Frankfurt Am Main, Germany

As far as eating and drinking are concerned, Frankfurt has it all. Here you'll find something to suit every taste, and any pocketbook. Going out for a meal or a drink is not just about satisfying appetites. Frankfurt is a city full of single people, and socializing is high on the agenda at many localities.

Frankfurt's culinary scene has certainly profited from the airport, which links the city to food producers from all over the world. The city's foreign communities have also added a touch of spice to the food, infusing Turkish, Indian, Japanese and other exotic flavors. Local fare, however, is well catered for by numerous restaurants and snack bars, which serve up regional specialties at reasonable prices.

But the absolute highlight for people visiting Frankfurt is a relaxing evening in one of the Ebbelwoikneipen, traditional cider pubs that serve up ceramic mugs full of the local drink, Apfelwein. Be it sweet or dry, cider is the drink of choice in Frankfurt and is best appreciated with an accompaniment of Handkäse, a type of hard cheese mixed with onions, vinegar and oil.

Bockenheim

Diesseits Café is a good option for those watching their diet. They are well-known for their salad dressing and fresh, healthy meal options. Be sure to try the signature apple wine with your dinner. Orfeo's Erben is both a restaurant and moviehouse, with an eclectic menu featuring tandoori and a clean, modern décor. The food at Andalucia is distinctly Spanish with large murals adorning the walls. Arche Nova is a three-floor, environmentally friendly restaurant with many whole food and organic options on its menu.

Bornheim

Fine examples include the Zur Schönen Müllerin in Nordend or Friedberger Warte in Bornheim. or Thai Suvadee, you'll be spoilt for choice here. A city full of bankers, financial advisers, lawyers and accountants, makes it difficult to eat cheaply. But there are certain gems where you can wine and dine without breaking the bank. A popular place is Manolya in Nordend.

Nordend

Strandcafé is popular among students and serves North African cuisine. You'll be able to enjoy many different tea varieties here. The lamb and the Ruccola Soup make a trip to Exil well worth it. There's outdoor seating in the summer months. Armonia is a classic Italian restaurant that serves pizza, pasta and meat dishes. Their wine list encompasses a wide variety of labels. The choices for breakfast at Cardamom are hearty, and include options like goose and salmon.

Sachsenhausen

Frankfurt has a great selection of eateries specializing in regional food and drink. The best and most popular cider pubs are to be found in the district of Sachsenhausen. The Affentorhäuser, for example, is rustic, offers a good value menu, and serves Haspeln and Schäufelchen (both local pork dishes). Their specialty is a stunning fillet of beef, served with—you guessed it—cider! The Apfelweinwirtschaft Wagner is a popular eatery for its food and drink, and easy-going, sociable atmosphere. The only problem with the cider pubs in Sachsenhausen is that they are fairly touristy and can get very full. Other districts have pubs that are just as good, but which are visited predominantly by locals.

Westend

Frankfurt is Germany's most multi-cultural city, and you'll find that most places don't water things down to cater to European tastes. Original spices are used, and if you order a curry which claims to be hot, you can bet it'll blow you away! The area around the city's main shopping street, the Zeil, is full of foreign restaurants: be it Greek Omonia, Italian Isoletta , French Bistro Rosa . Frankfurt boasts hundreds of cafés and coffee houses, many of which cater to a particular clientèle or offer specialties. Although the choice is large, certain places do stand out. Or head over to the Café Laumer (with a garden and summer terrace) in Westend.

"Commercial hospitality" is a long-standing tradition in Frankfurt. Hoards of travelers have been descending on the town ever since the conferment of trading rights in 1240. At the end of the 18th Century, visitors could choose from over 70 guest houses. Nowadays, over 160 hotels, guest houses and hostels with 22,000 beds cater to about 2.5 million visitors annually. Over half of all visitors come from abroad. With an average stay of just under two days, Frankfurt is still a place for people in transit. The choice ranges from small, family-run guest houses to huge establishments offering every imaginable luxury.

The City

If you'd prefer to stay in the city center, then the Hotel Zentrum Hauptwache is a good option. Their rooms come with soundproof windows and doors to ensure that your stay is peaceful. The Hotel am Dom is also centrally located. It is within walking distance of the Paulskirche and the Altes Rathaus Bergen. The unpretentious rooms and décor are comfortable, while the service is friendly and efficient. Other hotels in the city center include the Steinberger Frankfurter Hof, a splendid nineteenth century Renaissance establishment situated close to the Zeil shopping street. One of Frankfurt's most renowned and respected addresses is the Hessischer Hof opposite the Exhibition Center.

Northend and Eastend

The Mondial in Nordend is off the beaten path and ideal for those looking to save some money. It's also not far from the main train station and is a short walk to the city center. The Best Western Alexander am Zoo is ideal for families considering its proximity to the Frankfurt Zoo in Bornheim. It also features fantastic views of the city from its open air terrace. The Admiral is located not far from many restaurants and cafes, and features a clean decor and complimentary breakfast.

Hauptbahnhof

Popular choices for both tourists and business people are the Manhattan and Intercity hotels, both of which offer comfortable rooms and a pleasant staff. The elegantly-decorated Nizza and over a century old Victoria are charming 19th century establishments. Both hotels are great selections if you're not put off at the thought of staying close to Frankfurt's red light district. Luxury hotels include the Le Meridien Parkhotel, an elegant art nouveau palace close to the main station. You'll also find the Intercontinental here, a luxurious hotel with a fitness club, sauna and high-quality Japanese restaurant. The Hilton is one of the best hotels in Frankfurt.

Westend

Not far from the Exhibition Center, is the district of Westend and another place with a good accommodations. The Palmenhof and small, quaint hotels such as the Hotel Florentina, Backer, Liebig are particularly recommended. There are also some charming guest houses here, like Hotel Gölz and Pension Sattler. Over on the other side of the street is one of the tallest hotels in Europe, the Marriott.The nearby Astoria Hotel doesn't quite offer the same level of comfort, but it wins people over with its low-key atmosphere.

Airport

If you arrive in Frankfurt by air, then you can book into one of the airport hotels at the drop of a hat. With more than 1,000 rooms, the Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel & Towers, Conference Center is one of the bigger hotels in the region. The Steigenberger Airport Hotel offers weary travelers high-class service, while the Kempinski—located on the edge of the city forest—is a particularly good alternative for travelers looking for a breath of fresh air after a long flight.