A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Mainz or Baden-Baden?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mainz and Baden-Baden 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a beautiful, peaceful, and historic 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.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a peaceful, historic, and relaxing spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Mainz and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Baden-Baden than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baden-Baden is very popular for its food, nightlife, and hiking, while Mainz attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Baden-Baden and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. It is also well known for The Thermal Baths.

How is Mainz different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Mainz or Baden-Baden.

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.

Baden-Baden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


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

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Baden-Baden have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

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 Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a spa 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 Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

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 Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Mainz is a well-known place for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mainz to see the historical old town. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.


Is Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a spa town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Baden-Baden. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Mainz and Baden-Baden.

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.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

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

Baden-Baden is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

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 Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Both Mainz and Baden-Baden are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Couples visit Baden-Baden frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Mainz is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Mainz or Baden-Baden Better for Students?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

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

Mainz is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.


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

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Mainz is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Mainz can get you around 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Mainz or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Mainz
Baden-Baden

Mainz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa 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.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mainz and Baden-Baden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mainz than in Baden-Baden. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Baden-Baden.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Baden-Baden 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 Mainz or Baden-Baden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Baden-Baden 1-3

One day in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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.

In Baden-Baden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

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.

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

Five days in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

The charming 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.

Baden-Baden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Baden-Baden?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Baden-Baden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Historical Tours in Germany, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden or Mainz?

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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Baden-Baden 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Baden-Baden 174
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Baden-Baden? 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 Mainz


Hotels in Baden-Baden


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 and Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Baden-Baden 33

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden and Mainz 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
    Mainz 41
    Baden-Baden 41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Baden-Baden 34

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: $8.58
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $22
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $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: $52
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $75
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $75
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $83
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $97
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $132

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

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

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $380
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $365
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $258
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $140
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $256
  • Picturesque Beauties of Baden-Baden – Guided Walking Tour: $379
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $256

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Baden-Baden 12


When comparing the travel costs between Mainz and Baden-Baden, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Baden-Baden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Baden-Baden?

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

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 Mainz or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Baden-Baden. Most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baden-Baden. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Baden-Baden. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

Both Baden-Baden and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

In October, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Mainz or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

Both Baden-Baden and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baden-Baden. It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. Mainz is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Baden-Baden. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Baden-Baden. Many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mainz is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Mainz

Mainz Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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