In a nutshell
- A Frankfurt boat tour is one of the best ways to get your bearings in the city — you’ll cruise past the top sights and take in the famous skyline from the water.
- First-timers should go for the classic Frankfurt river cruise — it comes with an audio guide and covers all the key highlights.
- Want something more special? The evening boat cruise (with DJ and bar) and the private boat tour through Frankfurt are both seriously worth it.
- All boat tours depart from central Frankfurt — we’ve listed the exact starting point for each one below.
Classic Boat Tour in Frankfurt
- Tickets: 16–19 euros (depending on the option booked)
- Duration: 50 or 100 minutes
- Departure point: at the Eiserner Steg – open in Google Maps
If you’re visiting Frankfurt for the first time, we highly recommend the classic Frankfurt boat tour. Sit back, relax, and get a great first overview of the city from the water.
You’ll glide past Frankfurt’s most famous highlights, including the ECB headquarters and Frankfurt’s jaw-dropping skyline.
There are three options to choose from: 50 minutes heading downstream, 50 minutes in the opposite direction, or 100 minutes covering both. All options include an audio guide, and you’ll return to the Eiserner Steg at the end.
We’d suggest either the 50-minute downstream tour or the 100-minute tour — depending on how much time you have. The downstream route takes you past the skyline and the Museumsufer with its beautiful old villas, giving you that quintessential Frankfurt feeling. On the 100-minute tour, you’ll also cruise past the ECB and the industrial Osthafen area.
Book the classic Frankfurt boat tour online
Frankfurt Evening Boat Tour
- Tickets: from 26 euros
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure point: at the Eiserner Steg – open in Google Maps
For something a little more special, check out the Frankfurt evening river cruise. You’ll get a seriously stunning view of the glowing skyline after dark.
Okay, so photographing the Frankfurt skyline at night isn’t exactly an under-the-radar experience — but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. On top of the views, a DJ spins music on board and you can grab drinks and snacks at the bar. Honestly, it’s a perfect way to wrap up a day in Frankfurt.
One thing to keep in mind: this Main river boat tour in Frankfurt only runs on Friday evenings and does not include an audio guide or live commentary. You’re there purely to enjoy the atmosphere.
Book the Frankfurt evening boat tour online
Private Boat Tour through Frankfurt
- Tickets: 249 euros for groups of up to 5 people
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Departure point: at the Holbeinsteg – open in Google Maps
If you really want to treat yourself, book a private boat tour on the Main. It fits groups of up to 5 people, and the price is fixed regardless of how many of you there are — so it’s best value when you’re at least four.
You can do the tour during the day or in the evening at sunset. Either way, you’ll receive a welcome drink and have a dedicated captain on board who’ll take you through the city and happily answer all your questions about Frankfurt.
As a fun extra, you’ll also cruise at full speed for 15 minutes along the Main — because you’re on a motorboat, so you might as well enjoy it. The rest of the time is a relaxed sightseeing cruise at a leisurely pace.
