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

Should you visit Mainz or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Mainz and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montpellier than Mainz. Montpellier is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montpellier is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Mainz is more popular for its food. Mainz is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Mainz different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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.

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

Mainz is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Mainz is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Mainz or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're 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 Montpellier Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Mainz or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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.

Is Mainz or Montpellier Better for Families?

Montpellier is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a family-friendly city. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Montpellier 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 Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Mainz or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Montpellier is a very popular city for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Mainz and Montpellier.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. 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 in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Mainz or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mainz and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mainz than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mainz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

The beautiful town of Mainz offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Mainz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Montpellier. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mainz is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Montpellier. Many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Mainz is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Montpellier in the Winter?

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

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mainz is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier 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 Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Mainz is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Mainz