Frankfurt am Main is not just a buzzing financial centre, but also a great place to get your bearings before exploring central Germany.
Frankfurt has a great transport system, with local S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, regional and intercity services, plus organised bus tours. This means you can easily get out and explore the surrounding regions on a day trip.
If you're into nature, you can explore the nearby Taunus mountains and the picturesque Rhine Valley. If you're into history or culture, you can visit medieval towns along the Romantic Road or explore the numerous castles dotting the Rhine and Main rivers.
More information about hiking day trips from Frankfurt is available on our page Hiking near Frankfurt.
The S-Bahn and U-Bahn are a great way to visit the attractions near Frankfurt. Deutsche Bahn trains are also affordable and convenient, offering easy access to many nearby destinations. Here are some excellent options within an hour or less of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof:
The Kirschgarten square in Mainz city centre
Journey time: (30-40 minutes) by train
Mainz, the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate, can boast more than 2000 years of history. The Gutenberg Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Johannes Gutenberg and the printing press. Mainz Cathedral is an impressive blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and well worth a look. Strolling through the charming old town, you can enjoy a glass of local wine in the Weinhaus zum Spiegel.
👉 More information about Mainz
View of the Wiesbaden Kurhaus
Journey time: (35-40 minutes) by train
This elegant spa town is known for its hot springs and Belle Époque architecture. Visit the grand Kurhaus, try your luck at the historic casino, or relax in the thermal baths. Don't miss the Neroberg mountain for panoramic views and the unique water-powered Nerobergbahn funicular railway.
👉 More information about Wiesbaden
Jugendstil buildings on the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt
Journey time: (20-30 minutes) by train
Darmstadt is a hub for art and science. Take a look around the Mathildenhöhe, which was once an artists' colony and features some amazing Art Nouveau architecture. You might also want to drop by the Hessisches Landesmuseum, which has some great collections of natural history and art. The city's modern architecture is also worth a look, including the "Waldspirale" by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
👉 More information about Darmstadt
Heidelberg castle and a ferry on the river Neckar in Germany
Journey time: (50-60 minutes) by train
This romantic city is famous for its partially ruined castle overlooking the Neckar River. Walk across the old bridge and explore the picturesque Altstadt ('old town'). Visit Germany's oldest university and the Student Prison. Don't miss the Philosophers' Walk for stunning views of the city.
👉 More information about Heidelberg
The Kaiser Wilhems Bad in Bad Homburg
Journey time: (25-30 minutes) by train
This elegant spa town was once a favorite of European royalty. Explore the beautiful Kurpark, visit the Bad Homburg Castle, and try the healing waters at the Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad.
Bad Homburg is also where visitors can get a bus out to the Saalburg Roman Fort - reconstructed fortifications which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site (part of the series of defences that the Romans built to guard the northern frontier of their Empire in the first century AD).
👉 More information about Bad Homburg
Taking an organised guided tour from the city is a fantastic way to explore the attractions around Frankfurt. You can enjoy the convenience, comfort, and guidance provided on these bus and boat tours, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Some of the top destinations to visit on organised on boat or bus tours from Frankfurt are:
Cruise along the Main river in Frankfurt
A relaxing trip along the Main River, offering views of Frankfurt's skyline and surrounding landscapes.
👉 View Frankfurt from the river - Main River Cruise
Cruise along the Rhine river
A day trip along the Rhine river by bus and boat (and cable car in the summer months) with wine tasting and a view of the famous Lorelei rock.
👉 Take a romantic Rhine river cruise and bus tour - Rhine River Cruise
Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road
Enter the fairy-tale world of Germany's most romantic medieval town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, part of the famous Romantic Road tourist route. Walk along the city walls, visit the Christmas museum, and shop for souvenirs.
👉 Try a day trip on the bus to Rothenburg ob der Tauber