Experience in Frankfurt am Main, Germany by Nikolay

What is it like to live in Frankfurt am Main? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Frankfurt is one of the best cities in Europe. I strongly recommend it to everybody who want to live, work and study in the city. Every person can find something for himself in that city. There is developing economy, traditions in the education and the culture and an excellent infrastructure.

What is the student lifestyle like in Frankfurt am Main?

There are many students from all over the world. The buildings of the University are new and with advanced technology. There are new communities (hostel) and also many cinemas, theaters, museums and places for entertainment. The spirit of the student lifestyle isn't known to me, because I am 43 years old.

How much does it cost to live in Frankfurt am Main?

The food is about 200 - 500 Euro a month, unless you eat in restaurants. Accommodations cost about 500 - 700 Euro a person per month in private homes. Maybe in communities it's cheaper. This price does not include entertainment and cultural activities. A monthly transport card for someone, who is not a student, costs about 85 Euro per month.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Frankfurt am Main? Is there any advice you can give?

Except students, there are also many people from other cities, who work in Frankfurt am Main. Finding a suitable accommodation at a good price isn't easy. I recommend a person to not be very pretentious and increase the search for rentals between 5 and 10 km from the city center. At this distance it is difficult to travel by bicycle, but there are excellent links with the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram and Bus.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food has excellent quality and strong French and Italian influences. Asian food can be found in many places with good price. Frankfurt is known for its vegetarian and other healthy ways of eating and living. Wine is a preferred drink, but you can drink beer, with high quality, including alcohol free beer, everywhere, too.

What places would you recommend visiting in Frankfurt am Main?

Frankfurt has many museums of all spheres of life - history, technology, archeology and more. We recommend the Frankfurt Opera, which is visited by some of the most famous musicians and orchestras in the world. Last but not least we recommend Frankfurt Fair, where are almost constant different exhibitions - cars, construction, etc. The summer is short, but there are several beaches on lakes nearby the city, which are real good organised. About 15 km from Frankfurt is the mountain Taunus, that offers all conditions for a mountain rest. Of course, skiing is not possible. The winter climate is mild and the mountain is low. On many places in the city there are excellent indoor and outdoor pools with public access. The city has two major zoos with many different species. There is one winter sports hall and several other sports halls. There are many stadiums and sports grounds. Parks are innumerable, malls too. The river Main is also a wonderful place for a walk.

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Is it good to eat out in Frankfurt am Main? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is real tasty to eat out, but it's not that cheap. There are good Italian restaurants, who offer much more types of food except pizza. Many fast food restaurants make sandwiches with sauces and vegetables, with meat as well, arranged on the client's request. In almost every big mall there are several restaurants from different parts of the world. Those are for example Zeil and Main Taunus Zentrum. I don't recommend high level restaurants, because I'm not sure in their names and I can also miss some really very good.

Is the nightlife good in Frankfurt am Main? Where is good to go?

The nightlife in Frankfurt isn't really known to me, but nightlife can begin with walks along the river, discos and then reach places of sexual pleasure, which are legal.

What advice would you give future students heading to Frankfurt am Main?

Do not miss the opportunity to learn at least one year in Frankfurt am Main.

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