Frankfurt is located in Germany, specifically in the state of Hesse in western Germany.
Why are there two frankfurts in Germany?
Germany has two cities named Frankfurt: Frankfurt am Main and Frankfurt (Oder), which exist to distinguish between two historically separate settlements.
You’ll find Frankfurt am Main in Hesse—it’s the bigger, better-known city. Then there’s Frankfurt (Oder), a smaller place tucked into Brandenburg near Poland. These two cities have been around for centuries, each with their own story long before Germany’s modern borders were drawn. After World War II, the Oder-Neisse line became Germany’s eastern edge, so Frankfurt (Oder) ended up in East Germany while Frankfurt am Main stayed in West Germany until reunification in 1990.
Was Frankfurt in East Germany or West Germany?
Frankfurt am Main was in West Germany, while Frankfurt (Oder) was in East Germany during the Cold War (1949–1990).
Frankfurt am Main, sitting pretty in Hesse, was part of the Federal Republic of Germany—better known as West Germany. That meant strong ties to Western Europe and a booming economy. Meanwhile, Frankfurt (Oder) in Brandenburg was on the other side of the Iron Curtain as part of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). The two cities were separated by the inner German border until Germany reunited in 1990.
Why is Frankfurt famous?
Frankfurt is famous for its skyscraper skyline, financial hub status, major trade fairs, and cultural institutions like the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange.
Nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its towering skyline along the Main River, Frankfurt packs a punch. It’s home to the European Central Bank, the German Stock Exchange, and some of the biggest trade fairs in the world—like the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Frankfurt Auto Show. Oh, and let’s not forget its massive international airport, one of Europe’s busiest. That’s why this city is a powerhouse for business and travel.
Is Frankfurt in Germany or France?
Frankfurt is in Germany, located in the state of Hesse in western Germany.
Frankfurt am Main sometimes gets mixed up with places in France because of its global reputation, but it’s solidly German. The closest big French city, Strasbourg, sits about 180 miles (290 km) southwest. Frankfurt itself is roughly 40 miles (65 km) northeast of the French border with Luxembourg—so no, it’s not anywhere near France.
What do you call someone from Frankfurt?
Someone from Frankfurt is called a Frankfurter.
That label covers both Frankfurt am Main and Frankfurt (Oder), though most people think of the Hessian city when they hear it. In German, men are “Frankfurter” and women are “Frankfurterin.” Fun fact: the word also shows up on menus as “Frankfurter Wurst,” the city’s famous sausage.
Is Frankfurt worth visiting?
Frankfurt is worth visiting for travelers interested in modern architecture, museums, and a compact city center.
Look, Frankfurt isn’t the kind of place with half-timbered houses and cobblestone alleys like Heidelberg or Rothenburg. Instead, it delivers a sleek, modern vibe. You’ve got world-class museums along the Main River, a skyline walk with killer views from the Main Tower, and the peaceful Palmengarten botanical garden right in the heart of the city. And if you’re stuck with a short layover? The airport is efficient, and downtown is easy to explore on foot.
Is Frankfurt expensive?
Frankfurt is one of the most expensive cities in Germany and Europe.
As of 2026, only Munich outranks Frankfurt for cost of living in Germany. Expect to pay €20–€40 for a mid-range meal and around €90 for a monthly public transport pass. Salaries in the financial sector help balance things out, but budget travelers can save by staying outside the center or using regional transit.
Are Frankfurt and Frankfurt am Main the same thing?
Yes, Frankfurt and Frankfurt am Main refer to the same city.
The full name Frankfurt am Main (“Frankfurt on the Main River”) sets it apart from Frankfurt (Oder). The “am Main” part is official on maps, documents, and addresses. In everyday German speech, though, people just say “Frankfurt” unless they need to clarify.
What food is Frankfurt famous for?
Frankfurt is famous for several regional dishes: Grüne Soße, Frankfurter Wurst, Handkäs mit Musik, and Frankfurter Kranz.
Grüne Soße is a bright green herb sauce, usually served with boiled eggs and potatoes, made from seven fresh herbs. Frankfurter Wurst is a finely spiced, smoke-cured sausage that pairs perfectly with sauerkraut or mustard. Handkäs mit Musik (“Hand cheese with music”) is a tangy sour-milk cheese served with onions and vinegar—yes, the name’s a little odd. For dessert, Frankfurter Kranz is a layered cake filled with buttercream and caramelized sugar, a party favorite. You can taste all of them at the Kleinmarkthalle market.
Do they speak English in Frankfurt?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Frankfurt due to its international business community and tourism.
As a global financial hub, Frankfurt draws expats and English-speaking professionals from around the world. Most restaurants, hotels, and public transport announcements offer English support. Still, a simple “Danke” or “Entschuldigung” goes a long way, especially in smaller shops or traditional neighborhoods. Younger locals and folks in finance or hospitality tend to speak English most comfortably.
What should I avoid in Germany?
In Germany, avoid jaywalking, improper recycling, Nazi salutes, late arrivals, and walking in bike lanes.
Jaywalking is a big no—always use crosswalks and wait for the signal. Recycling rules are strict; separate paper, plastic, glass, and bio-waste into the right bins. Nazi symbols or gestures are illegal and can land you in serious trouble. Punctuality matters—being late for meetings or appointments is considered rude. And watch your step: walking or standing in bike lanes can lead to fines, because those paths are protected for cyclists.
Is Frankfurt a walkable city?
Yes, Frankfurt is a highly walkable city with a compact downtown and excellent public transport.
The Innenstadt, or city center, is small enough to cover on foot in a few hours. The layout is grid-like and pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and car-free zones like the Zeil shopping street. Frankfurt’s public transport—trains, trams, and buses—is reliable and well-connected, so you can zip to the airport or other neighborhoods without trouble. Many highlights, from the historic Römerberg square to the Main River promenade, sit within easy walking distance of each other.
How many Muslims are in Frankfurt?
As of recent estimates, approximately 12.6% of Frankfurt’s population is Muslim.
That percentage reflects Frankfurt’s long history of diversity, shaped by migration from Turkey, North Africa, and the Middle East. The city is home to several mosques, including the Zentralmoschee Frankfurt, and hosts public events for Islamic holidays. You’ll find halal restaurants and international markets in neighborhoods like Gallus and Sachsenhausen, adding to the city’s rich cultural mix.
Is Europe part of Germany?
Germany is a country in Central Europe, not a continent itself.
Germany sits in the heart of Europe and is one of 46 countries on the continent. It’s also the EU’s most populous member. With borders touching Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Germany plays a central role in European politics and economics. Covering about 357,000 square kilometers, it ranks seventh-largest in Europe by area.
Is Frankfurt safe?
Frankfurt is considered generally safe, with lower violent crime rates than many European cities of similar size.
As of 2026, Frankfurt’s crime index sits below Germany’s average, though petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in crowded spots like train stations, the airport, and the city center. Violent crime is rare, but some areas near the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) can get lively late at night. Standard safety steps—like keeping valuables secure and sticking to well-lit routes after dark—are smart moves. The city keeps a visible police presence in public spaces to help everyone feel secure.
