Where to Stay in Frankfurt: Local’s Guide to Top Areas + Hotels

While Germany's cities often resemble fairy tale settings with their charming cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and quaint town squares, Frankfurt stands out from the rest.

Not only is Frankfurt Germany's business and finance capital, but it's also the only city with a proper skyline. But don't worry, despite its reputation, Frankfurt offers plenty of things to do and explore.

Growing up, I lived in a small town 40 minutes from Frankfurt and after university, Frankfurt was the first city I lived in my own apartment when I had my first proper grown-up job.

Frankfurt is somewhat home and since my family is still close, I often visit even after having moved across the world to the Gold Coast, Australia. I've seen the city in all seasons and would say I know a thing or two about the different areas to live and stay in as a tourist.

Thanks to its massive international airport, Frankfurt serves as one of Europe's gateways and makes it super convenient for overseas travelers who want to experience Germany and all its popular places like nearby Heidelberg.

To prove that Frankfurt is more than just a business hub or a layover destination, I've put together a full guide on where to stay in Frankfurt, where I share my favorite areas and hotels through my local eyes.

Best areas to stay in Frankfurt

When it comes to Frankfurt, there are quite a few areas and neighborhoods to choose from. Don't worry, I've got you covered with my personal favorites:

For first-timers in Frankfurt, you probably want to stay around the City Center, also known as the ‘Zentrum' or Altstadt (Old Town). It's the perfect spot for sightseeing, finding great hotels, the main shopping street and enjoying delicious meals. Plus, it's close to the river Main.

If you're looking for an authentic local experience, Sachsenhausen on the south side of the Main River is the place to be. You will find some awesome nightlife here too around ‘Kleine Rittergasse' and the area around ‘Schweizer Platz' is well known for its bars serving the famous apple wine.

Couples and families with kids will both be happy staying in the neighborhoods Bornheim and Ostend. It's on the east side of the city center and offers some pretty sweet deals on accommodation and activities. Here you're close to the Frankfurt Zoo and Hafenpark, which is a public park with a skatepark, volleyball and lots of green areas. You'll find some cool events held here too.

Another great area for families as well as business travelers is Westend. It's just far enough from the busy city center to relax and unwind, but close enough to join in on all the action. The neighborhood is characterized by large alleys with old historic buildings and the old opera house is close, so is the congress and exhibition centre.

If you're on a budget but don't want to miss out on great nightlife while still being close to all the sights of the city centre, along with plenty of culturally diverse restaurants and bars, stay within Bahnhofsviertel. As the red light district of Frankfurt, it is still a rather grungy part of town, however, it is close to the central train station, making it a convenient area to stay for a quick visit.

1. Where to stay in Frankfurt for the first time: Altstadt (City Centre/Old Town)

From the outside, Frankfurt doesn't look like those fairytale cities in Germany because of its massive skyline with tall buildings, but I guess that's not entirely true.

The Old Town/Altstadt of Frankfurt, right in the city center, actually has that cute little look with charming old architectural houses, and it's absolutely beautiful. It may not be as big as other cities in Germany, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

When you stay in the city center, everything is within walking distance. You'll find plenty of great restaurants and museums here, and it's super easy to get to them.

As for accommodation, the city center can be a bit pricier with lots of luxury hotels, but don't worry, there are also more affordable options available.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Central location

• Luxury hotels

• Shopping

• Cobblestone streets

Things to do in Frankfurt City Centre

The city center of Frankfurt is bursting with old buildings, museums, and other cool things, offering many fun activities to enjoy.

One of my absolute favorites is paying a visit to Römerberg, a beautiful cobbled town square that is surrounded by reconstructed traditional German timber houses and is also the residence of a museum and a Gothic church (Nikolaikirche).

Visit the nearby Frankfurt Cathedral, I recommend climbing up for some great views! Also nearby is St. Paul's Church, a former Protestant church that now stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy in Germany.

You should also check out the Museum of Modern Art and the Historic Museum of Frankfurt for some interesting insights into the city's history and culture. 

For shopping, head to ‘Zeil', Frankfurt's main shopping street which is all pedestrianized and has plenty of popular stores to keep you busy all day long.

After a long day of sightseeing, grab a bite to eat at the famous Paulaner am Dom restaurant for some delicious traditional German food.

Best hotels to stay in Frankfurt City Centre

($$$) The Westin Grand Frankfurt

The Westin Grand Frankfurt, situated on the corner of Zeil shopping street in central Frankfurt, offers spacious and air-conditioned rooms, three restaurants, a 24-hour gym, and free Wi-Fi. As possibly the best luxury hotel in the CBD, it provides a convenient and comfortable stay, complemented by proximity to public transportation and on-site parking.

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($$) Avani Frankfurt City Hotel

Located in the heart of Frankfurt, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms, a great breakfast buffet, and a fantastic lobby area with several lounging areas.

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($$) Moxy Frankfurt City Center

One of my favorite hotels in Frankfurt, I've stayed at Moxy with my girlfriend for a catch-up and we both loved the stylish yet affordable rooms and the fun and unique design. Plus, the hotel is in a great location in the city center, walking distance to all the sights.

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($) Motel One Frankfurt-Römer

For budget-conscious travelers, Motel One offers comfortable and stylish rooms with a great location right next to Römerberg Square. You can easily walk to most of the city's main attractions from here.

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2. Where to stay in Frankfurt for apple wine bars & an authentic atmosphere: Sachsenhausen

If you want to experience the true local vibe of Frankfurt, then Sachsenhausen is the perfect area for you. This is where I lived when I got my first real job and I absolutely loved it here

Staying around Sachsenhausen as a tourist, you'll love the authentic and historic charm with narrow streets lined with old buildings, all while being close to the river Main. It's also known for its many apple wine taverns where you can try some delicious local food and drinks.

Sachsenhausen is located on the south side of the Main River, and you can easily cross the iron footbridge (Eiserner Steg) and get right into Altstadt Frankfurt in no time. It's also well-connected by public transportation.

Staying here is ideal for those who have visited Frankfurt before, as it offers a slightly removed feel from the main tourist spots.

The hotels in Sachsenhausen are also a bit more limited than in the city center, but you definitely have some great options and some super cool boutique hotels here as well.

Best area for:

• Local atmosphere

• Traditional charm

• Apple wine taverns

• Young lively nightlife

• Accessible by public transportation

Things to do in Sachsenhausen

Start by taking a stroll along the Main River and enjoying the beautiful views of Frankfurt's skyline.

Then, make your way into the district and explore its many apple wine taverns. My personal favorite is Apfelwein Wagner, where you can get traditional dishes like schnitzel and, of course, drink apple wine.

For a bit of art, visit the Städel Museum, which houses a large collection of European art from the 14th century to the present. Another one of my favorites is the German Film Museum, where you can learn about the history of film and even try out some interactive exhibits.

And of course, I also have some hot tips for all the foodies out there. A super cool local spot is definitely Lokalbahnhof, which offers great burgers and steaks and has a fantastic beer garden for sunny days.

Another spot for good traditional German food is one of my personal favorites, Ebbelwoi Unser, which serves up delicious apple wine and hearty dishes.

Best hotels to stay in Sachsenhausen

($$$) Lindner Hotel Frankfurt Main Plaza

My top luxury option in Sachsenhausen is the Lindner Hotel, which features a super stylish bar offering amazing views of the city. It also boasts spacious and stylish rooms, as well as an on-site restaurant and a swimming pool.

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($$) Star Apart Hotel

My mid-range pick in Sachsenhausen is the Star Apart Hotel, which offers modern and comfortable apartments with kitchenettes. It is also conveniently located near public transportation and has a great breakfast buffet.

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($) The Blasky

If you don't want to break the bank, check out The Blasky, a cozy and modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a great breakfast included. It's also located right in the heart of Sachsenhausen.

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3. Where to stay in Frankfurt for couples and families with kids: Bornheim and Ostend

If you're traveling as a couple or with kids, both the city centre and Sachsenhausen could be a great pick, but if you like things a little quieter and homier, Bornheim might be your better pick.

Bornheim especially has a small-town feel within a big city and offers a more local and authentic feel compared to the touristy city center, which I really appreciate. It is in my eyes one of the coolest and hippest parts of Frankfurt.

Staying here, you'll be close to Frankfurt Zoo, which is great for families. The location has excellent access to public transportation, facilitating convenient exploration of various areas within Frankfurt.

Because it is not as touristy, hotel options here are a little limited, but the ones you can find are significantly cheaper than in the city center.

Best area for:

• Families and couples

• Budget travelers

• Local experience

• Accessible by public transportation

Things to do in Bornheim and Ostend

Bornheim and Ostend may not have as many tourist attractions as other areas, but there are still some great things to do here.

One of my favorites is visiting Berger Strasse, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a great place to grab a delicious meal or do some boutique shopping.

If you're looking for outdoor activities, head to Grüneburgpark. It's a beautiful park perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. Plus, it offers stunning views of Frankfurt.

If you're in Ostend, Hafenpark is my pick for strolls along the water, marveling at the huge tower of the European Central Bank and Frankfurt skyline, or sending the kids off to the skatepark.

And I can't forget to mention my absolute favorite cafe in Bornheim – Cafe Lieblingsnachbar! It's such a fantastic spot to satisfy your coffee cravings, indulge in a delightful lunch, or treat yourself to a mouthwatering homemade piece of cake. It's definitely a must-visit if you're into slow mornings and good coffee!

If you're here with your other half, I recommend you book yourself a table at Oosten Restaurant to have a unique dining experience within an industrial-chic setting and stunning views overlooking the River Main.

Best hotels to stay in Bornheim and Ostend

($$$) Innside

Located in the heart of the Bornheim district, this stylish luxury hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great on-site restaurant and bar. On top, it's just a short walk away from Berger Strasse.

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($$) Hampton

This hotel offers modern and spacious rooms, as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet. It's just a short walk from the Ostbahnhof train station, making it easy to get around Frankfurt.

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($) Scandic Frankfurt Hafenpark

A more affordable option is this eco-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet. It's also conveniently located near the Ostbahnhof train station.

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4. Where to stay in Frankfurt for business travelers: Westend

If you're traveling on business, Westend is the perfect area to stay in Frankfurt. It's also a good area to stay as a family with children as it's close to the city centre and Old Town but not right in it.

It's a peaceful and safe neighborhood with plenty of green spaces and activities for kids. I really love the whole area because it has more of a residential vibe.

So, if you're looking to explore the main tourist areas, it's not too far away. From Westend, it's only a few footsteps to the famous Old Opera House.

Westend is also where you will find the Frankfurt Messe which is the city's convention center with events happening year-round, making it convenient for business travelers.

The hotels here may be a bit on the pricey side, but you'll get great German quality accommodation with the Marriott Hotel and other fantastic options listed below.

Best area for:

• Business travelers

• Families with children

• Peaceful and safe neighborhood

• Close to main tourist areas

Things to do in Frankfurt Westend

Westend offers plenty of activities for families. Start by visiting Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden with different themed sections, a playground, and even a small petting zoo. It's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon

For some cultural activities, check out the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, which offers educational and fun experiences for kids.

Another super fun activity for kids is the Experiminta Science Center, where they can learn and play with different scientific experiments.

And when you're getting hungry after a long day of museums and exploring the city, your go-to spot should be Noodlemaker, which is a must-visit for families. It serves up delicious noodles.

Best hotels to stay in Frankfurt Westend

($$$) Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

My favorite luxury option in Westend is this well-known hotel chain. It offers spacious and modern rooms, as well as a fitness center and on-site restaurant.

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($$) Meliá Frankfurt City

A great mid-range hotel in Westend is definitely the Meliá Frankfurt City. It offers stylish rooms, a great location, a spa and wellness center, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar.

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($) NH Frankfurt Messe

A fantastic budget alternative is the NH Frankfurt Messe, located just a short walk away from the Convention Centre, Palmengarten and the Senckenberg Museum. It offers comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet to start your day off right.

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5. Where to stay in Frankfurt for budget travelers and nightlife: Bahnhofsviertel (Main Station District)

For budget-conscious travelers in Frankfurt, Bahnhofsviertel is the ideal choice; this formerly gritty neighborhood is undergoing a transformation and slowly becoming a more hip part of town.

If you're looking for a fun night out, you will find cool bars, restaurants, and nightclubs and the Frankfurt City Center is still within walking distance too.

The people here are a colorful mix of all nationalities and you will find some diverse restaurants serving up food from all corners of the world.

Known as Frankfurt's red light district, accommodation is typically a little cheaper than the City Centre. Staying here, you're also close to the central train station, making it a convenient location to stay for a quick visit or transit stay. I've often taken the train to my friend's house in Cologne for the weekend. You can find really good deals for around EUR30 from Frankfurt Central Station to the heart of Cologne in about 1.5 hours with the high-speed ICE.

Additionally, the S Bahn will get you to Frankfurt Airport within 20 minutes.

Best area for:

• Budget travelers

• Grungy nightlife

• International food

• Cheaper accommodation

Things to do in Frankfurt Bahnhofsviertel

When it comes to tourist attractions in Bahnhofviertel, my absolute highlight is making your way up the 54 levels to the observatory deck of the Main Tower. The view over Frankfurt and its surroundings is simply breathtaking!

But the real reason you'll love staying here is the vibrant and international bars and food scene. I've got you covered with some top picks for great food and drinks.

First up, O'Reilly's Irish Pub. It's got a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and mouthwatering pub grub. 

Now, let me tell you about another spot in Frankfurt called ‘Im Herzen Afrikas‘, which translates to ‘In the heart of Africa'. It's an Eritrean restaurant with a fantastic themed ambiance.

Some parts of the restaurant even have sand on the ground, while others make you feel like you're sitting in a little hut somewhere in Africa. It's a whole experience and a fun dinner adventure that I recommend.

From Bahnhofsviertel, I also like strolling down to Mainwesthafen/Gutleutviertel, known for its modern architecture, residential complexes right on the River Main, and scenic waterfront views. A great restaurant here is L'Osteria.

Best hotels to stay in Bahnhofsviertel

($$$) Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt City Centre

Located right in the heart of Bahnhofsviertel, this hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms with a great on-site bar. It's also just a short walk from the main Frankfurt central station, which makes it super convenient as well.

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($$) Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer

This eco-friendly hotel not only has stylish and spacious rooms, but it also offers a delicious breakfast buffet and a great location in Bahnhofsviertel. 

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($) Holiday Inn Frankfurt

If you don't want to break the bank then the Holiday Inn is a great budget hotel. It offers comfortable rooms and a central location, perfect for exploring Bahnhofsviertel's nightlife.

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Where to stay in Frankfurt – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 What is the main area/city centre of Frankfurt?

The main area and city center of Frankfurt is typically considered to be the Innenstadt, encompassing the central business district, the historic square at the heart of the Old Town, and major retail areas like the Zeil Shopping Street. The Innenstadt is characterized by its modern skyline, financial institutions, and vibrant urban atmosphere.

🏙️ What is the best area to stay in Frankfurt?

In my humble opinion, the best area to stay in Frankfurt for most people is the City Centre around Zeil and next door's Old Town/Altstadt around Römer. These areas offer easy access to popular attractions, great hotels, and delicious dining options. Additionally, it's conveniently located across the river from Sachsenhausen, where you'll find even more amazing dinner and nightlife options. Not to mention, the Frankfurt main train station is also situated close, providing you with excellent access to the rest of Europe.

🎭 What is there to do in Frankfurt?

Frankfurt offers many cool things to do. Some popular attractions include exploring the historic Old Town area around Römerberg, visiting the Frankfurt Cathedral and St. Paul's Church, shopping on the Zeil and checking out some of the city's best museums such as the Goethe House and Senckenberg Museum.

🚗 Do I need a car in Frankfurt?

While a car in Frankfurt is convenient for exploring nearby areas, it's unnecessary due to the city's excellent public transportation, including buses, trams, and trains. Most popular tourist attractions in the City Centre are within walking distance, making it a walkable and accessible city, saving money on rental fees unless planning day trips outside the city.

🏠 Can I stay in a local area in Frankfurt?

Absolutely! Staying in a local area like Sachsenhausen or Bornheim can give you a more authentic experience of the city. You can immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere, try local food and drinks, and interact with locals. Plus, both areas are still well-connected to the main tourist spots via public transportation.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt – Final Words

After exploring the different areas and strolling through the peaceful streets of Frankfurt, you'll quickly understand why Germany's financial capital is kinda flying under the radar.

Wrapped in the shiny facade of skyscrapers housing financial institutions but within its core, you can find distinctive neighborhoods that embrace culture, historic attractions, culinary diversity, the unique apple wine, and a multicultural population. It's no surprise I felt so at home living here.

Whether you're here to soak up the culture in Altstadt Frankfurt, find budget-friendly spots in Bahnhofsviertel, enjoy family fun in Ostend, or embrace the authentic vibes in Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt effortlessly blends traditional charm with bustling modern life.

I am personally a big fan of Frankfurt and am always eager to share my insights and recommendations with you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need any more tips or advice.