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

Should you visit Mainz or Nice?

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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Mainz and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Mainz attracts visitors for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Mainz and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Mainz different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is terrific for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Mainz is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Mainz is not a resort destination.

Is Mainz or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mainz or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Mainz or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Both Mainz and Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Nice?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

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

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is terrific for romance. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Mainz or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz and Nice 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Mainz or Nice Better for Students?

Mainz is a well-known place for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Mainz and Nice.

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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Is Mainz or Nice a more walkable city?

Mainz and Nice are world-class when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Nice?

In either Mainz or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Mainz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this chic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Mainz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Mainz or Nice?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Mainz. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Mainz or Nice?

The quaint town of Mainz offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Nice. The summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the summer, Mainz is cooler than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mainz is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Nice. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. Mainz is much colder than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Nice. Many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Mainz is cooler than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Nice. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Mainz