Is Frankfurt safe? Areas to avoid for students and young professionals

Looking for where to live in Frankfurt as a student or young professional? Discover safest neighborhoods, areas to avoid in Frankfurt, and other safety tips.

Greta

11 minute read

·

Updated on 14 Jun 2026

·

Living

Frankfurt is not a dangerous city to live in, with a moderate crime and safety index, but certain areas, such as transportation hubs and central Frankfurt, can pose challenges. While finding a house for rent in Frankfurt, this guide will help you pick a safe neighborhood, why some areas are best to avoid, and which neighborhoods nearby make a better alternative if you'd rather skip them altogether.

Key takeaways:

• Frankfurt's overall crime index is 45.36 and safety index is 54.64; it's moderately safe, and was ranked among the world's most liveable cities by Mercer.
• Bahnhofsviertel has the worst reputation of any Frankfurt neighborhood, but most of the friction (open drug use, street prostitution) is only concentrated on a few specific streets.
• Areas to avoid in Frankfurt are mainly in the central area, like Gallus and Gutleutviertel, while Höchst sees a higher crime rate after dark.
• Westend, Nordend, and Sachsenhausen are the safest, most desirable areas to live in Frankfurt.
• Frankfurt's compact and dense U-Bahn and S-Bahn network connects most of the neighborhoods. But be aware of rental scams while looking for housing in Frankfurt.

Frankfurt is moderately safe. The city has a safety index of 54.64 and a crime index of 45.36.

In fact, it's one of the best German cities for internationals. In 2024, Mercer named Frankfurt as the 7th most liveable city in the world.

To give you a clearer picture, let's compare Frankfurt with some other major German cities:

Frankfurt also has one of the densest public transport networks in Germany, making it easier to navigate the city safely. There's no need to live in the most expensive neighborhood to feel secure, just avoid a few specific streets when looking for rooms in Frankfurt.

If you’re wondering which are the worst neighborhoods in Frankfurt, then you don’t have to worry much. Most areas are safe.

The reputation mostly comes from petty crime, vandalism, and drug-related issues concentrated near the main train station or the central area where tourists and partygoers are.

1. Bahnhofsviertel: open drug use and street crime

Bahnhofsviertel is Frankfurt's most talked-about area, located directly around the Hauptbahnhof. On recent trends, Germany has seen periodic news coverage of knife-related incidents in major cities, and the Bahnhofsviertel occasionally came up. It's best known for its red-light district and visible drug scene concentrated mainly along Taunusstraße, Elbestraße, and Moselstraße.

That said, as long as you don't get drawn into a conflict with the people hanging around there, you'll generally be fine. Bahnhofsviertel also has a central location and a multicultural community that makes newcomers feel at home quickly. For enthusiasts of cultural evenings, this neighborhood offers a range of options, including the renowned English Theatre Frankfurt, where you can enjoy performances in English. Rents in Bahnhofsviertel are lower than in neighboring central districts too, at around €650-€999.

Better alternative nearby: If you like the central location and transit links but want to skip the red-light district, look for housing in Westend or Nordend. Both are a short walk or one U-Bahn stop away. You can expect to pay between €595 and €1,000 for rooms.

2. Gallus: petty theft and noise near transport hubs

Gallus is next to major transport hubs, including the central train station area and routes toward Frankfurt Airport via Galluswarte. It's one of the worst neighborhoods in Frankfurt for those who want quiet, peaceful areas with low traffic. It’s also a densely populated area, making it a great location for drug dealers.

Even though drug dealing is more common in this neighborhood, there are always cops around the corner, so you shouldn’t be stressed about that. Overall, it’s a loud neighborhood with many amenities, including shops, restaurants, parks, and museums. It’s a great neighborhood if you’re looking for affordable rent close to the center, around €639-€1,093. The Europaviertel part of Gallus has newer apartment buildings that are popular with those working at the nearby Messe (trade fair) offices.

Better alternative nearby: Bockenheim is just a few stops away on similar transit lines, has a comparable price range, and calmer, more student-oriented vibe. Rooms in Bockenheim are between €480-€1,494.

3. Gutleutviertel: nightlife noise and limited green space

Gutleutviertel is located south of the city center and, like any other urban area, has its pros and cons. This area is mainly known for its nightlife, so you can expect higher noise and crowded streets at night, especially along the river.

This area has limited green space, but if you enjoy cultural attractions, the neighborhood offers plenty of them. However, because of its central location, expect the cost of living to be slightly higher. Rooms in Gutleutviertel are on the higher side around €749-€980.

Better alternative nearby: Sachsenhausen-Süd is right across the river, but it's quieter and more residential the more you're away from the Alt-Sachsenhausen tavern strip. Rooms in Sachsenhausen are at €600–€1,200.

4. Höchst: higher crime rates after dark

Höchst is far to the west of the city center. However, it has higher crime rates than the city average and is one of the areas where you should be more cautious after dark, particularly if you're not yet familiar with the streets.

On the other hand, Höchst has its own historic old town, hosts the annual Höchster Schlossfest every June, and tends to be more affordable than central neighborhoods. If you are on a budget, you can find rooms in Höchst from €400 to €700 per month.

Better alternative nearby: Bockenheim or the outer parts of Nordend also give you a similar price with better-lit, busier streets and a much shorter commute into the center.

Frankfurt's safety standards mean that almost any area is safe for you to live in. But as a student or young professional looking for your next home, you might be curious about the best neighborhoods in Frankfurt.

Choosing the best area for yourself always comes down to your preferences. Luckily, Frankfurt has a variety of areas suited to different needs, whether you're after the busy streets of Bornheim or a large, diverse neighborhood like Nordend.

Ready to choose your next neighborhood? See some of the safest neighborhoods in Frankfurt.

1. Westend: best for corporate professionals and families wanting greenery and calm

Westend is one of the most secure parts of the city, with low traffic and quiet residential streets, which is why it's especially popular with families and young professionals who want peace after work. If you want to be in the city center and have a touch of nature, this well-maintained neighborhood offers an outstanding balance between nature and city life.

Westend is right next to the city center but feels like a different world, with wide, leafy streets, well-maintained Wilhelminian buildings, and direct access to Grüneburgpark. Goethe University's campus is in the neighborhood, good to know if you're studying there.

However, Westend is also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Frankfurt, so expect to pay around €899–€1,000 for rooms in Westend.

2. Sachsenhausen: best for young professionals and expats who want river views and nightlife

Split into Sachsenhausen-Nord and Sachsenhausen-Süd, this neighborhood gives you a bit of everything and won’t let you be bored because there are lots of things to do here.

Sachsenhausen-Nord sits right across the river from the banking district, with modern apartments, excellent transport via Südbahnhof, and a buzzing weekend around Alt-Sachsenhausen's traditional apple wine taverns. The neighborhood offers one of the best nightlife in Frankfurt.

Sachsenhausen-Süd, on the other hand, is a quieter, suburban with single-family homes, popular with people who prioritize safety. You'll also have easy access to the Museum Embankment.

Rents in Sachsenhausen are on the higher end at around €600–1,200 for rooms.

3. Nordend: best for young professionals and families who want a walkable, cafe-lined neighborhood

Locals call it "Nordi", and it's easy to see why people love it. Nordend is highly walkable, packed with cafes and bars, and has a strong reputation as one of the safest, most desirable residential areas in the city.

Families gravitate toward Nordend-West for its village-like feel, good local primary schools, and proximity to Holzhausen Park, while young professionals are drawn to the bohemian-chic cafe culture. You're also 5-10 minutes away from the center.

The main downside is that it's a bit more difficult to find housing here. Rooms in Nordend are around €595–€999.

4. Bockenheim: best for students looking for affordable shared flats near Goethe University

Bockenheim is Frankfurt's classic student neighborhood. It's one of the most searched neighborhoods on HousingAnywhere for Frankfurt, alongside Sachsenhausen, Nordend, and Bornheim. It's also the largest quarter in Frankfurt by population, has a bohemian, academic vibe, and is just 5 minutes from the Westend campus via the U6 and U7 lines from Bockenheimer Warte. Perfect place for students, with plenty of accommodation options.

Rents are moderate compared to Westend or Sachsenhausen, a lot of students are hunting for WG (shared flat) rooms in Bockenheim. You'll need to prepare your budget from €480 to 1,494.

5. Bornheim: best for young professionals and students who want an energetic, village-like vibe

Bornheim has a strong local identity, described as "gemütlich", cozy and a bit old-fashioned. Around Berger Straße are pubs, restaurants, and a bi-weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It's about 10 minutes from the center, and it's popular with both students for its nightlife and young professionals who want a short commute into the financial district.

Rooms in Bornheim are at €615–€740.

Now that you know which areas of Frankfurt are safe and which to avoid, you can start planning your budget. The cost of living in Frankfurt will depend not only on your lifestyle but also on the location you choose to be your new home.

Finding housing in Frankfurt is competitive, especially during the summer peak between June and August, before the autumn semester starts. Usually, desirable listings and neighborhoods are filled in by mid-September. In this situation, you're most likely to find rental scams on non-trustworthy sources like social media.

The most common red flags are being asked to pay a deposit before signing a contract and people trying to sublet a room in a shared flat (WG) without the actual property owner's permission. Instead of relying solely on scattered channels like classifieds, social groups, or word of mouth, students can use HousingAnywhere to search, compare, message, book, and pay in one place. You can secure housing before arrival through online booking, detailed listings, verified landlord profiles, and payment protection.

For internationals, you must adapt to a highly formal tenancy market that requires standardized credit screenings (Schufa), extensive personal questionnaires (Mieterselbstauskunft), and detailed property handover protocols (Übergabeprotokoll). HousingAnywhere can help you move forward when you face these common access barriers, including a lack of a local guarantor, limited local proof, unclear landlord requirements, or the need to arrange housing before arrival.

Also, make sure that your landlord needs to sign a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) to register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days of moving in. This document is also what you need to open a bank account or get a tax ID. If a "landlord" can't or won't provide one, that's a serious warning sign. Make sure that you read your contract properly and understand your rights as a tenant.

Here's practical safety when you're living in Frankfurt:

On public transport: Frankfurt's U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram network is one of its best in Germany, and it's generally safe to use late at night. The lines most relevant to students and young professionals like you (U4 to Bornheim, U5 to Nordend, U6/U7 to Bockenheim, S-Bahn lines at Südbahnhof) are busy even in the evenings. Keep your bag in front of you on crowded rush-hour trams, and be alert when connecting through the Hauptbahnhof. It's the city's busiest transit hub and the one where pickpocketing is most commonly reported.

Arriving from the airport: The S8 and S9 S-Bahn lines connect Frankfurt Airport to the Hauptbahnhof in about 11 minutes. This route is well used and safe, even late at night with luggage. Once you arrive at the Hauptbahnhof, you'll exit into or near Bahnhofsviertel, so just head directly toward your next transit connection or a taxi rather than wandering the surrounding streets if it's late.

Getting home at night: The U-Bahn and S-Bahn run until around midnight on weekdays and through the night on weekends (Friday and Saturday night service). If you're coming home after midnight on a weekday, Frankfurt also has a night bus network. Research about your route home before you go out, especially in the first few weeks before you get used to living here.

Speaking English: Frankfurt is very international. English is widely spoken in the city center, at banks, in most restaurants, and in international workplaces. If you ever need to report something to the police or speak with emergency services, English is good enough. If you want to be extra prepared, have a translation app on your phone. Basic German phrases are very helpful for landlord conversations and administrative tasks, such as your Anmeldung.

If something goes wrong: Keep the following numbers saved in your phone when you arrive.

112 is the general European emergency number (fire and ambulance); 110 is the German police emergency line. Both work from any phone, including those without a SIM card.

Is Frankfurt safe overall?

Yes. Frankfurt has a moderate safety and crime index, ranks highly for personal security, and has rare violent crime. Most safety concerns for people living here are related to petty theft and drug activity in specific areas near the main station, but not the city as a whole.

How dangerous is Frankfurt really?

Less dangerous than its reputation suggests. National crime statistics are skewed upward by activity around Frankfurt Airport and the Hauptbahnhof, which sees enormous volumes of transient visitors. Residential neighborhoods like Westend, Nordend, Sachsenhausen, and Bornheim are considered very safe.

Is it safe to walk in Frankfurt at night?

In most neighborhoods, yes. Westend, Nordend, Sachsenhausen, and Bornheim are comfortable to walk through at night, including alone. The main area to be more careful in after dark is the Bahnhofsviertel, especially around Taunusstraße.

Is Bahnhofsviertel safe?

Violent crime is uncommon, but the center of Frankfurt's open drug scene and red-light district, concentrated on a few specific streets, requires you to be more cautious. It's not dangerous if you're not involved with the people there, but it's also not the first choice for people looking for a quiet home base.

Is Frankfurt safe for solo female travellers and renters?

Generally yes. Frankfurt ranks well for women's safety compared to many large European cities, and areas like Westend, Nordend, and Sachsenhausen are considered comfortable for solo women, including at night. As anywhere, take basic precautions around the Bahnhofsviertel at night.

Is there a "no-go zone" in Germany?

Germany doesn't have officially designated "no-go zones." The term is used informally for areas with visible drug or street crime issues, like parts of the Bahnhofsviertel in Frankfurt, but these are localized streets within otherwise functioning neighborhoods, not areas off-limits.

Which German city has the lowest crime rate?

Crime rates vary by source and methodology, but smaller German cities and towns generally report lower crime indexes than major hubs like Frankfurt, Berlin, or Munich. Among large cities, Frankfurt's moderate score is broadly comparable to other major German cities.

Is Frankfurt's public transport safe?

Yes. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram network is extensive, well-used, and generally feels secure even late at night. The S8 and S9 lines connecting the airport to the Hauptbahnhof take about 11 minutes, are heavily trafficked, and are well-lit.

Can I speak English in Frankfurt?

Largely, yes. English is widely spoken in the city center, among younger residents, and in international workplaces. That said, picking up basic German phrases makes everyday tasks like dealing with your Anmeldung (address registration) or talking to a landlord a bit smoother.