Ultimate Business Travel Guide To Frankfurt

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04 January 2021

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Germany's Largest Curated Garden: Palmengarten, Frankfurt

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Frankfurt is one of Europe’s most influential business destinations and a key meeting point for finance, technology, logistics and global trade. Whether you are attending a major conference, visiting for client meetings or planning a corporate trip, the city offers everything you need for a productive and seamless stay. Use this ultimate business travel guide to discover the best districts to work in, the most important events, and essential tips for navigating Frankfurt like a professional.

Why Frankfurt is a key global business hub

Frankfurt’s business strength comes from its role as Germany’s financial centre and one of Europe’s most important commercial gateways. The city stands out for several reasons:

A major European finance centre

Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Deutsche Börse) and more than 200 national and international banks. Its compact skyline, filled with high-rise headquarters, has earned it the nickname “Mainhattan”.

A global data and technology hub

Frankfurt operates the world’s largest internet exchange point, DE-CIX, where hundreds of international networks interconnect. This makes the city one of the most important digital infrastructure locations in Europe.

Unmatched transport connectivity

Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world and Europe’s leading cargo airport. The central train station is a major interchange and offers direct links across Germany and wider Europe. With excellent long-distance rail and motorway connections, the city offers unrivalled accessibility for business travellers.

A key player in global trade

Frankfurt is a central link in international supply chains, which is why numerous automotive, technology, legal and professional service firms maintain a significant presence here.

Whether you are visiting for finance, tech, logistics or consultancy, Frankfurt’s role as a global business centre is clear.

Frankfurt’s main business districts explained

Frankfurt’s business landscape is compact and easy to navigate. Each district has a distinct character, making it useful to know where your meetings or events will take place.

Bankenviertel (Financial District)

The Bankenviertel is where you will find the headquarters of Germany’s major banks, international financial firms and many global organisations. This area covers parts of the city centre, West End and Bahnhofsviertel. Industries found here: finance, legal services, consulting, investment, insurance.

Europaviertel and Messe Frankfurt

This modern district surrounds Messe Frankfurt, one of the largest trade fair and event venues in the world. It is home to new offices, hotels, restaurants and residential developments, and it is a key area for corporate travellers attending trade fairs or conferences. Ideal for: event attendees, exhibitors, tech companies, international trade delegations.

Ostend (East End – ECB Quarter)

The eastern district is home to the European Central Bank’s striking riverside headquarters. It attracts organisations linked to economics, policy, EU regulation and financial research.

Airport Business District

Located around Frankfurt Airport, this area includes business parks, conference centres, logistics firms and aviation-linked companies. It is perfect for travellers flying in for short meetings or those with tight schedules.

Bahnhofsviertel

Once known mainly for nightlife and entertainment, this district has undergone significant development and now offers a mix of creative agencies, innovative startups and co-working spaces.

Wherever your meetings are scheduled, Frankfurt’s compact layout and excellent public transport make travelling between districts straightforward.

Key business events, conferences and trade fairs

Frankfurt hosts some of the biggest international business events in Europe. Many take place at Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest event venues with its own exhibition grounds.

Major annual business conferences

Common recurring conferences and professional gatherings include:

International Conference on Science, Engineering and Technology
International Conference on Robotics and Smart Manufacturing
International Conference on Accounting and Finance
International Conference on Medical and Health Science
International Conference on Mobile, Wearable and Vehicular Technology

These events draw thousands of academics, researchers and industry professionals each year.

Leading trade fairs and exhibitions

Frankfurt’s trade fairs attract global visitors from countless industries. Key examples include:

Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair), the world’s largest book and publishing event
Ambiente, a major showcase for consumer goods
Tendence, atrade fair for gifts and home accessories
TrauDich!, a well-known wedding fair
Premium Frankfurt, an international fashion trade show

Whether your field is technology, lifestyle, finance, culture or manufacturing, Frankfurt hosts a relevant event.

Why Frankfurt dominates the events market

Excellent international flight connections
Large-scale, modern exhibition halls
Professional event infrastructure
Strong hotel and transport options nearby

Attending a Frankfurt conference: what to expect

Frankfurt is one of Europe’s most established conference destinations, attracting professionals from finance, technology, science and global trade. Conferences in Frankfurt are typically well organised, punctual and supported by excellent transport links, making it easy for international delegates to move between venues, hotels and meeting spaces. Most large-scale conferences take place at Messe Frankfurt or within nearby business districts such as the Bankenviertel and Europaviertel. Visitors can expect modern facilities, multilingual staff, strong digital connectivity and a wide selection of nearby restaurants and cafés for networking before or after sessions.

Planning your visit to a Frankfurt trade fair

Frankfurt trade fairs draw thousands of international attendees each year and are known for their scale, efficiency and global reach. Messe Frankfurt hosts many of the world’s leading trade fairs across industries such as consumer goods, publishing, fashion, technology and manufacturing. If you are visiting for a trade fair, it is worth planning ahead, as accommodation near the exhibition grounds can book up quickly during major events. Public transport offers fast links to Messe Frankfurt, and many visitors choose to stay in the Europaviertel district so they can walk to the venue. Trade fairs often span multiple halls, so checking maps, event schedules and exhibitor lists in advance can help you make the most of your time.

If you are attending a conference at Messe Frankfurt, staying within walking distance can be a major time-saver.

Essential tips for business travel in Frankfurt

Business culture in Germany values structure, punctuality and clear communication. These practical tips will help you navigate meetings and daily interactions smoothly.

German business etiquette

Germany has a well-established professional culture, and understanding local expectations can make meetings run more smoothly, essentials to keep in mind include:

Arrive early: Punctuality is considered a sign of professionalism.
Use formal greetings: Handshakes, eye contact and the use of titles are standard until invited otherwise.
Prepare thoroughly: Printed or digital documents should be precise and well-organised.
Expect structured meetings: Agendas are often followed closely and discussions remain focused.
Decision-making can be hierarchical: Senior figures typically make final decisions.

Getting around Frankfurt

Frankfurt has an efficient U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus and tram network. Taxis are widely available, and the city is compact enough for short journeys. For longer stays: renting a bicycle or e-scooter is a convenient way to move between districts.

Connectivity and productivity

As a global data hub, Frankfurt offers reliable high-speed internet throughout the city. Co-working spaces, such as those in the Bahnhofsviertel and Innenstadt, provide flexible work environments for international professionals.

Dining and entertaining clients

The city offers everything from traditional German cuisine to Michelin-starred dining. Popular business dining areas include the Bankenviertel, West End and the streets surrounding Opernplatz.

Where to stay: hotels near Messe Frankfurt

For visitors attending trade fairs or conferences, the Europaviertel district is one of the most convenient areas to stay. Located directly beside Messe Frankfurt, it features a wide choice of modern hotels along with restaurants, cafés and services aimed at business travellers.

Hotels in the Europaviertel typically offer:

Work-friendly amenities
Business centres
Fast Wi-Fi
Quick access to Messe Frankfurt and public transport

If your schedule revolves around events at Messe Frankfurt, staying in this district allows you to reach the exhibition grounds in minutes.

Stay at Capri by Fraser Frankfurt

Capri by Fraser Frankfurt offers a convenient base for business travellers, located close to Messe Frankfurt and the Europaviertel business district. The property combines apartment-style flexibility with hotel services, making it ideal for extended stays or short business trips. Guests can make use of the fitness room, on-site dining, meeting spaces and in-room kitchenettes, providing comfort and convenience during a visit to the city.

FAQs about business travel in Frankfurt

Is Frankfurt a good city for business travel?

Yes. Frankfurt offers excellent international connections, a strong financial sector and a world-class events calendar, making it one of Europe’s most reliable business destinations.