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

Should you visit Mainz or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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 beautiful, peaceful, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nantes than Mainz. Nantes is bigger than Mainz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mainz is more popular for its historical sights. Mainz is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Mainz different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mainz to see the historical old town. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Nantes?

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

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

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Nantes are high quality 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 Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Mainz or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Mainz or Nantes Better for Students?

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Mainz is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Mainz and Nantes.

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 Nantes can get you to some places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Mainz or Nantes a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Nantes?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Nantes 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.

One day in Mainz or Nantes?

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.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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 Nantes?

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.

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

A week in Mainz or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Nantes. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives more rain than Nantes. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mainz or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Mainz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Mainz is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Nantes. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. In the winter, Mainz is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Nantes. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mainz or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Mainz