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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Mainz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

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

Aberdeen and Mainz: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Mainz are both popular with visitors, Aberdeen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its food and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Aberdeen
Mainz

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aberdeen. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

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 Aberdeen or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mainz makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Aberdeen is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

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 Aberdeen or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen
Mainz

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Aberdeen and Mainz.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.


Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Mainz?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Both Aberdeen and Mainz are good shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

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 Aberdeen or Mainz Better for Families?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly destination. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s 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 Aberdeen or Mainz Better for Couples?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Mainz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.


Is Aberdeen or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Mainz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Mainz Better for Students?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Mainz is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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

Aberdeen
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Mainz is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.


Is Aberdeen or Mainz a more walkable city?

Aberdeen
Mainz

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Mainz on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aberdeen 2-3 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Aberdeen or Mainz?

In Aberdeen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

The beautiful town of Mainz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Mainz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mainz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Aberdeen or Mainz?

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

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mainz is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Aberdeen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Aberdeen is £121, while the average daily cost in Mainz is £121. 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 Aberdeen and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aberdeen £65
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aberdeen £130
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Aberdeen and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen


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: Aberdeen Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aberdeen £34
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Aberdeen or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Aberdeen 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
    Aberdeen £35
    Mainz £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aberdeen £19
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:

  • 3 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen: $153
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $76
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour: $87
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
  • Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Private Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $144
  • Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99

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
    Aberdeen £3.57
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
  • Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401


When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Mainz, we can see that Mainz 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 Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Aberdeen is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Mainz. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Mainz. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Mainz. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Mainz. The winter months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. The weather in Aberdeen can be very cold. In January, Aberdeen is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

Aberdeen is much colder than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Aberdeen

Aberdeen Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)