Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

WHAT TO DO AT FRANKFURT AIRPORT (FRA)

Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

The Observation Deck at Terminal 2 (Visitor Terrace) offers spectacular runway views and is accessible even for transit passengers. It's one of Europe's best plane-spotting locations, open seasonally from March to October.

For a unique experience, visit the Airport Chapel in Terminal 1, Area C, Gate B27 - a peaceful interfaith sanctuary that few travelers know about. Terminal 2 also has a quiet chapel near Gate D7.

Best Places to Rest & Sleep

Sleep pods are available in Terminal 1, Area B (NapCabs) - private cabins with beds, charging stations, and alarm clocks, bookable hourly. For free options, head to Terminal 1, Area B, Gates B24-B28 where you'll find padded benches without armrests.

The YotelAir in Terminal 1, Area C offers premium cabin rooms for short stays. Transit passengers can book for as little as 4 hours.

Food Recommendations

Local specialties: Try authentic Frankfurt green sauce (Grüne Soße) at Sports & Grill in Terminal 1, Area B. For traditional German fare, Caviar House & Prunier surprisingly offers excellent local dishes alongside seafood.

Budget options: Head to the REWE To Go supermarkets in both terminals for fresh sandwiches and salads at half the restaurant prices. The McDonald's in Terminal 1, Area B is open 24/7.

Premium dining: Heinemann's Seafood Bar in Terminal 1, Area Z (before security) serves exceptional oysters and champagne. Post-security, Beans & Bagels offers quality coffee and fresh bagels.

Lounges Worth Visiting

The Lufthansa First Class Terminal (by invitation only) is legendary, but accessible lounges include the Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Terminal 1, Area A (excellent showers and buffet) and the Fraport VIP Lounge in Terminal 2, Area D.

Day passes for Priority Pass work at multiple lounges including the LuxxLounge in Terminal 1.

Work-Friendly Spots

WorkZones in Terminal 1, Areas B and Z offer free WiFi, power outlets, and ergonomic seating. The Communication Centre in Terminal 1, Area B provides workstations, printing services, and meeting rooms.

Free WiFi throughout the airport is unlimited and reliable.

Additional Amenities

Showers: Available at most lounges and at the Freshen Up facility in Terminal 1, Area B (€8-15).

Kids: The Kinderland play area in Terminal 2, Area D keeps children entertained. Terminal 1, Area B also has a smaller play zone.

Shopping: Don't miss Heinemann Duty Free - one of Europe's largest airport retailers with exceptional prices on luxury goods, especially fragrances and spirits.

WHAT TO DO AT THE DESTINATION

Getting to Frankfurt City Center

The S-Bahn trains (S8 and S9) run every 15 minutes from the airport's Regionalbahnhof station to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) in just 11-15 minutes (€5.30). Trains operate from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM. The Lufthansa Express Bus offers direct service to the city center in 20 minutes (€9).

Taxis cost approximately €30-40 to the city center (15-20 minutes).

Quick Layover Activities (2-4 Hours)

For a genuine Frankfurt experience, take the S-Bahn to Hauptwache station (20 minutes total travel time). Walk 5 minutes to Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt's historic indoor market, to sample local specialties like Frankfurter Würstchen (sausages), Handkäse mit Musik (marinated cheese), and fresh Apfelwein (apple wine).

Alternatively, visit Römerberg, the reconstructed medieval old town square, just 2 minutes further. You can see the iconic half-timbered houses and return to the airport within 3 hours.

Half-Day Activities (4-8 Hours)

Combine the Römerberg with a walk along the Main River to the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). The Städel Museum houses world-class art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.

Take the elevator up Main Tower (€9) for 360-degree views from the 56th floor observation deck. Visit the Kleinmarkthalle for lunch, then explore the upscale Zeil shopping street.

For a local experience, head to Sachsenhausen district across the river for traditional Apfelwein taverns like Adolf Wagner or Atschel.

Full Day Experiences

Explore Goethe House, birthplace of Germany's greatest writer. Visit the Palmengarten botanical gardens or take a river cruise on the Main.

Day trip option: Take the S-Bahn to Heidelberg (1 hour) to see Germany's most romantic castle and charming old town.

Practical Information

Visa requirements: Schengen visa rules apply. EU/EEA citizens can exit freely. Check if your nationality allows airside transit without a visa.

Luggage storage: Available at Gepäck-Center in Terminal 1, Area B and Terminal 2, Area D (€6-8 per item for 24 hours). Open 6 AM to 10 PM.

Local culture tip: Frankfurt is Germany's financial capital but maintains traditional Ebbelwoi (apple wine) culture. Most restaurants accept cards, but carry some cash for markets.

Best time to visit: The Christmas Market (late November-December) at Römerberg is spectacular. Summer offers outdoor beer gardens along the Main River.