Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Frankfurt (FRA)

About Frankfurt

Discover Frankfurt

Why visit Frankfurt?
Frankfurt combines a striking skyline of glass towers with historic streets and leafy riverside paths. As Germany's key financial hub, it offers a polished, international atmosphere balanced by cosy neighbourhoods, traditional taverns, and green spaces along the River Main.

What to expect
You will find compact districts that are easy to explore on foot, from the reconstructed Old Town around Römerberg to the museum-lined embankment of the river. Modern shopping streets, business quarters, and quiet residential areas sit side by side, giving you a varied city experience in a short time.

Plan your trip
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s major gateways, making it a convenient starting point for journeys across Germany and beyond. High-speed trains and extensive regional links help you reach nearby cities, wine regions, and scenic river valleys with ease, whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or both.

Top sights in Frankfurt

Römerberg

Stroll through Frankfurt's historic main square, framed by reconstructed half-timbered houses and the iconic Römer city hall.

Main Tower

Take a lift to the observation deck for wide-open views of Frankfurt's skyline, the River Main, and the surrounding region.

Museumsufer

Explore the Museumsufer along the riverbank, home to renowned institutions covering art, film, architecture, and applied arts.

Palmengarten

Relax in this expansive botanical garden with themed glasshouses, lakes, and landscaped areas ideal for a quiet break from the city.

Goethe House

Visit the restored family home of writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to see period interiors and exhibitions on his life and work.

Zeil shopping street

Walk along the Zeil, Frankfurt's main pedestrian shopping avenue, lined with department stores, boutiques, and modern malls.

Eiserner Steg

Cross this iron footbridge over the River Main for classic postcard views of the skyline and the Old Town.

Frankfurt Opera

Experience performances in the elegant Alte Oper building, which also hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

Experience Frankfurt's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Frankfurt has an efficient public transport network of S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, trams, and buses that make it easy to cross the city and reach nearby towns. Cycling along the River Main offers a scenic perspective, while walking is often the simplest way to cover the compact centre.

Local life & culture
You will notice a blend of international business energy and relaxed neighbourhood life, especially in areas like Sachsenhausen and Bornheim. Weekdays bring office workers to cafés and lunch spots, while evenings see locals gather in cosy taverns, riverside paths, and cultural venues across the city.

Where to unwind
The riverfront promenades are ideal for a morning jog or an evening stroll with skyline views. Parks such as Grüneburgpark and the landscaped grounds near the Palmengarten provide open lawns and shaded paths. Visit around late afternoon or sunset for softer light and a calm, unhurried atmosphere.

A taste of Frankfurt

Street food & local specialties
Frankfurt is known for hearty regional dishes served in traditional taverns, especially in Sachsenhausen and around the Old Town. You will find sausages, potato-based dishes, and seasonal specialities, often paired with crisp local drinks and a friendly, informal atmosphere.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern bistros and relaxed eateries cluster around areas like Bahnhofsviertel, Nordend, and the streets off the Zeil. International flavours sit alongside German favourites, and modest portion sizes in many places make it easy to try a variety of dishes with friends or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants with views over the skyline or the River Main, especially around the financial district and riverside promenades. Rooftop venues and glass-fronted dining rooms showcase the city lights and create an elegant setting for business dinners or special occasions.

Retail therapy in Frankfurt

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Frankfurt offers large shopping centres and department stores along the Zeil and around Hauptwache, where you can browse international brands, lifestyle labels, and homeware under one roof. These complexes often include cafés and family-friendly facilities, making them convenient meeting points.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and neighbourhoods such as Sachsenhausen, Bornheim, and Nordend feature independent boutiques, galleries, and design shops. Weekly markets and occasional craft fairs showcase local produce, handmade items, and regional gifts you can take home.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central shopping streets remain lively with illuminated storefronts and extended hours on selected days. Seasonal markets and pop-up events add to the atmosphere at certain times of year. Public transport links make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation after dark.

Best time to visit Frankfurt

Frühling (spring, March to May)
Spring in Frankfurt brings mild temperatures of around 10–18°C (50–64°F) and blossoming parks. It is shoulder season, with comfortable conditions for walking tours, riverside strolls, and outdoor cafés before the busier summer months.

Sommer (summer, June to August)
Summer is warm, with average temperatures from 20–26°C (68–79°F), longer daylight hours, and frequent open-air events. This is the peak season, ideal for enjoying riverfront activities, rooftop terraces, and day trips to nearby vineyards and river valleys.

Herbst und Winter (autumn and winter, September to February)
Autumn starts mild at 12–20°C (54–68°F) before cooling, while winter temperatures usually range from 1–7°C (34–45°F). This low season offers atmospheric city walks, cultural visits, and cosy indoor dining, along with festive lights and seasonal markets in late November and December.

Frequently Asked Questions