Frankfurt am Main is once again attracting attention on the international travel scene. In a recent European city ranking, the Main metropolis landed in the top ten most authentic travel destinations – leaving well-known tourist magnets such as London, Venice and Brussels far behind.
The study is based on an analysis of around 1.3 million reviews on Google Maps. The analysis evaluated how often travellers described their experiences as "authentic", "locally influenced" or "like the locals" – as opposed to impressions of mass tourism, overpriced offers or classic tourist traps. Data from 144 cities worldwide was included in the study, which was conducted by travel insurer InsureandGo.
Frankfurt tops the list in Germany
In a European comparison, Frankfurt ranks ninth with an authenticity score of 36.3 points (out of a maximum of 100). This makes Frankfurt the only German city in the European top ten. Other German cities were unable to keep up.
Marseille tops the ranking, followed by Warsaw and Tbilisi. Cities such as Porto, Lyon and Naples also score better than many classic city break hotspots. At the bottom of the scale, on the other hand, are Venice, London and Brussels – mainly due to numerous references to overcrowded sights and tourist-oriented offerings.
Travel beyond the clichés
The trend towards authentic travel experiences has been gaining momentum for years. More and more city travellers are specifically seeking out neighbourhoods, restaurants and cultural offerings beyond the familiar postcard motifs. Frankfurt seems to fulfil this desire – with its mix of international atmosphere, established neighbourhoods, regional cuisine and comparatively low-key tourism.
Neighbourhoods away from the skyline, weekly markets, apple wine bars and cultural initiatives in particular seem to contribute to visitors perceiving Frankfurt as more "authentic" and less touristy than many other major European cities.
Second award in a short period of time
The positive rating is part of further international recognition: the renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller has selected Frankfurt am Main as one of the "Best Places to Go 2026". The city is thus one of the 62 recommended travel destinations worldwide for 2026 and is the only destination from Germany to make the list. The award was given to cities that stand out for their innovation, cultural diversity and exceptional hospitality.
A decisive factor is the title of World Design Capital 2026, which Frankfurt will hold next year. More than 200 planned events are intended to raise the international profile of design, architecture and creative urban development. The magazine also refers to the planned opening of the Jewish Academy in Westend, which is set to become a new centre for education, exchange and culture of national significance.Condé Nast Traveller describes Frankfurt as a "city of contrasts with surprising charm" – characterised by its striking skyline, regional dialect and lively urban scene. "Mainhattan" is not only a financial metropolis, but also the home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, an important centre of techno culture and a city with one of the most exciting food cultures in Germany.
