Exploring Frankfurt Airport: Things To Do And See

Frankfurt Airport is Germany's busiest airport and the fourth busiest in Europe, with 65 million passengers passing through each year. If you're one of them and have time to kill, there are plenty of options, whether you want to stay in the airport or head into the city centre.

If you're staying in the airport, you can relax in an airport lounge, take a tour, visit the Open Air Deck, go shopping, or grab a bite to eat. There are also yoga rooms, a Room of Silence, and a flight simulator to keep you entertained.

If you fancy venturing out, the city centre is just 13km away, and you can get there by bus, train, or taxi. In Frankfurt, you can visit the old city centre, the Römerberg, St Catherine's Church, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Bartholomew, and the Sachsenhausen district.

Eat at Goethe Bar, Best Worscht in Town, Hausbar or Hausmann’s

Frankfurt Airport has a lot to offer, from sushi to pizza, and there are plenty of viewing points to watch the planes take off and land. You can even visit the airport without a flight ticket to explore the Visitors' Center and Terrace, or take a tour. If you're looking for dining options, there are several restaurants, bars, and takeaways to choose from. Here's a closer look at some of the options:

Eat at Goethe Bar

The Goethe Bar, named after Frankfurt's famous poet, offers a variety of beverages, including coffee, wine, beer, and champagne. They also serve a range of hot and cold dishes. You can find the Goethe Bar in Terminal 1, Area B, Level 2. It is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Best Worscht in Town

This restaurant has gained a reputation beyond Frankfurt for its currywurst, a German specialty. Their currywurst consists of boiled, fried, or chopped pork or beef sausage smothered in ketchup and curry powder. It is served with French fries or sourdough bread. They also offer organic and vegan options, and you can customize the spiciness of your meal with their "Spiciness Meter." Best Worscht in Town is located in Terminal 1, Area A, Level 0, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Hausbar

Unfortunately, I could not find specific information about Hausbar at Frankfurt Airport. However, there is a mention of Hausmanns, which could be the establishment you're referring to.

Hausmanns

Hausmanns is a restaurant, bar, and takeaway concept created by TV chef Tim Mälzer and gastronomic operator Patrick Rüther. They offer a range of vegan, vegetarian, and meat dishes from sustainable farming. Hausmanns also features a craft beer bar with beer from Überquell's own brewery. It is located in Terminal 1, Area A, Level 2, and is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Visit the Room of Silence or a Quiet Zone

If you're looking for a place to unwind and find a moment of peace at Frankfurt Airport, the Room of Silence or a Quiet Zone is the perfect place to be. Here's everything you need to know about these tranquil spaces:

The Room of Silence

Frankfurt Airport is home to a dedicated Room of Silence, located in Terminal 1, Concourse Z, Level 3, near Gate Z50. This space is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their worldview, culture, or religious affiliation. The room features a neutral design, devoid of any cultural or religious characteristics. Its highlights include a gold-plated undulating ceiling, walls wrapped in reflective foil, and quotes from internationally renowned thinkers, all complemented by a unique lighting concept. Here, you can find solace and serenity away from the bustling airport environment.

Quiet Zones

In addition to the Room of Silence, Frankfurt Airport also offers Quiet Zones or Quiet Rooms, providing travellers with a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of air travel. These quiet havens are designed to offer a moment of stillness and contemplation. One such Quiet Room is located in Terminal 1, post-security, and features a white room with an undulating golden ceiling illuminated by lamps that reflect light onto the floor and walls. It is furnished with an oak bench, inviting you to sit and rest. This space is open to all passengers free of charge and can be accessed at any time, providing a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of your journey.

Another Quiet Zone worth mentioning is the Leisure Zone, where you can find lounge-style seats. These areas can be found in Terminal 1, near Gates A26, A54, B43, Z11, B25, and the Open Air Deck, as well as in Terminal 2, near Gates D1 to D4 and E2 to E5.

If you're seeking a quiet space to read a book or listen to music, the airport also offers "Silent Chairs." These chairs are equipped with soundproof glass panels, integrated speakers, a music jack, a table with a USB port, and a power outlet. While the chairs don't recline, they can still provide a peaceful environment for relaxation or work. You can find these chairs in Terminal 1, opposite Gate A58, opposite Gate Z58, at Gate B23, and in Terminal 2, at Gate D4, near Gate D9, near Gate D27, and at Gate E5.

Whether you choose to visit the Room of Silence or take advantage of the various Quiet Zones, Frankfurt Airport offers plenty of opportunities to find peace and tranquillity during your time there.

Take a tour of the airport

If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes look at Frankfurt Airport, there are several tours to choose from. The tours are a great way to learn about the airport's logistics and workings, and they are offered in multiple languages. Here's a detailed overview of the different tour options:

Starter Tour:

The Starter Tour is a 45-minute overview of the airport, where you'll see aircraft refuelling, take-offs, landings, and international aircraft paintings. This tour is moderated live, and your questions can be answered by the tour guides. The Starter Tour costs €9 for a reduced ticket.

Combined Tour:

The Combined Tour offers a more comprehensive experience, combining the 45-minute Starter Tour with a visit to the multimedia Visitors' Centre. This tour lasts for about 2 hours and costs €16 for a reduced ticket.

XXL Tour:

The XXL Tour is a 2-hour extensive exploration of the airport. On this tour, you'll witness ground handling of aircraft, get a closer look at the new fire station, and drive past CargoCity South to the Terminal 3 construction site. The XXL Tour is recommended for those above the age of 10 and costs €22 for a reduced ticket.

Fire Department Tour:

The Fire Department Tour is an exciting 2-hour experience that takes you to the fascinating Fire Station 3 at Frankfurt Airport. You'll be accompanied by expert Fraport firefighters, who will provide unique insights. Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 6. The Fire Department Tour costs €28 for a reduced ticket.

All tours depart from Terminal 1, Concourse C, Level 2 (departures), and tickets must be booked online in advance. The meeting point is at the turquoise wall near the flight display board.

Go shopping in Terminal 1’s Airport City Mall

Terminal 1's Airport City Mall is the place to be for shopping enthusiasts passing through Frankfurt Airport. The mall is home to a variety of shops and boutiques, offering everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and duty-free goods.

For fashion and accessories, travellers can browse German brands such as Jack Wolfskin and Birkenstock, as well as luxury labels like Gucci, Loewe, and Porsche Design. High-street favourites are also represented, including GANT, United Colors of Benetton, and Hugo Boss.

If you're looking for electronics, Terminal 1 houses stores such as Metropolitan Pharmacy, JINGJING Express, and Deutsche Bank Filiale. Duty-free shopping is also available in Terminal 1, with deals on candy, chocolates, perfume, makeup, and alcohol.

To make the most of your time and money, keep an eye out for the Coupon Wall, which offers discounts on airport shops and eateries. You can also earn miles and redeem rewards at participating stores in the airport.

For added convenience, Frankfurt Airport offers a Click & Collect service. This allows you to browse and purchase items online up to 14 days before your departure and then pick them up at the airport. With so many options, Terminal 1's Airport City Mall is a shopper's paradise, offering something for everyone.

Explore the city centre, including Alstadt and Römerberg

If you're spending time in Frankfurt Airport and want to explore the city centre, there's plenty to discover. Alstadt is the oldest part of the city, with many sites that were reconstructed after World War 2. Römerberg, the historic main square, is a must-see. This is the site of the city's first trade fairs in the 12th century, its first bank in 1405, and its first stock exchange in 1585. Opposite Town Hall, you'll find a row of half-timbered houses (rebuilt in 1983) that give you a glimpse of what Frankfurt's centre looked like before the war.

The Frankfurt Historical Museum, found near Römerberg, is also worth a visit. It features a large model of the old town as it was circa 1927. Just beyond Römerberg is the red sandstone St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, one of the most important buildings of the Holy Roman Empire. Starting in 1152, emperors were elected at this church, and 10 were crowned here between 1562 and 1792.

Don't miss the Kleinmarkthalle, one of the most charming indoor market halls in Germany, and a great spot for lunch. Römerberg and the cathedral are also near the former site of the city's main synagogue, where you'll find the city's Holocaust Memorial, commemorating Frankfurt's 12,000 murdered Jews.

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