Frankfurt

Mainhattan Magic – Your Budget-Friendly Gateway to German Gems!

Experience Skyscrapers & Old Towns, Culture & Cuisine Without the High-Rise Price Tag!

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by Frankfurt, often known as "Mainhattan" for its striking skyline, but far more than just a financial hub! This dynamic German city, perched on the Main River, is a captivating blend of cutting-edge architecture, beautifully restored historical sites, world-class museums, and charming local traditions. While it's a powerhouse of finance, "Holiday Budgets" travellers will discover that Frankfurt offers an incredibly diverse and accessible experience, proving that a sophisticated German city break doesn't have to come with an exorbitant price tag.


Imagine gazing up at gleaming skyscrapers, then strolling through a quaint old town square, or sampling delicious apple wine in a cosy traditional tavern. Frankfurt is a city that delights all your senses, offering a kaleidoscope of urban excitement, artistic treasures, and culinary delights that will leave you utterly captivated. Whether you're a business traveller looking for a savvy extension, a culture vulture, a food adventurer, or simply someone looking for an affordable yet enriching European city break, Frankfurt promises an engaging adventure that proves its appeal is within everyone's reach.

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Getting There from the UK

Getting to Frankfurt from the UK is extremely easy and convenient, with frequent direct flights:


  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): One of Europe's busiest airports, it's a major hub for Lufthansa and serves many other airlines. It's connected to major UK airports like London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and Birmingham (BHX).
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN): A smaller airport, primarily used by low-cost carriers like Ryanair. It's located significantly further from the city (about 1.5-2 hours by bus) so factor in transfer time and cost when comparing flight prices.
  • Flight Duration: Direct flights typically take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.

Visa Information for UK Travellers

Good news for British passport holders! You generally do not need a visa to enter Germany (and therefore Frankfurt) for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.


  • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry and have been issued within the last 10 years. It should also have at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Schengen Area: Germany is part of the Schengen Area. This means the 90-day limit applies to your total stay across all Schengen countries.
  • EES/ETIAS (Future): From around mid-2025, UK citizens will need to register for EES (Entry/Exit System) upon entry to the Schengen Area, and then from mid-2025 (estimated), apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travel. This is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation. Keep an eye on FCDO advice for precise implementation dates.

Currency Information

The official currency of Munich, and Germany, is the Euro (€).


  • Denominations: Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. Coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and €1, €2.
  • Card vs. Cash: While credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in most larger shops, hotels, and restaurants, Germany is still quite a cash-reliant society, especially for smaller purchases, local bakeries, some traditional pubs (kneipen), and smaller shops. It's always advisable to have some cash on hand.
  • ATMs: ATMs (Geldautomat) are widely available throughout the city.
  • Tipping: Tipping is customary. For good service in restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common. For taxis, round up to the nearest Euro.

Language Lowdown: Grüß Gott, München!

The official language of Munich is German. While English is very widely spoken, especially by younger generations and those in the tourism sector, it's not universally understood. Making an effort to use a few basic German phrases will be greatly appreciated by locals and can significantly enhance your experience. Bavarians also have their own dialect and greetings!

Here are a few useful phrases to charm the Münchners:


  • Hello (Bavarian greeting): Grüß Gott (grews got) - literally "greet God," common in Southern Germany.
  • Hello (general): Guten Tag (goo-ten tahg)
  • Thank you: Danke schön (dahn-keh shurn)
  • Please: Bitte (bit-tuh)
  • Yes: Ja (yah)
  • No: Nein (nine)
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Entschuldigung (ent-shool-di-goong)

Frankfurt's Fantastic Flavours: Must-See & Must-Do!

Get ready to explore a city of contrasts and culture!

Römerberg & Old Town (Altstadt): Postcard Perfect!

01

Start your visit at the heart of Frankfurt's historic centre, Römerberg. This beautiful medieval square, with its distinctive gabled houses (including the Römer, the city's historic city hall), was largely rebuilt after WWII but perfectly recaptures its charm. Enjoy the atmosphere, admire the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice), and visit St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Kaiserdom) nearby. It's a fantastic spot for free photos and soaking in the city's traditional side.

02

Museum Embankment (Museumsufer): Culture by the River!

Stroll along the Museum Embankment on the south bank of the Main River, home to a remarkable cluster of world-class museums. While each museum has an entry fee, you can get a Museumsufer Ticket for 2 days, which offers excellent value if you plan to visit multiple institutions like the Städel Museum (art), German Film Museum, or Museum of World Cultures. Even just walking along the riverbank and enjoying the views of the skyline is a pleasure, and free!

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Goethe House & Museum: A Literary Legend's Home!

Step into the birthplace and childhood home of Germany's most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The house is a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century life and the mind of a literary genius. While there's an admission fee, it's a must-visit for literature lovers. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll in the nearby financial district for a stark modern contrast.

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Sachsenhausen Quarter & Apple Wine: Cheers to Tradition!

Cross the Main River to the charming Sachsenhausen district, famous for its traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, discover quaint shops, and settle into a rustic tavern for a taste of the local speciality. Enjoying a glass of Apfelwein (or Ebbelwoi in local dialect) and a plate of traditional Frankfurter green sauce with boiled eggs and potatoes is a quintessential and relatively affordable local experience.

Frankfurt: Your Smart City Break with German Flair!

Frankfurt is a city that defies easy categorisation, offering a dynamic fusion of high-rise modernity, charming historical pockets, and a vibrant cultural scene. It's a highly efficient and welcoming destination that is remarkably accessible for "Holiday Budgets" travellers, proving that a sophisticated European city break can be both enriching and affordable. From its iconic skyline and world-class museums to its cosy apple wine taverns and picturesque old town, Frankfurt promises a diverse and engaging adventure.


So, pack your curiosity, your comfortable shoes, and your "Holiday Budgets" savvy – Frankfurt is waiting to reveal its unique charm to you. Get ready to fall in love with its blend of tradition and innovation, its lively atmosphere, and its countless captivating moments. Your Frankfurt adventure, perfectly tailored for your budget, awaits!