Frankfurt am Main: An Unexpected First Impression of Germany's City of Skyscrapers
How We Booked
I did not book a package holiday or plan my trip to Frankfurt in advance. The visit was spontaneous. I had a list of major German cities that I wanted to explore, and Frankfurt was one of the destinations on it.
I wanted to see the city for myself, especially its famous skyline and impressive skyscrapers. I had no idea that my first encounter with Frankfurt would be so different from what I had imagined.
Getting There
I arrived at Frankfurt Central Station with my luggage. Since I had not planned a detailed route through the city, I started exploring the area around the station.
Unfortunately, I found myself in Bahnhofsviertel, the neighbourhood around the main railway station. It was an unfamiliar environment, and my first impression was far from pleasant.
I was tired from travelling and carrying my belongings, which made me feel particularly vulnerable. I did not know the area or what to expect, and I was worried that someone might try to rob me.
Where We Stayed
I did not stay in a hotel during this visit. I was travelling through Germany, and my visit to Frankfurt was not a conventional holiday with pre-booked accommodation.
This meant that I experienced the city more as a traveller passing through than as a tourist staying in one place for several days.
The Area
The area around Frankfurt Central Station left the strongest impression on me during my first visit.
Bahnhofsviertel felt chaotic and intimidating. I saw groups of people behaving in ways that made me uncomfortable, and I was concerned about my personal safety while carrying my luggage.
I also noticed that the atmosphere was very different from the image of Germany I had previously imagined. I did not feel relaxed enough to explore the neighbourhood at my own pace.
I later read more about the area's reputation for crime and drug-related problems. That helped me understand why some visitors advise being particularly careful around the station, especially at night.
However, I would not judge the whole city by this one neighbourhood. Frankfurt has many different sides, and my later visits showed me a much more appealing one.
What We Did
During my first encounter with Frankfurt, my attention was focused mainly on the area around the station. I was more concerned about finding somewhere calmer than about sightseeing.
On subsequent visits, however, I began to appreciate the city's architecture. Frankfurt's skyscrapers became the main reason I wanted to return.
The tall buildings, illuminated windows and modern skyline created a completely different atmosphere from the streets around the station. Walking towards the River Main offered a particularly striking contrast.
The riverfront and the views of the towers made me see Frankfurt in a new light. Beyond the neighbourhood that had made me uncomfortable, I discovered the kind of city I had originally come to see.
Where We Ate and Drank
Food and restaurants were not the main focus of my visits, so I do not have particular places to recommend. My strongest memories of Frankfurt are connected to its atmosphere, its skyline and the contrast between different parts of the city.
What It Cost
My visit was not a planned package holiday, and I did not organise it around hotel reservations or a fixed sightseeing budget.
For me, the most important part of the experience was discovering the city and deciding which places I would want to explore more carefully on a future visit.
What I Would Do Differently
If I visited Frankfurt for the first time again, I would still want to see Bahnhofsviertel briefly out of curiosity. However, I would be more careful about how long I stayed there, particularly after dark.
I would keep my belongings secure and move on towards a calmer part of the city rather than spending too much time in an area where I felt uncomfortable.
I would also head towards the River Main and the skyline earlier. Those views represent the side of Frankfurt that interests me most.
Things I Wish I Had Known
I wish I had known more about the different neighbourhoods around Frankfurt Central Station before arriving.
A railway station can be a convenient starting point for exploring a city, but the surrounding streets do not necessarily represent the destination as a whole. In Frankfurt, this distinction became especially clear to me.
I would also recommend having a basic command of English when travelling. English can make it easier to ask questions, understand information and communicate with people when your German is still limited.
Most importantly, I learned not to judge an entire city based on one difficult first impression.
The Verdict
Would I return to Frankfurt? Yes.
Despite my uncomfortable first experience, I remain fascinated by the city. Its skyscrapers remind me of the images I have seen of New York and other American cities. I have never visited the United States, but Frankfurt's skyline gives me a similar impression of a modern, international metropolis.
There is also something about the city's atmosphere that reminds me of Gotham City from Batman. The illuminated towers, dramatic architecture and busy streets can make Frankfurt feel like the setting of an American crime film or television series.
That contrast is precisely what makes the city memorable to me. My first impression was unsettling, but later visits revealed a skyline that I genuinely enjoy.
My advice to other travellers is simple: stay aware of your surroundings around the central station, be particularly cautious in unfamiliar areas at night, and make time to explore beyond the station district.
Frankfurt is more than its first impression. For me, it is a city of contrasts, striking skyscrapers and an atmosphere that makes me want to return.
About the Author
My name is Konstantin Pustovoytenko. I live in Germany, enjoy discovering new cities, and teach English online.
If you are interested in learning English, you can find more information about my lessons on my website:
https://www.konstantin-pustovoytenko.com/