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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a historic, vibrant, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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 historic, quaint, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Mainz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz is more popular for its food. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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 Lucerne or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mainz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Lucerne and Mainz.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Mainz?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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 Lucerne or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Lucerne is a family-friendly city. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

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 Lucerne or Mainz Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Mainz both very good destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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.

Is Lucerne or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

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

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

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

Mainz is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Mainz. 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.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Mainz?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Mainz, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Lucerne or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

In Mainz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mainz has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Mainz?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Mainz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, 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 Lucerne and Mainz, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Mainz. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°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. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Mainz. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Mainz. The autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne 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 Lucerne in the winter. Lucerne is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Mainz. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Mainz. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Lucerne