How to Spend a Long Layover in Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany, is a bustling city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. If you find yourself with a long layover in this city, don’t waste your time sitting in the airport. Instead, make the most of your time and experience all that Frankfurt has to offer. Here’s a guide on how to spend a memorable day in Frankfurt during a long layover.

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Explore Frankfurt’s Old Town

Head to the Old Town and immerse yourself in Frankfurt’s rich history. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and admire the half-timbered houses, churches, and historic buildings. The Old Town is home to the famous Römerberg Square, which is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and souvenir shops. Take a stroll through the square, relax in one of the cafes, and soak in the sights and sounds of Frankfurt during your layover.

Here are some great options for guided tours:

Leisurely Stroll the City Streets

Take time to admire the architecture as you explore the city streets and squares. You can see the progression of this old city through the varied building styles. From Römerberg square to the Frankfurt Cathedral and on to the Opera House, you will find an architectural feast for the eyes. Stop by the Main Tower, the tallest building in Frankfurt, and take in the panoramic view from the glass viewing platform.

Take a stroll along the River Main and enjoy the scenic views. Cross the street to walk along the Iron Footbridge for great views of the river. You will see where countless lovers have pledged their devotion by adding a lock to the bridge.

Does your layover extend into the evening hours? Take a night tour of Frankfurt to see the city illuminated in all its glory:

The Goethe House

Tour the Goethe House, the birthplace of the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The writer spent his early childhood and youth in this home. The 18^th century house contains beautiful and unique original furnishings. I loved exploring the various rooms of this wonderful home.

Your admission includes the adjacent German Romantic Museum with manuscripts, graphics, paintings and other objects from the Romantic period. Art and literature buffs will thoroughly love the museum. Others will find a quick walk-thru sufficient. If your real interest is in the home, then exit the gallery to the courtyard area on the first floor. Entrance to the home is located there. It can be a bit confusing so don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Visit a Great Museum

Frankfurt is home to a number of world-class museums, many of which are located along the Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank). Take a stroll along the river to visit some of the city’s most famous museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the German Film Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

I ventured a little north of Römerberg square to visit one of the city’s two Jewish Museums. The Judengasse Museum Börneplatz is a little off the beaten path but still walkable from the square, and worth every step. The museum presents Jewish history and culture of Frankfurt’s Jews from the middle ages to the emancipation.

Located in the area of the first Jewish ghetto in Europe, the museum contains the rebuilt house foundations of five homes from the Judengasse. Enjoy the interactive exhibit as you explore the homes. You will find the original ghetto cemetery adjacent to the museum. The cemetery is enclosed by a wall that contains markers representing those interred at this site, but you can sneak a peek through the locked gates.

I wished I had the time to also visit the other wonderful museums of Frankfurt. All the more reason to go back!

Enjoy a Park

Relax in a park between long flights. Take a moment to breathe the fresh air and feel the sun on your skin as you recharge in one of Frankfurt’s many parks. Frankfurt is home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, including the Palmengarten, Chinese Gardens, Koreanischer Garten, Frankfurter Wallanlagen, and Volkspark Niddatal. Take a stroll, relax on a bench, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. A little fresh air and sunshine will go a long way in the fight against jet-lag!

Shop Local

Frankfurt’s Zeil is one of the city’s most lively districts and offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothing, or electronics, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on the Zeil. Take some time to browse the shops and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling street.

If you are looking for luxury items, head to Goethestraße , Frankfurt’s premier luxury shopping destination. On the other hand, if you want to explore a vibrant indoor market and sample local produce, then check out Kleinmarkthalle. I didn’t have much time for shopping but found wonderful souvenirs in Römerberg square.

Enjoy a Meal – or Two

Head to one of the many cafes in the city and indulge in traditional German breakfast items such as bread, cheese, ham, and eggs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the famous Frankfurt specialty, “Frankfurter Grüne Soße” which is a sauce made of herbs and served with boiled potatoes and eggs.

Frankfurt is known for its hearty cuisine, including sausages, potatoes, and gravy. Check out one of the city’s traditional taverns and indulge in a meal of schnitzel, sausages, and potato salad. Enjoy the sounds of live German music, which can often be found in the city’s taverns and restaurants, while you dine. You may also consider taking a Traditional German Food and Frankfurt Old Town Private Tour.

Getting Downtown from the Airport

You can get from the airport to the city by either bus, train, or car hire. Consider taking the light rail train (S-Bahn)! The S8 and S9 trains (direction Offenbach or Hanau) go directly to Frankfurt’s Hauptbahnof (main railway station) in about 15 minutes. Get your ticket from one of the RMV ticket machines for just 4.50€. The train station is just a two-minute walk from the square. Everything is easy an easy walk from the square and I used the GPSMyCity app to plan my trip.

I originally planned to commute by bus but I was extremely groggy and the bus set-up was not quite as user-friendly as anticipated. Uber prices were outrageous at 68€.

I checked online and found I could hire a ride through the FreeNow app for 1/3 the price of an Uber. This was fast and affordable and it didn’t take the thought or attention using public transit in a new place does. Next time I will plan to take the train, but for a fast first-time visit, FreeNow was a great option. This app is good all over Europe!

If the airport transportation is more than you want to deal with, consider this Frankfurt Layover Tour designed to hit the highlights in just four hours.

How Long Do You Need to Explore Frankfurt on a Long Layover?

You don’t need long to explore a bit of Frankfurt on a long layover. You need at least 5 hours between flights to go into the city, see a site or two, and return.

I had just under 10 hours between flights in Frankfurt. This was enough time for me to explore the square and iron footbridge, thoroughly tour both the Judengasse Museum and the Goethe House, walk around Old Town, and to enjoy a meal.

While walking between sites I was able to view the cathedral as well as several other interesting places. I even made a friend along the way and revisited the square and bridge with her. I really could have taken time to tour the Opera House as well. But I was tired and decided to play it safe. I couldn’t risk missing my flight to Addis Ababa.

Did I see everything I wanted to see in Frankfurt? No. But did I see more than I would have seen staying at the airport? Absolutely! It was definitely worth it to Take Advantage of this Long Layover! Next time I fly through Frankfurt, I may practice the Art of the Stopover and stay a night or two!

What Do You Want to Explore Next Time You Have a Layover in Frankfurt?

A long layover provides the perfect opportunity to experience Frankfurt’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. So why sit in an airport when you can get out there and explore?

I have heard some say that arranging layover city visits seems too hard. Well, I will leave you with the word’s of Goethe, Frankfurt’s favorite author, “Everything is hard before it is easy.”

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