Long layovers can be tedious and monotonous, but not when you land yourself at the bustling Frankfurt international airport. Located within the miles from the city center, the airport offers a range of activities that not only keep you entertained but also help you eliminate the jetlag of those long duration flights.

Whether you have just a few hours or an entire day to spare, there’s never a dull day at the FRA as there are plenty of things to do on your long layover at Frankfurt Airport. In this article we will highlight all the best indulgences and the ways that makes your Frankfurt airport layover non less than a memorable experience. Whether you’re a cuisine addict, or someone who wants to explore the airport like a local, or simply seeking a relaxation, there’s a lot to do and partake in.

Let’s dive a little deeper!

Exploring the Terminal

Few travelers know that the Frankfurt airport is in itself a vast metropolis complex that features shopping centers, hotels, office buildings, metros, etc. In fact, there is so much to explore at Frankfurt airport that visitors may want to extend their layover on purpose.

Some of the attractions include –

Airport City Mall

There are plenty of facilities and amenities to watch out for at the Airport City Mall. There are rental centers, banks, restaurants, and newsstands. All located outside terminal 1. Don’t be surprised if you find a grocery store, beer garden, a salon, dry cleaners, luxury apparel and jewelry retailers.

Train Station

Yes, you heard it right! The pedestrian bridge at terminal 1 connects to the S-bahn commuter line which offers you a train to the city and the outskirts every 15 minutes. You want to reach downtown; hop on one of Germany’s high speed Intercity Express, and you get there in 20 minutes.

The Squaire

This futuristic spectacular complex stood up on top of the current train station. This vast behemoth is really Germany’s largest office building, standing six floors tall. This is more than an office . There are  luxury outlets, eateries, accommodation, and even grocery stores.

Relaxing in Airport Lounges

Step into an airport lounge if you’re seeking for a more private and cozy place to relax during your layover at Frankfurt Airport. Here you can indulge in comfortable seatings, complimentary food, showers, as well as a tranquil environment away from the crowds and bustle of the Frankfurt airport. Some lounges offer spa and personal care sessions that help you unwind before your next flight, and is one of the perfect things to do at Frankfurt Airport.

Some of the airport lounges include –

Lounge Name	Location
LUXX lounge	Terminal 1, between concourses B and C
SKY lounge	Terminal 2, Concourse D, 3rd Floor Transit Area
Air Canada	Terminal 1, Transit area B, Level 1
Air France	Terminal 2, Level 2, between gates D26 and D27
Cathay Pacific	Terminal 2, Level 3, across from gate E7
Emirates	Terminal 2, Level 3, between gates E5 and E6
Etihad	Terminal 2, Level 3, opposite gate E9
Iberia	Terminal 2, across from gates D26 and D27
Japan Airlines	Terminal 2, Level 3, near gate D4
Lufthansa Senator	Terminal 1
Lufthansa Business	Terminal 1
Lufthansa First Class	Terminal 1
Lufthansa Welcome Lounge	Terminal 1, Hall B-East, behind luggage claim area

Indulging in Shopping at FRA

There are plenty of stores and retail outlets at the Frankfurt international airport to kill the time on a long layover in Frankfurt Airport. Who knows if you find a perfect souvenir for a lifetime?

Besides the Airport City Mall, there are duty-free stores in abundance that offer an array of European chocolates, perfumes, liquor, makeup and other lifestyle products. Besides there are discounted eateries too which do not affect your pockets exorbitantly. Indulge into retail therapy.

Below is the list of some of the best brands available at the FRA airport. All of them are located at Terminal 1, Concourse B of Level 2.

• Burberry
• Chanel
• Gucci
• Hermes’
• Hugo Boss
• Montblanc
• Vans
• Rolex
• Prada
• Louis Vuitton
• Versace
• Zara
• Apple Store
• Hugo Boss
• Porsche Design
• Swatch
• Victoria’s Secret
• Adidas

Besides there are Heinemann Duty Free stores available at the multiple terminals of FRA. Check this out –

Duty Free Stores	Location
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Concourse A, B, C, Z
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Concourse D, E
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier Z, Level 3
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier Z, Level 3
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier A, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier B, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier Z, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier C, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier E, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier Z, Level 1
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier A, Level 1
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier B, Level 1
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier C, Level 1
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier Z, Arrivals
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier A, Arrivals
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier B, Arrivals
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 1, Pier C, Arrivals
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier E, Arrivals
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier D, Arrivals
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier E, Level 1
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier D, Level 1
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier D, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier E, Level 2
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier D, Level 3
Heinemann Duty Free	Terminal 2, Pier E, Level 3

Please note this is not a comprehensive list of all the outlets available at the FRA airport. For more up-to-date refer to the airport’s website.

Savoring Local Delicacies

Of Course! You don’t want to go famished at the FRA airport. There are numerous eateries, pubs, and cafes at this airport, so even finicky diners won’t leave hungry. Much to my surprise, there’s also a humble Bavarian beer garden that serves local brews, pretzels and sausages. A literature fan can head to the Goethe Bar which is named after a famous author of the historic era. 

If you’re seeking for fine dining, head to Caviar House where you can relish on the seafood delicacies, local wines and champagne. Of course, there are also many QSRs lined at FRA such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, and Starbucks.

Here’s the list of all the eateries available at the Terminal 1, Concourse B of Level along with its opening hours – 

Eateries, cafes and pubs	Opening hours
McDonald’s	24 hours
Starbucks	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Le Crobag	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Segafredo	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Kamps	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Scharff’s Schloss Café	6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hausmann’s	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Käfer	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Five Guys	10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Hausmann’s Grill	6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Airport Lounge World	24 hours
Bubbles Bar	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Coffee Fellows	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Burger King	24 hours
Lufthansa Business Lounge	5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Europa Lounge	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Asian Deli	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Lufthansa Welcome Lounge	5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
O’Reilly’s Irish Pub	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Paulaner Wirtshaus	10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Big Easy Bar.B.Q & Crabshack	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Please Note: This is not an exhaustive list. For more accurate and updated information, visit the Frankfurt Airport website. 

Discovering the Visitors’ Terrace

What would a trip to the Frankfurt Airport be without gazing at the city’s skyline, flight’s take-off and landing at the recently modeled Visitors’ Terrace?

If you’re not into the lounges, eateries and exploring the terminal, this is one of the best activities at the Frankfurt airport during a layover.

Here you can just take a whiff of sunlight or just be mindful of the moments you’re catching up . To reach here, you have to leave the comforts and vibrance of terminal 1, and reach terminal 2. And, you don’t have to worry about the transportation – there’s a 24/7 free shuttle service by the name Skyline that will take you to the terminal 2.

Take a Fancy Airport Tour

Another option is to go on an airport tour. As per my knowledge, Frankfurt Airport is one of the few international airports in the world that gives visitors a glimpse of field operations where you can take in views of all the big jets.

There are tour packages available. For instance, the mini-tour has prices that start at 8 Euro for adults, reduced rates for kids and families, and free admission for kids under 6.

Exploring Nearby Attractions

Passengers at Frankfurt airport during long layover can also venture beyond airport premises, as there are plenty of things to do in the city. There must be at least an 8 hour layover in Frankfurt.

From charming squares to historical landmarks, there’s plenty to wander and explore around as this is one of the things to do around Frankfurt airport. Some of the highlights include – 

1. Frankfurt City Center

This bustling epicenter of history, culture and modernity is just a minute’s ride from the airport. Places like Römerberg square, and historic Frankfurt Cathedral would be your dose for the culture and vibrance to the core. Sample the local cuisines at one of the street side restaurants or take a walk the Main River Front, there’s so much to do on your long layover at Frankfurt Airport.

2. Palmengarten

This Franfurt’s botanical garden is a heaven for nature lovers. Experience the lush exotic plants, calm walking trails and perfectly manicured gardens: all at the expense of a long layover at FRA.

3. Goethe House and Museum

Literature lovers must head to the birthplace of the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Located in the main downtown area of the city, this is where you can catch a glimpse of the life and times of this legendary writer.

4. Sachsenhausen District

Want to take a trip to the memory down lane, head to the Sachsenhausen District which is full of cider taverns, charming streets and centuries old structures. Do not miss out on its local delicacy – the Ebbelwoi which is an apple wine that attracts the visitors here from everywhere across the globe.

Unwinding at the Airport Spa

There’s always room for rejuvenation and relaxation, as it tops your list for ‘Frankfurt airport layover things to do’.

There are spa facilities and wellness treatment centers at the FRA that offer you the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. Indulge in to the spa session at Be Relax  that help you alleviate the stress and restore energy for your upcoming travel –

Spa Facility	Location
Be Relax	Terminal 1, Area B, Non-Schengen Departures
Be Relax	Terminal 1, Area Z, Schengen Departures
Be Relax	Terminal 2, Area D, Schengen Departures
Be Relax	Terminal 2, Area E, Non-Schengen Departures

Can you leave the Frankfurt Airport during a layover?

Yes you may! Provided you have ample time to board (for instance, 14 hour layover in Frankfurt) your next flight and the necessary paperwork to enter Germany.

These are some of the best things to do on a long layover at FRA Airport. Visit the Lufthansa Airlines Frankfurt Airport Terminal to know more about the services and amenities like WiFi, charging stations, car rentals, lost and found and more.

Who Are We?

ContactForSupport is your go-to online directory for airline passenger support. Our platform offers a comprehensive directory of phone numbers, email addresses, and social media accounts for airlines all around the world. With ContactForSupport, you can quickly and easily get in touch with the right people to resolve any issues you may encounter while traveling.

Read our latest blog here: Things To Do On A Boring Layover At Newark Airport

Frequently Asked Questions