt Sachsenhausen
- Outflip
Eco-Fashion
There is a new concept in the fashion industry, where clothes and accessories are sourced from organic and environmentally friendly sources. It is gaining significant popularity in Europe as a part of sustainable living and protecting our environment. You will find that many small and medium-sized businesses in Frankfurt provide such sustainable fashion to the locals and tourists. These local businesses use eco-friendly practices and follow their corporate social responsibility by supporting and helping the local communities grow and get good opportunities in education and career. Here are some must-visit eco-fashion stores that you should visit in Frankfurt;
- Organicc
- Neonyt
- Ekn
- Glore
- Epiphany
Recycling
You will find that there are various recycling shops in Frankfurt where you can take your recyclable waste. These shops also possess some uniquely recycled items that you can buy. The government of Frankfurt offers various schemes under which you can avail specific amenities like reduced tax rates. Many volunteering organizations in Frankfurt focus on promoting proper recycling techniques amongst the people and realizing the need for such lifestyle changes. If you want to help the government and organizations work effectively, you can voluntarily start helping them.
Waste
The government and the municipalities in Frankfurt have put forth many schemes, rules, and restrictions to ensure that the locals and the tourists don't harm the local environment. Various garbage containers and trucks are assigned to Frankfurt's different areas and districts, where everyone can dump their waste for proper disposal and cleanliness. Both the local Germans and the tourists are expected to follow such rules, and those who fail to follow them and violate them knowingly are fined. So, you should always prefer abiding by the authorities to avoid any troublesome situations.
Work and Study Abroad
Frankfurt offers excellent education opportunities and works as the city is a financial and cultural center of Germany. You will find that many institutes and businesses take foreign people, but you will need to meet specific educational qualifications to apply for admission or a job. There are many multinational organizations in which you can use for working in Frankfurt or other cities in Germany. You can also find many educational institutes in Frankfurt that offer various scholarship options for international students seeking admission. You visit these institutes while you are in Frankfurt and get details on applying for admission.
Exchange Student
Studying in Frankfurt can be a great experience for you. It homes a significant number of world-class institutes when you will get quality education and learn a lot about Frankfurt and Germany's culture and history. The Student Exchange Program is the one that offers students from different countries to get the chance to study in another country. It is a great initiative where you can build and expand your knowledge. If you want to become an exchange student, all you need to do is register yourself for the program and meet the requirements. This innovative program will help you get the best education and give you exposure to the different cultures and environments of the city you get to study.
- Universität Frankfurt - Fachbereich Biowissenschaften
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- Offenbach University of Art and Design
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
- Provadis School of International Management & Technology Ltd
Au Pair
You will find that Au pairing is trendy in European countries, and many low-income families use the help of foreign individuals in meeting their basic needs like education, household management, and financial assistance. An Au Pair can be a couple or just an individual who is part of the Au Pairing program, a worldwide program to help people become the best version of themselves. If you want to help out any family, all you need to do is get yourself registered on the au pairing website and wait to get approved. By doing so, you will be able to help someone build a better life.
Volunteering
Many organizations in Frankfurt are helping people become aware of the various societal issues that need to resolve. You will find that several young people take an active part in such activities and providing their vital help in spreading awareness on various social issues like the need for environment protection, animal protection, proper recycling and disposal of waste, etc. Here are some renowned volunteering organizations in Frankfurt;
- Betreuungsverein Frankfurt UBF
- Schwule Väter – Frankfurt
- Rettungshundestaffel Feuerwehr Frankfurtam Main
- IspAn
- Schulewirtschaft
- Streetkids International e.V.
If you want to participate in some social and volunteering work, then these organizations are the ones to seek in Frankfurt. By participating in these volunteering organizations' various activities, you can learn a lot about the issues that the locals face and how you, as a tourist, can help them improve their lives.