A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Hamburg for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mainz or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg 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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Mainz and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Hamburg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hamburg than Mainz. Hamburg is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hamburg is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Mainz is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Also, Hamburg is famous for St. Michael's Church.

How is Mainz different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Mainz or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Hamburg has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is known as a music capital around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Mainz or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Hamburg?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

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

Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Mainz is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Mainz or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz and Hamburg 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 Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Mainz or Hamburg Better for Students?

Mainz is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

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

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 Hamburg can get you to some places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Mainz or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Mainz is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Hamburg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Hamburg. 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.

One day in Mainz or Hamburg?

In Mainz, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this vibrant destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

In Mainz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mainz has to offer.

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

Mainz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Hamburg, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Hamburg. 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 Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Hamburg. The winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. The weather in Mainz can be very cold. In the winter, Mainz is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty.

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

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Mainz