Where to stay in Frankfurt? The 6 best areas and hotels 🇩🇪

Are you ready to join me on a virtual adventure in Germany’s financial capital? Then dive into this guide on where to stay in Frankfurt!

Read through this post, and you’ll find the 6 best neighborhoods to stay in as a tourist! I’ve put together different hotel options for each neighborhood, from luxury to mid-range to budget! And to make things even easier, I’ve sorted them all by price.

I’ve carefully researched all the accommodation options in the area and selected only the best of the best, so you can be sure you’re only getting the top-rated options for everyone (on any budget).

In short, the Altstadt is the best area to stay in Frankfurt because it has all the main attractions and incredible hotels! But if you’re looking for something different, scroll down a bit, and I’m sure you’ll find your favorite!

Frankfurt is a sought-after vacation spot, so I recommend booking your hotels here to secure your spot!

QUICK PICK FOR YOUR STAY

This list will help you quickly find all the hotels in Zentrum-Altstadt if you need to find accommodation in Frankfurt fast:

• 👉 Best luxury hotel- STEIGENBERGER FRANKFURTER
• 👉 Best price-performance ratio – MOTEL ONE FRANKFURT-Römer
• 👉 Best cheap accommodation in the center – THE NIU CHARLY

Watch this video, it will give you a visual explanation of all areas:

Keep scrolling for more information on the best places to stay in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

1. ZENTRUM-ALTSTADT (OLD TOWN) – FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS

There is no better place to start your vacation than the Zentrum-Altstadt, which is part of the larger city center that encompasses most of downtown Frankfurt.

This is the beating heart of Frankfurt and the place where you will find the most beautiful medieval buildings, the town square and a romantic atmosphere that prevails here!

Although the city was badly damaged during the Second World War, it has been successfully rebuilt and regained its medieval identity. Many of the buildings, especially in the Dom-Römer-Viertel (also known as Frankfurt’s New Old Town), have actually been rebuilt.

The Old Town is a great place to explore on foot, meaning most of the main tourist attractions are within walking distance, so you don’t have to waste time on transportation!

Get ready to delve deep into the city’s culture and past at the Frankfurt Historical Museum and admire magnificent Renaissance art at Frankfurt Cathedral.

These are just a few of the attractions, but be sure to explore the beautiful Römerberg with its lined half-timbered houses, St. Paul’s Church and the Old Nikolai Church.

As Frankfurt’s Old Town is located right on the banks of the Main, you’ll have great views of the water from the beautiful bridges, the Old Bridge (which is very old) and the Iron Footbridge (which is newer and a popular spot for romantic dates).

The Old Town is also where the Christmas Market takes place (and several other festivals throughout the year), so if you visit at this time, you’re in for a treat!

Keep in mind that space is limited in this area and prices are high, so book your accommodation as early as possible.

NOTE: If you plan to come to Frankfurt by car, keep in mind that parking in the Old Town is difficult and traffic could be a problem. There is also an environmental zone in Frankfurt, which you can only enter with an environmental badge.

BEST HOTELS NEAR THE ZENTRUMS-ALTSTADT

• 👉 LUXURY HOTEL – Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof

This is one of the best hotels in the city with an incredibly romantic interior, perfect for honeymooners! Enjoy your afternoon tea in the ViConsultar preciontage-designed restaurant or sip a glass of cider on the terrace while admiring the views of the city. It gets even better when you spend a relaxing day at the spa!

• 👉 MID-RANGE – MOTEL ONE FRANKFURT

Enjoy your stay in Frankfurt am Main in the modern rooms of this hotel, which is centrally located and has a bar.

ACTIVITIES IN THE ALTSTADT (CITY CENTER)

• Shopping for souvenirs at the traditional flea market on Römerplatz
• See an impressive art exhibition at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt
• Admire the architecture of St. Paul’s Church and Frankfurt Cathedral
• Have fun at the Museum of Comic Art
• Enjoy the sunrise from the Iron Footbridge
• Visit the Historical Museum Frankfurt
• Drink a coffee and see modern art at the Frankfurter Kunstverein
• Learn new things at the Museum of Modern Art

2. BAHNHOFSVIERTEL – WHERE TO LIVE NEAR THE STATION

Would you like to live in an area that is not only well connected to other parts of the city, but also to other countries? Then the Bahnhofsviertel is just right for you!

The district was named after Frankfurt’s main train station (Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof or HBF in German), which is located in the immediate vicinity. It’s the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the city’s nightlife and also travel to nearby countries such as Belgium or Luxembourg.

And if you don’t want to travel that far, you can use public transportation such as the metro and S-Bahn!

This neighborhood is a cultural melting pot with its streets lined with kiosks, kebab restaurants and cheap stores! If you want to try different cuisines, this is certainly the best place as there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from!

The Bahnhofsviertel in the west of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, used to be known as the red light district of Frankfurt, but has since changed a lot and turned into one of the coolest neighborhoods in Germany!

However, part of the red light district has been preserved, so you can still find numerous bars, taverns and casinos here, especially in Elbestraße (map) and Moselstraße(map).

Please note that if you’re a family on vacation or someone looking for a classy, upscale party scene, you may prefer to stay in a different neighborhood. There are (legal) brothels in the Bahnhofsviertel, which are not to everyone’s taste, and it can get a bit noisy at times.

If you’re looking for somewhere to start the evening, head to Roomers Bar(map) for a cocktail and take a pub crawl from there.

There aren’t that many museums, green spaces or sights here, but since the neighborhood is located on the banks of the Main River, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy the breathtaking views!

Now let’s take a look at the hotels here! Fortunately, this area is known for its many affordable accommodations:

The best hotels in the station district

• 👉 LUXURY HOTEL – Roomers

You’ll love coming back after a night of partying in the city and relaxing in the modern rooms of this luxury hotel in downtown Frankfurt! Definitely one of the best places to stay with a view of the city center and its skyscrapers! Drink your hangover on the terrace, or if you ask me, I would spend a whole day at the spa to relax!

• 👉 MID-RANGE – Scandic Museumsufer

Frankfurt’s top eco-friendly hotel with spacious rooms, organic breakfast, a bar and a fantastic city view.

• 👉 Cheap hotel – The niu Charly

This great hotel in the center of Frankfurt has bright rooms with private bathrooms and a terrace.

Things to do in the station district

• Party the night away in the city’s red light district
• Enjoy a delicious meal in the Kabuki restaurant(Map)
• Visit the office buildings in the banking district
• Go for a drink in the Roomers Bar(map) and enjoy the nightlife in Frankfurt
• Get on a train at Frankfurt Central Station
• Go up to the Main Tower and enjoy the view of the Galileo and Silver Tower skyscrapers

3. BORNHEIM & OSTEND – FOR SAVERS

Bornheim & Ostende is located 15 minutes from the city center by public transport and is a charming neighborhood with half-timbered houses, apple wine pubs and delicious German restaurants!

This area is fairly quiet and also offers a wider selection of budget hotels than the other neighborhoods in the center, making it ideal for families or those visiting Frankfurt on a budget.

Bornheim & Ostend is also home to Frankfurt Zoo, which was founded back in the 19th century! A place that children will definitely want to see! And if you’re looking for more fun attractions, visit the Frankfurt Ice Rink, a skating rink where you can play ice hockey, or the Ostpark or Günthersburgpark, which are perfect for a family day out!

While you’re here, you should also visit Berger Straße, the neighborhood’s main street, where you’ll find numerous cafés, restaurants and stores! Café Wacker Berger Straße(map) is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee!

For something more authentic, visit the city’s largest farmers’ market(map), which has been held every Thursday and Saturday since 1989!

If you want to spend some time in the city center and visit the historical sights, you can reach the old town from Berger Straße by subway or streetcar.

BEST HOTELS IN BORNHEIM & OSTEND

• 👉 LUXURY HOTEL – Best Western Premier

The hotel offers comfortable rooms where you can relax after a busy day and a private parking lot! After a long day in the city, you can enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant or have a drink at the in-house bar.

• 👉 MID-RANGE – Alexander am Zoo

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at this hotel, which offers family rooms, laundry facilities and parking.

• 👉 Cheap hotel – The niu Coin

One of the best hotels in Frankfurt, offering stylish rooms with TV and free Wi-Fi.

THINGS TO DO IN BORNHEIM

• Go shopping at the farmers’ market(map)
• Spend a whole day in the Ostpark
• Visit the European Central Bank
• Explore the Nordend-West district
• Have fun at the Dippemess fair(map)
• Delicious German dishes at Chairs
• Take your children to Frankfurt Zoo
• Take a look at the stores and cafés on Berger Strasse

4. WESTEND – THE BEST PLACE FOR FAMILIES

Are you traveling to Frankfurt with the whole family? Then you should check out this section!

This upscale neighborhood is only a 30-minute walk from the city center and offers plenty of parks, gardens and beautiful townhouses that will entice you to move here!

I find that this area is ideal for families as you are far enough away from the noise of downtown Frankfurt, but still within walking distance of all the major attractions in the city center. It’s also very safe here.

Prices are a little higher here, but there are some really great treasures, from apartments to boutique hotels! And don’t worry, I’ve added some affordable options too!

There are many parks in Westend where you can go for a walk with the family or have a picnic and spend a whole day. You should definitely visit the Palmengarten (PalmenGarten Frankfurt) and take the children to the Senckenberg Nature Museum!

Right on the border of this area is the Messe Frankfurt (congress center), the largest trade fair in the world (wow)! Almost 4 million people visited Messe Frankfurt last year! That’s a lot! If you don’t want to visit the city during one of these events (and there are many taking place throughout the year), I recommend checking the dates on the website to avoid the crowds!

Therefore, I highly recommend that if you plan to visit the fair, look for hotels in that area and book your hotel in advance for the event, as prices go up when something is happening at Messe Frankfurt! I’ve created a whole bonus for business travelers who are coming exclusively for this reason. Check it out below!

BEST HOTELS IN WESTEND

• 👉 LUXURY HOTEL – Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

The hotel offers stunning views of the city center and has everything you need for your trip, including a sauna and fitness center! Be sure to grab a bite to eat in the morning before you head out to see all the museums and attractions – the breakfast here is the best!

• 👉 MID-RANGE – Hotel Villa

Enjoy your stay in Frankfurt am Main in the comfortable rooms of this hotel and spend a relaxing morning in the garden.

• 👉 Cheap hotel – Aparthotel Adagio

The best budget hotel in the area, offering rooms with a small kitchen and washing machine.

THINGS TO DO IN WESTEND

• Children learn new things in the PalmenGarten Frankfurt
• Visit the Frankfurt exhibition grounds
• Family outing to the Natural History Museum
• Attend a performance at the opera
• Enjoy a family picnic in Rothschild Park
• Browse through the stores on Große Bockenheimer Straße
• Be impressed by the splendor of Deutsche Bank’s twin towers
• See the best gold pieces in Frankfurt at the Goldkammer Museum

5. SACHSENHAUSEN – WHERE TO LIVE TO EXPERIENCE THE LOCAL FLAIR

This district is located on the south side of the Main and consists of a mixture of old and new buildings. Here you feel like you’re constantly traveling back in time (even if you’re just crossing the street).

This neighborhood is known for its unique pubs where the locals are happy to serve you traditional apple wine and delicious German food (especially if you like meat).

NOTE: Although they share the same name, this neighborhood should not be confused with Sachsenhausen, the concentration camp in Oranienburg, Germany.

Just like the Bahnhofsviertel (the area in section 2 of the post), this neighborhood is also very entertaining and ideal for anyone looking to enjoy Frankfurt’s nightlife! Hopper’s cocktail bar(map) is a great place to start the night!

If you want to go for long walks at sunset, the district has a cycling and walking path along the Frankfurt Main, perfect for an afternoon stroll. The sights here are spectacular!

I hope you’re not too drunk on cider and fancy a visit to a museum on the Museumsufer. The Liebieghaus, the Städel Museum and the German Film Museum are just some of the great museums you’ll find on the banks of the Main!

NOTE: If you plan to visit many museums during your visit to this city, I recommend the Museumsufer-Ticket, which gives you access to 39 museums!

BEST HOTELS IN SACHSENHAUSEN

• 👉 LUXURY HOTEL – Lindner Hotel Frankfurt

You will love the bright rooms of this hotel! The views of the city are incredible and the suites offer plenty of space! At the accommodation you will also find a spa center where you can relax after or before your day trip, a restaurant and an indoor swimming pool.

• 👉 MID-RANGE – Star Apart Hotel

Enjoy the views of the city from this mid-range hotel, which offers breakfast and is close to most tourist attractions.

• 👉 Cheap hotel – The Blasky

Hire bikes and explore the city from this hotel, which has comfortable rooms and a terrace.

WHAT YOU CAN DO IN SACHSENHAUSEN

• Visit all the medieval taverns and drink cider
• Learn something new at the Museum of Applied Arts
• Find out more about cinema at the Deutsches Filmmuseum
• Eat a traditional German dish at Kanonesteppel
• Explore the shopping opportunities on Schweizer Strasse
• Visit the Städel Museum in Sachsenhausen

6. GALLUSVIERTEL & GUTLEUTVIERTEL – FOR THE URBAN ATMOSPHERE

Do you love city life and exploring bustling streets full of modern office buildings and lots of local charm?

Then you’ll love this place! I grouped these two neighborhoods together because they are right next to each other and literally have the same vibe! Plus, there are some really cheap hotels in both neighborhoods!

The Gallusviertel (also known as Gallus) is a former industrial area known for its Tower 185 skyscraper(map) with a restaurant at the top. The district is full of converted warehouses and factories that have been turned into music stages and theaters.

If you want to see a live show, visit The Bed(map), a live music venue that hosts many events!

Frankfurt Central Station is also located between the Gallusviertel and the Gutleutviertel, which is perfect for day trips!

The Gutleutviertel is located on the banks of the Main and has the same urban atmosphere! The streets are lined with modern office buildings and a few restaurants and bars.

BEST HOTELS IN THE GALLUSVIERTEL & GUTLEUTVIERTEL

• 👉 LUXURY HOTEL – Nhow Frankfurt

Wake up to a breathtaking view of the city in the rooms of this hotel, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and an unusual design! The accommodation also offers 2 restaurants, a bar and a fitness center.

• 👉 MID-RANGE – Hampton by Hilton

Simple, but well equipped! This place has family rooms and a terrace.

• 👉 Cheap hotel – Holiday Inn Express

An affordable hotel that offers free breakfast and a private parking lot.

BONUS 1: THE BEST HOTELS NEAR FRANKFURT AIRPORT

Whether you have a layover or an early flight, it’s definitely better to stay in a hotel near Frankfurt Airport, which is located in the Frankfurt am Main South district, so you’ll be close by and get a good night’s sleep too!

Since the city’s airport is huge and is one of the main international airports in Germany, I figured I should do a bonus with some of the best hotels nearby! That way you’re all taken care of and only have to decide on a hotel!

Here are my top recommendations for hotels near Frankfurt Airport:

• Luxury: 👉 Hilton Frankfurt Airport – Located in close proximity to Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1, this hotel offers first-class services, including a modernized gym, a business center and rooms with a bathtub where you can relax between flights. Start your morning with breakfast in your room or on the first floor!
• Middle class: 👉 Steigenberger Airport Hotel – another great hotel less than a mile from the airport that offers a free shuttle bus for all guests! Here you can relax in the sauna, swim in the pool, work out in the gym and grab a bite to eat in one of the 3 on-site restaurants.
• Cheap: 👉 Hampton By Hilton – the perfect affordable accommodation just 1 km (0.6 miles) from the airport! During your stay at this hotel, you’ll have access to an airport shuttle and also receive a complimentary breakfast. The accommodation also has a fitness room, a bar and coffee machines in each of the comfortable rooms!

BONUS 2: WHERE TO STAY OVERNIGHT ON BUSINESS IN FRANKFURT

Known as the financial center of Germany and home to one of the largest trade fairs in the world (Messe Frankfurt), this city is a hotspot for business travelers!

Around 60,000 conferences are held in Frankfurt every year, so it can get very busy here! That’s why I recommend booking these hotels in advance, especially if you know the dates of your event well in advance!

Since many of you will be visiting this city for this reason alone, I thought I’d add a bonus with some of the best hotels in Frankfurt for business travelers. These places are either in close proximity to Messe Frankfurt or have facilities you might need, like a business center. So let’s take a look at them:

• Luxury: 👉 Capri by Fraser – Just a 3-minute walk from Messe Frankfurt (you can be there in a minute without wasting time on public transport), this hotel offers comfortable rooms where you can relax after a day at events, a business center and fax and photocopying facilities.
• Middle class: 👉 LyvInn Hotel Frankfurt Messe – Enjoy a delicious (complimentary) breakfast before your event or business meeting at this hotel, just a 10-minute walk from Messe Frankfurt. The accommodation has a 24-hour reception, a restaurant and soundproofed rooms so you can get a good night’s sleep before your big day!
• Cheap: 👉 Citadines City Centre – the perfect place for those attending a conference at Messe Frankfurt (which is just a short walk away – less than 10 minutes)! The accommodation also has a business center with fax and photocopying facilities, a sun terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCOMMODATION IN FRANKFURT

CONCLUSION

Yay, you’ve made it to the end of this Frankfurt neighborhood guide! Congratulations!

I hope this post about accommodation in Frankfurt has helped you decide which areas are best for you and which hotel you should choose!

Remember that this German city is very popular and the best hotels are always booked up first! So make sure you secure a place early.

• 👉 Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof – one of the most unique hotels with vintage decor and spa center
• 👉 Motel One Frankfurt-Römer – a beautiful hotel in Frankfurt that offers a bar

Have a great trip to the economic capital of Germany, take pictures of all the skyscrapers in the city center and get drunk on cider! You’ll be so glad you decided to take this trip!

Leave a comment if you have any questions about Frankfurt’s neighborhoods or would like to share something with our readers!

RELATED ARTICLES

Where to stay in Mykonos: Best areas and hotels 🇬🇷

Where to stay in Corfu? – All inclusive hotels in Corfu 🇬🇷