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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Mainz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Mainz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a beautiful, peaceful, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Amsterdam and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Mainz and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Amsterdam different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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 Amsterdam or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mainz. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is terrific for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Amsterdam is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Amsterdam or Mainz Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Mainz both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Mainz?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Amsterdam or Mainz Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or Mainz as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

For families, Mainz is not always the best place to visit. 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 Amsterdam or Mainz Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Mainz are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Mainz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Amsterdam or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Mainz is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some places easily. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Mainz a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Mainz both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Mainz is a very easy city to get around on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Amsterdam or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Amsterdam due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Mainz 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Mainz?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Mainz?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Mainz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Mainz?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Mainz, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Mainz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mainz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mainz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Mainz.

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Mainz?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Mainz. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Mainz. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mainz can be very cold during winter. Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Mainz. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Mainz and Amsterdam