Frankfurt, in Central Germany on the banks of the Main, is a city with a thousand faces: on the one hand the skyscrapers and fashionable life, on the other the characteristic quarters and wonderful museums. There are so many attractions and things to do! The city is also very big, so it becomes crucial to choose the best neighbourhood to stay in.
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Frankfurt!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
If you are visiting the city for the first time or only have a few days to spare, the best neighbour hoods are theAltstadt andInnenstadt, central and with the main attractions, they are good for every type of tourist. The Innenstadt area, especially via Zeil, is also very suitable for those looking for nightlife.
Other areas rich in and entertainment are the Gallusviertel district and the Bahnhofsviertel district, located near the station! The latter is also an ideal area to save money, together with the Sachsenhausen district on the opposite bank of the Main.
On the other hand, if you are travelling with your family and are looking for quieter neighbourhoods, we recommend the new Gutleutviertel district, located along the Main, a new residential area, and the Westend district, with luxury hotels and all amenities within easy reach.
Recommended areas tosave money: Bahnhofsviertel, Sachsenhausen
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Altstadt, Innenstadt (especially near gardens such as Bockenheimer Anlage and Eschenheimer Anlage), Gutleutviertel, Westend
Recommended areas for young people: Innenstadt (especially via Zeil), Bahnhofsviertel, Gallusviertel
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt area guide
Frankfurt is one of Germany's largest cities, the fifth largest in terms of population to be exact. It covers an area of about 248 square kilometres and has more than 750,000 inhabitants.
The city is divided into 16 local districts, in German Ortsbezirk, which in turn are subdivided into 46 districts, in German Stadtteil. From a tourist point of view, the best districts to stay in are obviously the central ones, where the main attractions are located. Let's take a detailed look at the tourist districts and the districts within them:
Innenstadt I district: here are the Altstadt, Bahnhofsviertel, Gallus, Gutleutviertel and Innenstadt districts
DistrictInnenstadt II: here lies the district Westend
DistrictSüd: on the opposite bank of the Main, here you will find the district Sachsenhausen
Areas to avoid: Frankfurt is a safe city, but it is best to be careful in the evenings, especially in the nightlife hotspots and in the station area. Among the neighbourhoods, it is best to avoid those that are too far out and away from the centre, with few attractions and not of great tourist importance.
Altstadt
The Altstad is Frankfurt's historical centre and one of the best districts to stay in! Here you will find the city's main attractions, such as the Frankfurter Römer town hall, the Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus cathedral and the Historisches Museum Frankfurt. Not only that: this is the area where the wonderful Christmas markets are held! So if you visit Frankfurt in December, we really recommend staying here!
Given its central location and the many attractions, it follows that this is one of the most expensive areas in the city. It is especially recommended for family travellers, due to its proximity to sights, and for budget-conscious travellers. Keep in mind that, during the Christmas period, prices tend to rise even more!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around easily on foot: you can reach the main attractions as well as the neighbouring districts. The area is also served by the metro, with the Willy-Brandt-Platz station.
Average prices in the district range from around €90.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Motel One Frankfurt-Romer | Hotel in the heart of the Altstadt. 24-hour reception, WiFi, bar, pets allowed, paid parking. Ideal for couples |
Paulaner am Dom | Hotel with family rooms. Restaurant, parking, close to main attractions. Ideal for couples and families |
Hotel Spenerhaus | Hotel not far from the Zeil pedestrian zone, close to the main attractions. Ideal for young people and couples |
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof | 5-star hotel at Keiserplatz. Spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant and bar, 303 rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Innenstadt
The Innenstadt is the commercial and financial centre of the city, as opposed to the historical character of the Altstadt, with which it borders. It is one of the best districts in which to stay, given its excellent location and large number of accommodations. One of the main attractions here is the Main Tower, a tower with a panoramic observatory.
It is ideal for families and first-time visitors! Here, in addition to an enviable location, you will have all amenities at your fingertips, such as shops and restaurants! In the western part of the district you will find all the skyscrapers. If you are travelling with your family, we recommend that you look for accommodation near the large gardens surrounding the district, such as the Bockenheimer Anlage and theEschenheimer Anlage. If you are looking for nightlife, we instead recommend you opt for Zeil, the street full of clubs and one of the nightlife hotspots, so avoid it if you are looking for peace and quiet!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot. The Altstadt is not far away, as is the central station and other points of interest. The area is also served by several metro and train stops.
Average prices in the district range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Moxy Frankfurt City Center | 3-star hotel with WiFi, cafeteria and 24-hour bar, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
EXPO Hotel Frankfurt | Hotel in a side street of Zeil, hub of the nightlife. Close to the metro, 24-hour reception, airport shuttle service. Ideal for couples and young people |
INNSIDE by Melia Frankfurt Eurotheum | Flats located in a high-rise building from the 23rd floor. Spectacular views over the city. In the complex gym and lounge bar with a view. Ideal for couples |
Hilton Frankfurt City Centre | 4-star hotel of the well-known hotel chain, opposite the Bockenheimer Anlage. Swimming pool, gym, garden, spa and wellness centre and restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
Bahnhofsviertel
Bahnhofsviertel takes its name from the presence of the station, Bahnhof in German, and is considered Frankfurt's red light district. Here you will find plenty of nightclubs. At night, the nightlife is very lively, so it is always best to be careful and keep out of trouble! Among the attractions here you will find The English Theatre and the AMAC Gallery.
Obviously, this is a district recommended for young people and fun-seekers. The nightlife is really wild, especially along Taunusstraße and Kaiserstraße. The latter is the shopping street during the day, with numerous shops and weekly markets! This is also an ideal area for those who want to save money: despite the fairly central location, there are numerous hostels and affordable accommodation!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot: the historical centre is not far away, as is the Innenstadt and attractions such as the Main Tower and the Opera Haus. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is also in the neighbourhood.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City Center | Hotel 100 m from the station. 24-hour reception, air-conditioned rooms, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and young people |
Adina Apartment Hotel | Apartment complex near the metro. In the complex bar, terrace and swimming pool can be used. Studio or two-bedroom apartments, up to 5 people. Ideal for young people |
Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt | Hostel 200 m from the station. 24-hour reception, breakfast until 12 noon, private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people |
Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer | Design hotel in Scandinavian style, a few steps from the river. Gym, restaurant, parking and spacious rooms. Ideal for couples |
Gutleutviertel
The Gutleutviertel is a very recently developed district! It is located between the Main river and the metro station tracks and until a few decades ago was an industrial district. Today it is an upscale, residential area that is constantly changing and is increasingly becoming a tourist hotspot. It does not have any major attractions, but has a truly spectacular location.
Due to its residential character, it is an area especially suitable for families! The district is very extensive, but the best area to stay in is around the Marina Westhafen. Here, on the waterfront, you will find numerous restaurants and clubs and you will be within easy reach of the Altstadt. There are also large green areas along the river, ideal for relaxing!
Given the location, you can get around either on foot or by public transport. The Altstadt is about 2 km from the Marina Westhafen, about 25 min on foot. Alternatively, the area is well served by transport, both tram and metro.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
ibis Frankfurt Centrum | Hotel 100 m from the river. Free WiFi, 24-hour bar, restaurant, family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Pension Alpha Frankfurt City | Small guesthouse with rooms with TV, desk and private bathroom. Recaption 24h. Ideal for young people |
Hotel Europa Life | Hotel 100 m from the station and near the tram stop. Reception 24h, air-conditioned rooms, bar. Ideal for couples |
Pearl Design Hotel | 4-star hotel with modern design, 24-hour reception and Wi-Fi. Air-conditioned rooms with all amenities. Ideal for couples and families |
Gallusviertel
Photo by Daviidos. Like the Gutleutviertel, the Gallusviertel was once an industrial area, whereas today it is a large residential area. It is located just north of the railway station and is home to attractions such as the 185 Tower, with a restaurant 200 m above the ground, and the Skyline Plaza, a large shopping centre!
It is a district especially suitable for families and those who love shopping. It is also a very large area. The best area in which to look for accommodation is the eastern area, where the Skyline Plaza is located and which borders the Bahnhofsviertel. Here you will find plenty of accommodation, including luxury, and many cultural activities.
Finally, staying here you can get around on foot or by public transport. From the Skyline Plaza, the Altstadt is about 2.5 km away, an average of 30 min on foot. Alternatively, the area is well connected by metro and tram!
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Motel One Frankfurt Messe | Hotel in the same chain as the Altstadt. 24-hour reception, Wi-Fi, bar, on-site parking. Ideal for couples |
Panorama Hostel | Hostel with bar, private parking and shared lounge and kitchen. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people |
Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt City Centre Messe | Hotel with small gym, restaurant, business centre and fully equipped rooms. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Skyline Hotel City Frankfurt | 4-star hotel within 10 min. walking distance of the Messe Frankfurt. Air-conditioned accommodation with panoramic views of the city. Ideal for couples or business travellers |
Westend-Süd
Westend is a large district that is divided into two parts: Westend-Nord and Westend-Süd. The latter is the best area to stay in as it is closer to the historical centre and is home to attractions such as the Opera Haus, the Senckenberg Naturmuseum and the large Palmengarten, one of Germany's largest botanical gardens.
This district is especially recommended for families! In addition to the large gardens and attractions that can also be visited with children, such as the Museum of Natural History, the district has many amenities, such as shops and restaurants. One of the main streets is Bockenheimer Landstraße. There are also many hotels and luxury accommodation in this area, ideal for those travelling on a high budget!
Finally, if you stay here, you can get around both on foot and by public transport. If you stay in the southern part of the district, near the Opera Haus and the Main Tower, you can easily reach the Altstadt on foot. Alternatively, the area is well covered by public transport!
Average prices in the district range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
The Flag West M | Hotel 1 km from the Palmengarten. Restaurant, gym, bar, garden and terrace. Ideal for couples |
Maritim Hotel Frankfurt | Hotel with modern rooms, 3 international restaurants, swimming pool and spa with wellness centre. Ideal for couples and families |
Hotel Palmenhof | Hotel opposite the Palmengarten. Rooms and suites, on-site parking, WiFi and pets allowed. Ideal for couples |
Sofitel Frankfurt Opera | 5-star hotel near the Opera. Swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant and bar. Ideal for couples |
Sachsenhausen
Photo by Roberto Strauss. Finally, on the opposite bank of the Main River from the Altstadt, we find the Sachsenhausen district. This is a large district, but the best area to stay in is close to the bank. Here, in fact, you will find theMuseumsufer, literally the'Museum Shore', with numerous museums and cultural centres! For instance, the famous art museum Städel Museum is located here.
This is an ideal district for those who want to save money! Accommodation prices are in fact much more competitive than in other districts, without sacrificing a great location and proximity to attractions!
Finally, if you stay here, you will need to get around by transport. The district is served by the metro and bordered to the south by the Frankfurt (Main) Süd railway station. It is connected to the Altstadt by three bridges over the Main, which can also be crossed on foot.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel Primus Frankfurt Sachsenhausen | 3-star hotel 150 m from the river. 24-hour reception, air-conditioned rooms and bar. Ideal for couples |
Jugendherberge Frankfurt | Hostel with 24-hour reception, courtyard, restaurant and panoramic views of the city. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people |
Star Apart Hotel Sachsenhausen | Residence with restaurant and fitness centre. Private rooms or studios with kitchenette. Ideal for couples |
Lindner Hotel & Residence Main Plaza | 4-star hotel with indoor pool, spa and wellness centre, gym and restaurant. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Frankfurt where to stay
Frankfurt is a very large city with a large number of districts and boroughs. It is still best to stay in the city, especially if you are short on time or if it is your first time visiting this destination!
As we have seen, there is a wide choice of accommodation in the recommended districts, with costs to suit all budgets and ideal areas for all types of travellers, whether they are looking for fun or travelling with their families. Staying outside the city means factoring in travel costs, i.e. train tickets to the centre, as well as time spent on transport. At the end of the day, you're not going to save much, so it's worth looking for accommodation in the central districts!