Bike tour Frankfurt: city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine

If you’re considering a way to explore Frankfurt beyond the usual walking route or hop-on-hop-off bus, this bike tour offers a lively, engaging way to see the city’s top spots and hidden gems. The tour promises a balanced mix of famous landmarks, local history, and authentic experiences, all led by knowledgeable guides who know their way around. With a small group size, it’s an intimate way to soak up Frankfurt’s vibe.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly combines iconic sights like the Römer and Goethe House with lesser-known neighborhoods like Sachsenhausen, famous for its traditional apple wine taverns. Plus, the insider tips from guides about where to find authentic Äbbelwoi (apple wine) make it especially appealing for those wanting a taste of local life. On the downside, it’s a 2.5-hour activity, so if you’re pressed for time, it’s best to fit it into your itinerary early in your trip.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to get an overview, or seasoned Frankfurt fans who want a fresh perspective. It’s equally suited for those who prefer active sightseeing over sitting on a bus, and it’s especially enjoyable if you like mixing cultural landmarks with casual, local experiences. Keep in mind, the bike rental costs €5 if you don’t bring your own, and no entrance fees are included, so budget for a few extras if you want to visit specific museums or attractions afterward.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines well-known sights with insider tips and local flavors.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting insights.
• Compact Duration: About 2.5 hours, ideal for a quick yet rundown.
• Bike Rental: Optional for €5, providing flexibility if you don’t bring your own.
• Viewpoints & Landmarks: Includes Frankfurt’s historic Old Town, Goethe House, and European Central Bank.
• Tailored for All: Suitable for most travelers, from casual sightseers to history buffs.

Why This Bike Tour Stands Out

This tour offers an approachable way to see Frankfurt’s highlights while enjoying the fresh air and exercise. We particularly appreciate the small-group focus—max 20 travelers—which promotes interaction and personalized attention. The guides are praised for their competence and engaging storytelling, making history and architecture come alive. As one reviewer mentions, Marvin was “highly competent and recommended excellent restaurants,” adding value beyond just sightseeing.

The price point of around $58.67 per person is very reasonable considering the length and depth of the tour. It covers plenty of ground, from the historic Sachsenhausen district to the modern European Central Bank, without feeling rushed. The fact that most trips are booked 87 days in advance shows how popular this experience is, so booking ahead is wise.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Sachsenhausen – The Heart of Local Life

The tour begins in Sachsenhausen, known for its traditional apple wine taverns and historic buildings from the Wilhelminian period. This district’s charm lies in its blend of old-world architecture and lively tavern culture. As you cycle through, expect to see narrow streets and quaint facades that evoke old Frankfurt, making it a perfect place to start with a relaxed vibe.

Holbeinsteg and the Museum Bank

Next, you glide towards the south bank of the Main River, crossing Holbeinsteg, a pedestrian bridge offering great views of the city. Here, you’ll pass by the famous museum bank, home to institutions like the Städelsche Kunstinstitut, famous for its art collections. The scenery is a mix of riverbanks, modern architecture, and cultural sites, giving you a sense of Frankfurt’s diverse character.

Römer and Neue Altstadt

Cycling through the Römer area, you’ll get a glimpse of Frankfurt’s historic city hall and the Neue Altstadt—a reconstructed old town with charming squares and pedestrian streets. Even if these areas can get busy, seeing them from a bike allows you to absorb the ambiance at a relaxed pace.

St. Paul’s Church and Cathedral of St. Bartholomew

The guide will point out St. Paul’s Church—the birthplace of German democracy—and the Gothic cathedral, which has watched over Frankfurt since 1239. The church’s significance as the site of the first German parliament in 1848 makes it a meaningful stop for history enthusiasts.

Goethe-haus and the City Center

No trip to Frankfurt is complete without visiting the Goethe House, where the famous writer lived until 1795. The guide shares stories about Goethe’s life and work, enriching the experience. Nearby, the Hauptwache square and the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) showcase Frankfurt’s bustling city center, blending history with modern vibrancy.

Financial and Cultural Highlights

The tour also features the European Central Bank, symbolizing Frankfurt’s role as a financial hub, and the Borse Frankfurt (stock exchange). The contrast between historic sites and contemporary institutions offers a well-rounded picture of the city.

Final Stop: Wallanlagen and Beyond

The Frankfurter Wallanlagen, a historic city wall turned park, offers a scenic conclusion, perfect for relaxing after the ride. The tour wraps back at the starting point, leaving you with a solid sense of the city’s character and rich history.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

A standout feature of this tour is the emphasis on insider tips, especially about local apple wine taverns. As one reviewer notes, the guide’s recommendations for authentic eateries are “excellent,” making this experience more than just sightseeing. This focus on genuine local life gives travelers a taste of Frankfurt’s traditional culture, often missed in formal tours.

Value and Practical Considerations

While the €5 bike rental fee is an added cost, it’s quite reasonable considering the convenience and safety of well-maintained bikes. Since entrance fees are not included, if you want to visit specific sites like museums or the Goethe House, you’ll need to budget separately. The overall value is high, given the small-group setting, expert guidance, and the diverse itinerary packed into just over two hours.

The meeting point at Martin-May-Straße is centrally located, and the tour starts at 10:30 am, making it a good morning activity that can set the tone for your day in Frankfurt.

The Sum Up

This bike tour offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and local flavor, making it ideal for travelers who want an active, engaging way to explore Frankfurt’s core. The expert guides turn a simple ride into a storytelling adventure, and the inclusion of insider tips about authentic apple wine taverns adds a delicious local touch. It’s especially well-suited for those who value a small group and a personalized experience.

While it’s not a comprehensive city tour that covers every museum or monument, it hits the highlights with enough depth to leave you feeling well-informed and inspired. The price is reasonable for what you get—a lively, informative jaunt through Frankfurt’s most captivating neighborhoods and landmarks.

If you’re happy to cycle at a relaxed pace, love history, and want to sample some local culture, this tour is a great choice. Just remember to book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot and enjoy one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Frankfurt.

FAQ

Is a bike rental included in the price?
No, bike rental costs €5 if you don’t bring your own. The bikes are well maintained and easy to ride.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity.

What are the start and end points?
The tour begins and ends at Martin-May-Straße 7, Frankfurt. The start time is 10:30 am.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like the Goethe House or museums are not included. It’s best to plan for some extra budget if you want to visit those.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and since it’s a relaxed cycle, it’s suitable for those comfortable on a bike and with moderate physical activity.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, a bottle of water, and perhaps a camera. A helmet isn’t provided but is recommended if you have one.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most trips are booked around 87 days in advance. Booking ahead ensures you secure a spot, especially during popular months.

What’s the focus of the guide’s commentary?
Guides provide historical insights, architectural explanations, and insider tips, especially about local dining and drinking spots.

In summary, this bike tour is a well-rounded, enjoyable way to get a real feel for Frankfurt. It offers a lively mix of sights, stories, and local flavors that will appeal to history buffs, casual travelers, and anyone eager to see a city from a different perspective. Expect to come away with a deeper understanding—and perhaps a new appreciation for Frankfurt’s charms.