A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mainz vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Mainz is known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also home to the terraced chain of lakes. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Mainz different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is mediocre for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mainz It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mainz. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Mainz is very popular with students. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.


Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Mainz can move around easily with public transportation. 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 generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Mainz
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park are amazing 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

For even more information, also check out Is Mainz Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mainz than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Mainz, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this world-famous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Mainz is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Mainz. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The peaceful town of Mainz offers museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Jewish Mainz: $207
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $131
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mainz is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mainz is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mainz in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The weather in Mainz can be very cold. In January, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mainz during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

Mainz is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Mainz usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mainz

Mainz Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)