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

Should you visit Mainz or Howth?

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 Howth 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Mainz and Howth: 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
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Mainz or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Mainz and Howth are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Mainz different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Howth

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

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.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


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

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Mainz or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Howth

Howth 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 Howth. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

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 Howth Better for Beaches?

Mainz
Howth

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

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Mainz or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is well known for its old town. However, Howth 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Mainz or Howth Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Howth

Howth 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 Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Howth?

Mainz
Howth

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

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Mainz or Howth Better for Families?

Mainz
Howth

Howth is a fishing village with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Howth is a family-friendly fishing village. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

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 Howth Better for Couples?

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Mainz or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.


Is Mainz or Howth Better for Students?

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is well known for students. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Mainz or Howth a more walkable city?

Mainz
Howth

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.


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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mainz or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mainz than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Howth. 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 Howth 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 Howth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Howth 1-2

One day in Mainz or Howth?

In Mainz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. 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.

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this coastal destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village 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 Howth?

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

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

Mainz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Mainz or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Mainz. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Howth. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth 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 Howth is €135. 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 Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Howth 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Howth 128
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Howth? 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 Howth


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
    Howth 41

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth 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
    Howth 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Howth 25

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 Howth

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

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Howth 21


When comparing the travel costs between Mainz and Howth, 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 Howth Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mainz or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Howth. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Howth in the Autumn?

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

In October, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Howth. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Howth in the Winter?

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

Mainz can be very cold during winter. Mainz is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Howth. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth 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 small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In the spring, Mainz is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Mainz

Mainz Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)


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