Frankfurt mixes old craft traditions with food and design. You can buy items that tell a small story about the city without visiting a single famous shop. This guide covers souvenirs you’ll find across Frankfurt, not just one street or store.

Start with practical things made locally, edible items that travel, and small crafts that don’t take up much luggage space. Each pick includes where to look, how to judge quality, and a tip for packing or shipping.

1. Bembel (stoneware Apfelwein jug)

• Why it’s worth buying: The bembel is tied to Frankfurt’s apple-wine tradition and makes a strong visual souvenir. It’s functional and decorative, useful at home for serving or as a vase.
• Where to look: Find hand-thrown examples at markets and at independent potters’ stalls.
• Price range: $40–$120
• How to spot a good one: Look for even glaze, a stamped maker’s mark, and a solid weight in the hand.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in thick clothing and place in a carry-on with extra padding around the handle.

2. Gerippte glass (ribbed Apfelwein glass)

• Why it’s worth buying: This small ribbed glass is the classic way locals drink apple wine. It’s compact and instantly recognizable.
• Where to look: Often sold at food halls and market stalls.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Choose thicker glass with uniform ribs and no chips on the rim.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack each glass upright in a sock and surround with soft items in your suitcase.

3. Grüne Soße herb mix

• Why it’s worth buying: The dried or powdered herb mix lets you recreate Frankfurt’s green sauce at home. It’s light and travels well.
• Where to look: Available in markets and specialty food halls.
• Price range: $4–$12
• How to spot a good one: Prefer small-batch or labeled blends listing individual herbs rather than vague “green sauce mix.”
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place packets in a sealed plastic bag to protect from moisture and odors.

4. Bethmännchen (marzipan cookies)

• Why it’s worth buying: These small marzipan pastries are a local confection and make a tidy, giftable snack. They keep for several days if sealed.
• Where to look: Sold at markets and seasonal fairs.
• Price range: $5–$15
• How to spot a good one: Check the ingredient list for real almond content and minimal artificial additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep sealed in original packaging and carry them in your hand luggage.

5. Mustard (German Senf) in small jars

• Why it’s worth buying: Regional mustard varieties pair well with sausages and travel easily compared with liquids. They make a useful culinary gift.
• Where to look: Look for jars in food halls and co-ops.
• Price range: $5–$15
• How to spot a good one: Read labels for seed content and a local producer name rather than generic branding.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pad jars with clothing and seal them in plastic to prevent leaks.

6. Handprinted skyline print or linocut

• Why it’s worth buying: A locally printed skyline shows off Frankfurt’s mix of old and new architecture. It’s lightweight and frame-ready.
• Where to look: Find prints in independent galleries and artist markets.
• Price range: $20–$80
• How to spot a good one: Choose signed prints with artist details and clear, even ink coverage.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints flat in a tube or between cardboard sheets in your bag.

7. Handmade leather coin purse or key fob

• Why it’s worth buying: Small leather goods age well and reflect local craft skills without taking much space. They’re practical daily reminders.
• Where to look: Sold at independent shops and markets.
• Price range: $30–$150
• How to spot a good one: Inspect stitching, edge finishing, and full-grain leather labels rather than glued edges.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place in a soft pouch and keep in carry-on to avoid crushing.

8. Handmade jewelry by local makers

• Why it’s worth buying: Jewelry from local metalsmiths or enamellers carries maker marks and unique designs. Small pieces are travel-friendly.
• Where to look: Browse galleries and independent shops for artist collections.
• Price range: $30–$200
• How to spot a good one: Look for hallmarks, soldered joints, and secure clasps rather than visible glue.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store in a small box or padded pouch to prevent tangling and damage.

9. Linen tea towel or scarf with Frankfurt motifs

• Why it’s worth buying: Textiles are useful and show local landmarks or patterns without being heavy. They’re easy to gift.
• Where to look: Find them in independent shops and museum shops housed in galleries.
• Price range: $12–$35
• How to spot a good one: Check the fabric content label for natural fibers and neat hems.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold and tuck into shoes to save space and protect shape.

10. Small metal bottle opener with city engraving

• Why it’s worth buying: A compact metal opener is practical and often handmade by local metalworkers. It’s a durable reminder of the city.
• Where to look: Available at markets and independent craft stalls.
• Price range: $8–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer solid metal without sharp edges and with a clear maker’s mark.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip into a shoe or a zipped pocket to avoid scratching other items.

11. Hand-carved wooden ornament from seasonal markets

• Why it’s worth buying: Wooden ornaments reflect seasonal craft traditions and are lighter than ceramic keepsakes. They’re classic gifts.
• Where to look: Commonly sold at seasonal markets and co-op craft stalls.
• Price range: $10–$30
• How to spot a good one: Pick pieces with tight carving details and secure paint or finish.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in tissue and place between soft clothing layers in carry-on.

12. Postcard or stationery set from a museum shop

• Why it’s worth buying: Stationery often features local art and is inexpensive to send or pack. It documents what you saw.
• Where to look: Buy sets in museum galleries and museum shops.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sets with artist credits and quality paper stock.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep cards flat inside a book or folder to prevent bending.

Quick buying tips for Frankfurt

• Carry some cash; small market stalls sometimes accept only cash, not cards.
• Haggling is uncommon in Frankfurt shops; polite price queries may work at markets.
• Wrap ceramics and glass individually in clothing, then place in carry-on for safety.
• Many galleries and market stalls offer shipping; ask about costs and delivery times.
• Look for maker names, local addresses, or ‘handmade’ tags to confirm made locally.
• Liquids like cider count as liquids; check airline rules and seal jars carefully.

Where to shop in Frankfurt

Shopping options are spread through historic streets, central market halls, and museum areas. Each area has its own strengths, so plan visits based on whether you want food, crafts, or design items.

• Römerberg historic district — traditional souvenirs and seasonal market crafts near the old town square.
• Zeil shopping street — major retailers and independent boutiques with leather goods and textiles.
• Kleinmarkthalle central market hall — fresh foods, spice mixes, and small packaged local products.
• Sachsenhausen old town streets — cider culture items, specialty glassware, and food-focused stalls.
• Museumsufer (museum riverbank) — museum shops carry prints, stationery, and curated design objects.
• Berger Straße — independent shops and galleries selling handmade jewelry and local prints.
• Weihnachtsmarkt (seasonal Christmas market) — wooden ornaments, baked goods, and artisan candies.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced skyline trinkets made abroad, because most lack local maker information and quality.
• Airport souvenir kiosks charging high prices for low-quality food items with short shelf lives.
• Unlabeled “handmade” ceramics without maker stamps, as they are often factory-made imitations.
• Generic leather-look accessories sold cheaply; genuine leather shows grain and solid stitching.
• Unsealed food jars or repackaged goods without ingredient lists risk freshness and customs issues.
• Overpriced jewelry without stamps or hallmarks can be low-quality metal and poor craftsmanship.

If you only buy three things

Bembel: It represents Frankfurt’s apple-wine culture and makes a memorable display piece.
Grüne Soße herb mix: Easy to pack and a practical taste of local cuisine.
Gerippte glass: Small, iconic, and useful for sharing apple wine at home.

FAQ

What is Frankfurt known for making?
Frankfurt is known for Apfelwein (apple wine) and its stoneware jugs used to serve it. The city also has a food tradition including green sauce and regional baked goods.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Frankfurt?
Choose packaged sweets like Bethmännchen, herb mixes for Grüne Soße, and sealed mustards. Pick items with clear ingredient lists and sealed packaging for travel.

Are souvenirs expensive in Frankfurt?
Prices vary widely: market finds are often affordable, while museum shops and designer pieces cost more. You can find quality gifts on many budgets if you compare stalls and stores.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Frankfurt?
Lightweight items like a spice mix, postcards, or a tea towel are simplest to pack. These items fit into carry-on bags and don’t usually need special handling.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Look for a maker’s name, a local address, or small-batch labels indicating where it was produced. Ask vendors about origin and production methods before buying.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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