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

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

London

London is a global, international, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

London and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Mainz?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Mainz. London is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Mainz is more popular for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

Big Ben

How is London different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit London from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Mainz Better for Theater?

London is terrific for theatre. However, Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Mainz is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Mainz.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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.

Is London or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Mainz Better for Music?

London is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is London or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, London 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Mainz?

London is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in London. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Mainz Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Mainz does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Mainz does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Mainz Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Mainz does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Mainz does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Mainz Better for Families?

London is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Mainz Better for Couples?

London is terrific for romance. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

London is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Mainz Better for Students?

London is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

London is a very popular city for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

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

London is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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.

Is London or Mainz a more walkable city?

London and Mainz are amazing when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or London?

How long in London or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either London or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in London due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in London than Mainz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in London that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Mainz 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 London.

One day in London or Mainz?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city 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.

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 London or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 London or Mainz?

London is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 London or Mainz?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Mainz?

London has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Mainz. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Mainz. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, 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, London is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. London can be very cold during winter. London is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives more rain than Mainz. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and London during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, London is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Mainz. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and London