Frankfurt is undoubtedly one of the most important cities in Germany. Although it was badly damaged after World War II, it eventually rose up to become one of the major metropolises in the country. As far as popularity goes, Frankfurt is up there with the likes of Berline, Germany's capital city, Munich, Hamburg, and more. But what exactly makes Frankfurt such an ideal city? What is there to see here? Well, you'll find that, like most cities, Frankfurt has its own fair share of diverse districts, each offering something new and exciting. Here are the ones you need to know about.
Altstadt
Also known as the 'Old Town of Frankfurt, Altstadt is the city's main tourist hub. Think cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, gabled buildings, and the like. They preserve Frankfurt's heritage, offering a look into what the city looked like centuries ago. In many ways, Altstadt resembles places like
Brussels,
Amsterdam, and other European cities that have conserved their nostalgic charm. Though despite the neighborhoods draw for tourists, it rarely gets as bustling here as it does in other parts of Frankfurt. For the most part, things are pretty quiet in Altstadt, allowing both visitors and locals to relish in the old-school charm while tuning way modern-day troubles.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Simsalabimbam
Bockenheim
Located in the northwest of Frankfurt, a little beyond Westend, the Bockenheim neighborhood is more so a bohemian hang-out than anything else. It's also one of the more populous parts of the city since it's more affordable here than in other districts. If you're looking for a nice apartment even when you maintain a strict budget, rest assured you'll find one here in Bockenheim. Add to that the fact that this neighborhood is pretty central when it comes to the city's public transport systems. You'll find a ton of bus stops and tram stations in most corners of the area here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bornheim
Although it's nothing like Altstadt, you might mistake Bornheim as another tourist haven in Frankfurt. That's because the area has become a popular hometown among the expats in the city over the years. Thanks to the many apartment buildings, busy streets, and the general affordability of the place, foreign residents have chosen Bornheim as their new home in Frankfurt. But regardless of whether you're an expat, tourist, or local, there's a lot you can look forward to in this neighborhood. Bornheim is also known for its bustling restaurant scene, with bistros, bars, and cafés livening things up from dawn till dusk.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gallus - Europaviertel
Gallusviertel, more popularly known as the Gallus district, is an important part of Frankfurt as it houses the city's main railway station. It's the area that helps connect the other neighborhoods together, sort of like a center point of sorts. However, in recent years, the Europaviertel part of the Gallus district has gotten a lot of attention thanks to the modern apartment complexes that have taken the area over. Because of this, just like Bornheim, Europaviertel has also drawn a lot of foreign residents and younger locals to settle down here. Of course, it helps with the public transport as well!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Epizentrum
Innenstadt
If you were to ask where Frankfurt's city center is, many would point you to Innenstadt. The central part of the city that houses the country's main banks, governmental institutions, and the like, there's never a dull moment here. Especially since it also has Zeil street, a famous shopping district that's Frankfurt's equivalence to New York's Fifth Avenue or
Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive. It's here where you'll find a ton of luxury stores, ranging from
French designer brands to
Italian shoe labels and more. And when you need a break, you can stop by any of the myriads of cafés and restaurants for a quick bite!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ GeorgDerReisende
Nordend
Frankfurt's Nordend has some of the most picturesque streets in the entire city. Though it lacks Altstadt's nostalgic charm, the tree-lined avenues here are just as beautiful. It's a good thing that it's also the largest residential area in all of Frankfurt, making it an easy escape from the more bustling parts of the city. Although Nordend houses a diverse range of residents, from bohemians to families, it never lost its suburban appeal. One can't help but feel that the area is open to everyone, be they conservative or a free spirit. And the slow-paced at of life feels all the more welcoming.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ GeorgDerReisende
Ostend
In many ways, the Ostend neighborhood in Frankfurt gives you the best of both worlds. On one hand, it's a heavily industrialized part of the city where office spaces, warehouses, and the like stand now. One look at this district and you can tell that
Germany's job market is thriving. And if you're
looking for a job, staying in the area might just do the trick. But on the other hand, despite all of that, Ostend remains a more serene neighborhood overall. Yes, it tends to get busy here, but it's nothing compared to the likes of Innenstadt and Sachsenhausen.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Doppelreimer
Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen takes the title of Frankfurt's trendiest neighborhood. Think art galleries that tend to have exhibition openings and other similarly chic events every so often. Bars and pubs that offer a chill atmosphere for friends to just hang out or students debate their ideas amidst glasses of wine and beer. Not to mention small businesses like boutiques and shops that show off the creative side of the city. Thanks to the relatively younger population here, Sachsenhausen has become the hippest area in all of Frankfurt. It also helps that rent here tends to be cheap enough that students and young professionals can afford it.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Roberto Strauss
Westend
Finally, there's Westend, the most upscale residential area in all of Frankfurt. Home to the city's financiers and big-shot executives, this district screams wealth from every corner. You can feel it with the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood—a well-balanced combination of classic architecture with modern structures. Not to mention the beautiful parks where families enjoy quality time on the weekends. Despite this reputation, however, Westend is also among the more peaceful parts of the city. Though it's near the busier areas, the district itself exuded a private aura that can easily make outsiders feel unwelcomed.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Don't think that you can define the city of Frankfurt with just one word or even one idea. If you get to know more about the city's different neighborhoods, you'll realize that there's more to this metropolis than meets the eye!
Any of these neighborhoods in frankfurt have a few luxury homes you might want to check out. Who knows? They can be your new home here!
