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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a cultural, historical, and vibrant port city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz are about the same size, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Mainz is more popular for its impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mainz and Newcastle upon Tyne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mainz makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz Better for Families?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne is a port city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz Better for Couples?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz are superb destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Mainz is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Mainz

Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Getting around Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.


  • How many days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Newcastle upon Tyne 2-3 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This port 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.

In Mainz, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people visit Mainz for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

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

The beautiful destination of Mainz offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Newcastle upon Tyne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle upon Tyne is £130, while the average daily cost in Mainz is £121. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newcastle upon Tyne £51
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newcastle upon Tyne £102
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz? 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 Newcastle upon Tyne


Hotels in Mainz


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: Newcastle upon Tyne Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £12
    Mainz £31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Newcastle upon Tyne:


  • Parking
    £1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle upon Tyne

Also for Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $55
  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Round-Trip Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Newcastle upon Tyne 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
    Newcastle upon Tyne £68
    Mainz £35
Typical Food Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee (2)
    £4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour: $83
  • Newcastle Street Food Tour: $88
  • A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour: $89
  • Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £17
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Newcastle upon Tyne

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

  • 1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle: $25
  • 1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour: $23
  • 2 Hour Guided Tour of Hadrian's Wall: $38
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne: $38
  • Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket: $16
  • Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle: $38
  • Guided Walks and Tours, Seahouses, Beadnell & Bamburgh: $29
  • Hadrian's Wall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the Ruins: $5.20
  • Hadrians Wall tour full day: $121
  • Half Day Hadrian’s Wall Guided Tour : $70
  • Half Day Tour of Newcastle: $183
  • Halloween Special: Newcastle's Dark Side Walking Tour: $32

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £9.43
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle upon Tyne:

  • Private Newcastle Pub Tour: $191
  • Newcastle Private Historic Pub Tour: $203


When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newcastle upon Tyne 15°C (59°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Newcastle upon Tyne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newcastle upon Tyne 10°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Mainz. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mainz can be very cold. Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newcastle upon Tyne 3°C (38°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Mainz. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Mainz. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newcastle upon Tyne 7°C (45°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)