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

Should you visit Mainz or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a energetic, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Frankfurt: 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
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Mainz or Frankfurt?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Mainz. Frankfurt is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Mainz different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Frankfurt

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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 Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Frankfurt

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

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 Frankfurt. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Mainz or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Frankfurt

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.


Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Frankfurt?

Mainz
Frankfurt

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt Better for Families?

Mainz
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly destination. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Mainz
Frankfurt

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.


Is Mainz or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt Better for Students?

Mainz
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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

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

Mainz
Frankfurt

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt can take you anywhere. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Mainz
Frankfurt

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Frankfurt?

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

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

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


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

One day in Mainz or Frankfurt?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Frankfurt has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint town of Mainz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Frankfurt?

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible big city of Frankfurt. 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, Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is €122. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Frankfurt 25

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $28
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $61
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,075
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $287
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Van: $77
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Sedan Car: $72
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Van: $77
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Sedan Car: $70
  • Private Transfer Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg City by Minivan: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 41

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $285
  • Heidelberg and Rhine Valley Day Trip With Wine Tasting and Dinner from Frankfurt: $285

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Frankfurt 36

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 Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • 2-Hour Discovering the Best of Frankfurt Walking Guided Tour: $25
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $274
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $54
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $245
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $288
  • Exciting city tour through Frankfurt: $17
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $166
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $109
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $21
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $380

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Frankfurt 30

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $35
  • Romantic Road Day Ticket from Frankfurt/Main to Rothenburg incl. Wine tasting: $148
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $256
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $283
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $289
  • from Frankfurt - romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $339
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $521
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $759


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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Mainz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. The weather in Mainz can be very cold. In the winter, Mainz is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Frankfurt. The natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city.

In April, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Frankfurt. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Mainz

Mainz Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)