A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Lindau for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mainz or Lindau?

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 Lindau 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.

Lindau

Lindau is a alpine, picturesque, and fun-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food.

Mainz and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Lindau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mainz. Although Mainz and Lindau are popular destinations, Mainz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mainz is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Lindau 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. Lindau is famous for its lakefront location and quaint old town.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Mainz different from Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz
Lindau

Mainz is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


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

Mainz
Lindau

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

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 Lindau. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Is Mainz or Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Lindau

Lindau 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 Lindau. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy 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 Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Lindau

Both Mainz and Lindau 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 Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.


Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Lindau?

Mainz
Lindau

Mainz is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mainz or Lindau Better for Families?

Mainz
Lindau

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

Lindau is a very family-friendly destination. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

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 Lindau Better for Couples?

Mainz
Lindau

Both Mainz and Lindau 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 Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.


Is Mainz or Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Lindau

Mainz and Lindau 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 Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Mainz or Lindau Better for Students?

Mainz
Lindau

Mainz is a great destination for students. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Lindau

Mainz is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.


Is Mainz or Lindau a more walkable city?

Mainz
Lindau

Mainz is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lindau 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.

Lindau is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Lindau?

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Lindau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Lindau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Mainz or Lindau?

Mainz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lindau is a fun place to experience. Lindau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Lindau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Mainz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lindau 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. 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, Lindau 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 Lindau is €163. 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 Lindau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Lindau 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Lindau 182
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Lindau

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Lindau? 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 Lindau


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 Lindau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Lindau 40

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Lindau?

Prices for flights to both Lindau 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
    Lindau 45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Lindau 27

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: $8.58
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $22
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $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: $52
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $75
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $75
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $83
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $97
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $132

Tours and Activities in Lindau

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

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $326
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $271
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $75
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $210

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Lindau 25

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

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

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $197


When comparing the travel costs between Mainz and Lindau, we can see that Lindau 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 Lindau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Lindau?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Lindau, 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.