A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Mainz for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Mainz?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Mainz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a stunning, diverse, and dramatic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Mainz

Mainz is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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
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 Isle of Skye or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mainz. Although Isle of Skye and Mainz are both popular with visitors, Mainz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mainz is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also home to The Mainz Cathedral.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Isle of Skye different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Mainz.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is not a good area for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Mainz doesn't offer many options. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Isle of Skye attract visitors from all over. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Isle of Skye is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Around Isle of Skye visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mainz. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Families?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Isle of Skye is a island with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Isle of Skye and Mainz both very good destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

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

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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 Isle of Skye or Mainz Better for Students?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Mainz is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Mainz a more walkable city?

Isle of Skye
Mainz

Mainz is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isle of Skye 2-5 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this dramatic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This island 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 shopping and museums that this charming town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. 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.

Mainz is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Isle of Skye or Mainz?

You'll find food around the scenic destination of Isle of Skye. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Mainz is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-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 Isle of Skye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isle of Skye is £114, 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 Isle of Skye and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isle of Skye £51
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isle of Skye £102
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Isle of Skye and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye


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: Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isle of Skye £54
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isle of Skye

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

  • Isle of Skye to Inverness Direct transfer: $623

Is it cheaper to fly into Isle of Skye or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Isle of Skye 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
    Isle of Skye £31
    Mainz £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isle of Skye £19
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Isle of Skye

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

  • Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree: $228
  • Tour the highlights and hidden beauties.: $812

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
    Isle of Skye £7.71
    Mainz £19


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


Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Mainz. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Isle of Skye 13°C (55°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Isle of Skye 9°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Mainz. The cuisine are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. It's quite cold in Isle of Skye in the winter. In January, Isle of Skye is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Mainz. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Isle of Skye 4°C (40°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Mainz. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Mainz. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Isle of Skye 7°C (44°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 127 mm (5 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)