Planning a Frankfurt trip, but not sure where to stay in Frankfurt? As usual, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I share some of the best places to stay in this city based on your travel style. It’s not the same if you travel solo or with family, right?
Choosing where to stay in Frankfurt can also make all the difference in your trip! Frankfurt is a big city, and it’s important to choose the right location for the best experience (and your wallet). If you are, for example, traveling on a budget, you might want to steer clear of the City Center (Innenstadt) area, as the hotels are a bit pricey. But if you’re just in town for one night, Innenstadt could be the perfect, convenient place to stay.
Where to stay in Frankfurt when traveling for the first time
Best neighboorhoods: Altstadt, Innenstadt
If you are a first-time Visitor to Frankfurt, exploring the city while having fun is probably your goal on the trip. For the best first-time impression, Old Town (Altstadt) and Innenstadt (City Center) are the best areas to stay in Frankfurt. With landmarks like the Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, and St. Paul’s Church, Old Town offers a storybook-like charm.
As soon as you see cobblestone streets and timbered houses at Römer Square, you’ll feel like you just stepped into one of Brother Grim’s stories! The Iron Bridge’s proximity and the Skyline’s most magnificent view will also charm you. A stroll along the Main River is a must-do thing when in Old Town. This area is also full of restaurants, museums, and cute shops where you can get some original goodies to bring home.
If you’re looking for a bustling shopping scene, on the other side, the Innenstadt is the place to be! Zeil Street is perfect for indulging in some retail therapy! Be sure to check out the Main Tower for incredible panoramic views. If you’re an Opera fan, you don’t want to miss the beautiful Alte Oper.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Budget: Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt – If you are traveling on a budget, but don’t wanna compromise on cleanliness or service, this is a good choice.
- Mid-range: Hotel Motel One Frankfurt-Römer – Stylish, modern rooms just steps from key attractions.
- Luxury: JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt – This striking hotel is located right in the city center– just a few steps away from the popular ‘Zeil’ shopping street and the financial district. It offers amazing panoramic city views and excellent service, so you know an amazing stayover is guaranteed!
Only have 24 hours in Frankfurt? Here’s a curated list of incredible things to do to make the most of your limited time!
Where to stay in Frankfurt for One Night
Best neighborhood: Innenstadt (Hauptwache)
Even if you are in Frankfurt on a short stopover, you still have lots of accommodation options and things to do at your disposal! Bahnhofsviertel is a general recommendation for those on a quick trip, but my honest recommendation is to avoid it. As you probably heard, this area is not the safest. The proximity of the main train station makes it a logical choice for many, but you never know when you will make a wrong turn into some dodgier alleys and see what you don’t want to see!
So where can you stay in Frankfurt with a very short time in hand? Innenstadt is in my opinion the best choice, in this case. Hauptwache, to be precise. It is only 10 minute’s train ride far from the main train station and 25 from the airport.
Hauptwache is one of the main transportation hubs in the city and is super close to many important city spots. First, there is Zeil Street– the longest and most famous shopping street, always buzzing with people. Zeil shopping mall with its interesting design is the next stop, if not just for a quick picture. Goetheplatz is another interesting spot in this area. The spectacular combo of the monument of the famous writer and the skyscrapers in the background makes a perfect shot!
Make sure to check out Alte Oper and the park that surrounds it. Even if you don’t have time to watch opera, you can always admire the architecture of buildings from outside.
The Best hotels in this area
- Budget: Hotel Scala Frankfurt – Just a 10-minute walk from Hauptwache, this hotel offers great value for money with clean rooms and friendly staff.
- Mid-range: Moxy Frankfurt City Center – this cool hotel offers super easy access to many of the city attractions.
- Luxury: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof – A grand, historic hotel offering unmatched luxury in the heart of the city. Just a short walk from Hauptwache, it features opulent rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and a lavish spa. Sounds like a heaven!
Where to stay in Frankfurt when traveling with family
Best Neighborhoods: Westend, Bornheim
Traveling with kids can be a fun adventure, but we all know that regular sightseeing isn’t always enough to keep them entertained! That’s why the Westend and Bornheim are fantastic options for families. These areas are super safe and peaceful, while still being close to all the city’s landmarks. Plus, they offer plenty of exciting activities that your little ones will love!
In Westend, you’ll find beautiful tree-lined streets and the amazing Palmengarten botanical gardens—perfect for a family outing in the spring or summer!
Bornheim has such a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with charming cafés where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Don’t miss the Frankfurt Zoo – it’s an absolute must for kids! Also, Bethmann Park, with its lovely Chinese pavilions, is a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll and has great play areas. And of course, Berger Strasse—the bustling street in Bornheim—is filled with delightful cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, making sure everyone is happy and satisfied. That is very important when traveling with kids, right?
The Best Hotels in these areas:
- Budget: Rioka Frankfurt Posto 7 – with big nicely decorated rooms and an amazing product-price ratio, a fabulous stay is guaranteed.
- Mid-range: Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Westend – Spacious apartments with kitchens for family meals.
- Luxury: Maritim Hotel Frankfurt – with a pool, family suites, and kid-friendly amenities an amazing stayover is guaranteed!
Where to stay in Frankfurt for Christmas Markets
Best neighbourhoods: Römerberg, Sachsenhausen
Heading to Frankfurt in the winter? You’re in for a delightful experience! The Christmas season in Germany is truly special, and celebrating in Frankfurt can feel like stepping into a festive storybook. Picture yourself wandering through charming Christmas stalls, soaking up the joyful atmosphere, and enjoying the irresistible scent of baked marzipan—what could be better?
In Frankfurt am Main, you’ll find a fabulous Christmas market nestled in the historic heart of the city, around Römerberg and Paulsplatz. This lively market stretches from the Hauptwache square down to the riverside. Did you know that the tradition of the Frankfurt market dates back to the late 14th century? It all began with lively mystery plays on the Römerberg!
Here, you can browse stalls filled with classic wooden toys, rocking horses, dolls, and beautiful decorations. And don’t miss out on the delicious treats—mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages, and gingerbread fill the air with mouthwatering aromas that capture the spirit of the season.
Frankfurt’s Christmas markets are truly enchanting, and staying close to all the festivities makes it even more special. Römerberg is the perfect spot for all the holiday cheer, while Sachsenhausen offers cozy apple wine taverns for a nice, laid-back escape.
The Best Hotels in these areas:
- Budget: Hotel Primus Frankfurt Sachsenhausen – Affordable, with easy access to the markets.
- Mid-range: Hotel Miramar am Römer – Close to the action but still comfy and quiet.
- Luxury: The Westin Grand Frankfurt – located very close to Zeil Street, provides a 5-star experience, and amazing service. Plus, it’s just a few meters from the Christmas market!
Best places in Frankfurt for slowing down and relaxing
Neighborhood: Sachsenhausen, Ostend
If you need a place to unplug in Frankfurt, Sachsenhausen or Ostend might be ideal places for that!
Sachsenhausen and Ostend are two vibrant districts in Frankfurt, each offering unique charm and attractions. Sachsenhausen’s river views and quiet streets are perfect for a serene escape. Ostend, with its cultural vibe and trendy cafés, offers a creative retreat.
Sachsenhausen is famous for its cobblestone streets, traditional Apfelwein (apple cider) taverns, and lively atmosphere. The River Main and its promenades are also very nearby and one of the favorite places to be not only for tourists but also locals. You can explore the picturesque Museum Embankment (Museumsufer), home to world-class museums like the Städel Museum and the German Film Museum.
I personally love Saschsenhausen because of its laid-back vibes. It also hosts many cultural and music events, so it’s never boring!
Ostend, on the other hand, boasts a trendy vibe with highlights such as the iconic Eurotower and the green oasis of the Ostpark. Frankfurt Zoo is also nearby. Both areas are well-connected by public transport, making them ideal places to stay for visitors looking to experience Frankfurt’s cultural and urban pulse, but without all the “chaos” in the city’s center.
Hotel Picks:
- Budget: Hotel Cult Frankfurt City – Affordable, modern, and peaceful.
- Mid-range: 25 hours Hotel The Goldman – Stylish and quirky, with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Luxury: Lindner Hotel & Residence Main Plaza – A tranquil oasis with stunning skyline views.
Best budget places to stay in Frankfurt
Best neighborhoods: Bockenheim, Bornheim
Hey there, budget travelers! No need to stress—Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital, is a great city that won’t empty your wallet. There are tons of free things to do in Frankfurt and have a blast!
If you’re looking for budget-friendly places to stay, you might stumble upon some cheap options in Bahnhofsviertel. Again, I would recommend avoiding that area for safety reasons. Instead, check out Bockenheim and Bornheim!
These neighborhoods are fantastic choices that offer a nice mix of charm, affordability, and convenience. Bockenheim, especially, has a vibrant, youthful vibe thanks to its proximity to Goethe University. You’ll find plenty of cozy cafes, delicious restaurants, and lovely green spaces to relax in. Plus, both neighborhoods have great public transport connections to the city center, making it super easy to explore all the wonderful things Frankfurt has to offer.
What are the best sites in these places? If you have a chance, make sure to check out the Senckenberg Museum. With fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, this museum is a must-see for natural history enthusiasts. And if you wish to take some quirky photos, visit the iconic metro entrance – Bockenheimer Warte.
Besides already mentioned attractions in Bornheim, don’t miss checking out Bornheim Market! This lively and vibrant food market is open every Wednesday (8 am – 6 pm) and Saturday, (8 am – 4 pm). Here you can find the freshest veggies and fruits, handcrafted goodies, and yummy German sausages…all at very good prices!
The Best Hotel Picks here:
- Budget: Hotel Am Kurfürstenplatz – A simple yet convenient option for travelers on a budget.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Am Zoo – Centrally located near Ostend, with easy access to Bornheim and excellent amenities.
- Luxury: Villa Orange – Frankfurt’s first organic hotel, offering a luxurious and eco-friendly stay.
Where NOT to stay in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is a fantastic city that many travelers enjoy, but like any place, some areas might be a bit less inviting for tourists. The area around Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (the main train station) can have a different vibe, especially at night, with its mix of nightlife spots. While it does provide some budget-friendly accommodations and great transport options, it’s a good idea to look for hotels with positive reviews. Just remember to take a little extra care while exploring after dark!
You might want to be mindful of certain areas, like Gallus and Griesheim, which may not offer the same charm as others. Although they might be closer to the Frankfurt Airport, some parts still feel a bit underdeveloped and might not have the cozy atmosphere or convenience that visitors are looking for. Griesheim, located a bit further west, is mostly residential and industrial, with fewer options for dining and entertainment. Nothing fun to do there.
If it’s your first time in Frankfurt, you might find areas far from the city center. For example, the industrial outskirts of Niederrad or certain sections of Fechenheim, feel a little isolated and less convenient to reach. When choosing where to stay in Frankfurt, I recommend focusing on neighborhoods that offer a good mix of accessibility, safety, and nearby attractions. This way, you’ll have a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience in this vibrant city!
Is Frankfurt worth visiting?
A big, loud – YES! Although Frankfurt has a bad reputation due to some “shady stuff”, Frankfurt is one of the best cities in Germany! With a unique blend of modern skyscrapers, historic charm, and cultural diversity, Frankfurt is surely worth visiting! Many think that the city is just a bunch of high buildings and people wearing suits and making business deals, but it is much more than that. As a big international city where many, many cultures live and thrive together, Frankfurt is more welcoming and friendlier than Berlin, for example. But, that might be my opinion only.
The iconic skyline of “Mainhattan,” is the most popular site here, Altstadt with its reconstructed medieval buildings, and Römer Square surprises everyone. With its efficient transport system, central location in Europe, and nearby attractions like the Rhine Valley, Frankfurt also serves as a perfect starting point to explore the region. Good enough reasons to visit, right?
