A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Linz vs. Mainz for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Linz 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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a historic, beautiful, and cultural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Linz and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Linz or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Linz. Although Linz and Mainz are popular destinations, Linz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Linz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Linz is famous for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. It is also well known for The Castle of Linz. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Linz different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Linz
Mainz

Linz 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 Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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 Linz or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Linz
Mainz

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

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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Linz or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Linz
Mainz

Linz 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 Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

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 Linz or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Linz
Mainz

Mainz is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Mainz?

Linz
Mainz

Linz is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz or Mainz Better for Families?

Linz
Mainz

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

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

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 Linz or Mainz Better for Couples?

Linz
Mainz

Both Linz and Mainz are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

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 Linz or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Linz
Mainz

Both Linz and Mainz are nice destinations for backpackers.

Linz is a good town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

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 Linz or Mainz Better for Students?

Linz
Mainz

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

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Linz
Mainz

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

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.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.


Is Linz or Mainz a more walkable city?

Linz
Mainz

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

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

Linz is a very walkable destination. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Linz?

How long in Linz or Mainz?

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

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

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

One day in Linz or Mainz?

In Linz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. 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 museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Linz or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Linz. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Linz or Mainz?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the beautiful destination of Mainz. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Linz or Mainz?

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

The beautiful town of Mainz offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Linz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Linz is €114, while the average daily cost in Mainz is €142. 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 Linz and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linz 58
    Mainz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linz 116
    Mainz 148
Compare Hotels in Linz and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Linz 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 Linz


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: Linz Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Linz 41
    Mainz 37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $212
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $180
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Linz or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Linz 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
    Linz 32
    Mainz 41
Typical Food Prices in Linz

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


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Linz 13
    Mainz 33

Tours and Activities in Linz

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

  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $544
  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $262
  • Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide: $237
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $214
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Linz - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Linz Christmas Market Tour: $294
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $401
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $205
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176

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
    Linz 16
    Mainz 22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Linz and Mainz, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Linz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Linz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Linz 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz than you might in Linz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Linz Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Linz or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Linz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Linz because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In July, Linz is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 20°C (68°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Linz. In the summer, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Linz 20°C (68°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Linz or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Mainz. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Linz is around the same temperature as Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Linz usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Linz usually receives less rain than Mainz. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Linz 11°C (52°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Linz or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Linz as well as Mainz. Many travelers come to Linz 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 Linz. In the winter, Linz is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Linz in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

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

Linz usually gets less rain in January than Mainz. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Linz -0°C (31°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Linz or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Linz in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Linz is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 11°C (51°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

In April, Linz usually receives more rain than Mainz. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Linz 11°C (51°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Linz

Linz Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)