Frankfurt, Germany

Let’s kick things off with the truth: Frankfurt isn’t the most charming city in Europe. But here’s what it is - Germany’s undisputed financial capital and one of the most efficient conference destinations you’ll ever visit. After attending 8 fintech conferences here over the past four years, I’ve learned exactly how to navigate this city to maximize conference value while minimizing stress.

In this guide, I’ll show you the exact strategies I use every time I’m in Frankfurt for an event. These are the same techniques that helped me turn what could have been exhausting conference trips into productive, even enjoyable experiences.

Getting There

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s major hubs, which means you’ll have excellent flight options from pretty much anywhere. It’s Germany’s busiest airport and Lufthansa’s main hub, so if you’re flying from another European city, you’ll have multiple daily flight options.

Here’s what most conference attendees flying into Frankfurt need to know:

From the Airport to City Center:

The S-Bahn is your best friend. Take either the S8 or S9 line directly from the airport’s regional train station (not the long-distance train station - they’re different levels, follow the “S-Bahn” signs).

Cost: €5.35 for a single ticket Time: 11-15 minutes to Hauptwache (the main city center station) Frequency: Every 15 minutes from early morning until midnight

Buy your ticket from the red DB (Deutsche Bahn) machines in the airport. They accept credit cards and have English language options. Here’s a critical tip: German ticket inspectors are strict and fines are €60 on the spot. Always validate your ticket before boarding (though S-Bahn tickets from machines are pre-validated).

Taxi or Uber:

Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. Expect to pay €30-40 to the city center or Messe Frankfurt, taking 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Uber operates in Frankfurt but isn’t significantly cheaper than regular taxis.

I personally always take the S-Bahn unless I’m traveling with 2+ colleagues and can split a taxi - it’s faster, predictable, and you avoid Frankfurt’s rush hour traffic, which can be brutal between 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM.

If You’re Connecting from Another German City:

Frankfurt has excellent high-speed train (ICE) connections. The long-distance train station at the airport connects directly to cities like Munich (3.5 hours), Berlin (4 hours), and Cologne (1 hour). Many conference attendees fly into another German city and take the train to Frankfurt - it’s often more convenient than connecting flights.

Getting Around

Frankfurt’s public transportation is excellent - efficient, clean, and comprehensive. The system includes S-Bahn (regional trains), U-Bahn (subway), trams, and buses, all integrated into the RMV network.

The Frankfurt Card - Should You Get It?

Yes, if you’re staying 2+ days. The Frankfurt Card costs €13.50 for one day or €20.50 for a group day ticket (up to 5 people). It covers all public transport including to/from the airport and gives 50% discounts on museums and attractions.

Here’s the math: Airport to city center (€5.35) + return trip (€5.35) = €10.70. If you take even one additional trip in the city, the day card pays for itself. Buy it at any S-Bahn or U-Bahn station.

Getting to Messe Frankfurt:

Most major fintech conferences happen at Messe Frankfurt, the massive exhibition center on the western edge of the city. The U4 subway line takes you directly there from the city center.

From Hauptwache: Take the U4 toward Bockenheimer Warte, get off at “Festhalle/Messe” station Time: 15 minutes Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes during conference hours

Pro tip: The Messe Frankfurt complex is enormous. Check which hall your conference is in (Hall 8, Hall 11, etc.) before you arrive. Some halls are a 10-minute walk from the station. During Euro Finance Week, allow an extra 15 minutes for security and registration lines in the morning.

Walking in Frankfurt:

The city center (Innenstadt) is compact and walkable. You can walk from Hauptwache to the Main River in 10 minutes, and most restaurants and bars are within a 20-minute walk of each other. However, Messe Frankfurt is not walkable from the center - always take the U-Bahn.

Taxis and Uber:

Taxis are reliable but expensive. A trip within the city center runs €10-15. Uber operates but often costs the same as regular taxis due to German regulations. For late nights after networking events, taxis are abundant at major hotels and the Hauptwache area.

Conference Districts & Venues

Messe Frankfurt - The Main Event:

This is where the majority of major conferences happen. It’s one of the world’s largest trade fair venues, hosting Euro Finance Week, Fintech Connect, and dozens of other events throughout the year.

What you need to know:

• The complex has 11 exhibition halls spread across a massive area
• Food options inside are limited and expensive - eat a proper breakfast before arriving
• Coffee is available but expect queues during morning breaks
• The Congress Center (separate from the halls) hosts many fintech conferences
• Free WiFi is available but can be unreliable with thousands of attendees

Having attended 4 conferences at Messe Frankfurt, here’s my survival strategy: Arrive 30 minutes before sessions start to avoid registration lines. Bring a power bank - charging stations get crowded. Wear comfortable shoes - you’ll walk 10,000+ steps easily in a day here.

Villa Kennedy and Luxury Hotel Venues:

Some high-end fintech events and private dinners happen at Frankfurt’s luxury hotels. The Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy in Sachsenhausen hosts exclusive events. The Jumeirah Frankfurt hosts many Money 20/20-adjacent events.

Coworking Spaces Near Messe Frankfurt:

Need to work before or after conference sessions? WeWork has a location at Taunusanlage 8, about 10 minutes from Messe via U-Bahn. Day passes are available. Alternatively, many hotels in the Westend district have business centers that non-guests can use for a fee.

Coffee Shops With Good WiFi:

• Hoppenworth & Ploch (multiple locations) - Specialty coffee, reliable WiFi, popular with the startup crowd
• Caffè e Gelato near Hauptwache - Good for quick meetings, decent WiFi
• Starbucks at Hauptwache - Always has available seating, reliable WiFi, convenient for meeting people staying in different areas

Where to Stay

I’ve stayed in 5 different Frankfurt neighborhoods across multiple conference trips, and location matters more here than in many cities.

Innenstadt (City Center) - Best for First-Timers:

This is where I recommend most conference attendees stay. You’re central to restaurants, nightlife, and have easy U-Bahn access to Messe Frankfurt.

Expect to pay: €120-180 per night for mid-range hotels Transport to Messe Frankfurt: 15 minutes via U4

Good options:

• Motel One Frankfurt-Römer - Budget-friendly (€90-120), modern, right in the center
• Hotel Schwan - Mid-range (€130-160), traditional German hotel, good breakfast
• Jumeirah Frankfurt - Luxury (€250+), popular with conference attendees, Jimmy’s Bar is a networking hotspot

Westend - Best for Quiet, Professional Stay:

The Westend district is Frankfurt’s upscale residential and business neighborhood. It’s quieter than the city center, with tree-lined streets and proximity to both the financial district and Messe Frankfurt.

Expect to pay: €140-200 per night Transport to Messe Frankfurt: 10 minutes via U4 or tram

This is where I stay now when I’m in Frankfurt for conferences. It’s less touristy, has excellent restaurants, and you’ll actually get good sleep.

Near Messe Frankfurt - Best for Convenience:

If you’re spending all day at Messe Frankfurt and want minimal commute, there are several hotels within walking distance.

Expect to pay: €150-220 per night during conference periods (prices spike) Transport to Messe Frankfurt: 5-10 minute walk

Fair warning: This area is quiet at night with limited restaurant options. You’ll likely end up taking the U-Bahn into the city center for dinner anyway.

Sachsenhausen - Best for Atmosphere:

South of the Main River, Sachsenhausen has a more neighborhood feel with traditional apple wine taverns and the museum district.

Expect to pay: €110-160 per night Transport to Messe Frankfurt: 25 minutes (U-Bahn to Hauptwache, transfer to U4)

I’d only recommend this if you’ve been to Frankfurt before and want to experience a different side of the city. The extra commute time adds up during a busy conference schedule.

When to Book:

For major conferences like Euro Finance Week (November), book 3-4 months in advance minimum. Hotel prices increase 40-60% and availability gets extremely limited. For smaller events, 6-8 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.

Pro tip: Many Frankfurt regulars stay at the same hotel every visit and build relationships with staff. I always stay at the same Westend hotel now, and they upgrade me to better rooms and remember my coffee preferences. It’s these small things that make frequent conference travel less exhausting.

Essential Conference Survival Tips

Weather and What to Pack:

Frankfurt has four distinct seasons. Here’s what to expect:

Spring (April-May): 10-18°C, unpredictable rain. Pack layers and a light rain jacket. Summer (June-August): 20-28°C, can be hot and humid. Business casual acceptable at some events. Autumn (September-October): 12-20°C, pleasant but rainy. This is prime conference season. Winter (November-February): 0-8°C, cold and gray. Euro Finance Week in November requires a proper winter coat.

German business culture is conservative - suits are standard for conferences, especially in the financial sector. Frankfurt is not a city where business casual is widely accepted.

Phone and Data:

Free WiFi is available at the airport, most hotels, and conference venues, but it’s often unreliable with thousands of users. If you’re from outside the EU, I highly recommend getting an eSIM before you arrive. Options like Airalo offer EU data plans starting at €5 for 1GB.

EU residents benefit from roaming-free mobile data throughout Germany.

Power and Adapters:

Germany uses Type C and F plugs (standard European). The voltage is 230V. If you’re coming from the UK or US, bring adapters. Most conference venues have limited charging stations, so bring a power bank - your phone will drain quickly with constant email and LinkedIn activity.

Business Hours You Need to Know:

This is crucial and catches many visitors off guard. Most German restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM). If you’re planning a late lunch meeting, make sure it’s before 2:00 PM or you’ll struggle to find a sit-down restaurant.

Shops close early on Saturdays (usually 8 PM) and are closed completely on Sundays except for restaurants and cafes.

Banks and offices typically close by 6 PM.

Tipping Culture:

Round up to the nearest euro for drinks. For meals, 5-10% is standard. You pay and tip when the server brings the card reader to your table - say the total amount you want to pay including tip. Don’t leave cash on the table like in the US.

Language:

Most fintech professionals and service staff speak excellent English. However, learning a few German phrases goes a long way:

• “Guten Tag” (Good day)
• “Danke” (Thank you)
• “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me)
• “Die Rechnung, bitte” (The bill, please)

Older Germans appreciate when you at least try to speak German, even if you immediately switch to English.

Common Pitfalls:

Don’t expect loud, animated service. German efficiency is quiet and direct - waiters won’t check on you every 5 minutes, but the service is professional.

Pedestrian crossings are taken seriously. Don’t cross on a red light even if no cars are coming - locals will judge you, and police can fine you.

Public transportation tickets must be validated. Even if you bought a ticket, it’s invalid unless stamped in the validation machines (though tickets from machines are usually pre-validated).

After Hours & Networking Spots

The real value of conferences happens outside the sessions, and Frankfurt has specific spots where fintech crowds gather.

Where Conference Attendees Actually Go:

Jimmy’s Bar at the Jumeirah Frankfurt - This is the unofficial networking hub during major fintech conferences. Expect it to be packed with badges and business cards from 7 PM onwards during Euro Finance Week. Cocktails are expensive (€15-20) but the networking value is worth it.

The Nest - Rooftop bar at Grüneburgweg 16-18, popular with the startup and fintech crowd. Excellent views, good cocktails, more relaxed atmosphere than Jimmy’s.

Roomers Bar - At the Roomers Hotel, attracts a younger fintech crowd. Modern, stylish, good music. Reserve ahead during conferences.

Traditional Options:

Margarete in Nordend - This is where I take clients for business dinners. Excellent modern German cuisine, quieter atmosphere, sophisticated crowd. Book 2-3 days ahead. Mains €25-35.

Main Tower Restaurant & Bar - 200 meters above Frankfurt with spectacular views. The bar is perfect for evening networking with a wow factor. Reserve ahead for the restaurant.

Apfelwein Wagner in Sachsenhausen - If you want the authentic Frankfurt experience, this traditional apple wine tavern serves local specialties. It’s touristy but genuinely good. Groups of 4+ should book ahead.

Quick Bites and Late Night:

Conferences run long and networking events often don’t serve substantial food. Here’s where to go:

Dean & David (multiple locations) - Healthy, fast bowls and salads. Many locations stay open until 10 PM.

Burrito Company near Hauptwache - Quick Mexican food, open until midnight, perfect after evening events.

Walon & Bauer - Excellent sandwiches and coffee, multiple locations, the location near Alte Oper is open until 8 PM.

For Late Night After Networking:

After Jimmy’s Bar empties out around 11 PM, many groups head to:

Medimix - Cocktail bar in Nordend, open until 3 AM on weekends, more local crowd Naïv - Wine bar with small plates, sophisticated, open until 1 AM Gibson - Speakeasy-style bar, requires reservation, perfect for smaller groups

Quiet Spots for 1-on-1 Meetings:

Sometimes you need to escape the conference buzz for a proper conversation:

Sofitel Frankfurt Opera - The lobby bar is quiet, comfortable, good coffee Libertine - Boutique coffee roastery in Nordend, excellent coffee, quiet during afternoons Palmengarten Café - In the botanical gardens, peaceful, good for afternoon meetings

Beyond the Conference

Most conferences end by Saturday afternoon, and if you’ve built in some buffer time (which I recommend), Frankfurt offers enough to fill a Sunday or extend your trip.

Half-Day Activities (3-4 hours):

Römerberg and Altstadt - The reconstructed old town center is charming despite being mostly rebuilt after WWII. The Römer (city hall) makes for good photos. Combine with a walk along the Main River. Free, walking tour.

Städel Museum - One of Germany’s best art museums, covering 700 years of European art. €16 entry, 2-3 hours needed. Located in Sachsenhausen, easily combined with apple wine tavern lunch.

Main River Walk - The riverside promenade is pleasant, especially on sunny days. Start at Eiserner Steg (iron footbridge), walk east along the river. Free, 1-2 hours.

Must-See Attractions You Can Actually Fit In:

Main Tower Observation Deck - 200-meter-high viewing platform, the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with public access. €9, stunning 360° views. Open until 9 PM in summer, 7 PM in winter. Go at sunset if possible.

Goethe House - Birthplace of Germany’s most famous writer. Interesting if you’re into literature, skippable otherwise. €7, 45 minutes.

Palmengarten - Beautiful botanical gardens, perfect for a peaceful Sunday morning. €7, 1-2 hours.

Sunday Activities:

Remember, shops are closed on Sundays in Germany. Here’s what’s open and worth doing:

• Museums (Städel, Museum of Modern Art, German Film Museum)
• Restaurants and cafes
• Palmengarten
• River walks
• Main Tower observation deck

Many conference attendees use Sunday for the Städel Museum + apple wine lunch in Sachsenhausen combination - it’s a classic Frankfurt day.

Extend Your Trip - Weekend Suggestions:

If you’re extending a few days, these are within easy reach:

Heidelberg - 1 hour by train, beautiful university town with a castle. Do this. Rhine Valley - Scenic river valley with castles and vineyards, wine tasting tours available Mainz - 40 minutes by train, charming old town, birthplace of printing press Cologne - 1 hour by ICE train, iconic cathedral, different atmosphere from Frankfurt

The truth is, most conference attendees don’t extend Frankfurt trips - the city is efficient for business but not a top leisure destination. If you’re going to extend a trip, I’d suggest doing it in Amsterdam (after Money 20/20) or combining Frankfurt with a weekend in Heidelberg or the Rhine Valley.

Practical Information

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 110
• Fire/Ambulance: 112
• European emergency number: 112 (works from any phone, even without SIM)

Medical Care:

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card at German hospitals. Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance.

For minor issues: Pharmacies (Apotheke) are marked with a red “A” sign. Staff often speak English. There’s always a rotating 24-hour pharmacy - check the sign on any pharmacy door for the nearest one.

Emergency room (Notaufnahme): Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7

Banking and Currency:

Germany is surprisingly cash-reliant for a financial capital. Many smaller restaurants and cafes don’t accept cards. Always carry €50-100 in cash.

ATMs are widely available. Avoid Euronet ATMs at the airport - they have terrible exchange rates. Use bank ATMs (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank).

Credit cards are less universally accepted than in the US or UK. Visa and Mastercard work in most places, but having a debit card is useful.

Language Essentials for Business Travelers:

Beyond basic pleasantries, these phrases are useful:

• “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?) - Though most do
• “Ein Kaffee, bitte” (A coffee, please)
• “Wo ist die U-Bahn?” (Where is the subway?)
• “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” (Can I pay by card?)

Local Business Customs:

Punctuality is non-negotiable. Arriving even 5 minutes late to a meeting requires an apology and explanation.

Business cards are still exchanged frequently. Have them ready.

Handshakes are firm and brief. Make eye contact.

Small talk is minimal. Germans get to business quickly and see it as respectful of your time.

Formal address is standard until someone suggests switching to first names. Use “Herr” (Mr.) or “Frau” (Ms.) plus last name.

Direct communication is valued. Asking direct questions or giving straightforward feedback isn’t considered rude - it’s seen as efficient and honest.

Tax and VAT:

Prices include VAT (19% on most items). If you’re from outside the EU, you can reclaim VAT on purchases over €25 - get a tax-free form at shops and process it at the airport before departure.

Restaurant bills include service charges - the tip is genuinely extra and optional (though expected).

With that being clear, Frankfurt isn’t the most exciting European city, but it’s exceptionally efficient for conference attendance. The public transport works flawlessly, venues are professional, and the fintech community here is serious about business. Use this guide to navigate the practical elements smoothly so you can focus on what actually matters - the relationships and insights you’ll gain from the conference itself.