Ultimate Frankfurt layover itinerary

Frankfurt is a common layover destination due to its international airport, so why not take a trip to the city next time? Whether you have 8, 12 or 24 hours to spare, I’ve put together an exciting layover itinerary of the top things to do in Frankfurt so you can make the most of your short visit.

All of these recommendations are based on my experiences growing up here. From stunning gardens and iconic landmarks to delicious local food and breathtaking views, I will cover all of the must-see sights in Frankfurt that you have time for. You can easily follow this Frankfurt itinerary by public transport and walking.

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How to get from Frankfurt airport to the city center?

Getting to Frankfurt from the airport is fairly easy. You will want to follow signage to “Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof”, where the S-trains run. Lines 8 and 9 run every 15 minutes and will take you to “Hauptwache” in less than 20 minutes. You will want to buy a day ticket, as it is worth it from the second journey onward.

How long does it take to get from the airport to the city?

The train journey itself takes less than 20 minutes. If you include waiting for a train and immigration as well as customs, which usually are quite quick, you shouldn’t need more than 1.5 hours to get from the airport to the city center. On the way back, I suggest you calculate 1 hour for the journey (just to be safe), plus whatever additional time you need for check-in and security.

The perfect Frankfurt layover itineraries

The way to read these itineraries is to understand that they stack. E.g. if you have 12 hours on your layover in Frankfurt, you will want to read the 8-hour itinerary and then add the additional sights from the 12-hour version on top of it. Obviously, you need to make sure that the timings fit and you make it back to the airport in time. If you find yourself having more or less time than expected, adjust accordingly.

8-hour Frankfurt layover itinerary

While an 8 hour layover in Frankfurt doesn’t give you tons of time, it’s certainly enough to get a glimpse of the city. Assuming you will have about 3 hours in the city center, you can check out Frankfurt’s most iconic sights:

Zeil shopping street

Once you get off at “Hauptwache”, you’ll be right on the Zeil, Frankfurt’s main shopping street. From high-end boutiques to popular retail chains, the Zeil offers a diverse shopping experience. Be sure to check out the MyZeil, the architectural highlight of this popular street.

Kleinmarkthalle

On the 10-minute walk towards the Main, stop by Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt’s famous indoor market hall. It’s a foodies paradise filled with fresh produce, local delicacies and international treats. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some regional specialties such as various baked goods or “Grüne Sosse” (green sauce) for a truly authentic experience.

Römer and the New Old Town

No visit to Frankfurt is complete without exploring the Römerberg, the historic heart of the city. It is located less than a 5-minute walk from the Kleinmarkthalle. Admire the charming half-timbered houses, which were completely rebuilt after the Second World War. If, like me, you’re a sucker for views, you should look into climbing the cathedral tower (Domturm) for a spectacular view of the surrounding architecture and the river Main.

Eisener Steg

If you still have some time, cross the Eisener Steg, Frankfurt’s beloved iron bridge, from where you have an unparalleled view of the city skyline and the river Main below. As you stroll across, you’ll probably notice the love locks on the railings, which couples put up here to symbolize their eternal love. The best way to get back to the airport is to walk back up towards Hauptwache, where you came from.

12-hour Frankfurt layover itinerary

With 4 additional hours, you can squeeze in two more of the best things to do in Frankfurt:

Palmengarten/ Senkenberg Natural History Museum

Located 15-minutes from “Dom / Römer” using the Underground, you’ll find the Palmengarten, Frankfurt‘s botanical garden with lush greenery and colorful flowers. Get off at “Bockenheimer Warte” and you’ll be right in front of it. I personally love the cactus house, but the butterfly house is definitely a highlight too. Alternatively, you can enjoy a touch of nature and history at the Senkenberg Natural History Museum, which houses an impressive fossil collection and natural history exhibits. The walk between the two museums takes 15 minutes. So if you can’t make up your mind, it‘s possible to visit both, assuming you have the time.

MainTower

If you can, climb the MainTower for sunset and enjoy a breathtaking view of Frankfurt’s city scape. From the viewing platform, you can admire the mixture of historical landmarks and modern skyscrapers and spot the Main winding through the city scape. Make sure to get there with some time to spare, as the queues can be long. You can get there by taking the Underground back towards the city and getting off at “Alte Oper”. On your way back to the airport, you can hop on S-trains S8 and S9 straight from “Taunusanlage”.

24-hour Frankfurt layover itinerary

If you have a whole day to spend in Frankfurt, you can add a few more things and take your time at the aforementioned attractions.

Opera Square

Before heading to the MainTower, check out the Opera Square, which is where the Underground stop is. The square exudes elegance with its beautiful fountain and historic opera house. Take a moment to relax and soak up the charming atmosphere before moving on to the MainTower. In spring, there are beautiful pink blossoms you can check out on the right side of the building.

Museums

Frankfurt has an incredible museum landscape, with museums for everyone. The top ones are Senkenberg Natural History Museum, Dialogmuseum, and the Städel. I have a whole article detailing the different museums, so you can choose whichever one interests you most.  

Sachsenhausen

In the evening, make your way to Alt-Sachsenhausen, a lively neighborhood known for its traditional apple wine taverns and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a hearty dinner in one of the pubs with typical dishes such as Handkäs’ or Grüne Sosse. Or simply try some Apfelwein and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Just don’t overdo it with the drinks before your next flight.

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