With the Euros in Frankfurt right on the horizon, there's no better time than now to learn all about the city, as you head over to Germany to see the matches.
If you’re a fan of football, then you know that the big event of the year is practically already here. Set to take the footy world by storm from June to July, Euro 2024 is taking over Germany, which will be the place to be this summer if you want to see Europe’s greatest national teams collide.
And with spectacular displays of skill and goals aplenty coming your way, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’d already booked off the days when your team is playing, so you can be there to cheer them on in person.
But if you’ve never been to Germany before, then you might be after a bit of help so you can easily navigate its big host cities – and that’s exactly what our guide to Frankfurt for Euro 2024 provides.
Whether it’s the best places to eat, the sights to see, or the things to do in Frankfurt between matches, we’ll cover everything you need to know about staying here, as part of our complete Euro 2024 guide. Alternatively, explore the latest Euro 2024 odds.
So, without further ado, read on to discover what to do in Frankfurt during your Euro 2024 visit!
In this guide we’ll cover:
· Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Frankfurt?
· Visiting the Frankfurt Arena
· Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Frankfurt?
· How to get from Frankfurt airport to the city centre
· Where to stay in Frankfurt for Euro 2024
· How to travel around Frankfurt
· Where to eat in Frankfurt
· Frankfurt’s most picturesque photo spots
· The best day trips from Frankfurt
· Final things to know before you visit Frankfurt for the Euros
· Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Frankfurt?
Starting with the most important part of Euro 2024 – the fixtures – it’s no surprise that a city as well-known as Frankfurt has been chosen to host 5 of the tournament’s starting games, from June 17th to July 1st.
For UK fans specifically, England will be going head-to-head against Denmark in the Frankfurt stadium on June 20th, though fans staying in this city also have the chance to see Euro hosts Germany, clash with Switzerland on June 23rd, or Belgium face off against Slovakia on June 17th.
And of course, with one game of the Round 16 being held here, it’s anyone’s guess who could be playing in Frankfurt’s final match!
Visiting Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park
Opening in 2005, the Deutsche Bank Park is currently the home of local Frankfurt favourites, Eintracht Frankfurt. Built with a seating capacity of 58,000, it’s located only 5km from Frankfurt city centre, with plenty of public transport links to get you there on game day.
How to get to the Deutsche Bank Park
In order to get to the Frankfurt Stadium well before kick-off, with the recommended arrival time being 3 hours beforehand, you have a variety of public travel options that you can make use of:
· S-Bahn: By taking either the S7 line from the main Frankfurt rail station of Hauptbahnhof, or the S8 and S9 lines which can be boarded at various points around the city, you can travel directly to the stadium. If boarding the S7, you’ll need to travel towards Goddellau, whereas if you take the S8 or S9 you’ll need to take a train heading towards Mainz or Wiesbaden. Then simply get off at the Stadion stop and you’re there.
· Tram: Alongside its excellent train service, Frankfurt’s trams can also get you directly to the stadium. Just take tram 21 from the main rail station towards the stadium, which is the last stop on the line.
· Bus: If you’re staying in Frankfurt’s southern area, you can take bus 61 from Südbahnhof in the direction of Flughafen and get off at the Stadion/Osstribüne stop.
· Bike: With Frankfurt being such a green city, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of cycle paths throughout its many districts, including one that goes directly to the stadium. Just follow the assigned cycle route and then safely stow your bike in the stadium’s secure bike parking area – there’s even a dedicated cleaning and maintenance service provided for those interested.
Where to park at the Deutsche Bank Park
Although it is possible to drive to the Frankfurt Stadium, it’s very important to note that there is no public parking available at the Deutsche Bank Park (though, if you require disability parking, the arena can accommodate this, with dedicated areas – you’ll just need to contact the stadium before visiting).
Instead, anyone driving here will need to park in one of the many nearby public car parks – these will likely be very full on gamedays, though, so it’s suggested that you take public transport.
As for directions, it’s recommended that you take the A3 motorway and turn off at the exit towards Frankfurt-Süd, following the B44 and directions for Stadtmitte. This is well-signposted and will get you into the vicinity of the arena so that you can find parking.
Deutsche Bank Park history
Built within literal walking distance of the German Football Association (DFB) headquarters, the Deutsche Bank Park is actually built on the site of Frankfurt’s previous stadium, the Waldstadion, which had been there since 1925.
But regardless of structure changes and new names, both the Waldstadion and the Deutsche Bank Park have been flagship arenas in the world of German sport since their initial opening, hosting the likes of the 2002 UEFA Women’s Cup final, various matches in the 2006 World Cup, and even the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
However, it’s not just football that the stadium is known for, having also hosted various ice hockey matches, American football games, cycling, and one of Muhammad Ali’s heavyweight boxing matches all the way back in back in 1966!
Best Deutsche Bank Park selfie spots
If you’re attending Euro 2024 matches in Frankfurt, it’s only natural to want to know where to find the best photo spots for match-day selfies. And for this, you have plenty of options.
Whether it’s right in front of the stadium entrance or snapping a highlight in the stadium’s very own museum, here are the locations you should be seeking out if you’re looking to update your Instagram story:
· From the forest: Given the beauty of the area around the Deutsche Bank Park, you’d be missing out if you didn’t take the time to capture a shot of you and the stadium from between the trees lining its outside.
· Above the stands: If you have the opportunity to do so, get high into the stands and take an angled selfie down into the stadium to capture its size and the massive hanging screen-cube.
· Eintracht Museum: The Deutsche Bank Park is home to its very own museum, which celebrates the club’s history, giving you a chance to get pictures alongside some historic relics before the big game.
Of course, while all these areas present great photo opportunities, nothing can really beat a solid shot straight from your stadium seat, helping you to cement the incredible memories this tournament is sure to bring.
Refreshments at the Deutsche Bank Park
On a typical matchday at the Deutsche Bank Park, the Frankfurt Arena offers 22 independent food stalls, which equates to a stand per 2,636 attendees – assuming the stadium is at full capacity. Unfortunately for visiting fans, this is the lowest rate of stalls of all Euro 2024 arenas, just below Munich’s Allianz Arena (2,500), meaning you might find yourself queuing.
On the other hand, in terms of the typical cost of food and drink here, you’ll enjoy learning that it’s a typically inexpensive experience. As an example, during the regular season, expect to pay just €3.60 for a basic bratwurst and €4.40 for a standard soft drink – each of which is below the average across all Euro venues.
Deutsche Bank Park rules
Below are the essential rules to be aware of while visiting this arena:
· Bags: You may bring bags into the Deutsche Bank Park; however, these can be no larger than a standard sheet of A4 paper. Any bags larger than this will not be allowed within the stadium as there are no local storage facilities.
· Power banks: Small power banks may be taken into the stadium with you, but these can be no larger than your phone.
· ID: You will need to have a valid form of ID on you at all times while visiting the Deutsche Bank Park.
· Cameras: No professional cameras are permitted within this stadium’s grounds.
· Smoking: The Deutsche Bank Park is a smoke-free venue, as are all stadiums hosting games for this year’s Euros – this includes the use of e-cigarettes.
· Flags: Flagpoles with a length of no more than 1m and a maximum diameter of 1cm are allowed within the arena, as are flags sized 2m x 1.5m or smaller.
· Tickets: All tickets provided at the Deutsche Bank Park are virtual. There are no physical tickets being sold for games at this arena.
With these important rules in your back pocket, you’ll have an easy time enjoying any of the matches being played here.
Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Frankfurt
Given its cosmopolitan nature, it really shouldn’t come as a shock that Frankfurt’s fan zone is located in an idyllic spot right in the heart of the city – specifically along the Main River in the Mainufer district – letting you take advantage of the local Frankfurt hospitality for the full 31 days of the tournament.
How to get to the Euro 2024 fan zone in Frankfurt
The Mainufer fan zone is snugly located between the Holbeinsteg and Fredensbrücke bridges, which are easily reached by a 15-20-minute walk from the station – or by hopping on the S-Bahn, Bus, or a bike for a swift 5-minute trip.
Frankfurt Euro 2024 fan zone requirements
Entry into the Frankfurt fan zone is entirely free for the duration of the event.
Euro 2024 fan zone activities
With the Euro’s encompassing an entire month, the Frankfurt fan zone has been specifically designed to provide visitors with a whole host of varying entertainment throughout – including showing all 51 games of the tournament in its viewing area!
On top of this, fans can also expect to be treated to various forms of live entertainment, special events and challenges, and, of course, plenty of space for you to sit down and relax along the river under the summer sun.
Other places to watch Euro 2024 in Frankfurt games
Although there are no other dedicated viewing spots around Frankfurt outside of the fan zone, given how popular Frankfurt is as a place to visit, you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of beer houses showing the latest matches.
For example, some of Frankfurt’s best sports bars include:
· Champions Frankfurt (4.4-rated on Google, from 1,190+ reviews)
· Bull and Bear Restaurant and Sportsbar (3.5-rated on Google from 2,300+ reviews)
· O-Reilly’s Irish Pub (4.3-rated on Google, from 5,500+ reviews)
How to get from Frankfurt airport to the city centre
Visiting Frankfurt by plane is by far the easiest way to reach the city, with Frankfurt’s main airport having direct rail connections to the city centre and stadium. Just use any of the following methods of public transport upon arrival to get to your desired destination:
· S-Bahn: The most direct route from Frankfurt’s main airport; just take a train straight to the city centre. Or if you’re only there for the match, it’s just one stop away from the stadium.
· Bus: All long-distance buses depart from Frankfurt Airport, P36 – Terminal 1. Be sure to book your bus beforehand as they can be very busy, and you want to make sure you get the right stop, so you board the correct bus.
· Taxi: A taxi from Frankfurt’s main airport will take roughly 25-30 mins, though this may be longer due to the increased traffic over the tournament period. You can easily spot taxis by the yellow taxi signs on their roof, and they all operate on a set tariff, so there are no sudden fare surprises. Alternatively, both Uber and Bolt operate in Frankfurt, with each available for pickups and drop-offs from anywhere in the city.
Where to stay in Frankfurt for Euro 2024
An incredibly dynamic and historical location, Germany’s 5th largest city has plenty of unique and interesting areas for you to stay in. Whether it’s making sure you’re as close to the stadium as possible or picking a spot that puts you at the very heart of the local nightlife, Frankfurt caters to everyone’s tastes.
Bürostadt
The best option for anyone looking to stay near the Deutsche Bank Park specifically, the Bürostadt district is home to plenty of affordable accommodation choices and is within walking distance of the arena – with many paths taking you through the forests that border the stadium’s sports complex.
City West & Innenstadt I
Combining the best of both worlds when it comes to stadium access and historical sightseeing, the City West and Innenstadt I districts are located right along the main river, putting you in easy reach of both the fan zone and public transport services. It’s also home to the Old Town and historical Römerberg; Frankfurt’s 9th-century market area.
Sachsenhausen & Innenstadt II
Just over the other side of the river from Innenstadt I, Innenstadt II and Sachsenhausen puts you slightly closer to the stadium but is still filled with various cultural hotspots and nightlife zones for you to enjoy – as well as great access to public transport.
Bockenheim
Speaking of nightlife, Frankfurt is also a thriving university city, so if you want to party after the game, then the Bockenheim district is the ideal location. Bursting with clubs, bars, and pubs, you won’t have to look hard to find somewhere to grab a drink or two.
Bahnhofsviertel
Finally, for more centrally located accommodation with direct access to Frankfurt’s central rail station for day trips, you should look for hotels and Airbnbs in the Bahnhofsviertel area. From here, you can easily get to anywhere inside or outside of Frankfurt itself, as well as being able to enjoy a more traditional take on the German nightlife scene.
How to travel around Frankfurt
Like many of Germany’s big cities, Frankfurt is home to a fantastic, accessible public transport network and pedestrian-friendly street layout, making it a breeze for you to get around the city at a moment’s notice.
In fact, Frankfurt is so tailored towards pedestrians that you can basically walk to any destination if you have the time, or better yet, grab your helmet and cycle to the next game in only a few minutes.
But if you ever do need to use Frankfurt’s public transport directly, then you have access to plenty of travel options:
· Bus: Frankfurt has over 70 bus lines, with metrobuses that run a 24/7 express service, which can take you all over the city.
· S-Bahn: Germany’s famed above-ground metro service; the S-Bahn will likely be your core method of travel to most of the city’s key areas.
· U-Bahn: Similar to the S-Bahn, the U-Bahn simply operates underground, often running as late as 1am.
· Trams: If you’re interested in a more scenic trip as you head towards your next destination, then Frankfurt’s detailed tram network has you covered.
Frankfurt public transport tips and tricks
Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to German transport, and that’s certainly what you get with services in Frankfurt. However, you can make your journey that much easier by being aware of the following:
· RMV journey planner: The RMV journey planner gives you a quick and easy way to plan your trip and buy your tickets before you board, as train tickets must be bought before boarding in Germany (though you can buy any bus tickets straight from the driver).
· Travel pass: As part of the Euro 2024 experience, match ticket holders are entitled to a 36-hour travel pass for use on the entirety of the RMV network, for free. This pass will be valid from 6am on matchdays until 6pm the day after, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything Frankfurt has to offer.
· E-scooters: If cycling isn’t your thing but you still want to get around Frankfurt quickly, then you can rent an e-scooter from one of the various services available (but do bear in mind that many services require you to have a driver’s license).
· Validate your ticket: When travelling on the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, you’ll need to validate it at one of the red or yellow validation machines present at the various platforms. Failing to validate your ticket before you travel means it won’t be considered valid by the conductor, and you may be fined.
· Night service: As we mentioned earlier, many of Frankfurt’s public transport services provide a night service, so you can safely and quickly get back to your hotel.
The best places to eat in Frankfurt
Being credited as the home of the legendary Frankfurter sausage, it goes without saying that food is a core part of Frankfurt’s soul, and anyone visiting is in for an absolute culinary treat over the course of their stay.
And the exciting news doesn’t stop there, because even though Frankfurt is a foodie’s dream location, it’s also relatively inexpensive to dine out around the city, with the average price of a lunchtime meal costing just €15-17.50.
Naturally, luxury, high-end restaurants will set you back more, which is why we’ve gone out of our way to pick out a few reasonably priced, choice restaurants for you to try over the course of your stay:
· German: Let’s face it, if you’re in Frankfurt, then you’re going to want to sample the local cuisine, which is why you might want to book a spot at MainNizza. Located along the river, MainNizza offers terrace and balcony seating alongside excellent German food to create a relaxing ambience – which is likely the main reason for its 4.2 Google star rating from over 2,700 reviews.
· Italian: Touted as the best Italian restaurant in Frankfurt, the Trattoria i Siciliani holds a 4.4 Google star rating from 2,500 reviews. A long-standing venue that serves everything from classic Italian pizzas to grilled meats and pasta, its all-you-can-eat evenings are a favourite of locals and tourists alike.
· Greek: For a slightly different hint of the Mediterranean, the Ariston Restaurant might be just up your street. Their menu offers core Greek dishes, like moussaka and souvlaki, all served beneath refined indoor architecture and sidewalk seating, both of which have helped them earn a 4.5 Google star rating from 1,800 reviews.
· Burgers: There’s nothing quite like a burger every now and then, so if this is what your tastebuds are seeking, What’s Beef has you covered. With a rating of 4.5 Google stars from 4,400 reviews, What’s Beef is no slouch when it comes to quality food at a moment’s notice.
· Vietnamese: Lastly, if you’re unsure what to eat in Frankfurt but fancy something a bit more exotic, then head on down to Góc Pho, which has a Google star rating of 4.4 from 2,500 reviews. Serving classic Vietnamese street food, it’s a very low-key eatery that’s perfect for anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the tournament.
The best döner kebabs in Frankfurt
If there’s one type of takeaway that’s incredibly popular throughout Germany, it’s the döner kebab. An excellent choice for anyone seeking a late-night snack, Frankfurt has many kebab houses spread throughout the city for you to find.
But with all that being said, if you want the best döner kebabs in Frankfurt, we’d recommend the following eateries:
· Kebabchi Frankfurt: 4.8-rated on Google, from 251 reviews
· Nazar Döner&Grill: 4.5-rated on Google, from 1,400+ reviews
· Sindibad Döner Kebabhaus: 4.5-rated on Google, from 452 reviews
· Metropol Kebap Haus: 4.4-rated on Google, from 818 reviews
· Can Hebap Haus: 4.4-rated on Google, from 556 review
Frankfurt’s most picturesque photo spots
Like many of Germany’s biggest cities, Frankfurt is a hub of rich culture and historic sites, which naturally also makes it the perfect location for those visitors looking to snap a few interesting pictures between games.
And if we’re being honest, you have your pick of various beautiful locales when it comes to photo opportunities in this city, with everything from quaint Old Town alleys to stunning skyscrapers making for incredible backdrops at all times of the day.
However, there are a few specific spots we would suggest taking your camera to if you’re seeking picturesque photo opportunities. Some of the best places to visit in Frankfurt include:
· Main River: Sometimes nicknamed ‘Mainhatten’ for its striking skyline, the spaces along either side of the Main River offer ample opportunities for you to stop and snap countless photos, be they from one of its many bridges, balcony bars, or even aboard the various boats that cruise up and down the river each and every day.
· Cathedral Tower: One of the most important churches in Frankfurt’s Old Town area, the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is the former electoral and coronation church of Germany’s Holy Roman Emperors. Needless to say, this means the architecture is gorgeous beyond belief, and the view from the top is practically unbeatable.
· Goethe Tower: Despite what the name suggests, Goethe Tower is not a cathedral but a reconstructed fire tower! A high wooden observation tower located on the Northern edge of Frankfurt’s city forest; it offers far-reaching views of the local greenery topped by the city skyline – the sort of imagery that will be familiar to anyone who’s been to New York’s Central Park.
· Lohr Park: Speaking of parks, Lohr Park is an easy-going grassy space filled with oak trees and views of Frankfurt’s skyscrapers and local vineyards. If you’re wondering what to do in Frankfurt between games, the park hall is a great place to relax and while away the time.
· Kleinmarkthalle: Finally, if a bustling market aesthetic is something you love to capture in photo form, then the Kleinmarkthalle has everything you need to complete such a picture, including visual and foodie delights aplenty.
The best day trips from Frankfurt
There’s no doubt that there’s lots of things to do in Frankfurt, but if you want to get out of the city for a day trip between the various fixtures, then there’s plenty more in the surrounding area. Some of the best places to visit near Frankfurt include:
· Heidlberg Castle: A short train ride south of Frankfurt, Heidlberg is perhaps one of the most recognisable castles in all of Germany. Epitomising medieval and renaissance Germany with its lengthy history, its ruins offer incredible insight into these periods, making it a must for fans of the past.
· Baden-Baden and the Black Forest: Formerly known as the summer town of Europe, Baden-Baden is perched right on the edge of Germany’s Black Forest, giving you plenty of options when it comes to sightseeing. From perusing the rustic town of Baden-Baden itself to strolling one or two forest pathways, this trip is just what you need if you want to escape the busy streets of Frankfurt for an afternoon.
· Wiesbaden: Readily accessible via Frankfurt’s public transportation network, Wiesbaden is the capital of the German state of Hesse and boasts a host of historically themed buildings and architecture for you to explore – not to mention its thermal springs and spa for those in need of a little pampering.
· Cologne: An hour and a half away by train straight from Frankfurt’s main station, Cologne shares many similarities with its southern city cousin. Not only is it also hosting plenty of Euro fixtures, including two of England’s group matches, but it’s home to some of the best medieval buildings in Europe, including the world’s oldest cathedral!
· Koblenz: Nestled along the banks of the Rhine, Koblenz is better known as the German Corner; the location along the Rhine where it converges with the Moselle. Widely considered one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, Koblenz is surrounded by vineyards, forests, and four mountain ranges, which all come together to create one of the most unique city backdrops in Europe.
Final things to know before you visit Frankfurt
Ok, that just about does it for our guide to Euro 2024 in Frankfurt. All that’s left to do is tackle a few pieces of admin info and you’re good to go!
Weather
Being slightly more southern than German cities like Berlin and Cologne, Frankfurt experiences slightly higher summer temperatures on average, typically topping out at 26 degrees Celsius. And Frankfurt is also no stranger to the occasional heatwave, so be sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated if you’re out and about all day.
Language
English is widely spoken throughout Germany, and Frankfurt is no exception. But while you won’t have much difficulty communicating with the locals, speaking a little German can go a long way, which is why we’ve included some useful phrases to know below:
· Hallo (Hello)
· Bitte (Please)
· Tschüss (Bye!)
· Danke (Thanks)
· Entschuldigung (Excuse me)
· Sprechen sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
· Ich verstehe nicht (I don’t understand)
Tipping
Although Germany is no stranger to debit and credit card use, having physical cash on you is generally expected by most small business owners, bar staff, and restaurant servers, who prefer you to pay or tip in this manner.
Tipping is especially prominent in Germany when it comes to restaurants and bars, as is rounding up bills. So, make sure you have some euros on you for when you go out for food or visit any local bars.
Hospitals
While not something that’s ever really on your mind when away on holiday, it’s always good to know where your nearest hospitals are, just in case you or someone you know needs to swing by for whatever reason:
· St. Elisabethen Hospital: Located in Innenstadt II, this hospital is northwest of central Frankfurt and is open 24 hours.
· Krankenhaus Sachsenhausen: Centrally located just over the south side of the river, it too has its doors open on a 24-hour basis.
· Hospital Northwest: Positioned further north of central Frankfurt, this 24-hour hospital will likely be your best option if you’re exploring this area.
Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
With our handy travel guide, you should have no problem navigating Frankfurt during Euro 2024. And if you’re planning on city-hopping throughout the tournament, be sure to check out our other guides which explore the things to do and see in each of the other host locations:
· Berlin
· Cologne
· Dortmund
· Hamburg
· Leipzig
· Munich
