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

Should you visit Dundee or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Mainz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Mainz

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

Dundee and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dundee or Mainz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dundee than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Dundee, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also home to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Mainz

Both Dundee and Mainz have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dundee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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 Dundee or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dundee
Mainz

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

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Mainz

Dundee 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 Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

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 Dundee or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Mainz

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Mainz?

Dundee
Mainz

Mainz is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Mainz is a great destination for 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Mainz Better for Families?

Dundee
Mainz

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

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Mainz Better for Couples?

Dundee
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee 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 Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Mainz

Mainz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Mainz Better for Students?

Dundee
Mainz

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

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

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

Dundee
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.


Is Dundee or Mainz a more walkable city?

Dundee
Mainz

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Dundee 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Mainz?

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

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

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

One day in Dundee or Mainz?

In Dundee, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dundee or Mainz?

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

Mainz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Dundee or Mainz?

Dundee is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dundee. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Mainz?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Dundee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Mainz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, 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 Dundee and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Dundee 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 Dundee


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Mainz £31

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Mainz £35
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Mainz £28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

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


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

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

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

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
    Dundee £13
    Mainz £19


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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Dundee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dundee in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dundee is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°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, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Mainz. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives more rain than Mainz. Dundee 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
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Mainz. The winter months attract visitors to Dundee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

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

In the winter, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Dundee or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

Dundee is much colder than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Mainz. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Mainz and Dundee

Dundee Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)