Traveling long distance by plane often goes hand in hand with prolonged layovers in major transportation hubs around the world. Frankfurt by the river Main hosts Germanys biggest airport which is a place where many travelers need to spend quite a bit of time while waiting for a connection flight. Which is OK, if you’re talking about two, three or even up to six hours. You can grab a snack, catch some Z’s, read a book or chat with your friends.
Anything beyond six hours is a drag and being stuck for an overnight layover royally sucks.
Instead of losing a day or an entire night in the transit area, why not spend that time discovering some parts of the city you’re literally grounded in. Turn waiting time into quality time!
Germany’s banking capital Frankfurt am Main – lovingly called “Mainhattan” by the locals – offers great points of interest, amazing food, lots of culture and a pulsating nightlife! Single guys can even upgrade their city tour with an amazing date as Frankfurt is also home to one of the most established escort agencies in Germany.
10 hours of great fun in Frankfurt
Let’s assume that you have a layover of 12 hours. You leave the plane at 6pm and your connecting flight takes off at 6am. Keeping in mind that you need to check out, maybe store your bags and check in the next morning. Hence, you should deduct at least two hours of your leisure time. Also consider that you might need a transit visa to leave the airport!
To reach the city center, you can either take a taxi, which is expensive in German, hail an Uber or take the subway. The lines S8 and S9 will take you in 15 minutes to the station “Hauptwache”. From there it’s just a short walk to the old town.
While you’re there, enjoy a bit of culture …
Check out the Goethestraße which is THE upscale shopping area in town. If you are interested in old architecture, stroll through the reconstructed old town with its beautiful houses, visit the legendary town hall called “Römer” and don’t forget to pay a visit to the impressive Frankfurt Cathedral.
… eat a Wurst …
Once you’ve ticked off all the cultural stuff, it’s time to dive into the German cuisine! And yes … the city has its own and very famous sausage specialty: The Frankfurter Wurst! This cooked sausage traditionally comes with a hearty potato salad, lots of mustard and some rustic bread. But don’t worry. If that is not your style, the local kitchen has a lot more to offer! If you like cheese, you must try the “Handkäs mit Musik”! Roughly translated, this smelly but very tasty delicacy is called “Hand Cheese with Music”. To drink, go for the locally brewed apple cider (“Appelwoi”). If you’re still not convinced: Frankfurt is home to hundreds of restaurants serving culinary delights from all over the world. So, no worries!
… drink a nice cocktail …
By now the time is right to experience the city’s amazing nightlife! The best way to start off into the night is by enjoying a nice cocktail while looking over the impressive skyline. One of the coolest rooftop-bars in Frankfurt is called the “Long Island Summer Lounge”. The top floor of a multi-story car park in the financial district is in fact THE place to chill for the local jet set! If you prefer a more urban and less fancy atmosphere, have a drink in the “Oosten”. This trendy bar is located directly by the river Main offering a stunning view and plenty of industrial charm.
… go clubbing …
Time to go clubbing in Frankfurt! Back in the 90s the city was one of the global birthplaces of electronic music – and that vibe is still around today! If you’re into progressive techno beats or fantastic house sounds, the “Tanzhaus West” is the place to be. And if you’re still looking for a date to enjoy your Frankfurt adventure with, here is another tip for you: the dating website Taleja is an amazing platform for singles, who want to casually hook up in Frankfurt.
… and don’t forget to check the time!
Remember: You’re on a layover. At first sight, Frankfurt might not be the most picturesque, trendy and hip city in Germany. But once you got to know it a little bit, a 12-hour layover in this pulsating city feels way too short! You’ve only scratched the surface and there is so much more to discover …
To read more on topics like this, check out the travel tips category.
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