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

Should you visit Mainz or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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 peaceful, historic, and quaint 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Mainz and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Mainz attracts visitors for its historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than Mainz and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Mainz different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

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

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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Mainz or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Hvar is a must-see party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mainz or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Mainz or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Mainz or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Mainz and Hvar.

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.

Hvar offers some nice shopping areas. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Mainz or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Hvar are great 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 Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Mainz or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Mainz is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Mainz is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Mainz or Hvar a more walkable city?

Mainz is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Mainz on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable town. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Mainz or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than Mainz. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

One day in Mainz or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hvar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

Mainz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hvar?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming destination of Mainz. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hvar. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Hvar?

The peaceful town of Mainz offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Hvar, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Hvar?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Hvar. The summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the summer, Mainz is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mainz is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Hvar. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. Mainz is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Hvar. Many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Mainz is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Hvar. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Mainz