Where to Stay in Frankfurt: Best Areas & Hotels

Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BCE, Frankfurt am Main may only be the fifth-largest city in Germany, but it’s Europe’s financial capital. Known as “Mainhattan,” Hesse’s capital is known for its collection of shiny skyscrapers among renovated medieval buildings. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Frankfurt, you have come to the right place.

Accommodation Options in Frankfurt

Home to one of the busiest airports in the world, Frankfurt is one of the main gateways to Europe. Additionally, its many attractions and status as a major business travel destination make Frankfurt one of the most visited places in Germany. As such, the city has a fair share of modern hotels for all tastes and budgets. In recent years, the Old Town has seen a surge in boutique accommodation.

Many of Frankfurt’s best-known sights are clustered in the city center. Examples include the Römerberg, a historic square surrounded by reconstructed timber-frame houses and the iconic Römer town hall. Nearby, the Zeil shopping street and the towering Main Tower offer a contrast of modern commerce and panoramic views. Across the river, the southern bank is home to the city’s top museums and quieter residential quarters.

Although it’s a global financial center, Frankfurt is also compact enough to explore on foot. Its public transport system—made up of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses—is efficient and far-reaching.

It doesn’t matter if you visit Frankfurt on a business trip, for shopping, or culture. Keep reading this article to learn more about the best places to stay in Frankfurt am Main.

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What’s the best area to stay in Frankfurt, Germany?

Unsurprisingly, the best area to stay in Frankfurt is the City Center, especially if you’re a first-time visitor or a business traveler. Frankfurt’s city center comprises the Old Town (Altstadt), the Central Business District, and the Central Station Quarter. Central Frankfurt is also where some of the best-rated hotels in town are located.

Find available accommodation in Frankfurt City Center.

Best Hotels in Central Frankfurt am Main

• Best five-star hotel: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
• Best four-star hotel: NH Collection Frankfurt City
• Best three-star hotel: Motel One Frankfurt-Römer
• Best budget hotel: Hotel Hübler
• Best B&B/guest house: B&B My Place
• Best hostel: Jugendherberge Frankfurt – Haus der Jugend
• Best serviced apartments: Studiohouse Frankfurt

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Where to Stay in Frankfurt for Sightseeing

As mentioned above, the City Center is the best location for tourists in Frankfurt. That said, central Frankfurt is made up of many different quarters, and some of the attractions can be found in other areas. These are some of the most interesting Frankfurt districts:

• Home to the historic Frankfurter Römer, Alte Nikolaikirche, Historisches Museum Frankfurt and the Cathedral, the Zentrum-Altstadt district is Frankfurt’s quaint Old Town. Some of the best properties in this charming quarter include the Hotel Schopenhauer Hof and the boutique Motel One Frankfurt-Römer.
• A five-minute walk from the Old Town and centered around the Zeil shopping street, Innenstadt is Frankfurt’s main business district. This busy commercial area is home to some of the city’s best hotels, including the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera, JW Marriott Frankfurt Hotel, and Moxy Frankfurt City Center.
• Bahnhofsviertel, Frankfurt’s central railway station quarter, is probably the Frankfurt area with the broadest accommodation offer. Some great hotels include the AMERON Frankfurt Neckarvillen Boutique and the Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer.
• Known for its many museums, including the Städel Museum, the Museum of World Cultures, and the German Film Museum, Sachsenhausen is one of the best areas to stay in Frankfurt for culture seekers. Some great boutique options in this Frankfurt quarter include The Blasky and Libertine Lindenberg.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Frankfurt: District by District

Home to many historic landmarks, quaint squares and gothic churches, Zentrum-Altstadt, Frankfurt’s Old Town, also hosts many of the city’s best hotels.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Heart of the city
• Best area for sightseeing
• Römerberg
• Great public transport connections
• Gothic architecture
• Walking distance to most attractions
• Great for leisure and business travelers

Without a doubt, Zentrum-Altstadt is one of the best areas to stay in Frankfurt, Germany.

The name of this district translates to City Center–Old Town, which sums up its location and importance. Located in the heart of Frankfurt, Zentrum-Altstadt covers less than one square kilometer, yet it packs in some of the city’s most essential landmarks. Its current layout closely follows the footprint of the original walled medieval town.

At the core of the neighborhood lies Römerberg, Frankfurt’s administrative center since the 15th century. It was heavily damaged during World War II, but many historic buildings have been painstakingly reconstructed. Today, the square regularly hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal markets, including the city’s famous Christmas market.

Not far lies Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom St. Bartholomäus), a striking Gothic cathedral. You can climb the bell tower for panoramic views over the city. Other noteworthy attractions in the Altstadt include the Historisches Museum Frankfurt, which explores the city’s evolution. Meanwhile, the Old St. Nicholas Church, with its red sandstone façade, is another surviving Gothic building, and the Neue Altstadt, completed in 2018, is home to independent shops, cafés, and art galleries in medieval-style alleys.

One of Zentrum-Altstadt’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to get around. The district is served by multiple metro (U-Bahn) and tram lines, including U-Bahn stations like Dom/Römer (lines U4 and U5) and Willy-Brandt-Platz (lines U1, U2, U3, and U8). These stations also connect to important tram routes such as lines 11 and 12. It’s just a short ride or walk from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), the city’s main rail hub.

Accommodation prices here are typically higher than in other areas, but staying in the Altstadt is well worth the splurge for travelers who prioritize location and convenience.

Best Hotels in Zentrum-Altstadt

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Home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe, Frankfurt’s Financial District is a dynamic business and commercial area packed with shopping areas and some of the best hotels in the city.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Very central location
• Modern architecture
• Zeil shopping streeet
• Close to the Old Town and the Central Station
• Best area for business travelers
• Walking distance to most attractions
• Impressive selection of luxury & business hotels

Innenstadt, literally “inner city,” is a central Frankfurt district located directly north of the Altstadt. Historically, it formed part of the original walled city of Frankfurt, and today it serves as the city’s commercial and financial core.

While Altstadt is known for its medieval architecture and reconstructed historic squares, Innenstadt stands out for its modern skyline. This area is packed with tall office buildings and high-rise towers, some of which rank among the tallest in Germany and Europe.

The most prominent of these is the Commerzbank Tower, rising 259 meters (850 feet) over Frankfurt. Completed in the early 1990s, it remains the tallest building in Germany. Other significant skyscrapers in the district include the Main Tower (200 m / 656 ft), which features a public viewing platform, Taunusturm (170 m / 558 ft), and the Eurotower (148 m / 486 ft), which once housed the headquarters of the European Central Bank.

But Innenstadt isn’t just about finance. It’s also a major shopping and entertainment hub. The district is home to several of the city’s top department stores and malls. Its main commercial artery is Zeil, a bustling pedestrian street lined with international retail brands, local shops, and a wide range of restaurants. Several of the best hotels in Frankfurt are located in this area, making it a convenient base for business and leisure travelers.

Cultural and historical highlights are scattered throughout the neighborhood. You’ll find charming tree-lined squares like Hauptwache and Konstablerwache, both of which serve as busy transportation hubs and social gathering spots. There’s also the elegant Old Opera House (Alte Oper), now used for concerts and events, and Eschenheimer Tor, a rare surviving medieval watchtower that marks the edge of the old city walls.

Getting around is straightforward. Innenstadt is very walkable, and public transport access is excellent. Major stations in the area include Hauptwache (U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, U8, S1–S6, S8–S9) and Konstablerwache (U4, U5, U6, U7, S1–S6, S8–S9), offering quick connections across Frankfurt and to nearby towns. The Altstadt and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) are within walking distance, making Innenstadt an especially convenient area.

Best Hotels in Frankfurt’s Financial District

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Home to the city’s trade fair and several family-friendly attractions, Westend is a recommended area to stay in Frankfurt for a business trip and those traveling with children.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Good transport connections
• Messe Frankfurt makes it the best area for trade fairs
• Best area to stay in Frankfurt with kids
• Naturmuseum Senckenberg
• Palmengarten
• Upscale area
• Wide variety of hotels

As its name implies, Frankfurt’s Westend district is located west of the city center. While it’s officially split into Westend-Süd and Westend-Nord, most locals refer to it simply as “Westend.”

Known for its elegant streets and grand 19th-century buildings, Westend has long been one of Frankfurt’s most upscale neighborhoods. Together with Bahnhofsviertel, Nordend, and Ostend, it forms part of Frankfurt’s inner-city ring. Historically residential, it maintained a low-density, villa-like character until the 1950s. That began to change in the 1960s, when high-rise office towers started going up—especially around Opernplatz.

Despite this wave of development, Westend has kept much of its residential charm. It stands out for its quiet atmosphere, green spaces, and livability. For those traveling with kids, Westend is home to several family-friendly attractions.

For example, the Naturmuseum Senckenberg features one of Germany’s largest natural history collections, including life-size dinosaur skeletons. Just a short walk away is the Experimenta ScienceCenter, with hands-on exhibits focused on physics and technology. And the Palmengarten, a 19th-century botanical garden, offers lush greenhouses, lakes, and picnic areas.

Furthermore, the Frankfurt Botanical Garden and Grüneburgpark make this district one of the greenest in Frankfurt City Center.

Westend is also home to Goethe University Frankfurt, one of Germany’s top public research institutions. Its main campus is in the IG Farben Building, a striking example of early modernist architecture completed in 1930.

On the district’s western edge lies Messe Frankfurt, one of the largest trade fair venues in the world. Hosting around 250 trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences annually, it plays an important role in the city’s economy and brings in international business travelers year-round.

For visitors, Westend offers a calm and elegant alternative to busier central neighborhoods. But despite its peaceful vibe, the area is very well connected: U-Bahn stations like Westend (U6, U7) and Bockenheimer Warte (U4, U6, U7) provide quick access to Altstadt, Innenstadt, and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.

Best Hotels in Westend (Frankfurt)

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Located on the south bank of the Main River in central Frankfurt, the Sachsenhausen district is one of the most interesting in the city.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Fairly central location
• Cider taverns and local restaurants
• Museumsufer
• Best area in Frankfurt for culture lovers
• Südbahnhof
• Well-connected by public transport
• Many mid-range & budget hotels

Located just south of the Main River, Sachsenhausen is one of Frankfurt’s largest districts. It’s divided into two sections—Sachsenhausen-Nord, which borders the river and includes many of the area’s main sights, and Sachsenhausen-Süd, a more residential and green area further south.

On the district’s northern end, Alt-Sachsenhausen attracts travelers year-round thanks to its dense cluster of traditional Apfelwein (apple cider) taverns and restaurants serving hearty Hessian cuisine. The cobblestone alleys and half-timbered buildings give it an old-world feel, especially in the evening when the taverns fill up.

Sachsenhausen is also home to some of Frankfurt’s most important cultural institutions. Many are located along the Museumsufer, a leafy riverfront promenade lined with museums and galleries. Key highlights include the Städel Museum (one of Germany’s most respected art museums), the German Film Museum, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum for Communication Frankfurt, and the Icons Museum.

A few blocks south of Museumsufer lies Frankfurt Südbahnhof (South Station). This key transportation hub offers U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram lines, plus regional and long-distance trains, including high-speed ICE services to cities across Germany.

Connecting Südbahnhof and the riverfront is Schweizer Straße, one of the liveliest streets in the area. Lined with boutiques, cafés, bars, and restaurants, it’s a great place to experience the local rhythm of daily life.

The southern end of Sachsenhausen is much quieter, featuring low-rise residential neighborhoods and large wooded parks, making it ideal for a more relaxed stay. It’s also well connected to the rest of Frankfurt by S-Bahn and bus routes.

Best Hotels in Sachsenhausen (Frankfurt)

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Home to Frankfurt’s Central Railway Station, Bahnhofsviertel offers the widest variety of accommodation in town.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Very central location
• Frankfurt Central Railway Station
• Excellent public transport connections
• Modern architecture
• Cheap restaurants
• Wide variety of hotels

Literally the “train station quarter,” Bahnhofsviertel is one of Frankfurt’s most vibrant districts.

Located just east of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main train station, this neighborhood offers connectivity and a unique mix of grit, business, and nightlife. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, opened in 1888, is the busiest rail hub in Frankfurt and the second-busiest railway station in Germany. It provides regional, intercity, and international train connections, including direct services to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Zurich.

Thanks to this central location, the Bahnhofsviertel has become an important part of Frankfurt’s Central Business District. In addition to offices and banks, it features several notable skyscrapers, such as the Silberturm, the Gallileo Tower, and Skyper on Taunusstraße. One historic highlight is the Union Building on Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße, completed in 1931 as Frankfurt’s first true high-rise.

A business hub during the day, Bahnhofsviertel has a very different reputation when the sun goes down, when streets like Kaiserstraße and Taunusstraße become the city’s red-light district. Lined with adult cinemas, gambling halls, and nightclubs, the area draws a mix of late-night revelers, but it can also feel sketchy—especially late at night.

That said, Bahnhofsviertel is generally safe during the day, and its central location makes it a convenient base for travelers—particularly those arriving or departing by train. Just use common sense, stick to main streets, and avoid isolated corners after dark.

Best Hotels in the Bahnhofsviertel, Frankfurt

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Not far from the Hauptbahnhof and Trade Fair, Gallus is the place to find great value for money when it comes to accommodation in Frankfurt-am-Main.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Fairly central location
• Close to the Central Railway Station
• Messe Frankfurt
• Business hotels
• Skyline Center
• Wide variety of mid-range hotels and great prices

Frankfurt’s Gallus Quarter sits just northwest of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. The name traces back to the Galluswarte, one of the city’s four surviving medieval watchtowers, and to the old gallows field that once marked the edge of Frankfurt’s city limits during the Middle Ages.

Historically industrial and working-class, Gallus has undergone rapid transformation in the past few decades. Today, it’s considered one of Frankfurt’s fastest-growing areas, thanks in part to its proximity to Messe Frankfurt.

A major development in the area is the Europaviertel (Europe Quarter), a large-scale urban project centered on Europa-Allee. Built on the site of the former central freight station, this modern district is designed to offer offices, residential buildings, shopping malls, hotels, schools, parks, and entertainment spaces, all within walking distance.

One of the standout landmarks in Gallus is Tower 185, a sleek 200-meter (656-foot) skyscraper housing corporate offices and a panoramic restaurant and bar at the top. Just down the road is Skyline Plaza, a popular shopping complex with over 170 stores, a rooftop garden, and a large wellness and fitness center.

Despite its growing density, Gallus remains highly accessible. The Galluswarte S-Bahn station and Festhalle/Messe U-Bahn station make commuting easy, and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is reachable on foot from many parts of the district.

Accommodation options in Gallus tend to focus on mid-range and upscale hotels, many of them geared toward business travelers. However, prices here are often lower than in Frankfurt’s historic core.

Best Hotels in Gallusviertel, Frankfurt

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Sandwiched between the Main River and the Central Station, up-and-coming Gutleutviertel is one of the best districts to stay in Frankfurt if you’re looking for a hip and modern area with bars and restaurants.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Fairly central location
• Near Frankfurt’s Central Railway Station
• Good public transport connections
• Modern architecture
• Emerging restaurant and nightlife scene
• Marina Westhafen

Frankfurt Gutleutviertel is located on the north bank of the Main River, between the water and the train tracks leading to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. The name Gutleutviertel, meaning “of the good people,” comes from the Gutleuthof, a leprosy hospital founded in the 13th century when this area was still rural land beyond the city walls.

The district began to urbanize in the late 1800s, evolving into a working-class and industrial neighborhood. Today, it’s centered around Gutleutstraße, a main thoroughfare running east to west through the quarter. While traces of its industrial past remain, the area has experienced considerable redevelopment—especially along the waterfront.

In recent years, Gutleutviertel has become known for its modern residential and commercial projects, particularly around Marina Westhafen. This redeveloped harbor area is lined with sleek apartment buildings, riverside promenades, and some of Frankfurt’s trendiest bars and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for after-work drinks and weekend dining, drawing a younger crowd.

One of the district’s architectural highlights is the Westhafen Tower, a 109-meter (358-foot) skyscraper completed in 2004. Its cylindrical shape and diamond-patterned glass façade have earned it the nickname “the Gerippte,” referencing the ribbed glass traditionally used for Frankfurt’s apple wine.

Despite its transformation, Gutleutviertel has maintained a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Its proximity to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, combined with its riverside setting and emerging nightlife scene, makes it a solid choice for travelers—particularly younger visitors or those looking for something less touristy.

Importantly,  the area is within walking distance of the city center and well connected by public transport. Tram lines 12 and 21 run along Gutleutstraße. Additionally, several bus routes serve the district, and the nearby Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof offers access to the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, long-distance trains, and regional rail services.

Best Hotels in Gutleutviertel

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Home to the new European Central Bank headquarters and Frankfurt Zoo, Ostend is an up-and-coming district in Frankfurt.

Why is this the best area to stay in Frankfurt:
• Fairly central location
• Near Frankfurt’s East Railway Station
• Good public transport connections
• Central European Bank and rivervires
• Mid-range and budget accommodation in Frankfurt
• Frankfurt Zoo

Historically an industrial portside area southeast of the city center, Ostend has undergone a major urban renewal and is now considered one of the city’s trendiest districts.

From a visitor’s perspective, Ostend is best known for the Frankfurt Zoo, founded in 1858. As the second-oldest zoological garden in Germany, it features over 4,500 animals from more than 510 species, including lions, gorillas, and penguins. Closer to the river, the district is dominated by the new European Central Bank headquarters. This modern twin-tower skyscraper, completed in 2015, rises 185 meters (607 feet) and was built on the site of the historic Großmarkthalle. The surrounding plaza offers impressive views of the river and the city skyline, particularly at sunset.

In addition to the ECB and the zoo, Ostend is home to cultural spaces, like the Schirn Kunsthalle’s satellite exhibitions and several creative co-working hubs that have popped up in redeveloped industrial buildings.

The area is well connected by public transportation. Frankfurt Ostbahnhof is a hub for S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S8, and S9, U-Bahn line U6, and several regional trains. Buses and tram lines also cross through the neighborhood.

Thanks to its mix of culture, accessibility, and modern development, Ostend is an excellent option for travelers looking to stay outside Frankfurt’s traditional tourist zones.

Best Hotels in Ostend, Frankfurt

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Flughafen Frankfurt (FRA) is one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe.

Located about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) southwest of the Altstadt, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the city’s primary air gateway and one of Europe’s most important international hubs.

As Lufthansa’s primary hub, FRA handles thousands of daily flights connecting Frankfurt with destinations across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It is the busiest airport in Germany and one of the top five in Europe by passenger volume; it’s often the first stop for international travelers arriving in the country.

The airport has two passenger terminals—Terminal 1, which mainly handles Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners, and Terminal 2, used by other international carriers.

Despite its size, FRA is easily accessible. It’s connected to central Frankfurt via S-Bahn lines S8 and S9, with trains departing every 10 to 15 minutes and reaching Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in about 25 minutes. Regional and long-distance trains also operate from the Fernbahnhof (long-distance rail station) adjacent to Terminal 1.

Staying near the airport is especially convenient for travelers on short layovers or those catching early-morning flights. The surrounding area features a wide range of hotels, from upscale international chains to budget-friendly business options, many of them offering free shuttle services to the terminals.

Best Hotels near Frankfurt Airport

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Where to Look for Accommodation in Frankfurt amMain: Useful Info

Frankfurt is one of the most modern cities in Germany. Located in the Hesse Bundesland, in the west of the country and on the banks of the River Main, Frankfurt is one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities in Germany.

Sometimes called “Mainhattan” due to its skyline full of glass skyscrapers and its position on the Main River, Frankfurt is the fifth-largest city in Germany. Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank, which makes it the business capital of Germany and one of the most important financial hubs in the world.

Frankfurt is the gateway to the country and the European continent for many travelers. This is due to the importance of its airport, the central hub of German airline Lufthansa, Frankfurt International Airport holds several superlative records among world airports, including daily operations and several international destinations.

Although from a tourist point of view, Frankfurt may lack the old charm of Munich or Dresden or the dynamism and historical weight of Berlin, the city is interesting enough to spend a couple of days visiting the (reconstructed) medieval corners of its city center, marvelling in front of its imposing skyscrapers or exercising your credit card in one of its many shopping centers.

Deciding where to stay in Frankfurt is vital, whether you are visiting the city for business or on a leisure trip.

Frankfurt has an excellent transport system, and its city center is quite walkable. The most remote areas of Altstadt are connected by its several metro lines (U-Bahn) and commuter (S-Bahn)or regional trains.

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