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If you fly to Europe or certain parts of the Middle East, you may find yourself in Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt has an extremely busy airport and many flights schedule their layovers there. if you find yourself with a layover in Frankfurt, you shouldn’t waste it by sitting in the airport. Instead, take the opportunity to explore the city and experience what it has to offer. In this post, we will show you how to take advantage of your layover in Frankfurt.
Table of Contents
Getting To and From the Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the largest airports in Europe, and it’s well-connected to the city center. The quickest and most affordable way to get to the city is by taking the S-Bahn (suburban train). This train runs every 15 minutes and takes only 13 minutes to get to the city center. The S-Bahn station is located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport. It will take you to the Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) in the city center. Once there, you’ll be able to jump on another train line or use another form of transportation. If you’re planning to visit the city center, this is the best option.
Another option is the Regional Express (RE) train which takes around 15 minutes. This option is suitable for travelers who prefer a more comfortable ride or those who are heading to places other than the city center. The RE trains are faster and run more frequently compared to the S-Bahn. They also have more space for luggage storage. However, if you have a lot of luggage that you don’t want to walk around with, you can store it at the Frankfurt Airport. For a regular sized bag, you can store it for up to 3 hours for €5, or 3-24 hours for €8. Baggage storage is available from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Things to See and Do in Frankfurt
While there is plenty to see and do during a layover in Frankfurt, here are our recommended top 5!
Römerberg
One of the must-see attractions in Frankfurt is the Römerberg, the city’s historic center. This iconic plaza is surrounded by picturesque houses and the Town Hall, which dates back to the 15th century. The square is also home to the famous Fountain of Justice.
Frankfurt Cathedral
Located near the Römerberg, the Frankfurt Cathedral is another popular attraction. Also known as St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, this gothic structure was built in the 14th century. You are able to climb to the top of it for amazing views of the city. This is just one of several old churches in the area worth visiting.
Visit the Main Tower
For the best views of the city, you should visit the Main Tower. This 56-story skyscraper is one of the largest in Germany (Fun fact: the 13 tallest buildings in Germany are all located in Frankfurt!). You can take an elevator up the observatory for panoramic views of the city!
Städel Museum and Goethe House
Any art enthusiasts should visit the Städel Museum. This museum contains an impressive collection of over 2,700 paintings and sculptures, including works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Cézanne. If you are more into literature, you should visit the Goethe House. This is where famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born and grew up. You can take a tour of his house and learn more about his work.
Check out the Sachsenhausen neighborhood
One of the best places to eat is in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen neighborhood. In addition to having museums and other attractions, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. You can also check out the apple wine pubs that are in the area. It might be just what you need after a long flight!
Cuisine of Frankfurt
The cuisine of Frankfurt is a combination of traditional German and international flavors. Here are the top 3 foods you should try!
Handkäs mit Musik
Handkäs mit Musik is a traditional German dish that originates from the region of Hessen. It is made with a special type of cheese called Handkäse, which is typically sour and tangy in flavor. The cheese is marinated in a mixture of onions, vinegar, oil, and spices, giving it a distinctive taste and aroma.
Frankfurter Grüne Soße
Frankfurter Grüne Soße, also known as Green Sauce, is a traditional culinary specialty from Frankfurt. This tangy and refreshing sauce is made using a combination of seven different herbs: parsley, chives, chervil, borage, sorrel, salad burnet, and cress. The herbs are finely chopped and blended with sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, or quark to create a creamy consistency. It is often served with boiled potatoes or eggs.
Frankfurter Kranz
Frankfurter Kranz is a classic German cake that is beloved for its unique flavor and beautiful presentation. The cake consists of multiple layers of buttery sponge cake filled with luscious buttercream and tart red currant jam. What sets Frankfurter Kranz apart is its distinctive crown-like shape. It is topped with caramelized nuts, often toasted almonds or hazelnuts.
Tips for Visiting Frankfurt
Before your layover in Frankfurt, here are 4 tips to make sure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Allow for plenty of time to get back.
The trains are quick and reliable, but they are also a popular form of transportation. You do not want to be standing in line waiting during rush hour if your gate is about to close.
2. Store your luggage at the airport.
If you are bringing anything more than a backpack, then store it. You don’t want to be dragging a suitcase around while you are trying to enjoy your visit.
3. Plan out which sites you want to visit in advance.
This will allow you to make the most of your short time in Frankfurt. Some attractions can get pretty crowded, so if you already have a plan of what you want to see, you can return to those attractions later once the crowds have left.
4. Learn a few words in German.
You will get around fine without learning any German, but I ran into a few people who couldn’t speak English at all. Knowing some basic phrases in German will help you out. Plus, the people of Frankfurt will respect you for trying.
Guten Tag (goo-ten-tak) – Good day
Danke (dahn-keh) – Thank you
