Frankfurt: 22nd position in our ranking
Frankfurt does not occupy one of the best positions in the selection of cities according to the results of the study. It reveals itself as a modern city and business centre, especially thanks to its airport infrastructure. However, its 22nd position places it third in Germany and behind cities or countries that, although less wealthy in economic terms, are positioned as better places to live. However, it should also be noted that there are dozens of cities in Europe and that only the top 25 have been included in the ranking, which should not be forgotten.
Frankfurt’s contrasts have made the city a special place. The survey results rank it 22nd most highly rated, making it one of the best places to live in Germany alongside Berlin and Munich. As you walk around the city, and on a day-to-day basis, it has a great combination of modern structures and neighbourhoods and a historic city centre that makes all residents feel as if they have stepped back in time.
The temperature is within the standard oceanic climate, but stands out from other regions due to its temperate nature. Thus, summer temperatures reach a maximum of 30°C, while winter temperatures are around 4°C.
Although winters are not as cold as in other parts of Europe, the presence of rain and snow means that you have to wrap up warm all the time and get used to adjusting your weekend plans to the weather. Summer is the best time to enjoy being away from home and even to welcome family if they are visiting from another country.
Frankfurt has an efficient service combining trains known as the S-Bahn, the underground U-Bahn, buses and trams. There are nine underground lines and twelve train lines, the latter divided between suburban and regional trains. The tramway, with ten lines, provides a great deal of support through the streets, as it covers more stops than the train and metro services.
Buses are very useful, especially for night-time journeys, but the map of lines can be a little complex at first.
The presence of the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences helps the city to be competitive in terms of the technological offerings of its schools. According to the responses collected, Frankfurt is particularly valued as the German city with the best-equipped study centres.
In addition, there are many renowned institutions, such as the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management or the Städelschule, an art school originally founded by Johann Friedrich Städel.
As in many other German regions, sausages are a fundamental part of its gastronomic culture. Specialities include Frankfurter Würstchen and Frankfurter Rindswurst. A more traditional and complete dish is the Frankfurter Rippchen, which combines cured pork prepared with a meat sauce and accompanied by mashed potato, sauerkraut and mustard.
For dessert, the local cake is Frankfurter Kranz, and for drink, Apfelwein apple wine is common. When Christmas comes around, the whole family is cheered by the return of traditional sweets, such as Bethmännchen, which are made from marzipan.
Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in all of Germany and is also one of the world’s busiest airports in terms of annual traffic volume. In fact, to take advantage of air traffic, it was one of the survey data collection points in our study. It has two terminals, but a third is already under development for a future opening that will enhance its value.
The airport can be reached from Frankfurt city centre within a distance of 12-14 km, so it is really close. It is also very well connected by public transport. The airport serves as a connecting point to destinations all over the world. Frankfurt is twinned with several cities, such as Budapest, Milan or Yokohama.
In fact, this section has been rated as the best aspect of the city, ranking seventh in the category of international connections due to its excellent airport.
Frankfurt is not the safest city in Germany, but it is still part of one of the safest countries in Europe and as such is ranked as the seventh safest city in this respect. When asked about personal experiences in terms of safety, the surveys found that the main train station areas tend to have the highest level of conflict. The Frankfurt police, identifiable by the term Polizei, have, like all other police officers in Germany, the motto of being a friend to the citizens and helping them in any way they need.
Although modern with skyscrapers, Frankfurt is a city that retains much of its historic green spaces, as well as other places that demonstrate its sustainable side. One of its most characteristic places is Stadtwald, the city forest, the largest park of its kind in Germany with 48 square kilometres and 1,600 benches to sit on.
Looking to the future, Frankfurt aims to become one of the most sustainable cities in the world. To this end, it will reduce its CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. In doing so, the city is asking all residents and citizens to help reduce pollution.
Living in Frankfurt is perceived by respondents to be more expensive than in other European cities. However, public services are adequately priced and for meals there is a big difference between neighbourhood restaurants and trendy eateries.
To reduce food costs, especially when going out at the weekend, it is advisable to try street food stalls.
Frankfurt has a large number and variety of museums. The Museumsufer area, which brings together most of the city’s museums, stands out. It is an initiative to unify culture in one place and thus encourage residents to have the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable days with family and friends.
Music also forms one of the cornerstones of Frankfurt’s culture, as evidenced by the existence of such highly recommended venues as Oper Frankfurt, the Schauspiel Frankfurt theatre and the Festhalle Frankfurt.
Le best place to go out at night is the Ostend district, where you will find some of the best clubs in the city. But Frankfurt provides much more fun, being also a city in which all kinds of celebrations and festivals are organised throughout the year.
The results show it to be a city with many different alternatives for leisure and disconnection from work. In addition, other recommended plans include the Palmengarten botanical park, or spending the day in the Bethmannpark, which is ideal for those who need to release stress surrounded by nature.