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

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

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a adventure-filled, high adrenaline, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

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.

Grindelwald and Mainz: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Mainz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grindelwald than Mainz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grindelwald is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Mainz is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Grindelwald is well known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Also, Grindelwald is famous for the beautiful mountain scenery. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

the beautiful mountain scenery
The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Grindelwald is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mainz is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Mainz is not a skiing destination.


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

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mainz. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

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

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Grindelwald is a town 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 Grindelwald. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

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 Grindelwald or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald 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.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Grindelwald is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Around Grindelwald visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Mainz?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

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.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.


Is Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Families?

Grindelwald
Mainz

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

Grindelwald is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

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 Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Couples?

Grindelwald
Mainz

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

Couples visit Grindelwald frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Mainz is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald
Mainz

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

Grindelwald is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

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 Grindelwald or Mainz Better for Students?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is well known for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its public transit. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Grindelwald offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Is Grindelwald or Mainz a more walkable city?

Grindelwald
Mainz

Mainz is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.


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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Mainz?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Grindelwald. 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.


  • How many days in Grindelwald or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grindelwald 1-2 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Grindelwald or Mainz?

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Mainz?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Mainz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Grindelwald or Mainz?

Grindelwald is a fun place to experience. Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

The peaceful town of Mainz offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Grindelwald or Mainz?

Grindelwald is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Mainz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Grindelwald?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Grindelwald is $241, while the average daily cost in Mainz is $154. 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 Grindelwald and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grindelwald $141
    Mainz $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grindelwald $282
    Mainz $162
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald


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: Grindelwald Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grindelwald $53
    Mainz $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Grindelwald 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
    Grindelwald $58
    Mainz $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grindelwald $59
    Mainz $36

Tours and Activities in Grindelwald

Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
  • Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
  • Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
  • Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
  • Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447

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
    Grindelwald $33
    Mainz $24


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


Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Mainz. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grindelwald this time of the year. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Mainz. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Grindelwald during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the skiing, the shopping scene, 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. Grindelwald can be very cold during winter. Grindelwald is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Mainz. The spring months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Mainz. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grindelwald 13°C (55°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Grindelwald

Grindelwald Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)