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Overnight in Frankfurt - stay at airport or in the city?

Posted by (Denver, CO) on

We've got a three-week trip to northern Europe this fall, ending with an overnight layover in Frankfurt before we head home. Arrive a little after 3 p.m. and depart on a 1:15 p.m. flight the next day. We're seasoned travelers and will plan to be at the airport for our departure about 3 hours in advance, but would love to fit in a dinner and stroll around Frankfurt given the layover.

Any thoughts about whether to stay at one of the airport hotels that night vs. in Frankfurt? We love quirky lodging options, so the idea of an airport hotel isn't too exciting. Budget is maybe $300 or so, but flexible.

If anyone has had any memorable dining experiences in Frankfurt, I'd also be interested in recommendations. We've been to Germany before, but not Frankfurt. We're adventurous eaters and like trying new-to-us places.

Posted by
522 posts

Definitely stay in Frankfurt! It is only a 15-20 minute ride from the Hauptbahnhof to the airport. I can't speak to restaurants; my quick stopover was during a wine festival that had great food options.

If it's in your budget I recommend a private tour with Frankfurt on Foot. (We were with another couple to share expenses.) The tour was excellent, and we learned so much more about Frankfurt than we could have on our own in such a short visit.

Posted by
9222 posts

Do stay in the city. There is a lot you can see in the evening and there may be a festival happening, as well as a Farmers market or a stop into the Klein Markt Halle. A stroll down the Main at sunset is always a treat and you will be joined by many others.
For hotels, you can certainly find a fabulous hotel for 300$ or less. Only time you can't is during one of the big trade fairs.
For location, the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, can't be beat and considering it was built in 1876, it is one of the grand hotels of the city. For quirky, perhaps try the Ruby with their cool roof top bar, or Flemings city center with one of the best views of the city from their rooftop restaurant and bar and if you are lucky, they may have the Pater Noster running.

Posted by
118 posts

Thank you both for these very helpful responses! We'll be staying in the city.

Posted by
7162 posts

We stayed by the airport after dropping off our rental car, then took the train into the city. If traveling by train and you’re already in Frankfurt, you may as well stay in the city.

Posted by
1632 posts

FRA is a major transit hub. You should definitely check the price differences between various airport hotels and city hotels that are conveniently located. The city is not particularly scenic, compared to Munich. However, why not have an excellent German dinner downtown?

Posted by
680 posts

1:15 p.m. flight the next day.

You have plenty of time to get to FRA, so stay in the city. I suggest a second post asking for dining recommendations. I am not a foodie when I travel and don't have any specific dining recommendations that I would consider memorable.

Posted by
692 posts

When I spent several days in Frankfurt I found the transportation system quite efficient. During the summer of 2022 there was a one time fee for a month long travel card (available that summer) so I was able to use varying types of rail and transportation from the moment my flight landed. Definitely stay in the city and use the train to whisk you back and forth between the airport and the city.

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