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

Should you visit Mainz or Bremen?

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 Bremen 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 charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bremen

Bremen is a beautiful, colorful, and lively city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Bremen: Pros and Cons

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 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
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Mainz or Bremen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bremen than Mainz. Bremen is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bremen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mainz is more popular for its food. Mainz is more touristy than Bremen and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Bremen is well known for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. Also, Bremen is famous for The Historic Marktplatz.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Mainz different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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 Bremen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Bremen

Mainz is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Mainz is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Mainz or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Bremen

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

Bremen has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

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 Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Bremen

Bremen is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Bremen has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.


Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Bremen?

Mainz
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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 Bremen Better for Families?

Mainz
Bremen

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

Bremen is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen Better for Couples?

Mainz
Bremen

Mainz is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.


Is Mainz or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Bremen

Mainz and Bremen are both notable 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Mainz or Bremen Better for Students?

Mainz
Bremen

Mainz is notable for students. However, Bremen is not popular with students.

Mainz is very popular with students. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Bremen

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Mainz and Bremen.

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 Bremen can get you to some places easily. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.


Is Mainz or Bremen a more walkable city?

Mainz
Bremen

Mainz and Bremen are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

Getting around Bremen on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Mainz or Bremen. In our opinion, Bremen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bremen than Mainz. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Bremen. 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 Bremen 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 Bremen.


  • How many days in Mainz or Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Mainz or Bremen?

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.

In Bremen, 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mainz or Bremen?

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.

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

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.

Bremen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bremen. 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 Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bremen. 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, Bremen 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 Bremen is €147. 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 Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Bremen 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Bremen 152
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Bremen? 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 Bremen


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 Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Bremen 45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen 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
    Bremen 36

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

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


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Bremen 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: $8.45
  • 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: $43
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Bremen

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

  • Bremen : Private Walking Tour With A Tour Guide ( Private Tour ) : $51
  • Bremen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $196
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.51
  • Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $221
  • Bremen Schnoor Area Tour: $24
  • Bremen Schwachhausen: Crime Mystery Tour: $35
  • Bremen Tour: Full-Day Canoe Rental on the Wümme River: $48
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Bremen's Underground Guided Tour: $17
  • City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Bremen 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Bremen?

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

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 Bremen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Bremen. Many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Bremen. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bremen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Bremen. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Bremen in the Winter?

Both Bremen and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bremen in the winter. The weather in Mainz can be very cold. In the winter, Mainz is much warmer than Bremen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Bremen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Bremen. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Bremen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bremen for the natural beauty.

In April, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Mainz

Mainz Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)