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Layover in Frankfurt Things To Do (Instead of Sitting In The Airport!)

  • Kara
  • January 13, 2018
  • 5 minute read
  • Contains Affiliate Links
frankfurt germany romer building

Got a Frankfurt airport layover? This post is for you! Last week my husband and I flew to Frankfurt with Lufthansa on a project. It was a crazy whirlwind of travel and due to events, we were only able to spend one night in Frankfurt before we had to fly back to the United States. While researching things to do on a short layover in Frankfurt, I noticed that a LOT of flights around the world frequently use Frankfurt for layovers.

Despite the popularity of this airport, I couldn’t find a concise list of fun things to do on a 5 or 8-hour layover in Frankfurt and how to optimize time. So, I was inspired to share my own guide of Frankfurt layover things to do (instead of sitting in the airport!)

Read on for transportation tips, must-sees, fantastic eats and recommendations on how to manage your time while having a layover in Frankfurt, Germany! Don’t sit in the airport, go explore with my travel tips! You can leave the airport during a layover and Frankfurt is the perfect city to do this in.

things to do in frankfurt germany

frankfurt germany romer fashion
frankfurt germany romer building
 

TRANSPORTATION – GETTING INTO FRANKFURT

Can you leave the airport during a layover in Frankfurt? Of course! You just have to be prepared to go through Frankfurt International Airport security again and to lug around any carryon suitcases.

Taxi

The fastest way to get into Frankfurt city center is via taxi. Uber and Lyft don’t operate in Frankfurt, so a traditional taxi is the one to take. Find them outside the airport near the hotel shuttles. It will cost you about 30 Euros to get into the city and will take about 20 minutes.

It’s the more expensive option, but if you are running on a tight schedule, sometimes it’s worth it to pay a little extra to get more time to explore and visit Frankfurt sightseeing.

S-Bahn

If you are on a budget or have a longer layover (say, a 12 hour layover in Frankfurt) the S-Bahn train takes you right into downtown Frankfurt. Follow the signs out of your terminal and to the train station. They run every 15 minutes and tickets prices are €3.80.

frankfurt germany romer fashion


THINGS TO DO IN FRANKFURT – THE MUST DO LIST

Of all the Frankfurt attractions, tours and places to visit in Frankfurt, the old town took my heart. I recommend that you Immediately head to Römer, the old historic area of the city. You’ll want to spend the majority of your time here as it’s the most charming, original and European part of the city. Even locals don’t even consider Frankfurt to be the most beautiful city in Europe, and I think that’s true – in many areas, it looks like just any other large city. But, Römerberg is unique and full of beauty.

Follow me @thewhimsysoul for daily travel inspiration! 

 

 

What to see in Frankfurt

Explore Römer Square

This square is old and beautiful. While most of Frankfurt is new and has a tech feel, this area survived the bombings of World War II. Because of this, I recommend spending most of your time around this “old town” part of the city. There’s a church, shops, bars, etc. Plenty to do! 

Walk across the Iron Bridge

This bridge is famous in Frankfurt. Also known as Eiserner Steg, this pedestrian bridge is a popular “love lock” bridge (like the one in Paris.) It connected the banks of the Main River and is a very popular spot to see the great views of the city.

Stroll along the Main River

After you walk from Römer Square and across the Iron Bridge, I recommend strolling along this side of the Main River for a bit. There are some park trails on this side and when you look across the river, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning skyline of Frankfurt.

Visit the Old St Nicholas Church

 Old St Nicholas Church (aka Alte Nikolaikirche) is that towering red church on Römer Square. It’s absolutely beautiful on the outside and just as impressive on the inside! It dates to the 15th century (aka back to the medieval times!) It’s free to enter, so pop in! 

Have a beer on the square

Seriously, you’re in Germany and you’re on a layover, which means you just flew for hours and probably have a really long flight ahead of you. Reward yourself by grabbing a bier at one of the bars on the square! Sit outside to soak in the fresh air. 

If you have more time than 4-5 hours to spare, here are some other great places to add on your list:
  • The Main Tower (the views!)
  • Hit up the shopping center of Goethestrasse
  • Marienplatz, the main plaza

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frankfurt germany romer fashion
frankfurt germany romer fashion
frankfurt germany romer


Where To Eat In Frankfurt

Bitter & Zart

We randomly walked in here and were extremely blown away by the charm of this cafe. The decor is utterly original and fun. Plus, the food here is to die for. I recommend ordering a hot chocolate, a pot of tea and a few pastries for the table. Sit outside if it’s warm. Depending on the day/time, you may have to wait about 20 minutes to get seated but trust me, it’s worth it.

Afpelwien

Not a restaurant, but the name for the local apple cider that Frankfurt is known for producing. Make sure to order a pint somewhere!

Afpelwien Klaus

A cozy, German-style pub with great food. Try here for lunch!

25 Hours Frankfurt

On a sunny day, head here for amazing views on the rooftop. Happy hour before your flight!

Layover Time Table

Customs: 20 minutes
Taxi into Frankfurt: 20 Minutes
Romerberg: 90 minutes
Food break: 60 minutes
Taxi to Airport: 20 minutes
Airport Security: 45 minutes
Extra Buffer: 30 minutes

Total time: 4 hours, 45 minutes.

If you have more time or less time, add or subtract from the Römer or Food Break section. For instance, if you have a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt, you can add more time in Romerberg!

What to Wear

[shopr collection=”dresses,outerwear,tops,travel” order=”random”]
frankfurt germany romer fashion
frankfurt germany romer church
frankfurt germany romer fashion


Looking for a good airport hotel? We stayed at this one and it was great (for an airport hotel.) There are no hotels inside the Frankfurt airport, they are all about 15 minutes away from the gates, though. For a list of hotels in Frankfurt city centre, check this list out.

If you’re looking at what to do in Frankfurt, I hope this guide helps you! Don’t sit in the airport all day, it’s a waste of an adventure. If you have any questions, leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll be happy to help!

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Kara

I'm the founder of Whimsy Soul (this blog you're reading!) I'm a type 3 enneagram cat lady who lives in San Francisco and loves to find everyday magic to share with others. You can probably find me hunting down hot springs with girlfriends, kayaking, cooking with my husband, petting strangers' dogs or watching like, all the things on Netflix. Follow me on Instagram for even more inspiration!

44 comments
  1. Nina says:
    August 13, 2019 at 6:30 am

    Hey! I have a 10
    Hour layover in Frankfurt and then it’ll take me to Iceland.
    When you leave the airport do you need a visa ?
    Or can we just leave and come back in like normal?

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      August 13, 2019 at 1:36 pm

      Hi! I’m American so I didn’t need a visa, this will vary based on where you live. But, if you have a USA passport, not visa is needed for visiting like that!

      Reply
    2. Curt says:
      March 7, 2022 at 7:09 am

      Hi Nina. No, you are entering the country of Germany. You will have to show your passport. Some passports allow you immediate entrance into Germany. Some passports need a visa, BEFORE you enter the country. GOOGLE WHAT YOUR PASSPORT NEED. I have an Australian Passport. So, I will just get an immediate stamp of stay for 90 days.

      Reply
  2. Lindsay says:
    August 19, 2019 at 10:05 am

    Thank you thank you for posting this! my husband and I (US citizens) have a 5 hour layover returning from Italy back the states next month and I am eager to get out and explore. This was just what I needed. I was concerned about getting back into the airport and back through customs and was wondering if it was really worth the hassle.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      August 19, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      I think you can make it to Romer and back in time!! 100% worth it!!

      Reply
      1. Ferdinand says:
        October 15, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        Thanks for sharing your experience in Frankfurt very much appreciated…i had 6 hours layovers on my to Tel Aviv, Israel next month

      2. Kara says:
        October 18, 2019 at 1:52 pm

        I hope you get a chance to explore!! Let me know how it goes 🙂

    2. Steven says:
      February 9, 2020 at 11:12 am

      Did this work out for you? I’m thinking about that flight as well! Land at noon and depart at 5. Did it work out for you?

      Reply
  3. Laura says:
    September 18, 2019 at 5:56 am

    Thanks for the article! I appreciate the consise list! We have a 7 hour layover so will do everything on your list!

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      September 18, 2019 at 8:20 am

      Let me know how it goes!!!

      Reply
  4. Patricia A Brannan says:
    October 15, 2019 at 7:43 am

    We don’t get in to Frankfort until 5:00 p.m. That means that by the time we check in our hotel and get out and about for dinner, it will be 7:00 p.m. So we would only have from like 7 to 11 pm to be out and about. What do you think about doing Romer at night then. We would have to leave our hotel like at 5 to get to the airport by 6 for our flight at 8 am.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      October 18, 2019 at 1:51 pm

      I think the pubs will still be open! I went in January and while the streets do die down later at night, the restaurants are open and bustling! And it’ll be really pretty then with lights twinkling.

      Reply
  5. Amelia says:
    October 23, 2019 at 7:59 am

    Thanks for posting! I have an 18 hour overnight layover in Frankfurt from Greece back to the States and will be arriving in Germany around 4:30 pm. Do you think it would be safe to explore alone at night?

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      October 25, 2019 at 7:18 am

      Hi Amelia!

      Yes! We were exploring from the late afternoon to the evening and I felt safe. It’s in the center of town so lots of people around. Of course, always practice safety when traveling alone but I never felt sketched out.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
      1. Anonymous says:
        March 2, 2020 at 11:12 am

        Thank you!! Leave this week, so excited!

  6. Gloria says:
    October 24, 2019 at 8:07 pm

    My lay over is 6 hours, getting to Frankfurt at 7:20 am. What does the restaurants open. I’m excited definitely going to do Romer.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      October 25, 2019 at 7:17 am

      I remember there being some cafes in that area that should be open! I’m sure the Church and the museums will be open around 8am or 9am, so should be good timing for a bite and some sightseeing! Let me know how it goes 🙂

      Reply
  7. Salay says:
    December 9, 2019 at 9:40 pm

    Hi Kara,,, thank you for your blog and it is really helpful.
    But one thing, for me… not a really layover. I just need to wait someone to pick me up at the airport. But he will be late more than 4 hours. So would it be possible to drag my luggage when I am going around the city? Appreciate your answer and thank you very much.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      December 10, 2019 at 11:57 am

      Hi! I personally hate dragging my luggage around cities. I think it depends on how much stuff you have. If it’s a small carry-on you can probably manage, though many of the streets are cobblestone and those are hard to take luggage on.

      Reply
  8. Robert Wilson says:
    December 20, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    Thanks for this! I have a 5-hour layover from Addis Ababa to Los Angeles in January. I can’t wait to get out of the airport and see a little of the town!

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      December 26, 2019 at 9:05 am

      I hope you have fun!! I adore the historic downtown area of Romer!

      Reply
  9. Joanne Leclair says:
    January 5, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    We have a 13h layover after an overnight flight from Canada en route to Africa. We are travelling 2 moms with our 17 yr old daughters. Is it safe to venture around on our own? We don’t speak German at all. Would we have trouble with language barriers if we only speak English and French? Thanks for this blog…it’s making us consider the option of venturing outside the airport!

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      January 6, 2020 at 8:38 am

      Omg of course!!! I can’t speak German to save my life and never had any problems. Pretty much everyone (and I mean everyone, from waiters to taxi drivers) speak English very well. They do such a great job educating languages in Europe! I found Frankfurt to be really safe, we spent some time walking around at night and I didn’t feel unsafe at all.
      Hope you get out and explore a bit! 13 hours is a long time to sit in an airport!

      Reply
  10. Charice says:
    January 13, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    Yeah, such good info. Looking at a trip to Dubai in December and coming back to the US, there is a 7.5 hours layover. I’m glad I found this cuz I don’t wanna just sleep and collect steps in the airport. My friend’s family lives in Frankfurt as well, maybe they can meet me at the Iron Bridge.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      January 14, 2020 at 8:45 am

      That sounds like a great idea!! I think a 7 hour layover is more than enough time to go see Romer and have a beer. Have fun!
      Kara

      Reply
  11. Lauren4 says:
    January 16, 2020 at 6:57 am

    We will arrive from the US around 9:00 am and have exactly a 4 hr 15 min layover before flying on to Prague. We both have US passports. Worth it to go check out Romer for an hour or 2? I was thinking the train would be the best option since it seems quick. Just a short stroll and a quick bite to eat would make it worth it for me. I hate waiting in the airport forever! Thanks for the great article

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      January 16, 2020 at 8:36 am

      If you can tuck your luggage in the airport so you don’t literally weighted down with that, I think you can totally make it!! I know it’s a very stereotypical thing to say… but Germans are VERY organized and all the trains I’ve taken in Germany are always fast and reliable. Even if you just see it for an hour it’ll be a fun adventure!!

      Reply
  12. Melissa says:
    January 17, 2020 at 4:24 pm

    Thank you thank you. My husband & I have an 8 hr layover coming and going on our way to Croatia. I am super excited now. I don’t need to look anywhere else for recommendations.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      January 19, 2020 at 9:07 am

      YAY! Happy you found this helpful!!

      Reply
  13. Nick says:
    October 3, 2020 at 12:45 pm

    Thanks so much for this. No else has bothered to do it, really. But my layover is at night. Still worth the 5 euros to go into the city?

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      October 4, 2020 at 10:03 am

      Yes! I’m sure there are bars on the square that will be open for a pint or two!

      Reply
    2. Anonymous says:
      February 11, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      Is there a storage for luggage in the airport? Also, do you have to get a taxi going back to the airport at the street since no Uber? How you get a taxi from Romer back to airport? Thanks, Nika

      Reply
  14. Banda says:
    December 8, 2020 at 1:54 am

    Hi Kara
    I have an 8 hour layover in Frankfurt to Costa Rica from South Africa. Was wondering if am eligible to just see a bit of Frankfurt for just 4 hours than to be bored inside the airport. As one with a South African passport, am I allowed to do this without a visa though my destination is a non Schengen country? Please advise and thank you in advance.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      December 8, 2020 at 9:58 am

      Hey – you should be able to but I’m not from Germany or South Africa so you should do your own research to check beforehand. Also keep in mind that right now (2020) you may not be allowed to leave depending on Germany’s COVID policies. I’m sure the Frankfurt airport website has all the info you need!

      Good luck

      Reply
    2. Curt says:
      March 7, 2022 at 7:19 am

      Hi Banda. No, your South African passport will prevent you from entering Germany, without a proper SCHENGEN VISA.

      Reply
  15. J says:
    February 16, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    Hey, I will only have a two hour layover in Frankfurt, what do you suggest doing during that time?

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      February 16, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      Not leaving the airport

      Reply
  16. Sonny says:
    April 17, 2021 at 8:08 am

    Hi Kara- Amazing post with great detailed information. It would be equally awesome if some of your viewers who posed questions, would actually come back and share their experiences. This way you are not the only one doing all the work. It can become a great forum for you and everyone else.
    Thanks again for all your hard work!

    Reply
  17. Stephani says:
    November 25, 2021 at 8:49 am

    Hey, thank you , this was very very helpful. One point, though the link for “Marienplatz, the main plaza” took me to a main square in Munich. I haven’t seen a Marienplatz in Frankfurt.

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      November 25, 2021 at 12:16 pm

      It’s a subway station in downtown Frankfurt

      Reply
  18. Joni La Caria says:
    January 21, 2022 at 11:01 pm

    Hi Kara ~ after a suggestion from a friend and then reading this Layover article, I’ve decided to extend my 2hr Frankfurt layover (on my way home from Italy to Phoenix AZ) and stay in Frankfurt for two extra nights. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to pass through there again, so I’m going to take advantage of it. Any concerns about Covid restrictions nowadays? I’ll be passing through there on 3/17 🍀 any other suggestions for a very quick 48hr visit? You’re an inspiration 🌻Thank you!

    Reply
  19. angelaa says:
    January 23, 2022 at 2:19 am

    Hi what about a 4 hr layover?

    Reply
  20. Curt says:
    March 7, 2022 at 7:32 am

    Hi Kara. Can one take the EXPRESS HOP ON HOP OFF BUS in Frankfurt City? Is a week day ( 9am till 8pm ) a good time to ride on this bus ?

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      March 11, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Curt – I’ve never taken the EXPRESS HOP ON HOP OFF BUS in Frankfurt so I can’t comment on this. Sorry!

      Reply

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