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

Should you visit Mainz or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo 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 historic, quaint, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a historical, cultural, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Mainz and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mainz is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Mainz different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Sarajevo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

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 Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Sarajevo has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Is Mainz or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Around Sarajevo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Neither Mainz nor Sarajevo are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Mainz is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Mainz or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Mainz is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Mainz or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sarajevo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Mainz and Sarajevo.

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 Sarajevo can get you to some places easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Mainz or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

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

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable town. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mainz and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mainz than in Sarajevo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Sarajevo?

The beautiful town of Mainz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Sarajevo?

Mainz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mainz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Mainz or Sarajevo?

Mainz is a great place to explore. 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 something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Sarajevo. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mainz or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Mainz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mainz is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Mainz is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mainz or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mainz is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Mainz usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Mainz