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

Should you visit Antalya or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a cultural, vibrant, and high energy vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Mainz

Mainz is a quaint, charming, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Antalya and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Antalya or Mainz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antalya than Mainz. Antalya is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antalya is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Antalya different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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 Antalya or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antalya
Mainz

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Mainz can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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.

Is Antalya or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Antalya
Mainz

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

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Mainz Better for Music?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Mainz is not a live music destination.


Is Antalya or Mainz Better for Resorts?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Mainz is not a resort destination.

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Mainz is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Mainz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is terrific for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Antalya or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Antalya
Mainz

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

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 Antalya or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Mainz?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antalya. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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 Antalya or Mainz Better for Families?

Antalya
Mainz

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

Antalya is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Mainz Better for Couples?

Antalya
Mainz

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Mainz make for a excellent place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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.

Is Antalya or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya
Mainz

Antalya is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Antalya is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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 Antalya or Mainz Better for Students?

Antalya
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Antalya
Mainz

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Antalya and Mainz.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. 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 Antalya or Mainz a more walkable city?

Antalya
Mainz

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Antalya or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Antalya due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya 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 Antalya.


  • How many days in Antalya or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Antalya 2-5 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Antalya or Mainz?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot 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 Antalya or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Antalya or Mainz?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Antalya or Mainz?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Antalya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $147, 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 Antalya and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $55
    Mainz $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $110
    Mainz $160
Compare Hotels in Antalya and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Antalya 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 Antalya


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: Antalya Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $110
    Mainz $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • olympos cable car with transfer from antalya: $87
  • fire of anatolia show ticket and transfer: $76
  • antalya to cappadocia/cappadocia to antalya private transfer: $416
  • Yacht Tour to Suluada Island from Antalya with transfer and lunch: $27
  • Turkey Antalya Airport Transfer Service VIP Transfer AYT: $46
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Antalya HTL-APT (AYT): $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Antalya APT-HTL (AYT): $35
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to city of Side: $74
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Tekirova: $85
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kiris/Camyuva: $80
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kemer: $74
  • The Land of Legends at Night w/Boat Parade Inl.Transfer f/Antalya: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Antalya 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
    Antalya $25
    Mainz $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antalya $46
    Mainz $36

Tours and Activities in Antalya

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

  • Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $52
  • Tour of waterfall (unıque): $71
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya With Cave Hotel Overnight: $60
  • 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
  • 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure in Antalya: $38
  • 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $15
  • 4-Hour Guided Antalya Aquarium Tour : $68
  • 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $25
  • 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $120
  • 9 hours Antalya Canyoning and Rafting Tours: $43
  • A Walking Adventure in Antalya: $175
  • Adrasan & Suluada (Turkish Maldives) Island Boat Tour: $28

Tours and Activities in Mainz

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

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Jewish Mainz: $207
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $20
    Mainz $23


When comparing the travel costs between Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antalya or Mainz?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Antalya is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Mainz. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Antalya 28°C (83°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antalya is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Antalya 21°C (69°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Mainz. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya 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. Antalya is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Mainz. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Antalya 11°C (51°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Mainz. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antalya is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Antalya 16°C (62°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Antalya

Antalya Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)