A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mainz vs. Kinsale for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Mainz or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • 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
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Mainz and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Kinsale is famous for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort.

How is Mainz different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Kinsale

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

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.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.


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

Mainz
Kinsale

Kinsale is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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.

Is Mainz or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Kinsale

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

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 Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Mainz
Kinsale

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Mainz or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Kinsale

Both Mainz and Kinsale have great historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Mainz or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Kinsale

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Kinsale?

Mainz
Kinsale

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

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.

Kinsale offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.


Is Mainz or Kinsale Better for Families?

Mainz
Kinsale

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

Kinsale is a family-friendly seaside town. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale Better for Couples?

Mainz
Kinsale

Mainz is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Mainz is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Kinsale is a good town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Mainz or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Kinsale

Mainz and Kinsale 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 Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.


Is Mainz or Kinsale Better for Students?

Mainz
Kinsale

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

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Kinsale

Mainz is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Mainz or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Mainz
Kinsale

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

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.


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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mainz or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mainz than Kinsale 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 Kinsale.

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

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


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

One day in Mainz or Kinsale?

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.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town 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 Kinsale?

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 Kinsale. 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.

Five days in Mainz or Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale 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. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.


Which place is cheaper, Kinsale 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 Kinsale is €129. 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 Kinsale in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Kinsale? 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 Kinsale


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 Kinsale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Kinsale 17

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Kinsale?

Prices for flights to both Kinsale 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
    Kinsale 46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Kinsale 5.00

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: $131
  • 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: $206
  • 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: $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

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

  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $42
  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Kinsale 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147


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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Kinsale?

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

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 Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Kinsale. The summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

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

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Mainz or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Kinsale. 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 Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Mainz or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale 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 Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Mainz during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Mainz is a little warmer than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kinsale. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Mainz

Mainz Kinsale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)


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