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

Should you visit Bath or Mainz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a beautiful, architectural, and charming spa town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bath 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
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Historic Roman Baths
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bath or Mainz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bath than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Bath, Bath has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bath is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Mainz is known for its food. Bath is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. It is also home to The Historic Roman Baths. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Historic Roman Baths
The Historic Roman Baths

How is Bath different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath
Mainz

Bath is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Bath from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bath
Mainz

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Bath
Mainz

Bath is a spa town 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 Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

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 Bath or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Bath
Mainz

Bath and Mainz are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Mainz to see the historical old town. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.


Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Mainz?

Bath
Mainz

Bath 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 Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

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 Bath or Mainz Better for Families?

Bath
Mainz

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

Bath is a family-friendly spa town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

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 Bath or Mainz Better for Couples?

Bath
Mainz

Bath is terrific for romance. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bath is a great spa town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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 Bath or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath
Mainz

Bath and Mainz are both good destinations for backpackers.

Bath is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Bath or Mainz Better for Students?

Bath
Mainz

Both Bath and Mainz are superb destinations for students.

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

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

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

Bath
Mainz

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.


Is Bath or Mainz a more walkable city?

Bath
Mainz

Bath and Mainz are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bath. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Bath?

How long in Bath or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Bath or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bath or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bath 1-3 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Bath or Mainz?

In Bath, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bath or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bath. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Bath or Mainz?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint destination of Mainz. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Bath or Mainz?

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

The quaint town of Mainz offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Bath?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bath is £141, while the average daily cost in Mainz is £122. 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 Bath and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bath £79
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bath £158
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Bath and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Bath 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 Bath


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: Bath Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bath £26
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bath

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

  • Bus Transfer to/from Bristol Airport: $21
  • Bath to Heathrow Airport private airport transfer: $288
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bath".: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Bath or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Bath 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
    Bath £43
    Mainz £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bath £17
    Mainz £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bath

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bath's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thermal Bath Spa
    £35

Tours and Activities in Bath

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

  • Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours: $20
  • 'Hidden Cotswolds & Dark Age England' tour for 2-8 from Bath: $328
  • 'Stonehenge & Secret England' from Bath for 2-8 curious adventurers: $283
  • "Stonehenge & Secret England" Tour for 2-8 guests from Bath: $365
  • 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour in Bath with An App: $9.99
  • Awesome Bath – Family Walking Tour: $424
  • Awesome Family Walking Tour: $216
  • 2-Hour Bath Walking Tour of Bridgerton Filming Locations: $252
  • Private Walking Tour | Blue Badge Guide, 2h, £200 per group: $252
  • Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath: $23
  • Bath & Stonehenge City Break from London - Self-Guided Tours: $13
  • Bath & Stonehenge: guided day tour from Cambridge: $172

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: $206
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $130
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $206

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bath £14
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bath

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bath:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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


Which is Bigger, Bath or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.