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

Should you visit Mainz or Dingle?

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 Dingle 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Dingle

Dingle is a serene, natural, and scenic peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Mainz and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Dingle?

Both Dingle and Mainz have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Mainz is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Dingle is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Dingle is well known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs.

How is Mainz different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mainz. 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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.


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

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Mainz or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Dingle

Dingle is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dingle. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

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 Dingle Better for Beaches?

Mainz
Dingle

Dingle is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Dingle attract visitors from all over. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Mainz or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Mainz or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Dingle

Dingle is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dingle. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Dingle?

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Mainz to go shopping. 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Mainz or Dingle Better for Families?

Mainz
Dingle

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

Dingle is a family-friendly peninsula. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

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 Dingle Better for Couples?

Mainz
Dingle

Both Mainz and Dingle are excellent 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 Dingle frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Mainz or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Dingle

Dingle is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Dingle is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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 Mainz or Dingle Better for Students?

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is a great destination for students. However, Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is a great destination for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Mainz offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Mainz or Dingle a more walkable city?

Mainz
Dingle

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored on foot.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable town. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.


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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Dingle?

In either Mainz or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Mainz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Dingle. 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.


  • How many days in Mainz or Dingle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Dingle 2-5

One day in Mainz or Dingle?

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 Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this natural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This peninsula 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Dingle?

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.

Dingle is a fun place to experience. In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Mainz or Dingle?

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.

You'll find food around the natural destination of Dingle. Most people come for the beaches. 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 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dingle 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 Dingle is €120. 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 Dingle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Dingle 68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Dingle 136
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Dingle

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Dingle? 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 Dingle


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 Dingle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Dingle 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dingle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dingle:

  • Dingle To Kerry Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Dingle?

Prices for flights to both Dingle 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
    Dingle 41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Dingle 9.51

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: $44
  • 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 Dingle

Here are a few actual costs in Dingle for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-hour Guided Mini Eco Tour at Dingle, Ireland: $49
  • 3 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour: $283
  • Blasket Eco Tour.: $82
  • Blasket Island Sea Life Rib Tour,: $93
  • Boat Tour of Dingle Peninsula: $14
  • Dingle Bay Cliff Tour: $21
  • Dingle Boat Tours Wildlife RIB Adventure: $87
  • Dingle Dolphin Blasket Adventures: $84
  • Dingle Peninsula Guided Walking Tour: $174
  • Dingle Peninsula Virtual Tour: $16
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour: $76
  • Dingle Tasting Tour: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Dingle 16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Dingle, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Dingle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dingle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dingle 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz than you might in Dingle.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mainz Expensive? and Is Dingle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Dingle?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

Both Dingle and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dingle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Dingle. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Dingle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Dingle. Many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Mainz is around the same temperature as Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Dingle. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Mainz or Dingle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Dingle. Most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dingle because of the museums and the cuisine.

Mainz can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mainz is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Dingle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In April, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Dingle. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Dingle 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Dingle and Mainz

Mainz Dingle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)