Our experts at Lets Fly Cheaper can help you find some of the best-valued business class flights to Frankfurt. Once you book those cheap tickets, it may be useful to learn a bit more about the city. We have compiled some helpful information to prepare you for a visit to Europe’s economic powerhouse city: Frankfurt.
Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth largest city and home to the European Central Bank. It has long benefitted from a wide range of cultural influences brought in from across the continent. This bold city is also steeped not only in finance but history and nightlife. So be prepared to take in the one of a kind culture, as well as stunning architecture.
What can’t you do in Frankfurt? Let’s take a look at some of the highlights this great city has to offer. Simply put this city is a powerhouse of shopping, exploring, clubbing, jazz and fine drinking and dining. During the winter are the glorious Christmas markets and in the summer practically every weekend means outdoor festivals along the main shopping districts and parks.
Most of Frankfurt’s visitors come for business. Namely, to attend one of its numerous trade fairs, exhibitions, and congresses, but this city also has an impressive cultural smorgasbord. It is home to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, after all. Some of the top visitor attractions though are:
If you plan on visiting the most popular tourist spots it may be a good idea to purchase a pass. The Frankfurt Card offers free travel on all RMV transport within the city and to the airport, as well as a free city map. It also includes a 25% discount on guided city tours and half price admission to major attractions and 28 museums. You can also enjoy discounts on admission tickets to Oper Frankfurt (Frankfurt Opera), Schauspiel Franfurt (Playhouse Frankfurt), The English Theatre, Papageno Musictheatre at Palmengarten, Die Komödie, and Theater Die Schmier – regaling visitors in playful cabaret and satire. If that’s not enough, you also receive discounts at participating retail stores (there’s a lot in Frankfurt) as well as participating restaurants (also in abundance).
The card is available at tourist information offices, the main railway station, and the airport. Individually, a 1-day pass sells for €10,50 while a 2-day goes for €15,50. There are also group tickets with a maximum of 5 people that sell for €20,50 for a 1-day pass and €30,50 for a 2-day.
What’s the best way to see all the city has to offer? Well, in the style of Frankfurt, the tours are also plentiful and you’ll be spoiled for choice, however you choose to book. One of the most popular day tours from Frankfurt is to the idyllic Rhine River Valley. It is considered by many as the most ambient, possibly most pleasant ways, to explore the region as you drift along the river by boat. Book a boat cruise from Frankfurt to Mainz then continue through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed section between Mainz and Koblenz – one of the most scenic boat rides in Europe, dotted with impressive hilltop fortresses, medieval villages, and natural landmarks.
Of course, one site that should be on the top of any cultural or history fanatic is Trier. Travel less than 2 hours from Frankfurt to a city dating back to 2000 BC, a Roman colony established in 16 BC, which includes Germany’s oldest cathedral built by Constantine the Great in Great in 326 AD. Located on the picturesque banks of the Moselle River Trier features one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Germany, the Liebfrauenkirche, Roman Baths and a 20,000-capacity Roman Amphitheater.
If you’re looking to have a day’s escape from the bustling city life there is also the option of exploring Bavaria’s majestic Black Forest with a range of activities including cycling, hiking and horseback riding. Don’t forget to check out the stunning spa town of Baden of Baden on route.
While there’s a long list of museums and galleries to visit whilst in Frankfurt (if you can pull yourself away from business) a few worth mentioning are the Caricatura – Mueseum for Comic Art, The Icon Museum, and the German Film Museum.
Caricatura is one of Frankfurt’s newest museums, holding a stunning collection within its walls. The Museum for Comic Art (Museum für Komische Kunst) is found tucked away in the historical Leinwandhaus between the cathedral and the Main river since October 2008. It contains more than 4,000 original caricatures by the legendary New Frankfurt School and highlights the highest humor content of any museum in the world.
Gallery attendees can unfold the history of the Christian Orthodox world of images when visiting the Icon Museum (Ikonen-Museum). The museum presents the art and ritual of icons from the 15th to the 20th century. The collection is housed in the former refectory of the Deutschordenshaus, the Cologne-based architect Oswald Mathias Ungers has designed unique rooms to create a vibrant relationship between the ritual images painted and etched on wood and the very building itself. The works found were a gift by the physician Dr Jörgen Schmidt-Voigt of Königstein. He donated 800 icons to the city of Frankfurt in 1988.
The dazzling history of film is open to visitors in the German Film Museum. There are two permanent exhibitions devoted to possibly the most original of art forms of the 20th century. Upon entering you learn about the pre-history of film. The focus is on optical illusion and tricks of movement. Models of the Laterna Magica, of raree shows, flip books, and phenakistiscopes are open to visitors to try them. The museum is also a library of everything classical film, including actor bios, silent movie music and much more, entire scenes are projected are re-created and there are often new exhibitions and talks on famous film eras.
Due in part to its international influences and status as a hub for business, Frankfurt has a dynamic and varied dining scene. Along with traditional German food, visitors will also find superb Asian and French dishes at restaurants that range from the cheap and casual to the alluringly expensive.
German specialties include bratwurst (grilled sausage), eisbein mit sauerkraut (leg of pork) and mashed potatoes, schwäbische maultaschen (large savory ravioli), eierpfannkuchen (pancakes), and schwarzwälder kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). As for drinks, Germany is, of course, the land for some of the finest beer known to humanity. There are said to be over 5,000 varieties, in fact.
If beer isn’t your go-to beverage (or even if it is!) Frankfurt has a famous selection of Apple Wine. You can sample a great selection on the Apfelweinkontor (Apple Wine Tour).
A small tip for future flyers – a 10% tip is customary throughout Germany.
If you’re looking for fine dining then one the highest reviewed restaurants on Tripadvisor is the bustling and energetic Greek restaurant, Ariston. Patrons are in love with the high-quality meals, served at a large amount, in the fashion of delicious Mediterranean dishes served by a warm and friendly staff.
Frankfurt is of course home to a high variety of restaurants and, as such, the list for fine dining goes on and on. However, some notable and traditional German establishment include Atschel, which serves fine Deutsche Essen in the style of the region. Another highly recommended restaurant that caters traditional German food is Zu den 12 Aposteln, a friendly atmosphere serving large portions and even brew their own delicious beer.
If you’re looking to eat with the most incredible view, then book a table or have a seat at the Main Tower Restaurant and Bar. Located on the 53rd floor of Frankfurt’s fourth highest building, customers can enjoy some of the highest-quality food from the highest skyscraper still open to the open the public. The restaurant is perfect for romantic evenings or afternoon tea.
If shopping is a priority during your travel in Frankfurt, then you must be sure to take in the famous Zeil, beginning at Hauptwache and stretching all the way to Konstablerwache. This area is bookmarked by famous department stores dealing in both the high-end and wholesale merchandise. Brimming with shops, boutiques, and cafés, this region boasts the current fashion, as well as the funkiest selection Frankfurt has to offer –depending on how far you explore! Frankfurt is famous for its top-end optical equipment such as binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steel ware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, and Bavarian Loden cloth. During November and December, you’ll find the large outdoor Christmas markets that Germany is famous for. The markets are perfect if you’re looking for a unique deal or something just outright special. Most of the large shops are open Mon-Fri 0900-2000 and Sat 0900-2000. Plan ahead; all shops, except a few bakeries, are closed on Sunday.
If the word ‘cheap’ isn’t in your Frankfurt shopping dictionary, then rest assured this city hosts some of the finest and most select shopping areas. Goethestraße is the definition of exquisite and exclusive with multiple retailer sites featuring everything from Armani to Versace. Goethestraße is home to luxury labels and top designer brands from all over the world.
Perhaps you’re in the market for something a bit more organic? No worries, there’s a weekly farmer’s market at Konstablerwache, and if you’re feeling just a little bit thrifty, be sure to check out the Frankfurt Flea Market, a myriad of the weird and wonderful second-hand or homemade items. What’s also fantastic about the street markets, including Market at Dornbusch and the Sachsenhausen Weekday Market, is you stand a good chance of stumbling across some real treasures at a cheap price!
The boutique side of Frankfurt shopping has been noted but it’s definitely worth mentioning again. The key areas are Berger Straße and Brückenstraße. At the lower side of Berger Straße you can find the fine assortments of cafés, bars, and quaint boutiques, the middle part features standard products, books, and other useful items. Upper Berger Straße, meanwhile, hosts a variety of traditional bars and restaurants – great places for some much-deserved relaxation after the shopping bonanza you’re sure to take in. Brückenstraße is home to a number of fancy showrooms selling clothes from local fashion designers. This area also includes an assortment of smaller boutiques for those in the market for unusual clothing, shoes, and accessories at premium rates. So if you’re into the crazy and wonderful, then you’ll feel right at home.
Publications, such as Strandgut and Kultur News, have a huge amount of information on culture and nightlife in Frankfurt. They are great guides on how to enter the nightlife. It should be mentioned that most venues for cultural performance are closed during July and August in Frankfurt.
In terms of culture, Frankfurt is not short of options. Live music, particularly jazz, is all over this vibrant city. When it gets to be after hours, there are party-central bars and clubs aplenty. Enjoy a buffet of choice with a wide-ranging selection. The Elfer Music Club that packs a constant line-up of excellent rock and indie bands (all with acclaimed review). For the more electronic side of things, there is Club 101, an exclusive club located on the top a skyscraper. Then there’s Silbergold, the perfect spot those united in the love for rock ‘n’ roll. Prinz magazine has information on all the latest bars, club, and nightlife. This can also be found at any Information Centre.
While Jazz can be found all over Frankfurt two of the most famous are Jazzkeller (Jazz Cellar), and Mempf.
Jazzkeller is one of Frankfurt’s most famous music venues. Open since 1952, it has hosted some of the most famous Jazz musicians over generations, including Louis Armstrong, Gerry Mulligan, Percy Heath, even Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. While still hosting top jazz ensembles and musicians, the cellar also has nights dedicated to guitar, drum bands, and DJ sets. Due to its popularity and small size, seats go very quickly, so pick a night and be sure to get there early if you plan on sitting!
Mempf is a small, local spot brimming with character and soul. On many nights, there’s a full jazz ensemble playing soulful and swinging tunes. The décor consists of old instruments, re-used wood, and rather than fully set tables, there are narrow wooden benches. This gives more room for dancing and mingling. Some nights are quieter, but they still have an expert piano player setting the ambiance. Be sure to look on their programme ahead of time to see for yourself. It has an expansive drinks menu with many of the local beers known to Frankfurt and if you’re hungry you can request a menu and enjoy a tasty German pub dish cooked from in their small but efficient kitchen.
Enjoy the beach during the glorious summer months! According to Tripadvisor, Galeria Beach Club and KingKamehameha Beach Club (both in Offenbach) along the Main River are a must-see. Frankfurt is notorious for housing some of the best beach bars in Germany and if it’s the sandy vibe you’re after, then these venues are definitely worth visiting. Be sure to have an umbrella drink (or two).
While we’re talking fancy drinks there’s one place that must be mentioned – and kept secret (shh!). A venue beloved by the locals is ‘The Parlour’, a tucked away and elegant drinking hole special to Frankfurt. Known as the ‘secret bar of the city’ this cocktail lounge creates weekly menus based on the bartenders’ expert suggestions giving this place not only an air of secrecy and exclusivity, but a unique drinking experience at premium prices.
If it’s a crowd you’re looking for and you feel up to dancing all night, then Tanzhaus West is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. Playing current electronic sets from Deep House to Techno (and more), the old warehouse consists of many rooms with different acts in each. The club is open until 5 AM and the cover is usually around €12.
Travel to Frankfurt can be done year-round. Frankfurt has a mild climate with moderate temperature changes. Summer is warm and wet. While winter can be cold, both seasons have attractions and qualities that will make you grateful you booked your cheap business class flight. In winter, you can enjoy not only the shops and museums, but ice skating at Eisporthalle or the Chrismas Market in front of Frankfurt’s town hall – the Römer, a truly magical experience for all ages. During the summer months, there are a number open air events and outdoor festivals with the Museum Embankment Festival attracting some 3 million visitors during August. As a business destination, flight and hotel prices remain fairly consistent year-round. Flight time from New York is 7 hours, from Los Angeles 11 hours, Toronto 7 hours, and from London Heathrow and Gatwick is about 1.5 hours. To travel from Australia, either Sydney or Darwin airport, varies from 23 to 24 hours flight time.
Frankfurt Airport (Frankfurt Flughafen) is one of the busiest airports in Europe with ever expanding runways and terminals allowing a high volume of flights from all over the world. Thankfully, this means that travel from the airport is a breeze with huge amounts of taxis, coaches, and the S-Bahn, ready to take you to your hotel. A taxi costs between €20 – €30 and the S-Bahn goes at usual rates of around €3 and arrive every 11 – 12 minutes ready to take you into the city.
Our experts at letsflycheaper.com have the experience and connections to find you cheap business class flights to Frankfurt. Contact us today!
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