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Frankfurt is a modern financial center with efficient transport, rich museums, and a compact city center; plan for variable weather, use public transit, and follow local customs for a smooth visit.
Visa / Entry Requirements
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa required.
- Many nationalities (including US, Canada, Australia, Japan): visa-free Schengen stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check your passport validity (recommended at least 3–6 months beyond departure) and return/onward ticket.
- Non-visa-exempt travelers: apply for a Schengen visa at the German embassy/consulate well in advance; provide proof of accommodation, travel insurance (min. €30,000 coverage), and sufficient funds.
- Customs: standard Schengen rules apply. Declare large sums of cash ≥€10,000.
Best Time to Visit
- Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) for mild weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor cafés.
- December for Christmas markets (very busy but atmospheric).
- July–August are warm but can be humid and pricier.
Safety Tips
- Frankfurt is generally safe; exercise usual urban caution.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (train stations, Hauptwache, Römerberg, tourist trams).
- Avoid poorly lit streets at night in some outskirts; use main routes and public transit or taxis.
- Keep copies of travel documents and use hotel safes for valuables.
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Germans value punctuality—be on time for tours, appointments, and public transport connections.
- Formal greetings: firm handshake; use titles and last names until invited to use first names.
- Recycling is strict: observe bin colors and deposit PET bottles in Pfand machines to reclaim deposits.
- Tipping: round up or add ~5–10% in restaurants if service is good; small tips to taxi drivers (round up) are customary.
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Coins and notes widely used.
- Cards: Debit/EC (Girocard) and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at many places, but some smaller cafés, markets, or shops prefer cash—carry some euros.
- Contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in urban areas.
Transportation
- Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major hub with fast S-Bahn (S8/S9) to Hauptbahnhof/Hauptwache (~15–20 min), regional trains, and taxis.
- Public transit: RMV network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses). Buy tickets before boarding (machines, apps); inspectors fine fare evaders heavily.
- Taxis & rideshares: taxis are metered; apps like Free Now operate. Rideshare options are available but regulated.
- Cycling & walking: city is walkable in the Innenstadt; bike rental schemes and lanes are available.
- Long-distance: Hauptbahnhof connects ICE/IC trains to other German cities and Europe.
Must-Know Tips & Local Insights
- City card: Frankfurt Card or RMV day tickets offer public transport plus discounts at attractions.
- Museums: Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank) hosts top museums (Städel, German Film Museum). Consider a museum pass or plan a dedicated day.
- Free sights: stroll Römerberg square, Main River promenades (Mainkai/ Eiserner Steg), and Palmengarten (small fee for botanical garden).
- Food & drink: try Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi) in Sachsenhausen, hearty Hessian dishes (Handkäse mit Musik). Many international dining options exist.
- Language: German is official; English is widely understood in tourist areas, hospitality, and business sectors.
- Electricity: 230 V, Type F plugs. Bring an adapter if needed.
- Day trips: Mainz, Wiesbaden, Heidelberg, or wine villages along the Rhine are easy by train.
Practical Advice
- Book airport transfers or know S-Bahn lines; FRA is large and can involve long walks between terminals.
- Reserve popular restaurants and museums in high season or during fairs (e.g., Frankfurt Book Fair in October).
- Be aware of trade fairs: Messe events can inflate hotel prices and fill rooms—check dates when booking.
- Emergency numbers: 112 for ambulance/fire, 110 for police.
Quick packing checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes, weather layers, rain jacket, universal adapter, passport/ID, health/travel insurance info, small euros in cash.
Enjoy your trip—Frankfurt blends modern efficiency with cultural charm, excellent transit links, and nearby Rhine/Main attractions.