Main River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Main River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Boat Tour in Frankfurt for up to 12 Guests

• Yacht Tour in Frankfurt for up to 12 Guests

• Eco Bike Tour: Frankfurt Old Town, Top Attractions & Nature

• Skip-the-line Städel Museum with Frankfurt City Tour

• Frankfurt Highlights: Self‑Guided City Tour

It’s free to engage in some sightseeing along the Main River at spots including Frankfurt’s Iron Footbridge. But while it’s free to explore on your own, there are plenty of paid tours that can help you see more of the area with an expert guide—and have some fun along the way. Boat tours, for example, start at around US$580 per group.

On a Main River cruise in Frankfurt, expect fabulous views of Frankfurt's skyscraper skyline, nicknamed "Mainhattan,” alongside city landmarks like the Frankfurt Cathedral, the Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg), the European Central Bank, and the Museum Embankment. Most routes try to offer a nice mix of financial-district glamour and quieter riverside scenery.

Cruises run most frequently from late spring through autumn (roughly April through October), though you’ll find some departures around the winter holidays, too. Spring through autumn is when you’ll get the mildest weather and longest daylight for skyline views; autumn can be nice for earlier evenings to catch Frankfurt’s skyline lighting up.

Yes, river cruises are one of the most popular ways to see Frankfurt. You’ll get on-water views of the “Mainufer,” aka the river’s pretty, grassy banks, juxtaposed with the financial district's skyscrapers, historic bridges, and riverside architecture that isn’t as visible from on land. Plus, many sightseeing cruises include narrated commentary on the city's landmarks and history.

Yes, cruises on the Main River are offered morning, noon, and night, with some operators offering tours that highlight the city’s pretty illuminated skyline after dark—not to mention the lounge-style evening cruises with drinks, some of which are even on yachts. These run less frequently than standard sightseeing trips, so it's worth checking the schedule and booking ahead for a specific date.