we have a 7 hour lay over in Frankfurt and are considering going to Mainz. I read that the Frankfurt airport has lots to do if you decide to stay there. Can anyone describe what there is to do at the airport? Thanks

I don't know about staying in the airport, but I do know that Mainz is close and easily accessible by commuter train. It would also be interesting for a few hours. The Gutenberg Museum is there, if that holds interest for you. Also Mainz has a rather nice riverfront walk. There is probably more (a cathedral for sure) that I have forgotten. We stayed overnight there before a morning flight out of Frankfurt.

ita:
you can check out www.franfurt.de
click on englisch
traffic
airport for more info on the airport itself.
Mainz is a mid-size city, not far by train. If you go, don't be discouraged by the area immediately around the train station. Walk toward the towering cathedral, a lovely square lined with cafes for people-watching.

The Gutenberg Museum (history of printing, with first printed bible produced) is interesting and worth an hour, but mostly all in german (in case you don't speak).
I think the name of a nearby church with dramatically impressive cobalt-blue Chagall windows is ?St. Stephan.
I think Mainz would be an interesting choice!

I had forgotten the Chagall windows! They are really stunning. Be sure to see them, if you go to Mainz.

Great Romaesque cathedral in Mainz. Also, like mentioned above, go see the Chagall windows. There is a really nice part of the old city not to be missed there.

As for activities in the airport - hm, well, there is an observation platform (they charge admission), a grocery store, a sort of historical exhibit area, shopping... but that's about it...

If there are things to do at Frankfurt Airport, I have never seen them. I was just there last Saturday, and other than eating at McDonald's or shopping for sunglasses there was very little to do.

Just to let you know, security at Frankfurt is VERY STRICT. Expect long lines.

I don't recall which terminal I waited for my connecting Lufthansa Paris flight. But really I saw nothing interesting in this particular terminal. It was typically very busy, very crowded, and no stores nearby to buy water or snacks. There was a bookstore however. Great for browsing but not when you're thirsty and can't find water to buy.

If you're flying Lufthansa, get there very early as the crowds are monumental.
There was no one in the AA first class line, lol!
M

There is a casino in the terminal.

I recall decades ago being amazed as a young, new traveler that there was a "Sex Shop" in the Frankfurt airport. I wonder if it is still there.

Several years ago, I practically lived at FRA-and am very glad to hear TG's impression of security there-let us say, there have been problems there in the past. And Irish, a casino? that must be new?

Marilyn-just saw your post-I'm pretty sure Dr. Mueller's is still there-after all, that is a well-known attraction at FRA!

if your flight comes in late and your seven hours turn into a mere three and you are not sure about leaving the airport, i usually go over to the sheraton which is directly across the street, to have a nice meal/breakfast, whatever, and relax in their surroundings.

I totally agree about the Sheraton (in case you can't tell, FRA evokes nostalgia for me)-believe it or not, it IS an oasis of calm in a beehive of activity! I've spent the night at the Sheraton on a number of occasions, and like it a lot. Once you get to the room floors, it's amazingly quiet-didn't hear a sound, nice rooms, large marble baths and restful to boot!

Is there shower facilities in the airport?
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My favorite thing to do is to go to the supermarket. It is a couple levels down (at train level, I think.) I always do last minute shopping there. When there earlier this month, with lots of time to spare, I looked at all of the holiday offerings upstairs and then went down to the supermarket and bought candy, etc. at half the price. Have a great trip. Carol

Security was indeed touch; everyone was being wanded all over when I was there.

I went through there to and from Venice in early Dec05 and had to go through metal detectors 2-3 times just to get to my connecting flight.