A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Fussen for Old Town, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Mainz or Fussen?

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 Fussen 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Fussen

Fussen is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Mainz and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle


Is there more to do in Mainz or Fussen?

Both Fussen and Mainz have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Mainz is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fussen attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Fussen is famous for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle.

How is Mainz different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Fussen

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Mainz or Fussen.

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.

Fussen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.


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

Mainz
Fussen

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

Mainz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Fussen area. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Mainz or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Fussen

Mainz is mediocre for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mainz It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Mainz or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Fussen

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

Fussen has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

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 Mainz or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Fussen

Fussen 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 Fussen. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Fussen?

Mainz
Fussen

Mainz is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mainz or Fussen Better for Families?

Mainz
Fussen

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

Fussen is a family-friendly town. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.

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 Fussen Better for Couples?

Mainz
Fussen

Both Mainz and Fussen 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 Fussen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

Is Mainz or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Fussen

Mainz and Fussen are both nice 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 Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Is Mainz or Fussen Better for Students?

Mainz
Fussen

Mainz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen 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.

Fussen is not popular with students.


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

Mainz
Fussen

Mainz is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Mainz can get you around 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.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Mainz or Fussen a more walkable city?

Mainz
Fussen

Mainz and Fussen are terrific 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 Fussen on foot is easy. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Fussen?

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

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

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


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

One day in Mainz or Fussen?

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.

Even though Fussen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Fussen?

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 Fussen. 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 Fussen?

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.

Fussen is a fun place to experience. Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Fussen?

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.

Fussen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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, Fussen 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 Fussen is €210. 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 Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Fussen 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Fussen 218
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Fussen? 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 Fussen


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 Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Fussen 54

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen 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
    Fussen 59

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Fussen 60

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: $207
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $195
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Tours and Activities in Fussen

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

  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $63
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $224
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $268
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Fussen 20


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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Fussen?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Fussen, 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.