Frankfurt, one of the Top 10 Business Travel Destinations for 2018, is seen as one of the top places to conduct a business trip.
Home to one of the largest Airports in Europe and boasting the best connections to other modes of transport than any other European Airport, it’s no wonder business travellers are flocking to do business in Frankfurt. Home to the headquarters of the European Central Bank, alongside Dublin, Frankfurt is set to become an even bigger business environment and finance destination following Brexit.
Top Industries: Financial services, Telecommunications, Creative services
Business travellers can expect a fantastic range of hotels, restaurants and sights in Frankfurt. In this guide, we provide corporate travellers with all the information they will need when spending time travelling for business as well as some of our favourite places we have visited, weather forecasts, transport links, what to see, where to eat and much more in this popular destination.
Travelling to Frankfurt
Frankfurt Main Airport is a major international airport located in Frankfurt, the fifth-largest city of Germany and one of the world’s leading financial centres.
The airport was named the 13th busiest airport worldwide (by total number of passengers) in 2016, with 60.786 million passengers using the airport that year. In 2017 Frankfurt Airport handled 64.500 million passengers and in 2018 nearly 70 million.
It’s always good to check what VISA requirements need to be in place prior to booking travel. If using a Travel Management Company they will be able to guide you on this. For Frankfurt, (at the time of writing) the GOV.uk website states that there is a 90-day visa-free period.
Transport Links:
Germany is known for the efficiency, speed, and reliability of its transport systems, and Frankfurt is no exception. Navigating the metro, tram and bus lines that make up the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) transportation network is straight forward and likely faster than a car. The transport system of Frankfurt satisfies the needs of both tourists and Business Travellers alike.
Uber
App-based transportation services Uber operates in Frankfurt so you can arrange a ride via your smartphone as you would do in any major UK city.
Bus/Metro
Frankfurt’s bus and metro system run throughout the city and are a great way to get around. Buses run 24 hours a day, and cross-town routes are a convenient and inexpensive way to soak in the city. Most bus stops have a roof overhang for protection from the elements and tickets can be purchased on-board.
The metro system is composed of the S-bahn (nine routes of suburban rail) and the U-bahn (nine routes of combined tram and underground lines). Whilst you can plan out your journey on the RMV website or via Google Maps, its recommended travellers download the RMV app to a phone. The app comes with a navigation service and connects directly to the credit card of your choice.
Where to stay:
There are 5 main districts to stay in Frankfurt including Sachsenhausen, Bornheim, Bahnhofsviertel, Nordend and Westend. From top-notch restaurants at budget-friendly prices, luxury hotels, dozens of apple-wine pubs, moated villas, scenic cobblestone streets and bohemian vibe there’s plenty on offer from each district.
Tripadvisor has a comprehensive list of business hotels best for business travellers along with the top 10 budget hotels that are within walking distance of where you need to be.
Top things to see and do:
Whether you’re spending free time in between meetings or adding on some “Bleisure” time to the end of your stay, a city trip to Frankfurt isn’t complete without a visit to the following areas.
Palmengarten
The Palmengarten is one of three botanical gardens in Frankfurt, located in the Westend-Süd district.
Römerberg
Römerberg is a public space located in front of the Römer building complex and is the site of numerous trade fairs and Christmas markets. The square itself is the historic heart of the medieval old town and its beauty is something to behold and is perfect for a festive experience.
Städel Museum
The Städel Museum, is an art museum, home to one of the most important collections in Germany. The Städel Museum owns 2,700 paintings and a collection of 100,000 drawings and prints as well as 600 sculptures so if you’re an art enthusiast – this place is not to be missed!
Retail therapy at the Zeil
In the city centre, the Zeil shopping promenade plays home to a host of well-known department stores, retail chains and speciality shops. Shop till you drop down this beautiful street whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it there.
Where to eat:
When it comes to food, Frankfurt does not disappoint! Here are some of our favourite range of restaurants:
#1 Ariston
On entering Ariston guests experience the pleasures of ancient and modern Greek cuisine. Sporting a prestigious bar, high ceilings, wood panelling and a modern interior an impressive menu awaits guests and is a must-visit.
#2 Ebbelwoi Unser
The gastronomic idea here is that the Ebbelwoi Unser becomes like a second living room, characterised by the personal contact between the restaurant and its guests as well as the guests amongst each other. Cosiness, informality and the desire to be among people for young and old is the ethos of this restaurant teamed with traditional food cooked with love from the heart.
#3 Immer Satt
Due to its convenient location close to the Frankfurt Trade Fair, the Immer Satt restaurant is ideal for business lunches and cosy get-togethers with colleagues. Serving delicious German food and top service, well cooked and attractively presented meals include dishes such as; Hocks, Schnitzel, salads and more!
#4 Kaffee Wackers
An institution of the banking metropolis, Kaffee Wackers has taken a place within Frankfurt’s history starting out in 1914. With more than 40 different coffees and espressos roasted by the team, Kaffee Wackers is the place to be for a decent Coffee and a catchup with a business contact or colleague. It’s perfect for a more casual dining experience.
Frankfurt Best Practice
It can be really difficult adjusting to a new culture when travelling for business. The GOV.UK website has some really useful information on best practice when visiting Frankfurt from German business culture, various laws and customs to health, terrorism and everything in between, it’s essential to be prepared before you travel.