A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mainz vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mainz or Paris?

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 Paris 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 quaint, charming, and beautiful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Mainz and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Mainz is known for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Mainz different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Mainz or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for theatre. However, Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Mainz is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Mainz or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Paris?

Paris is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Mainz does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Mainz does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Mainz or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

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

Paris is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some places easily. 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.

Is Mainz or Paris a more walkable city?

Mainz is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Mainz is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

Paris is a very walkable town. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Paris?

Both Mainz and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Mainz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Paris?

In Mainz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. 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.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Paris?

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

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

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

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Mainz or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Mainz. 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.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Mainz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mainz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mainz 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Mainz.

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Paris. Many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mainz is around the same temperature as Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives more rain than Paris. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mainz or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Paris. Many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Paris. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Paris. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. Mainz can be very cold during winter. In January, Mainz is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Paris. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mainz or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Mainz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Mainz is around the same temperature as Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Paris. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Mainz