A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Dusseldorf for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mainz or Dusseldorf?

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 Dusseldorf 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 historic, quaint, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a fun-filled, cultural, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also home to Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Mainz different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Mainz or Dusseldorf.

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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Mainz and Dusseldorf.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dusseldorf. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Mainz or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

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 Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Both Mainz and Dusseldorf have very good 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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Dusseldorf?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Mainz and Dusseldorf.

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.

Dusseldorf offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Mainz or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly destination. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Dusseldorf are very good 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 Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Is Mainz or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz and Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Mainz or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

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

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Dusseldorf can take you anywhere. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some places 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.

Is Mainz or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Mainz is very popular for its walkability. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Dusseldorf is a very walkable town. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Dusseldorf?

With museums and food around the peaceful town of Mainz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dusseldorf, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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 Dusseldorf?

With food and shopping around the destination of Mainz, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Mainz, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Mainz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Dusseldorf. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Dusseldorf Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Dusseldorf?

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

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 Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the activities around the city.

Mainz is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Mainz