Ruth Haines
Frankfurt Airport is Europe's fourth-busiest airport, with quick access to the city centre. If you have a long layover, there are plenty of things to do, both inside and outside the airport. If you want to stay in the airport, you can relax in one of the many lounges, eat at one of the dozens of restaurants, bars and cafes, or do some shopping. There are also quiet zones, prayer rooms, yoga rooms, play areas, and shower facilities. If you want to leave the airport, a five-hour layover will give you enough time to explore the city centre, including the medieval old town, the River Main, and the museums. With a longer layover, you can also visit the Frankfurt Cathedral, the Iron Bridge, and the Kleinmarkthalle indoor market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Activities | Airport tours, flight simulator, gaming zones, movie zones, leisure zones, lounges, spa services, yoga rooms, prayer rooms, quiet zones, play areas, restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping areas |
| Airport Hotels | My Cloud Transit Hotel, Frankfurt Airport VIP Services airport lounge |
| Transportation | U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses, taxis, trains, shuttle buses |
| City Activities | Exploring Old Town, visiting Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, River Main, Kleinmarkthalle, Museumsufer, Westend, Sachsenhausen, strolling in Bethmannpark, boat ride on River Main, visiting Alte Oper |
| Food | Local specialities like Frankfurter sausages, Grüne Soße, Apfelwein, currywurst |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city: Wander through Old Town, visit Römerberg, and stroll along the River Main
- Airport tours: Take a behind-the-scenes tour, including the Fire Department and runways
- Relax and unwind: Enjoy airport lounges, quiet zones, or a spa treatment
- Shopping: From boutiques to duty-free, there's plenty of shopping to be done at the airport
- Food and drinks: Sample German specialties, visit airport bars, or try the local Apfelwein
Explore the city: Wander through Old Town, visit Römerberg, and stroll along the River Main
If you have a long layover at Frankfurt Airport, you may want to consider exploring the city. Head to Frankfurt's Old Town, located on the River Main, to wander through its idyllic streets and take in the historic atmosphere. Old Town is the heart of Frankfurt, and it's here that you'll find important landmarks like Römerberg, the central main square, and Frankfurt's City Hall.
Start your exploration at Römerberg, where you can admire the square's beautiful architecture and perhaps enjoy a drink at one of the surrounding cafes. From here, you can easily access Frankfurt's Cathedral, also known as the Emperor's Cathedral. This area underwent a once-in-a-century restoration project that was completed in 2018, blending old and new to showcase the city's rich history. You can visit the Archaeological Gardens to see traces of an ancient Roman settlement and learn about the city's past through exciting video animations.
As you wander through the narrow streets of Old Town, you'll discover hidden gems like the Shock-Haired Peter Museum, dedicated to the Frankfurt physician Heinrich Hoffmann, who created the iconic Shock-Haired Peter character in 1844. You can also visit the "Weißer Bock" townhouse, which pays tribute to the democratic advocate and poet Friedrich Stoltze, whose love for Frankfurt is immortalised in his dialect poems.
After exploring Old Town, take a short walk to the Iron Bridge, which crosses the River Main. This picturesque river is the longest tributary of the Rhine and flows through central Germany. It's an important waterway that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea and has several large inland ports. The river also offers a beautiful backdrop for a stroll, with its banks lined by the city's iconic skyscrapers.
If you're looking for a more relaxed experience during your layover, you can opt for the airport's lounge access or book a stay at the Frankfurt Airport VIP Services airport lounge, which offers luxurious private suites and a chauffeur service. However, if you have 7 to 8 hours or more, exploring Frankfurt's Old Town and strolling along the River Main is a great way to experience the city's unique blend of history and modern vibrancy.
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Airport tours: Take a behind-the-scenes tour, including the Fire Department and runways
If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes experience at Frankfurt Airport, the airport tours are a perfect option. The tours offer unique insights into the airport's operations, including the Fire Department and runways.
The Starter Tour, lasting approximately 45 minutes, provides a glimpse into the exciting world of aviation. You'll witness aircraft refuelling, take-offs and landings, and even get up close to international aircraft paintings. This tour is ideal for those with shorter layovers who want a quick but immersive experience.
For a more comprehensive experience, the XXL Tour is a 2-hour bus journey that takes you deep into the heart of the airport. You'll see ground handling of aircraft, witness take-offs and landings on the central runways, and even get a glimpse of new development sites like Terminal 3. This tour is perfect for aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a more in-depth understanding of airport operations.
One of the highlights of the XXL Tour is the visit to the fire station. Accompanied by expert Fraport firefighters, you'll explore Fire Station 3, gaining fascinating insights into the critical role of the airport's fire department. This part of the tour offers a unique perspective on the safety measures in place to protect passengers and staff.
In addition to the fire station, the XXL Tour also includes a drive past CargoCity South, showcasing the vast logistics operations of the airport. As the bus makes its way towards the Terminal 3 construction site, you'll be immersed in the dynamic landscape of one of Europe's busiest airports.
To join the airport tours, it is recommended to arrive at the meeting point, located near Terminal 1, 30 minutes before the start time. The tours cater to individuals and groups, with tickets starting at €11 for the Starter Tour and €19-€30 for the XXL Tour and other extended options.
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Relax and unwind: Enjoy airport lounges, quiet zones, or a spa treatment
If you're looking to relax and unwind during your layover at Frankfurt Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of lounges, quiet zones, and spa treatments to help you de-stress and recharge during your travels.
For a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, head to one of the many airport lounges. Frankfurt Airport has a range of lounge options, including airline-specific lounges and those open to all travellers. These lounges offer comfortable seating and a quiet environment to relax. Some lounges, like the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge in Terminal 2, also offer shower facilities. If you're a business-class or first-class passenger, you'll automatically have access to your airline's exclusive lounge, such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, or Emirates. Alternatively, you can book a stay at the Frankfurt Airport VIP-Services airport lounge, which offers luxurious private suites and conference rooms.
For a truly calming experience, visit the Room of Silence, a quiet space for stillness and contemplation. Frankfurt Airport also features "Silent Chairs" in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which provide soundproof glass panels, integrated speakers, and a music jack for a truly immersive quiet experience.
If you're looking for a more indulgent way to unwind, treat yourself to a spa treatment at Be Relax airport spa, located in Terminal 1 near Gates 23 and 56. They offer a range of treatment options, including relaxing massages and pampering facials, to help you make the most of your downtime.
In addition to these options, Frankfurt Airport also provides yoga rooms and prayer rooms for those seeking a quiet and contemplative space. And if you're travelling with children, there are play areas and stroller rental services available as well. With all these options, you can easily relax and rejuvenate during your layover at Frankfurt Airport.
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Shopping: From boutiques to duty-free, there's plenty of shopping to be done at the airport
Frankfurt Airport has plenty of shopping opportunities to keep travellers entertained during their layover. Terminal 1's Airport City Mall is a one-stop destination for travellers looking to purchase German brands like Jack Wolfskin and Birkenstock, as well as other boutiques.
For those interested in duty-free shopping, there are giant duty-free areas offering a wide range of products, including candy, chocolates, perfume, makeup, and alcohol. These duty-free areas are perfect for travellers looking to take advantage of tax-free prices.
The airport also has Coupon Walls scattered throughout, offering deals and discounts on various airport eateries and shops. So, if you're looking to grab a bite to eat or want to browse the shops, be sure to keep an eye out for these Coupon Walls to maximise your savings.
In addition to the shopping within the airport, travellers with longer layovers may consider venturing into downtown Frankfurt am Main. The city boasts a vibrant shopping scene, with the Westend neighbourhood known for its high-end shopping options and tree-lined streets. However, travellers should note that shops in the city are typically closed on Sundays.
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Food and drinks: Sample German specialties, visit airport bars, or try the local Apfelwein
If you're looking to sample German specialties, visit airport bars, or try the local Apfelwein during your Frankfurt Airport layover, here are some suggestions:
German Specialties
For a taste of traditional German food, head to Terminal 1 where you'll find a variety of options. Food Society offers German sausage, currywurst, and burgers, along with Italian and salad options. Lucalino, an Italian bistro, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you're craving pastries and pretzels, try Heberer's, a classic German bakery. Or, for a heartier meal, Kuffler & Bucher has been a Terminal 1 staple since 1999.
Airport Bars
For a drink, there are several options within the airport. The Goethe Bar, named after the famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, offers well-priced beers and typical bar food, including sandwiches and breakfast options like pancakes with Nutella. The Sports Bar, located in the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, also serves cocktails and beers.
Local Apfelwein
If you have a longer layover and can venture into the city, Frankfurt is famous for its Apfelwein (cider). Head to the Kleinmarkthalle (closed on Sundays) for local and fresh food, or try the street food options along Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse, where you'll find a variety of German and international cuisine.
With a variety of dining and drinking options available both within the airport and in the city centre, you can easily sample German specialties, visit airport bars, or try the local Apfelwein during your Frankfurt Airport layover.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of things to do at Frankfurt Airport during a layover. You can relax in one of the airport lounges, take a shower, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also go shopping at Terminal 1's Airport City Mall or take advantage of the duty-free areas. If you're looking for some entertainment, the airport offers free amenities such as Movie Worlds, Gaming Worlds, Leisure Zones, and airport tours. You can also access unlimited free WiFi.
If you're looking for some fresh air without venturing too far, head to the Visitors' Terrace in Terminal 2 to get a closer view of the planes or to the Open Air Deck, a roof terrace in the transit area, to relax under the sun or watch airplanes.
Yes, if you have at least 5 to 7 hours between flights, you can explore Frankfurt city centre during your layover. You can reach the city centre in about 30 minutes by train or taxi. Popular attractions for short layovers include the Old Town (Römerberg), Frankfurt Cathedral, River Main, Kleinmarkthalle indoor market, and the Museumsufer (museum embankment). Don't forget to factor in time for transportation, security checks, and picking up your luggage.
