A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Mainz for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Aalborg or Mainz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Mainz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a historic, charming, and local town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Aalborg and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Mainz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aalborg than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Aalborg, Aalborg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aalborg is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm, while Mainz is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Aalborg is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Utzon Center.

How is Aalborg different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mainz and Aalborg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Mainz?

Aalborg
Mainz

Both Aalborg and Mainz have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aalborg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.


Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Mainz

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Aalborg and Mainz.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Aalborg makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Mainz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Mainz

Aalborg is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Aalborg has a large number of nightlife venues. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Mainz

Mainz is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Mainz?

Aalborg
Mainz

Shopping is a popular activity in both Mainz and Aalborg.

Aalborg is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mainz. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for Families?

Aalborg
Mainz

Aalborg is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Aalborg is a family-friendly town. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Mainz

Mainz is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.


Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Mainz

Aalborg and Mainz are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for Students?

Aalborg
Mainz

Mainz is a great destination for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Is Aalborg or Mainz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Mainz

Mainz is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Mainz can move around easily with public transportation. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.


Is Aalborg or Mainz a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Mainz

Mainz is renowned for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored on foot.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Aalborg or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

Families should spend more time in Aalborg than Mainz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aalborg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Aalborg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mainz that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Aalborg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mainz.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Aalborg or Mainz?

In Aalborg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Mainz, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Mainz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mainz has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Mainz?

Aalborg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aalborg. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Mainz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Aalborg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Mainz is $152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aalborg and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Mainz $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Mainz $160
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Mainz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aalborg


Hotels in Mainz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Mainz $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Aalborg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aalborg $47
    Mainz $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Mainz $36

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Mainz $23


When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Mainz, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aalborg Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Mainz, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Mainz?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Mainz. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences.

Aalborg is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Aalborg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Mainz. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the autumn, Aalborg is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aalborg in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Mainz. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Aalborg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. It's quite cold in Aalborg in the winter. In January, Aalborg is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around -1°C (31°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Aalborg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Mainz. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty.

Aalborg is much colder than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Mainz. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Aalborg

Aalborg Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)