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

Should you visit Mainz or Tromso?

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 Tromso 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Mainz and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Tromso?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mainz than Tromso. Mainz is bigger than Tromso, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mainz is better known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Also, Mainz is famous for The Mainz Cathedral. Tromso is well known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

The Mainz Cathedral

How is Mainz different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mainz. 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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Mainz and Tromso.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Tromso. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Mainz or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Tromso is a town 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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

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 Tromso Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Mainz or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso 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 Tromso. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Tromso?

Mainz is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Mainz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Mainz or Tromso Better for Families?

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

Tromso is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Tromso are great 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 Tromso frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Mainz or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz and Tromso are both notable 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 Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Mainz or Tromso Better for Students?

Mainz is a great town for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Tromso is a good town to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Mainz is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Mainz or Tromso a more walkable city?

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Tromso?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Mainz or Tromso?

Mainz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Mainz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Tromso?

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

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Tromso. The summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

In July, Mainz is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives less rain than Tromso. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mainz or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Tromso. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. Mainz is much warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tromso. Mainz usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. In the winter, Mainz is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives less rain than Tromso. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mainz or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Mainz during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. In April, Mainz is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Mainz