Frankfurt’s official name is Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt-on-the-main) and its proliferation of steel and glass stiletto skyscrapers and reputation as a high-powered financial hub have led to it being dubbed ‘Mainhattan’.

But this gorgeous German city has never lost sight of its traditional roots  ̶  its Altstadt (Old Town) is peppered with rustic taverns serving traditional fare, genteel neighbourhoods are full of chic cafes and street art, there’s a lively nightlife and plenty of cultural attractions like museums and galleries.

All in all, it’s an amazing place to visit, but before you set off, read these five fantastic Frankfurt travel tips.

1. Plan your dates carefully

Frankfurt has a jam-packed events calendar which is bolstered by trade shows held throughout the year at the massive Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre.

Hotels rooms book up super-fast around these times and, as you’d expect, prices are hiked too. However, if you check the What’s On In Frankfurt website regularly you can plan your dates perfectly.

• Browse the flea markets

If you love a bargain and like to pick up unusual gifts for yourself, family and friends, you’ll enjoy browsing the flea markets held every alternate Saturday in Frankfurt on the Sachsenhausen riverbank between Eisernem Steg and Holbeinsteg.

You’ll find everything from pottery to paintings and rare vinyl to unusual furniture  ̶  you can while away hours in this treasure trove.

• Bag a Museumsufer ticket

From famous establishments like the Schirn and Städel to niche institutions like the Museum of Comic Art, Frankfurt has more sociohistorical emporiums than you can shake a stick at.

You would bankrupt yourself paying individual entry fees to them all, but buy a Museumsufer ticket to unlock discounted entry to no less than 37 museums on two consecutive days. If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, this special pass offers rich pickings.

• Enjoy apfelwine and craft beer

Apfelwein cider is a Frankfurt speciality and you’ll find it practically everywhere  ̶  if you’re fond of a tipple you should definitely try it, but mix it with soda or lemonade for a lighter version that’ll leave you with a clearer head the next day.

Alternatively, the craft beer scene is building up steam here too and bars like Naïv in Altstadt and Drinksmith Neighbourhood Bar on the south side of the Main are definitely worth investigating.

• Hire a car and hit the road

Frankfurt is also a brilliant base for enjoyable road trips to surrounding towns, cities and rural areas  ̶  use a Frankfurt car hire site like Enjoy to choose a car you’re comfortable with and Heidelberg is in easy reach, the stunning Rhine Valley is manageable and the colourful buildings and cobbled streets of Rothenburg are also an attractive alternative. If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, you can hire a Ford truck instead. That way you’d have enough space to store all your luggage and protect it with the help of truck bed covers from the likes of Peragon or similar companies in that particular area.

Furthermore, Baden-Baden is only 90 minutes’ drive away  ̶  you can soak in the cathartic thermal springs and explore the famous Black Forest.

Use these five travel tips and your trip to Frankfurt will be fabulous fun and terrific value for money.

If we’ve missed your top Frankfurt travel tip, please let us know in the comments section!