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

Should you visit Birmingham 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 Birmingham and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

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.

Birmingham and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 Birmingham or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Mainz is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham
Mainz

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

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 Birmingham or Mainz Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Mainz

Birmingham is a very popular place for theatre. However, Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Mainz is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Mainz

Mainz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Birmingham or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Mainz

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

Birmingham has a large number of nightlife venues. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

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 Birmingham or Mainz Better for Music?

Birmingham
Mainz

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

Birmingham is known as a music capital around the world. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Mainz

Mainz is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

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.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Mainz?

Birmingham
Mainz

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

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 Birmingham or Mainz Better for Families?

Birmingham
Mainz

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

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham or Mainz Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Mainz

Both Birmingham and Mainz are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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.

Is Birmingham or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Mainz

Mainz is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Mainz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.


Is Birmingham or Mainz Better for Students?

Birmingham
Mainz

Birmingham is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Birmingham is a very popular city for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Many students visit Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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

Birmingham
Mainz

Mainz is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Mainz can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Birmingham or Mainz a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Mainz

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Birmingham is a very walkable city. Many parts of the city are very walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Birmingham or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Birmingham due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Birmingham or Mainz?

In Birmingham, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and food around the charming town of Mainz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Mainz?

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

With food and shopping around the destination of Mainz, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Birmingham or Mainz?

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. In Birmingham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mainz, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Birmingham or Mainz?

You'll find shopping and museums around the bustling destination of Birmingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mainz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Birmingham?

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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham 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 Birmingham


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Birmingham 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
    Birmingham £38
    Mainz £35
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

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

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

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
    Birmingham £11
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

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


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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Mainz?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Mainz. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Mainz. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mainz. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Mainz. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Birmingham or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Birmingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

Birmingham is cooler than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Birmingham

Birmingham Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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