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

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

Dover

Dover is a rustic, stunning, and natural town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Dover and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dover or Mainz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mainz than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mainz is better known for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Also, Mainz is famous for The Mainz Cathedral. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Dover different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover
Mainz

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Mainz.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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.


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

Dover
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Mainz is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Mainz

Dover is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

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 Dover or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Dover
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.


Is Dover or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Dover
Mainz

Dover 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 Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Mainz?

Dover
Mainz

Mainz is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Mainz to go shopping. 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Mainz Better for Families?

Dover
Mainz

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

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

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 Dover or Mainz Better for Couples?

Dover
Mainz

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

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Mainz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Dover or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Mainz

Both Dover and Mainz are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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 Dover or Mainz Better for Students?

Dover
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

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

Dover is not popular with students.


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

Dover
Mainz

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

The public transit in Mainz can get you to most 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Mainz a more walkable city?

Dover
Mainz

Mainz is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Dover?

How long in Dover or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Dover or Mainz. In our opinion, Mainz has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Mainz than Dover. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Dover or Mainz?

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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.


A weekend in Dover or Mainz?

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

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

Five days in Dover or Mainz?

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Dover or Mainz?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Mainz. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Dover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, 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 Dover and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Dover and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Dover 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 Dover


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: Dover Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Dover 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
    Dover £38
    Mainz £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Dover

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

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $218
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $276
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $229
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $210
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car: $1,083
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $218

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: $44
  • 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
    Dover £7.71
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178


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


Which is Bigger, Dover or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dover is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Dover or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Mainz. Many visitors come to Dover in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dover is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives more rain than Mainz. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dover or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as Mainz. Most visitors come to Dover for the museums 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. Dover can be very cold during winter. Dover is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Dover or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dover because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, Dover is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Mainz. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Dover

Dover Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)