A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Mainz or Bonn?

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

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Mainz or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bonn than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bonn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Mainz is known for its food and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. It is also home to The Bonn Minster.

How is Mainz different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn 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 Bonn?

Mainz
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Mainz or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Bonn

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Mainz or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Bonn

Bonn is a city 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 Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around 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 Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Bonn

Both Mainz and Bonn have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.


Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Bonn?

Mainz
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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 Mainz or Bonn Better for Families?

Mainz
Bonn

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

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

Mainz
Bonn

Mainz is a great town for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Mainz is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.


Is Mainz or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Bonn

Mainz and Bonn are both good destinations for backpackers.

Mainz is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Mainz or Bonn Better for Students?

Mainz
Bonn

Both Mainz and Bonn are excellent destinations for students.

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

Many students visit Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Mainz
Bonn

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Mainz and Bonn.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.


Is Mainz or Bonn a more walkable city?

Mainz
Bonn

Mainz is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Bonn is a very walkable town. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Bonn?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn 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 Bonn.


  • How many days in Mainz or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Mainz or Bonn?

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.

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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.

A weekend in Mainz or Bonn?

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.

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


Five days in Mainz or Bonn?

You'll find shopping and museums around the peaceful 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.

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

A week in Mainz or Bonn?

The quaint 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bonn. 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.


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, Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Bonn 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Bonn 170
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Bonn? 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 Bonn


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 Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Bonn 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

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

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn 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
    Bonn 49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Bonn 34

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: $209
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $132
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $132
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $132
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $132
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $209
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $209
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $209
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $209
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $198
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $198
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $209

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $21
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $121
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $52
  • Bonn Crime-Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Musikerviertel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $224
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $326
  • Bonn and Bad Godesberg hop-on hop-off tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $21
  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Bonn 23


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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Mainz or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Bonn. Many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Mainz is around the same temperature as Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Bonn. Many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Mainz is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mainz in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bonn. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Mainz can be very cold during winter. In January, Mainz is generally much colder than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Bonn. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Mainz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

Mainz is around the same temperature as Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Bonn and Mainz

Mainz Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)