Doing a mileage run IAD-FRA-IAD on Dec 9 & 10. Will have an 8-hour layover in FRA. Any suggestions for resting. Am an RCC member.

Rest on the plane. Take the 8 hours as an opportunity to get out of the airport.

I would take the train into Frankfurt. Doesn't take very long time and is a nice experience.

But not much to see in Frankfurt.

Take a cab to Bad Homburg and go to a spa.

Family and I will arrive Frankfurt from IAH the week-end before and we plan to visit the Frankfurt Xmas Market that weekend. We will return to IAH and then revisit Frankfurt from IAH the following week on mileage run. Sorry, but we will miss you as we arrive again in Frankfurt early on Dec 8 and plan to Eurorail to Vienna(Wien) same day. Any chance you could join us in Austria where wife grow up? If not, recommend you goggle Frankfurt Xmas Market and see if it is operating during your visit. If so, do not miss the opportunity to take the train from the airport to the city and visit. At any rate, easy to kill 8 hrs in Frankfurt Airport... bring your walking shoes. :)

Regards and have fun.

OP:

Frankfort HBf area offers little. It's got hookers, drugs, and the police watch you in the WC through a window. I nearly got vomited on by a woman on the sidewalk just outside of the HBf one morning! Disgusting!!!

However, Mainz and Wiesbaden are quite nice and they are just a short S-bahn ride from the FRA airport.

I'm on a MR to PDX-IAD-FRA and back the same dates, but must be different flights (you are on the later evening return I suspect if you have 8+ hours). I'm on 952 and 917 - if anyone else is on one or the other flight too, let me know. I've only got about 3 hours - not sure if I even need to or should (for easy return back in the US) clear customs.

Frankfurt is not nearly as interesting as some other German cities, but if you haven't seen it, it is still worth going into town.
The S-bahn trains are accessible from the airport and only about 10 to 15 minutes (and a few Euros) into town. Some people do not buy a ticket, but I suggest doing it as I do see conductors checking tickets and fining people on this popular short route.

It will likely be very cold, but the Christmas Market is pretty cool and worth some time to wander around. Try the apple wine and as much of the food and candy as you can eat.

The Dom is interesting for a few minutes of your time, but will not take long to visit. It does not compare to some others you will see elsewhere in Germany and Europe.

I believe that Frankfurt did not fare well in WW2 so most anything old around downtown has been rebuilt in the last 50 years, but the architecture in the downtown/Altstadt area (even rebuilt) is still very interesting compared to what you see in America.

In summary, with 8 hours, head into town soon after landing, enjoy a few hours at a great time to visit a city that can be boring at other times of the year, and if you get too cold or bored, hop on the train and you can be in the RCC or LH club within an hour (considering security) to wait out the rest of your day.

Moved to the European destination forum.

cblaisd
Moderator, United

OP:

Frankfort HBf area offers little. It's got hookers, drugs, and the police watch you in the WC through a window. I nearly got vomited on by a woman on the sidewalk just outside of the HBf one morning! Disgusting!!!

However, Mainz and Wiesbaden are quite nice and they are just a short S-bahn ride from the FRA airport.
I am not a Fan of Frankfurt for sure but FRA is much more than the HBf. You can take the train (S-Bahn) from the airport into the city (can be done in 10 min.). Get of at "Hauptwache" and walk towards the "Römer." There will be a nice christmasmarket which is worth a visit.

As roberto99 pointed out, Mainz is a nice town as well.

I absolutely agree with your bfmorgan.


I believe that Frankfurt did not fare well in WW2 so most anything old around downtown has been rebuilt in the last 50 years, but the architecture in the downtown/Altstadt area (even rebuilt) is still very interesting compared to what you see in America.

You are right but there are still some nice places to see. You can walk around in "Westend" and there are still some nice old house from early 20 century, some even older. The synagoge in "Westend" is very interesting as well, but I am not sure if it'll be open that day.

I wouldn't only stay at the RCC in FRA. There may be some tours to explore the airport you could join as well.

Anyway enjoy your trip B]TheEagleHasLanded[/B].

Cheers
totti