How to Spend a Layover in Frankfurt
If you’re flying into Europe, there’s a good chance you’ll be traveling through Frankfurt as the fourth largest airport in Europe, and it is a hub for Lufthansa. Whether you’ve got an extended layover, or you are taking a train to your next destination, give yourself some time to explore the sites in downtown Frankfurt
How to Get to Frankfurt from the Airport
Frankfurt-am-Main is the larger of the two Frankfurt airports and located right outside the city center. From here, you can easily find public transportation and take the tram from Terminal 1 to the city center.
The S-Bahn S8 or S9 train will take you directly to the central train station. Frankfurt Main, or the central station, is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Frankfurt. You’ll easily be able to walk or take a tram to get to the main attractions.
The train takes about 15-20 minutes from the airport to the central station. The cost is approximately €5 per person for a one way ticket.
If public transportation isn’t your thing, taxis are available at the airport. Uber is also utilized throughout Europe, so you can also order one from your phone app. Taxis will take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and can cost €25-€35 to the city center.
How to Get around Frankfurt
The tram is a quick and easy way to get around Frankfurt. A single trip will cost around €2.75. Day passes are also available for a low rate. Tickets can be purchased directly from the kiosk at the tram stop, or a bus driver.
You can also buy a 1 day Frankfurt Card pass for €11 which will provide unlimited trips on the tram and discounts to select museums and tours. These need to be purchased online or at select tourist centers. You can find additional information here.
Frankfurt is an extremely walkable city. It is very flat with well maintained streets and sidewalks. Most of the attractions are within a 15-30 minute walk of the central station or a short walk from a tram stop.
What to see during your Layover in Frankfurt
Visit the Old Town and Rӧmerberg
Walk, or take the 11/12 tram to the Römer/Paulskirche stop. From there you can have a quick view of St Paul's Church. This was built in the late 1700s and has a long standing history as a location for political debates and public assembly. It’s best known for its round interior rotunda.
Next walk to the Rӧmerberg square. This is a beautiful representation of old world German architecture. Here you’ll get a picture perfect view of old town Frankfurt with the traditional 17th century half timber houses. Also in the square you’ll find St Nicholas Church, which dates back to the 13th century. And finally, on the opposite side of the fountain is the city hall which has served as the city hall since the early 1400s.
A few blocks from Rӧmerberg, you’ll find the New Frankfurt Old Town. Here, there are a series of buildings built from 2012-2018 as a reconstruction effort to rebuild areas damaged from WWII. They are modern takes on the existing pre-war architecture, but manage to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding buildings.
Visit the Cathedral
As you continue your journey east, make your way to the Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus, or Frankfurt Cathedral. You can visit the lower portion of the church for free. If you’re adventurous I strongly recommend climbing to the top of the tower. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to see 360 degrees around Frankfurt.
Stroll the Riverfront
Frankfurt has a beautiful riverfront along the central portion of the city. Be sure to cross over the Eiserner Steg, or Iron Footbridge for the best views of both sides of the city. In the summer you’ll find street food and beer vendors along the waterfront. There are also restaurants and bars along both sides of the river making this the perfect location to sit back, have a drink and people watch.
If you happen to visit on a weekend in the summer you may also come across a festival taking place with additional vendors and activities.
The south side of the river is also home to a number of museums featuring art, film, and culture. If you have extra time during your layover, check out the Stӓdel Museum.
Where to stay
If you are planning an overnight stay during your layover in Frankfurt, I recommend you stay central and near a tram stop. If you are taking the train to your next destination, there are a number of budget friendly hotels that are located near the train station.
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