Frankfurt

Germany

Wander through centuries-old half-timbered streets in Sachsenhausen, then taste crisp apple wine in cozy taverns along the Main River.

Currency Euro (EUR)

Language German

Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

Best Time to Visit May–Sep

Typical Duration 9-10 nights

Price Range $1,823-$6,590 per person

Port Type Departure & Port of Call

Tender Port No

Frankfurt is a major embarkation point for Rhine River cruises, offering access to picturesque medieval towns, vineyards, and historic castles along one of Europe's most scenic waterways.

Cruises that visit Frankfurt

Build Your Day in Frankfurt

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 9:00 PM

Usually about 13 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Heidelberg Castle Really interesting and with lots of things to do to make a day of it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 64k Closed · Opens 9 AM

MyZeil Clean inside and a large selection of high end shops. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 39k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Römerberg It is always full of activities with options for good food. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 30k

Eiserner Steg Highly recommended — a peaceful escape right in the heart of a busy city. Bridge · ★ 4.6 · 27k

Skyline Plaza Many shops and a foodcourt, and very well maintained and clean. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 25k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Palmengarten Frankfurt There are also seasonal exhibitions and activities for families. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 23k Closed · Opens 9 AM

Shopping, Nordwestzentrum Shopping center with a farmers' market Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 21k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Alte Oper A place to see and being seen and the last fest is free and experimental Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 16k

Kleinmarkthalle Most things are a but overpriced, but worth the experience. Market · ★ 4.6 · 16k Closed · Opens 8 AM

Kish Restaurant Exceptional food, beautiful ambiance, and attentive staff. Persian · ★ 4.9 · 11k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

GALERIA Frankfurt an der Hauptwache Gourmet groceries, apparel & accessories Department store · ★ 4.3 · 10k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Primark Good stuff with a good price, very crowded during weekend. Clothing store · ★ 4 · 10k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Hessen-Center Frankfurt While it lacks premium labels, it compensates with affordability and choice. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 9k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Frankfurt Cathedral free entry, very nice place Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k Closed · Opens 9 AM

Nizza Park Best place to throw away the worries Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 7k

MAIN TOWER The platform is well organized, and the experience feels safe and enjoyable. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Restaurant Paulaner am Dom Delicious food, amazing service, and fresh beer! German · ★ 4.3 · 6k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Goethe House The special exhibit had fantastic artwork and many interactive components. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 5k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Saravanaa Bhavan Great food, wonderful ambience, but terribly overpriced food! Indian · ★ 4.6 · 5k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Bethmann Park There is a giant chess set and a Chinese garden with koi pond. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k

Grüneburg park Various play areas and places to work out if wanted. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Frankfurter Römer Art galleries and museums! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Frankfurt Main Train Station Huge train station with a lot of shops/bakeries/ eateries. Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 4k Closed · Opens 8 AM

Apfelweinwirtschaft Atschel Amazing food, and drinks, warm and friendly service, and fun ambiance. German · ★ 4.6 · 4k Closed · Opens 12 PM

Bar Helium Frankfurt Very friendly staff, incredible vibe, interesting cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 4k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Im Herzen Afrikas The food, the interior and the atmosphere is just so unique and amazing. Eritrean · ★ 4.7 · 4k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Kiwis – Restaurant • Bar • Events Great Ambiance, amazing cocktails and best music. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 4k Closed · Opens 11 AM

NFT SKYBAR Great service, great drinks, and a wonderful vibe overall. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 6 PM

Nekos Café Bar The location is really wonderful, the drinks nice and the service top notch Bar · ★ 4.9 · 3k Closed · Opens 4 PM

St. Paul's Church Nice art exhibition place Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Medici Excellent creative food and perfect Service. Modern European · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

New Old Town Free entry for all. Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Gaia Well decorated, delicious food, great visuals of the drinks. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge Amazing place, unique decor and food. Fine Dining · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM

MAIN TERRASSE - Sommergarten mit Skyline-Blick Best place to chill by the river Awesome food Awesome drinks Awesome service Beer Garden · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Le Petit Chef - Frankfurt Very atmospheric restaurant with attentive service and good food. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM

Via Monte Napoleone Restaurant We were greeted by friendly and attentive service and an incredible menu. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Hunky Dory Bar - Frankfurt am Main Creative tasty drinks, attentive and funny service, great atmosphere Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 PM

Berlin Airlift Memorial It is in walking distance from the Innercity Hotel. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM

Antony's Bar - Frankfurt am Main The owner makes the cocktails himself, super strong, quirky drinks. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM

Occhio d’Oro ... was amazing, food was amazing, but the staff was the best part. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM

Rote Bar Great place, amazing staff, really nice atmosphere, exceptional cocktails! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 PM

Hopper's Cocktailbar Wonderful cosy bar with creative & high quality cocktails! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM

Kaiserpassage Hi quality and affordable Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM

Frankfurt City Forest its atmosphere provides a perfect contrast to the busy city life. City park · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Skyline Frankfurt City The skyline was out of this world. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Museumsufer Lovely embankment of more than 39 museums Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Steinweg Passage Nice place for shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Frankfurt is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Frankfurt

About Frankfurt

Frankfurt serves as a vibrant hub for Rhine River cruising, with four major cruise lines including Viking River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Amadeus River Cruises calling at this port. While primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Frankfurt attracts nearly 200 cruises annually, making it a popular stop on itineraries ranging from 10-night journeys to iconic Rhine destinations like Basel, Strasbourg, and Nuremberg. The busiest seasons are summer and early fall, with peak activity in July, August, and September, plus a festive surge in December.

When your ship docks in Frankfurt, you'll find yourself in Germany's most cosmopolitan city, where medieval charm meets modern sophistication. The city's distinctive skyline and world-class museums offer enriching cultural experiences, while the charming Sachsenhausen district invites leisurely exploration. Whether you're a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Frankfurt's blend of history, culture, and convenient Rhine location makes it an excellent addition to any European river cruise itinerary.

Iconic Skyline & Main Tower Views

Frankfurt's distinctive skyscraper skyline is Germany's most impressive urban landscape. Ride the elevator up the Main Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Rhine valley, or stroll along the scenic Main Riverbank promenade lined with museums and cafes. This architectural marvel offers the perfect photo opportunity and perspective of your port city.

Goethe House & Literary Heritage

Visit the beautifully restored birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany's greatest literary figure, located in the charming Sachsenhausen district. This half-timbered house museum transports you back to 18th-century Frankfurt with period furnishings and authentic rooms. Literature enthusiasts and history lovers will appreciate this intimate glimpse into the life of a cultural icon.

Sachsenhausen's Apple Wine Tradition

Experience Frankfurt's beloved local tradition in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood, where cozy taverns serve Apfelwein—a crisp, slightly tart apple wine unique to this region. Pair it with traditional Handkäse mit Musik (cheese with onions) or Schnitzel at a historic Weinstube. This authentic culinary experience captures the soul of Frankfurt's working-class culture and convivial atmosphere.

Römerberg Square & Half-Timbered Charm

Wander through Frankfurt's most picturesque district, where meticulously restored medieval half-timbered buildings frame the historic Römerberg square. Browse artisan shops, galleries, and cafes in this pedestrian-friendly area that showcases traditional German architecture at its finest. The charming cobblestone streets and timber-framed facades create an enchanting Old Town experience steps from your ship.

Main Museum Embankment Discovery

Explore the renowned Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) along the Main River, home to world-class institutions including the Städel Museum, German Film Museum, and Goethe House Museum. With over a dozen museums within walking distance, you can curate your own cultural experience based on your interests. This concentration of art, history, and culture is unmatched among European river ports.

Cruise Lines at Frankfurt

Viking River Cruises (106 cruises)
Emerald Cruises (86 cruises)
Riverside Luxury Cruises (28 cruises)

Cruises Departing From Frankfurt

Cruises Visiting Frankfurt

Ship Schedule at Frankfurt

Frankfurt Location

Other Cruise Ports in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines operate from Frankfurt?

Four major cruise lines offer departures from Frankfurt: Viking River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Amadeus River Cruises. With 198 upcoming cruises available, you'll have excellent options for Rhine River itineraries departing from this central European port.

When is the best time to cruise from Frankfurt?

The peak months for cruising from Frankfurt are June, July, August, September, and December. Summer months offer warm weather and longer daylight hours for exploring the Rhine Valley, while December provides festive holiday markets and seasonal charm along the river.

How much do cruises from Frankfurt cost?

Cruise prices from Frankfurt range from $1,823 to $6,590 per person, depending on the cruise line, cabin type, itinerary length, and travel dates. River cruises from Frankfurt offer excellent value for exploring multiple destinations along the Rhine.

What destinations can I visit on cruises from Frankfurt?

Popular destinations from Frankfurt include Basel, Nuremberg, Mainz, Strasbourg, and Breisach. These Rhine River ports offer rich cultural experiences, historic architecture, local wines, and charming medieval towns that showcase the best of Central Europe.

How do I get from Frankfurt port to the city center?

Frankfurt's cruise port is conveniently located near the city center, typically within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Public transportation including trams and buses connects the port to downtown attractions, museums, and shopping areas. Most cruise lines also offer organized shore excursions for guests.

What can I see and do in Frankfurt during a port day?

Frankfurt offers excellent attractions including the historic Römerberg square with traditional half-timbered buildings, the Goethe House museum, world-class art museums along the Main River, and the Main Tower for panoramic city views. The city is also famous for its apple wine (Apfelwein) and traditional cuisine, making it ideal for a memorable port day.

Is Frankfurt primarily a port of call or a departure port?

Frankfurt serves primarily as a port of call on Rhine River cruises rather than a main embarkation port. Most cruises departing from Frankfurt are river cruises that visit multiple destinations along the Rhine, making it an excellent starting or ending point for comprehensive European river itineraries.