About the Port
Frankfurt sits astride the Main River, its cluster of high-rise banking towers earning the city the nickname “Mainhattan.” Yet just below those skyscrapers, the reconstructed Römerberg square and its timber-framed houses recall the city's medieval trading past, when Frankfurt hosted imperial coronations and grew into a center of commerce and finance that continues today. The riverfront makes an easy starting point for exploring both the modern skyline and the compact historic core on foot.
As a common gateway for river voyages along the Rhine and Main, Frankfurt connects travelers to nearby destinations such as the vineyard town of Rüdesheim and the university city of Heidelberg, celebrated for its hillside castle ruins and old bridge. The old town lies within easy walking distance of the river, making a first or final stroll through Frankfurt a simple, rewarding way to bookend a journey through the region.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Frankfurt.
Explore Römerberg Square
Wander the gabled, timber-framed houses and step-gabled Römer town hall at Frankfurt's historic heart, rebuilt after wartime damage. It's an easy walk from the riverfront and the natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot.
Day Trip to Heidelberg
Ride out to this university city to see its red-sandstone castle ruins perched above the Neckar River and stroll the famous Old Bridge. Allow a half or full day, as it's typically reached by rail or organized excursion.
Visit the Mechanical Music Museum
In nearby Rüdesheim, this quirky collection of self-playing instruments offers a lively counterpoint to Frankfurt's banking-tower skyline. Pair the visit with a wander through the vineyard town's wine taverns and narrow lanes.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Frankfurt
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 30, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Skirnir | 10 | $3,499 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Modi | 10 | $3,499 | |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Ruby | 11 | $9,575 | |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Ruby | 7 | $7,265 | |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Ruby | 7 | $7,265 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Destiny | 7 | $5,345 | |
| Aug 24, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Destiny | 7 | $4,200 | |
| Aug 28, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. Beatrice | 23 | $13,799 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Uniworld | River Duchess | 14 | $9,449 | |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Astra | 7 | $5,294 | |
| Sep 6, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. Beatrice | 14 | $9,849 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | Connect | 7 | $5,418 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Astra | 7 | $4,470 | |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Uniworld | River Duchess | 14 | $6,999 | |
| Sep 14, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | Connect | 7 | $5,418 | |
| Sep 20, 2026 | Uniworld | S.S. Beatrice | 14 | $6,499 | |
| Sep 21, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | Connect | 7 | $5,418 | |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Uniworld | River Duchess | 14 | $7,899 | |
| Oct 2, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon Imagery II | 9 | $7,309 | |
| Oct 2, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon Imagery II | 11 | $8,416 |
Showing the next 20 of 273 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.