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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Mainz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Mainz can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a beautiful, laid-back, and progressive city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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 peaceful, historic, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Copenhagen and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mainz is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen
Mainz

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen
Mainz

Copenhagen is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Mainz

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

Copenhagen is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Mainz

Both Copenhagen and Mainz have great historic old towns worth visiting.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.


Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Mainz?

Copenhagen
Mainz

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Mainz

Copenhagen is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Mainz

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

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Mainz

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

Copenhagen is very popular with the backpacker crowd. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Mainz

Both Copenhagen and Mainz are great destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

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

Copenhagen
Mainz

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can take you anywhere. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Mainz

Copenhagen and Mainz are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Mainz?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Copenhagen or Mainz?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. 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.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz?

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

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 Copenhagen or Mainz?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.

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 Copenhagen or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Copenhagen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, 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 Copenhagen and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Mainz $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Mainz $160
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen


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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Mainz $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

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

  • Private transfer to/from hotel from/to airport Copenhagen: $143
  • Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $146
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Copenhagen Airport CPH: $130
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $61
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen CPH to Copenhagen Port by Sedan: $123
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Port: $104
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
  • Private Luxury Van Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen: $123
  • Private Copenhagen Airport Transfer to Copenhagen: $117
  • Luxury Vehicule Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen CPH: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Copenhagen 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
    Copenhagen $61
    Mainz $44
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Mainz $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

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


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

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

  • 3 Hours Tour To Wonderful Copenhagen Highlights: $262
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Copenhagen: $62
  • Light Version Adventures in Forgotten Giants : $144
  • 1-Hour Private Segway Tour Copenhagen: $73
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $77
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Tour on Electric Scooter "Stand Up Bike" : $77
  • 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $77
  • 2 Hours Guided Kayak Tour in Copenhagen Harbor: $58
  • 2-Hour Private Copenhagen Segway Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour Private Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour: $118
  • 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $97
  • Bagsværd Lake Boat Tour : $15

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
    Copenhagen $13
    Mainz $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Mainz, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Mainz?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Mainz. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Mainz. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Mainz. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)