Traveling to Frankfurt? Business or pleasure...
Spare some time to experience the city and some German wine.
If you are heading to Europe, Frankfurt aka "Mainhattan" Germanys city with a skyline is an innovative and cosmopolitan city with a sentimental heart for old traditions. Placed at the cultural heart of Germany it is ideally suited to explore Germany’s best wine regions. While Id be happy to be your host for a day or more on a grape escape to the Rhine wine valley, Pfalz or Mosel. I have written this guide to help ensure your entire visit to Frankfurt is one of comfort and pleasure.
Where to stay
Frankfurt is not short on great hotels. Being an International city with financial importance and with a huge exhibition centre hosting several Eurocentric trade fairs there are many hotels to choose from based on your desired level of comfort. Due to some of the big conferences taking place, availability can get scares and prices sky rocket… if this is the case I suggest Mainz (check out my guide) as a great option.
I recommended the below hotels based on personal stays or my previous guests feedback. Each hotels is well located and offer a great customer experience.
Rooms vary - around €250
Classic luxury in the heart of Frankfurts financial district and the historic old town, guests have been staying in style in the traditional Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof since 1876. The Main Tower, Römer and Paulskirche are just a few steps away. You're also not far from the main train station. You can reach this in about 10 minutes on foot.
Rooms from around €200
A short walk from Frankfurt Central station, this cool boutique design hotel channels the sensual undertone of the burlesque world in both rooms and public areas (which include a bar, restaurant and spa). All rooms and suites are mysterious and unique, and details such as dark natural stone, upholstered headboards, plush velvet and ambience lighting evoke a sultry elegance where you can indulge in a luxury stay .
prices range from around €70 - 130 based on room options and time of year.
An eclectic youthful boutique hotel with a cross continental theme with decorative elements from the Arctic, tropics and mountains. A goal mix brought to a cool hotel only a 5 min walk from the main train station. The international mega mix is reflected in the onsite dining option with as "Israel meets Palestine", at the BAR SHUKA restaurant, Oriental dishes are brought together on the plate. People from all over the world tell their stories in the Bollywood cinema, the Italian Caffé Bomba and the Japanese SHUKA bar. For people who like to work out before to after their wine there is an obstacle course on the roof terrace which can be followed by relaxation in the traditional Finnish igloo sauna. You got to detox to retox!
If you need to be in the creative East part of Frankfurt they have a sister hotel the The 25HoursGoldman which is also a great option.
Eating out - Frankfurt Restaurants
I get it... Think about German food and you're probably dreaming of juicy schnitzels, crunchy pork knuckles and mouth watering Bratwurst. I can ensure a couple of days in Germany and these heartening, hefty treats will come thick and fast, mostly offered in family sized portions at most dining opportunities. Frankfurt is close to some of the countries best farmlands and produce. Sure I'll give you my tips for food coma, artery clogging in the best way possible deliciousness. But for me Frankfurt goes beyond the frankfurter sausage and the must try grüne Soße, made from local herbs and sour cream, served with boiled eggs and potatoes." offering an eclectic mix of international cuisine.
Traditional German Fare
German Tavern/ Pub with all the classic hits including a seriously good schnitzel, where you can experience the local pride "Apfelwein"... and please do (ill let you be the judge) which I believe by Frankfurt law should be the cheapest beverage on the menu (let that be maybe be the only positive :0 )
A real old wine cellar beneath the city. A great place to get familiar with some amazing local wines while dining on a refined German menu with a European influence. My tips are the crispy Duck legs with orange sauce or the Beef Goulash with Spaetzle
You’ll receive a warm welcome befitting a regular in this old-school establishment low on frills and high on hospitality. Founded in 1849, today’s Atschel seats patrons at communal wooden tables, beer hall style. Feast on hearty local cuisine like grilled pork knuckle with sauerkraut and bread or the region’s specialty dish grüne Soße
International / Contemporary cuisine
Youthful vibe, amazing wine list with knowledgable staff. Seasonal products with a contemporary spin on german / euro classics
One of my favourites! This "hands on" Eritrean restaurant (also in Mainz) combines style, soul and substance. Settle into the plump cushions scattered along benches or take a seat outside in the summer. with an amazing attention to detail the interior teleports you on an African vacation. There’s even a traditional Eritrean hut in the centre of the room. The menu comprises of hearty, heart warming stews. The idea is to order a huge platter to share; each comes with salad in the center and Eritrean specialties around it, like chicken or ground chickpeas in a spicy tomato sauce, or potatoes and spinach eaten with injera a doughy fermented pancake (gluten free corn maize injera is also available) washed down with a good selection of South African wines.
If your a Ramen lover you will know there is Ramen and then there is godly good ramen. I believe this falls into the later. Ive been to Japan 15 times hinting down ramen. You will find Japanese business men slurping here. Beware it can get busy so call ahead or be prepared to join the queue.
That question of "what if you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life?" for me it would be close call between Japanese or Italian!
Every city of the world has a an authentic, family run, time and tested, Italian kitchen and I believe this to be one of Frankfurts best. Youll find Top-notch Italian classics at this homey Sardinian spot. Founded in 1977, the restaurant is run by four siblings who took over the place from their parents, serving hefty plates of pasta, alongside first-rate meat dishes and fresh seafood options.
VEVAY stands for Vegetarian Vegan and Yummy. They offer a simple and fast, health-conscious, sustainable and meat-free alternative diet in the centre of Frankfurt, which is still not a common dietary choice in Germany.
The majority of certified organic products are obtained by local farmers and suppliers. Whether for breakfast, for lunch or just throughout the day, they offer all dishes in-house or for takeaway. My favourites include the falafel burger, the protein bowl with lentils, sweet potatoes and beets, and if its not wine time yet there are fresh smoothies and juices.
Travel Tips
Getting to Frankfurt city from the Frankfurt Airport.
TAXI or UBER to the city?… take the train. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) - German train company is an easy option to get you into the city centre with trains running regularly.
From the main station there is a reliable U-bahn metro system to get you around the city.
By Taxi
If you have had a long travel, German taxis are some of the best in the world. A taxi from Airport to City centre is about €30 - €40 depends on the traffic which can be hectic around normal rush hours times 8:00-9:30, 17:00 - 18:30.
Arriving at Frankfurt Central station
If arriving into Frankfurt central (especially later in the evening) don’t be put off by some of the riff-raff around the station - Frankfurt is a safe city.
Frankfurt, like all large cities has parts which are little bit more colourful - namely the redlight area of the Bahnhofsviertel (the area around the main train station) where streets are lined with late night bars, greasy (but tasty) kebabs and strip clubs. Again like most cities, this once dodgy area is gentrifying at a high speed over recent years, and is now home to some of the city’s trendiest hotels, bars and restaurants. if you want to avoid its grittiest bits, stick to Münchener Straße and Kaiser Straße.
Germany - Cash is king!
Make sure to carry some Euro's on you. Many places still don't except cards.
Sundays … Day of Rest
Sundays can get pretty sleepy in Germany with not much open besides fuel stations, some shops at major train stations and luckily some restaurants offering a lunch or dinner service. This does make it a perfect opportunity to take a wine tour with me. While sure some smaller wineries are closed there are some of my favourite cellar doors open.
In the summer months there are special local wine festivities spread over the weekends which are a fun place to try wines, enjoy pop up food bars and mix with locals.
If your planning a trip to Frankfurt, Germany even Europe and have any questions on travel or would like some further tips please get in touch hello@weinkoepfe.com
Happy traveling
Carl