Finding the right place to stay in Frankfurt can feel overwhelming. There are so many neighborhoods, and each one offers something different. But don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you.
This guide breaks down Frankfurt’s best areas for visitors. You’ll learn about safe neighborhoods, good prices, and spots close to what you want to see. I’ve spent time in this city and talked to locals and travelers alike. My goal is simple, which is to help you pick the right area without the guesswork.
Your Frankfurt stay matters. Pick the wrong spot, a nd you’ll waste time and money on transport. Choose wisely, and everything becomes easier. I’ll walk you through each neighborhood, from the busy city center to quiet residential areas, so you can decide what fits your needs and budget.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation
Picking the right hotel changes your whole trip. Location matters more than fancy rooms. Here’s what you need to think about before booking.
- Budget reality: Luxury hotels run $300–$400 per night in central Frankfurt. Midrange options cost $200–$300, while budget hotels and hostels sit at $100–$200. Pick based on what you’ll actually use, not what looks impressive.
- Location matters: Walking distance beats public transport every time for saving energy. Key sights like Römerberg, Zeil shopping street, Main River promenade, and Museumsufer cluster near the city center.
- Standard amenities: Common hotel features include Wi-Fi, breakfast, bar, parking, and 24-hour reception. European hotels run smaller than American ones with fewer in-room facilities like mini-fridges or coffee machines, so don’t expect the same setup.
- Safety zones: Frankfurt is generally safe throughout most neighborhoods. Caution around Bahnhofsviertel at night, though, it’s the nightlife hub and historical red-light district where things get sketchy after dark.
- Neighborhood vibe: Nordend and Westend offer quieter, family-friendly atmospheres away from tourist chaos. These residential areas give you local life instead of constant crowds and noise.
Stay central if it’s your first visit. You’ll waste less time on trains and see more. Nordend works great if you want quiet nights but easy access to everything. Skip Bahnhofsviertel unless you’re into nightlife and don’t mind the edge.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Frankfurt
Frankfurt breaks down into distinct neighborhoods. Each one offers something different. Your choice depends on what you want from your trip: history, nightlife, business access, or local vibes.
Altstadt (Old Town)
This is Frankfurt’s historic heart with medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. You’re steps away from the city’s most famous landmarks like Römerberg Square.
- Römerberg Square, the town hall, the Alte Nikolaikirche, and the Historisches Museum Frankfurt sit within walking distance.
- The Eiserner Steg bridge and the Main River promenade offer scenic walks along the water
- Goethe House and Deutsche Romantik-Museum showcase literary history
- Hotel options include Motel One Frankfurt-Römer, Paulaner am Dom, and Miramar for different budgets
- Limited hotel choices and touristy atmosphere mean higher prices, and booking is required
The location wins for first-time visitors who want easy sightseeing. You’ll save time and energy by not riding public transport everywhere. Just expect to share the space with other tourists and pay a bit more for the privilege.
Innenstadt (City Center & Bankenviertel)
The financial district meets a shopping paradise here. Skyscrapers tower over Zeil shopping street, where locals and tourists pack the stores daily.
- Zeil shopping street and MyZeil mall provide endless retail options for shopaholics.
- Alte Oper, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and Mainhattan skyscrapers define the business district.t
- Luxury hotels include JW Marriott, Sofitel Opera, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, and Westin Gra.nd.
- Midrange options like Fleming’s Hotel Main-Riverside, Mainhauss Stadthotel, and Moxy City Center balance comfort and price.
- Hauptwache station connects to the entire city network with excellent transport links.
First-time visitors love this area for its central location and excellent connections. You’ll pay higher prices for hotels and meals, but you’re trading euros for convenience. The neighborhood lacks local character since it’s all business and tourism.
Sachsenhausen
Cross the river, and you hit Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt’s nightlife and culture neighborhood. Apfelwein taverns and world-class museums define this area south of the Main River.
- Alt-Sachsenhausen bars and traditional Apfelwein taverns fill with locals every evening.g
- Museumsufer lines the river with Städel Museum, Liebieghaus, Film Museum, and Weltkulturen MuseuThe m
- The Saturday flea market along Schaumainkai happens every other weekend with antiques and treasures.
- Hotels include Libertine Lindenburg, Lindner Hotel, DJH Frankfurt hostel, and Hotel Hübler.
- Less convenient public transport and limited hotel options compared to north of the river
The area feels more authentic than tourist-heavy Altstadt. You’ll eat and drink alongside locals instead of other visitors. Museum lovers get multiple world-class options within a short walk along the embankment.
Westend (Messe Frankfurt / Business District)
The business side of Frankfurt with leafy residential streets and quiet vibes. Trade fairs bring crowds periodically, but otherwise, this neighborhood stays calm and green.
- Messe Frankfurt hosts massive trade fairs convenient for business travelers attending the convention.s
- Palmengarten botanical garden and Senckenberg Natural History Museum offer peaceful cultural activities.
- EXPERIMENTS Science Center entertains families with hands-on experiments and displays
- Luxury hotels include Frankfurt Marriott, Gekko House, Hotel Beethoven, and Hotel West.
- Midrange stays like Motel One Frankfurt-Messe and Villa Florentina offer good value during a quiet week.s
Hotels here serve convention attendees mostly, so prices drop when no fairs are happening. You’ll find good deals during quiet weeks. The neighborhood feels disconnected from the main tourist areas but offers attractive residential streets for evening walks.
Bahnhofsviertel (Near Hauptbahnhof)
The edgiest neighborhood in Frankfurt sits right by the main train station. It’s gritty, lively, budget-friendly, and packed with international restaurants from every corner of the world.
- Train station proximity means dropping bags minutes after arriving from other cities.
- Budget hotels include Europa Life, niu Charly, Premier Inn City Centre, and 5Elements Hostel.l
- Nightlife hub with bars, clubs, and an English Theatre for live performances
- International restaurants represent Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, and more cuisines.
- Historical red-light district creates sketchy blocks after dark, with noise and safety concerns.ns
This area has a reputation you should know about before booking. Some streets feel unsafe after dark, especially for solo travelers. But it’s convenient and cheap with unmatched international food options. Just stay aware of your surroundings.
Recommended Neighborhoods Based on Traveler Type
Your travel style picks your neighborhood. First-timers need a different location from nightlife seekers. Here’s where you should stay based on what matters most to you.
- First-time visitors: Altstadt and Innenstadt put you close to main attractions, museums, shopping, and the riverfront. You’ll walk to Römerberg, Zeil shopping street, and the Main River without taking trains everywhere.
- Nightlife lovers: Sachsenhausen offers traditional bars and Apfelwein taverns where locals drink. Bahnhofsviertel brings trendy bars and clubs with an edgier scene that stays open late into the night.
- Food enthusiasts: Innenstadt has Fressgass street with cafés, bakeries, and high-end dining options. Sachsenhausen serves traditional German cuisine in apfelwein taverns, while Westend hosts Michelin-starred restaurants for fancy meals.
- Shopping addicts: Innenstadt delivers Zeil, MyZeil mall, and Goethestrasse luxury boutiques all in one area. Sachsenhausen’s Brückenviertel has smaller boutiques, and Bornheim’s Bergerstrasse features local independent shops away from chains.
- Quiet seekers: Nordend provides family-friendly neighborhoods with parks and neighborhood cafés. Westend gives you leafy residential streets lined with villas where tourists rarely wander.
Match your personality to the neighborhood, and you’ll enjoy Frankfurt more. Don’t pick based on what looks good online. Pick based on how you actually travel. Party people waste money staying in quiet Nordend. Families hate the noisy Bahnhofsviertel.
Travel Tips for Choosing Accommodation
Location matters more than fancy rooms when picking your Frankfurt hotel. Smart travelers think about transportation, safety, and booking strategy before clicking that reserve button.
- Transportation planning: Frankfurt Card costs €11.50 per day or €17 for two days with free public transport plus museum discounts. S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses cover the entire city, and the airport sits just 12 km away with 7-15 minute train connections to the center.
- Safety awareness: Frankfurt is generally safe, with standard precautions needed at night like any big city. Avoid Taunusstrasse in Bahnhofsviertel after dark, but most tourist neighborhoods carry low risk for visitors.
- Booking smart: Check hotel reviews with Booking scores of 8 or higher and Google ratings above 4 stars. Consider what amenities cost extra, like parking and breakfast, then balance proximity to attractions against your actual budget.
Skip car rentals in Frankfurt, traffic, and parking make driving more headache than help. Central districts let you walk everywhere that matters. The public transport system works so well that taxis become unnecessary expenses for most trips.
Conclusion
Where to stay in Frankfurt comes down to what matters most to you. Each neighborhood offers something different. Some are close to business districts, others near museums or nightlife. The key is matching your choice to your plans and budget.
You now have the information you need to book with confidence. No more scrolling through endless hotel listings, wondering if you’re making the right call. Pick the area that fits your needs, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Have questions about a specific Frankfurt neighborhood? Drop a comment below. And if this guide helped you out, share it with anyone else planning a Frankfurt trip. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in the city!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best area to stay in Frankfurt for tourists?
The city center (Innenstadt) is best for first-time visitors. You’re close to major sites, museums, and shopping on Zeil Street. Public transit connects easily from here. It’s busier and costs more, but you’ll save time getting around. Sachsenhausen is a good alternative for a local feel.
Is Frankfurt safe for tourists to stay?
Frankfurt is generally safe for tourists. Stick to well-lit areas at night and watch your belongings near the main train station, which can be sketchy after dark. Most neighborhoods are fine. Use common sense like you would in any big city. Nordend and Bornheim are particularly safe residential areas.
How expensive are hotels in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt hotels cost more than other German cities because it’s a business hub. Expect to pay €80-150 per night for mid-range hotels. Budget options start around €50-70. Prices jump during trade fairs and conferences. Book early and avoid major event weeks to save money.
Should you stay near Frankfurt Airport?
Only stay near the airport if you have an early flight or a short layover. The area lacks character and tourist appeal. The city center is just 15 minutes away by train. You’ll have a much better experience staying in an actual Frankfurt neighborhood with restaurants and life.
Which Frankfurt neighborhood is best for nightlife?
Sachsenhausen offers the best nightlife scene. It has traditional apple wine taverns and modern bars along the river. The area around Schweizer Platz gets lively at night. Alt-Sachsenhausen specifically has the most concentrated bar scene. Nordend also has good spots if you want something more local and relaxed.