Frankfurt is reasonably safe for a European city, but it's important to be alert at all times. Pickpockets are rife, especially around the Hauptbahnhof, and the Hauptwache and Konstablerwache subways. The area around the Hauptbahnhof is a base for Frankfurt's trade in sex and illegal drugs. To contain the problem of junkies publicly shooting up, shooting galleries have been established in which drugs can be taken but not sold and where clean needles are distributed. However, chances are you will see junkies self-medicating (and possibly even defecating between parked cars) during your visit. Frequent police and private security patrols of the station and the surrounding Bahnhofsviertel keep things somewhat under control. Women in particular might want to avoid Elbestrasse and Taunusstrasse, which are the main sex drags.

When travelling by subway at night, make sure you choose a carriage where there are other people. Security personnel always travel in the front carriage after 21:00.