Frankfurt's crime rate is somewhat high for a German city (though the city is still less violent than many others around the world). Keep in mind that Frankfurt is a large city and a major crossroads. Exercise your street smarts and use caution when walking alone late at night. The section of Kaiserstrasse near the Hauptbahnhof is a center for legal prostitution and illegal drugs—it's less seedy these days, but you should still exercise caution there. The area around Konstablerwache (a square at the intersection of the Zeil and Kurt Schumacher Strasse) is also known for drug activity after dark. Visitors should guard against pickpockets and purse snatchers, especially in the train stations (including the Hauptbahnhof) and during trade fairs. Subways are generally safe, but it's advisable to ride in the first car (which always contains a guard) after 8 pm.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't be confused when Web site addresses add the letter 'e' after a vowel—it's a substitute for an umlaut.
Do wait for the walk signal at traffic lights, or you could be fined for jaywalking.
Don't be disappointed if your Frankfurter sausage is called a wiener, as the name Frankfurter is a brand name and applies only to one make of sausage.
Do unwrap flowers before presenting them.
Don't start drinking or eating at a meal until your host says 'Prost' or begins eating.
Do phone your thanks after a formal lunch or dinner. But don't phone anyone's home before 10 am (11 am on Sunday) or after 9 pm.
Don't touch the handkas with a fork; that will mark you as a tourist. The special Frankfurt cheese, served with apple wine, is eaten sliced (use a knife only) and on bread. And don't underestimate the apple wine. It may almost taste like fruit juice, but its alcoholic effect sets in quickly—and its digestive benefit as well.
