A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Mainz for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Belfast or Mainz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping.

Mainz

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

Belfast and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Belfast or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Belfast than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Belfast is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also home to Belfast Castle.

How is Belfast different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Mainz

Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Mainz?

Belfast
Mainz

Both Belfast and Mainz are good shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

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 Belfast or Mainz Better for Families?

Belfast
Mainz

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

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Mainz Better for Couples?

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.


Is Belfast or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Mainz Better for Students?

Belfast
Mainz

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

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

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.


Is Belfast or Mainz a more walkable city?

Belfast
Mainz

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Mainz?

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Belfast or Mainz?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this under-rated destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Belfast or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. 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 Belfast or Mainz?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. 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 Belfast or Mainz?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. 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 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 Belfast?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, 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 Belfast and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Belfast 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
    Belfast £51
    Mainz £35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Mainz £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

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

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

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: $43
  • 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
    Belfast £7.86
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Mainz?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°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, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Mainz. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Mainz. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Belfast or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for 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. Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Belfast is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

Belfast is cooler than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Belfast

Belfast Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)