Where to Stay in Frankfurt, Germany: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Frankfurt and wondering where to stay? You’re in the right place!

Frankfurt has so much to offer: grand architecture, vibrant nightlife, and food you never get tired of. One minute you’re wandering cobblestones, the next you’re dancing at a rooftop bar overlooking Germany’s most impressive skyline.

With so many neighborhoods and ways to get around, choosing where to stay can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide, full of tips to save time and maybe even a few euros. Here’s our take on the four best areas to stay in Frankfurt, along with our favorite hotel picks for every budget. Let’s dive in!

Where to stay in Frankfurt Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is compact and easy to get around, no matter where you make your base. Most neighborhoods are well-connected, so you’re never too far from the action. For your first visit, Altstadt and Innenstadt are great spots to explore on foot with sightseeing, shopping, dining, and romantic river strolls (it’s hard to get enough of those).

Just across the River Main, Sachsenhausen is an easy add-on for museums and cosy evenings, while Westend offers a calmer, more upscale base close to the centre. If staying near the main station appeals to you, Bahnhofsviertel is also a practical choice for day trips and nightlife.

Getting around is straightforward thanks to Frankfurt’s RMV public transport network. Most visitors use the U-Bahn (subways) and S-Bahn (trains) for quick hops between neighborhoods. Trams are a great way to get around the inner city, and for us, they made cruising the streets way more fun! They’re also one of the most convenient ways to travel to Sachsenhausen from the center, while buses are more useful for those located in the northern areas.

If you’re flying in, Frankfurt Airport has direct train connections, so it’s a fast and cheap ride into town, without needing a taxi.

• Altstadt / Innenstadt – Best for first-time visitors – This is the top choice if you want to walk to landmarks like Römerberg Square and Frankfurt Cathedral, with easy access to trains and trams and great food spots around every corner. A stay at the Hotel Schopenhauer Hof puts you right in the heart of the historic center. 

• Bahnhofsviertel – Best for transport links & nightlife – Base yourself in Bahnhofsviertel for the lively nightlife scene, steps from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof). Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer is a modern, eco-friendly hotel close to transport and some of the best views of the city skyline and the River Main. 

• Sachsenhausen – Best for foodies & tavern vibes – With a mix of restaurants and traditional taverns, Sachsenhausen is the place where everyone goes to eat, drink, and be merry. The recently renovated Leonardo Royal Hotel offers modern comfort with stunning views, without breaking the bank. 

• Westend – Best for a relaxed atmosphere – If quiet streets and upscale dining are high on your list, Westend checks all the boxes, just a quick ride from the historic center. THE FLAG West M. is a stylish option with family rooms and a lovely rooftop, a short walk from Römerberg Square and Palmengarten. 

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Altstadt / Innenstadt 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• A central location that’s easy to explore on foot
• Major landmarks are all just a short walk apart
• Close to transit, shopping, dining, and nightlife 

Cons 

• It can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak season
• Prices tend to be higher compared to other areas 

If you’re anything like us and want to be in the middle of the action, Altstadt and Innenstadt are perfect for soaking up the sights of Frankfurt and beyond. Altstadt is considered the Old Town, and it’s where you’ll find historic landmarks like Frankfurt Cathedral and the iconic Römerberg Square, both within a short distance. 

Walking the cobblestone streets was our favorite thing to do, especially in the evening when the lights cast a warm glow over the old buildings. It’s also very easy to get around thanks to the compact streets and transit options, which is great for first-timers who want to see as much as possible. 

The Innenstadt, or “the Inner City’’, is the newer side with modern business skyscrapers and riverfront cafes that kept calling our names every time we walked by. You’re also close to places like the Goethe House (Goethe-Haus) and Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), so you can fit a few museum visits into your day without much travel.  

This part of the city is where you can find the best diners, shopping, and parks. From both locations, other areas are just a quick hop on a train or a tram, which makes this the perfect base for navigating the sights of Frankfurt and beyond. 

The Westin Grand Frankfurt – $$$

If you like having the main sights at your doorstep, The Westin Grand Frankfurt is a great pick. It sits on cobbled streets, surrounded by medieval buildings, just around the corner from the Zeil shopping street. Römerberg and Frankfurt Cathedral are within easy reach, as are many popular cafes, bars, diners, and shops. 

The hotel is recently renovated and feels sleek, and the spacious suites are perfect whether you’re traveling as a couple or with the whole family. We usually use central hotels for sleeping, since we’re out exploring all day, but a few touches here, like the indoor pool on the top floor and a cozy lounge, make you want to stay a little longer and unwind. For easy meals, the on-site restaurant lets you choose anything from sushi to tapas. 

Prices start around €150 per night and can reach about €500 depending on the season.

If The Westin Grand Frankfurt is fully booked, JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt is a solid contender in the same area, with luxury interiors and a large indoor pool. We love the details here, including the paintings by contemporary artist Hartwig Ebersbach, which you can find in every room.

Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof is a great alternative if you want something more traditional with plenty of history. The highlight is the spa, complete with a traditional barber shop and a Turkish bath-the perfect spot to relax, especially in the winter.

Hotel Schopenhauer Hof – $$

For a relaxing stay in the city center, Hotel Schopenhauer Hof is our top choice, as it has everything you need without blowing your budget. As first-timers, we couldn’t have asked for a better spot, just a short stroll to Eiserner Steg and Römerberg, with Museumsufer nearby and plenty of restaurants and bars right on our doorstep. 

The rooms are spacious with classic decor and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a front-row seat to the River Main! Our room had a balcony where we liked to sip wine and watch the sunset over Sachsenhausen. Moments like that made this place feel like part of our trip, and not just a place to crash. There’s a piano in the lobby, so some mornings your coffee comes with  Beethoven in the background.

Plan for about €130 to €340 per night, depending on the room and season.

For something more stylish, Ruby Louise Hotel has a speakeasy-style bar with live music, and a sun terrace that offers great views by day and turns into a romantic spot at night. It’s just a five-minute walk from Goethe House, and boating and canoeing on the river are all within easy reach.

Avani Frankfurt City Hotel is a great backup option for a central location, just a five-minute walk from the Zeil shopping street. Spacious rooms overlook the city, and the area with a mini ping-pong table and an arcade basketball game is a nice detail.

Moxy Frankfurt City Center – $

If you want to trade luxury for convenience without breaking the bank, Moxy Frankfurt City Center is the hotel for you. It’s got an industrial-chic vibe with metal accents and neon lights, and the lobby always smells like fresh coffee. There’s a 24/7 bar that keeps the place lively, making it a fun spot for couples or anyone on a quick city break.

Just steps from the S-Bahn, the city center is only five minutes away, and you can easily walk to bars and restaurants in the area. Rooms are small but comfortable and quiet, with all you need for a good night’s sleep. 

With prices starting at €100 per night, you’ll have extra to spend exploring the city.

The Doorman Goethe is another budget-friendly option in the area, close to main attractions like Goethe House and Römerberg, and a good choice if the Moxy Frankfurt City Center is fully booked. You can choose from studios and suites with a kitchenette, perfect for cooking your own meals while on the road.

Just 10 minutes from Konstablerwache Underground Station, Flemings Hotel offers a comfortable and affordable stay. The rooms feel cozy with warm amber tones, and a small fitness area makes it easy to stay active during your trip.

Bahnhofsviertel

BEST FOR TRANSPORT LINKS & NIGHTLIFE

Pros 

• Bustling nightlife with clubs and music venues
• Eclectic mix of cafes, bars, restaurants, and budget hotels
• Well-connected with public transport 

Cons

• Certain parts of the area can feel unsafe
• Not the best family-friendly area   

Right next to Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof, Bahnhofsviertel is about as convenient as it gets, since you can practically drag your suitcase straight from the train to your hotel in a few minutes. The neighborhood used to be a red-light district, and you’ll still notice a bit of that gritty, edgy character. These days, though, it feels very different, with trendy cafes and all sorts of diners filled with tourists and locals.

A walk down Kaiserstraße (the main street) is the best way to get a feel for the neighborhood. You’ll pass pastrami sandwich spots, as well as designer boutiques and live music venues. Our favorite thing to do here was brunch while watching people coming and going from the station—trust me, it’s way more fun than it sounds! 

Speaking of food, that’s probably one of the biggest reasons people come here, especially around Münchener Straße. You can find almost anything on this food hub, no matter what you’re craving, from Lebanese falafel to Indian dal soup or just traditional German food, all at great prices too!

Shows at the English Theatre Frankfurt are also worth checking out. And since the trains, U-Bahn, and trams pass through here, getting around the rest of Frankfurt is quick and easy.

LUME Boutique Hotel – $$$

LUME Boutique Hotel is one of the area’s most upscale spots, housed in a beautiful century-old building. We love that this place has a temporary art gallery, which certainly complements the nearby English Theatre and Goethe House. Rooms and suites, designed by Luigi Fragola, feel modern yet warm with luxury extras like Mühldorfer linens and Treca Paris mattresses (if you know, you know).

There’s also a cozy spa with a sauna and a range of treatments, plus a fitness room if you want to unwind with a workout. Lunch and dinner are served at the French steakhouse, and there’s also a French-style bar for late-night drinks. It’s right near the main train station, which means the rest of the city is within easy reach. 

Room prices range from €100 to €330 per night, depending on the room and season.

If LUME Boutique Hotel is all full, Roomers Frankfurt Central is a great backup option in the same area. The highlight here is the award-winning smoking bar for whiskies and a cool vibe, but if facials and massages are more your thing, the top-floor spa takes wellness to a whole new level.  

Hilton Garden Inn is your next best choice, just steps from the main train station and a few blocks from dining and nightlife. With its family-friendly vibe and easy access to the city, it’s a great option whether you’re here on a business trip or a family vacation.

Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer – $$

Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer is one of our favorites because it feels like a luxury stay without the hefty price tag. It’s eco-friendly, with modern rooms and state-of-the-art equipment, and the River Main is right there if you want to join the joggers. You can even bring your furry friend, and don’t worry, they have a “Canine Concierge” who helps with all the travel essentials!

Dining comes with skyline views, and there’s a snack area if you get peckish outside lunch and dinner hours. With the train station just a five-minute walk away, getting around the city couldn’t be easier. You’re also close to the Museumsufer (museum embankment) and the Frankfurt Exhibition Halls, so the location is a good fit for both city breaks and work-related visits.

Rates range from €80 to €400, depending on the room and availability. Booking during the shoulder season usually gives you the best value.

Adina Apartment Hotel is a great choice if Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer isn’t available. Spacious apartments with a rooftop terrace and a pool are just some of the things to love about this mid-range hotel, located right next to the Frankfurt Opera House.

If you appreciate comfort and convenience over luxury, The Frankfurt is your hotel, with Frankfurt Main Station at your doorstep. The rooms are more modest, but they have everything you need for a pleasant stay, including excellent soundproofing for nights without distractions.  

Premier Inn Frankfurt City Centre – $

You don’t have to spend a fortune to stay in Frankfurt. With friendly staff and comfortable accommodation, the Premier Inn Frankfurt City Centre is a great budget-friendly base, whether you’re traveling solo or with the entire family. 

You can easily walk to famous sights like the Main Tower and Alte Oper opera, or pop into the nearby restaurants and cafes for dinner. The rooms are modern and clean with Premier Inn beds, so you know you’re getting a good night’s sleep. Some include a full English breakfast, and even if yours doesn’t, it’s cheap to add, which is a nice bonus if you don’t feel like heading out in the morning.

Being close to the train hub, you can easily navigate the city. Prices start at €60 per night, making it one of the most affordable stays in Frankfurt.

You’ll find many value hotels in the area, and the Mercure Hotel is a reliable option if Premier Inn Frankfurt City Centre is all sold out. It’s a comfortable choice for travelers of all types who prefer a convenient location over luxury extras. 

For something a little different, IntercityHotel Frankfurt is modern, colorful, and definitely not your typical budget hotel. Even though it’s right by the train station, the rooms are quiet enough to relax. 

Related Read: Need help organizing the rest of your trip? See our 2-day Frankfurt itinerary for our favorite activities, local hot spots, and more.

Sachsenhausen

BEST FOR FOODIES & TAVERN VIBES

Pros 

• A historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets
• It has the most authentic feel 
• Some of the best food spots are right here

Cons 

• Fewer upscale hotels  
• It can get very noisy, especially on the weekends

If you’re anything like us and want a taste of local life while still staying close to the city center, Sachsenhausen fits the bill. It runs along the south bank of the Main River, so the walking paths are never far, perfect for a morning jog or an evening stroll, which somehow feels a little more romantic here.

You’re also right by some of the city’s most popular spots, including Museumsufer, or the “museum strip” as we like to call it. In Alt-Sachsenhausen, you’ll find plenty of traditional taverns and food spots, so you really don’t need to go anywhere else for a bite to eat.

Charming cobbled streets, authentic German eateries, and lively nightlife give this area its local vibe. It’s perfect for couples or anyone who loves neighborhoods full of history and character.

Sachsenhausen can be quieter at night compared with the Altstadt and Innenstadt, but if you want a central stay with river access and a slightly more relaxed, rustic feel, it’s a great choice.

Leonardo Royal Hotel – $$

Frankfurt has some of the most amazing skylines in all of Germany, so when you stay in a skyscraper hotel like the Leonardo Royal Hotel, breathtaking views are guaranteed. From here, you can reach Altstadt and Innenstadt with a short drive, or the Frankfurt Airport in about a 20-minute ride, convenient if you’re flying.

The rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy the cityscape from the comfort of your bed. There’s also a bar, sauna, and Turkish bath, plus a gym to squeeze in a workout. When you’re not dining out, you can enjoy a meal at Vitruv or a beer in the Leo Sportsbar.

Public transportation is within easy walking distance, with the S-Bahn station just 15 minutes away. Rates typically sit around €70 to €330 per night, depending on the room and season.

If you like cooking while traveling, the Star Apart Hotel is a convenient option right next to the Museumsufer. The apartments come with a handy kitchenette, the sports theme pops up throughout the hotel, and the prices make it a great value for travelers who want comfort in a central location.

Another great option in the same area is Libertine Lindenberg, a uniquely designed hotel with a shop and a music studio. Rooms and maisonettes come with nostalgic touches and cozy vibes that make it hard to leave. 

Hotel Cult Frankfurt City – $

Staying at Hotel Cult Frankfurt City feels like a home away from home. It’s smaller than some nearby hotels, but the rooms are spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Shopping and sightseeing are not far either, with Zeil Street and the Old Town just five minutes away by S-Bahn. What’s even better is that bus 46 runs straight from the main station, so getting around is hassle-free.

Breakfast here is generous, and many travelers (ourselves included) love sipping their morning coffee on the terrace while people watching. There’s also a bar if you want a drink before heading out, and with all the fun hangouts within walking distance, you’re never far from the action. Prices start at €65 per night, but can triple during peak season.

If Hotel Cult Frankfurt City is fully booked, Living Hotel Frankfurt offers a comfortable and modern stay, just 2 km (1.24 mi) from Frankfurt Cathedral and the historic Römer square. You can choose from standard rooms or serviced apartments, making it a great option for groups and families with children.

With concrete chess tables and apartments with balconies and kitchenettes, STAYERY isn’t your typical budget spot—it’s stylish, fun, clean, and steps from attractions like Eiserner Steg and the Städel Museum. If you want a little break from sightseeing, it’s easy to grab a kayak or a canoe and head out on the river.

Westend

BEST FOR A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE

Pros 

• A safe and quiet residential neighborhood 
• Plenty of lush green spaces 
• Easy access to the city center

Cons 

• Hotels here tend to be more expensive  
• Limited nightlife with a small selection of hangout spots 

Westend is one of Frankfurt’s nicest neighborhoods, and walking around it feels a little like stepping back in time. Many of the buildings, known as Gründerzeit-style, date to the late 1800s, and they sit right next to modern office towers.

Between the skyscrapers, there are plenty of tree-lined avenues and green spaces to escape to when the city noise gets too much. Grüneburgpark and the Palmengarten botanical garden are the kind of places where you’ll see locals setting up a picnic or doing their morning yoga. We even stumbled upon a small weekend farmers’ market, which was a fun surprise.

Cultural spots are easy to find, too. Alte Oper hosts concerts of all kinds (except for opera), and Messe Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest trade fairs, so imagine the crowds here during a fair. For a real treat, explore the side streets; you’ll find independent galleries and boutique shops that most tourists skip.

When it comes to transport, the Westend S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and trams make it easy to reach the rest of the city. Overall, this part of Frankfurt is perfect if you want a quiet place to stay while still being close to everything.

Meliá Frankfurt City – $$$

Inside the iconic glass skyscraper One Forty West, Meliá Frankfurt City is a fairly new hotel that feels modern without being fussy. Large rooms offer spectacular views, probably some of the best in Frankfurt. The top-floor Oben Restaurant & Skybar is the place to go for a drink or a snack, and if you opt for “The Level” exclusive service, you get access to the lounge until 10 pm, which will quickly become your favorite spot to unwind after a full day on the go.

This place has a spa and gym, and welcomes pets, making it great for all kinds of travelers. It’s conveniently located, right by the Senckenberg Natural History Museum and Palmengarten, and just a 10-minute walk to the Frankfurt Trade Fair. 

We recommend budgeting around €100 to €550 per night to stay here, depending on the room and season.

Frankfurt Marriott Hotel offers a sleek, modern stay just across the street from Messe Frankfurt, and is a great alternative if Meliá Frankfurt City is fully booked. One thing we love is The Champions bar with foosball and big screens showing all the biggest matches live.

THE FLAG West M. – $$

THE FLAG West M. is a fresh addition to the neighborhood and a favorite among mid-range hotels. It might look a bit plain from the outside, but step inside and it’s a real treat. Rooms with Bluetooth-controlled sound systems and kitchenettes make it both cozy and practical, while the sun terrace is perfect for soaking in skyline views.

Breakfast is served in Elaine’s Deli, though there are plenty of other cafes right on your doorstep. There’s also a small library, which makes the perfect quiet nook to sip your coffee while reading. Its central location couldn’t be more convenient: just a two-minute walk to the subway, about 10 minutes to the Palmengarten, and under 20 minutes to Römerberg, with transit connections on every corner.

Prices average around €100 to €500 per night, but can be lower during shoulder seasons. 

Maritim Hotel Frankfurt is a lovely alternative nearby, with spacious rooms and on-site parking. You’ve also got an indoor pool and a cozy spa, and both the Skyline Plaza and Frankfurt Trade Fair are just around the corner. 

Hotel Palmenhof is a charming hotel right across from the Palmengarten gardens with classic design and a marble foyer with gorgeous chandeliers. The rich breakfast here is one of the highlights and definitely worth getting up for. 

Premier Inn Frankfurt Westend – $

If you’re heading to a trade fair at Messe Frankfurt or an event at Festhalle, Premier Inn Frankfurt Westend is your hotel. But that’s not all there is nearby. Skyline Plaza is right at your doorstep if you feel like shopping, and if you’re flying in, Frankfurt Airport is about a 15-minute drive. 

The hotel was recently built in 2022 and feels spacious and bright, with modern rooms and comfortable beds that make your stay even better. Breakfast is full English and Irish, with a great selection to keep you fueled for the day. And if you’re in the mood for a late drink, the bar stays open around the clock. You definitely get more than you’d expect for the price! 

Rates start at €50 per night, so rooms tend to fill up quickly.

If you can’t find a room at the Premier Inn Frankfurt Westend, don’t panic—Villa Westend Hotel an der Messe is a great option nearby. The rooms are stylish, there’s a lovely garden terrace, and the breakfast is generous, making it a great pick for a city break or a quieter stay.

Trip Inn Hotel Messe Westend is similar in style and feel, just a little smaller, with easy access to the exhibition grounds and Palmengarten. It comes with free street parking, which is a nice extra if you’re driving.

Top Activities to do in Frankfurt

Now that you’ve picked out your favorite area and hotel, you can plan the rest of your trip! Here are a few of our personal favorite things we did that are easy to fit into any itinerary!

• Explore Frankfurt with a local guide – Ready to learn about the city’s history and local hot spots? This walking tour hits all the highlights, offers helpful information, and includes some local hidden gems for a completely authentic experience!

• Take a day trip to Heidelberg – Escape the city and venture one hour into Germany’s stunning countryside on this day trip. You’ll visit Heidelberg Castle and Old Town and see the famous, massive Heidelberg wine barrel for an easy day of exploration.

• Visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle – For an even more legendary castle experience, don’t miss this tour to see Neuschwanstein Castle. This is the quintessential fairytale castle, and you’ll have the chance to see the best preserved medieval town in Germany along the way, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

• Experience Rhine Valley’s wine country – If you love wine, you’ll swoon over this Rhine Valley wine tour. Not only is the scenery goregous, but visiting three local wineries lets you experience the best of Germany’s wine region – my favorite activity!

Related Read: Looking for a few more fun things to do? See our blog on the best activities in Frankfurt to make the most of your time here!

Thanks for reading!

Frankfurt isn’t always at the top of a Germany travel itinerary, but we absolutely loved this city! There is plenty to explore, but choosing the right area to stay in can make all the difference. Stick to our recommendations, and I’m confident you’ll have a wonderful place to rest and recharge, then head out and see more of Frankfurt!

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, check out all of our Europe blogs. As long-time travelers, we love helping fellow adventurers plan an epic getaway. Here are a few related articles to get you started – cheers!

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