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

Should you visit Mainz or Koblenz?

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 Koblenz 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 historic, quaint, and charming 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.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a historic, charming, and vibrant city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Koblenz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Koblenz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mainz than Koblenz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mainz is very popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Koblenz attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also well known for The Mainz Cathedral. Koblenz is famous for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Mainz different from Koblenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Koblenz

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

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.

Koblenz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.


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

Mainz
Koblenz

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koblenz 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.

Koblenz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

Is Mainz or Koblenz Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Koblenz

Koblenz 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 Koblenz. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

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 Koblenz Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Koblenz

Mainz is well known for its old town. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town 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.

Koblenz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Koblenz?

Mainz
Koblenz

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

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.

Koblenz offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Is Mainz or Koblenz Better for Families?

Mainz
Koblenz

Neither Mainz nor Koblenz are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Mainz is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Koblenz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

Is Mainz or Koblenz Better for Couples?

Mainz
Koblenz

Both Mainz and Koblenz are very good 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 Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.


Is Mainz or Koblenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Koblenz

Mainz and Koblenz 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 Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

Is Mainz or Koblenz Better for Students?

Mainz
Koblenz

Mainz is well known for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

Many students visit Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Koblenz is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Koblenz

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

Mainz has some very good public transit options. 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 Koblenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.


Is Mainz or Koblenz a more walkable city?

Mainz
Koblenz

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Koblenz 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.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable town. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.

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

Should I spend more time in Koblenz or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Koblenz?

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Koblenz?

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 Koblenz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this accessible destination offers. This 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 Koblenz?

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 Koblenz. 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 Koblenz?

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.

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

A week in Mainz or Koblenz?

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 food and shopping around the dynamic destination of Koblenz. 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, Koblenz 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 Koblenz is €124. 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 Koblenz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Koblenz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Koblenz 134
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Koblenz

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Koblenz? 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 Koblenz


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 Koblenz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Koblenz 42

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Koblenz?

Prices for flights to both Koblenz 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
    Koblenz 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Koblenz 30

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: $8.42
  • 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: $43
  • 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: $81
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

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

  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Cochem Private Guided Walking Tour: $246
  • Koblenz - Guided tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: $329
  • Koblenz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $223
  • Koblenz private guided city tour: $403
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Old Town Sightseeing Cruise along the Rhine: $15
  • Old Town Tour with the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: $404

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Koblenz 7.79


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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Koblenz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Koblenz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Koblenz, 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 Koblenz?

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 Koblenz in the Summer?

Both Koblenz and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Koblenz for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is around the same temperature as Koblenz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Koblenz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Koblenz. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koblenz receives 191 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Koblenz. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Koblenz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Koblenz. Many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Koblenz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Mainz is generally cooler than Koblenz. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Koblenz fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koblenz during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Koblenz receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koblenz. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Koblenz 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Koblenz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Koblenz. Many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Koblenz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Koblenz can be very cold during winter. Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Mainz is much colder than Koblenz in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Koblenz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Koblenz. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koblenz receives 45 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Koblenz. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Koblenz in the Spring?

Both Koblenz and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Koblenz because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Mainz is around the same temperature as Koblenz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Koblenz averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Koblenz during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Koblenz receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives more rain than Koblenz. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koblenz receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Koblenz and Mainz

Mainz Koblenz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)