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

Should you visit Mainz or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Mainz and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mainz than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mainz is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Reykjavik is known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also home to The Mainz Cathedral. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Mainz Cathedral

How is Mainz different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mainz is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Mainz or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street 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 Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Mainz or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Reykjavik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Mainz and Reykjavik.

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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Mainz or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Mainz or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz and Reykjavik are both good 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Mainz or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Mainz or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Reykjavik is a very walkable town. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Reykjavik?

In either Mainz or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Mainz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming town of Mainz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Mainz or Reykjavik?

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the green destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Reykjavik?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Mainz is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mainz or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In the autumn, Mainz is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mainz in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. In January, Mainz is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mainz or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Mainz is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Mainz