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

Should you visit Nottingham or Mainz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Mainz 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Mainz

Mainz is a peaceful, historic, and quaint town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Nottingham and Mainz: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Nottingham and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square.

How is Nottingham different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Mainz?

Nottingham
Mainz

Both Nottingham and Mainz have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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 Nottingham or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Mainz

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

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 Nottingham or Mainz Better for Music?

Nottingham
Mainz

Nottingham is a city with good options for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Mainz is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its historic old town. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Mainz?

Nottingham
Mainz

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Mainz Better for Families?

Nottingham
Mainz

Nottingham is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Nottingham is a family-friendly city. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air 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 Nottingham or Mainz Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Mainz

Mainz is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Mainz

Mainz is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Mainz Better for Students?

Nottingham
Mainz

Mainz is well known for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham is not popular with students.


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

Nottingham
Mainz

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Mainz.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some places easily. 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 Nottingham or Mainz a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Mainz

Mainz is very popular for its walkability. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Nottingham is a very walkable city. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Nottingham or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Nottingham. 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 Mainz than Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Nottingham or Mainz?

In Nottingham, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and food around the beautiful town of Mainz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Nottingham or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Mainz, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Nottingham or Mainz?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Mainz, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Mainz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mainz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, 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 Nottingham and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $223
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $96
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Mainz £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Men's Yellow Belly Half-Day Spa Experience: $203
  • Nottingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $278
  • Nottingham Treasure Hunt Adventure - Robin Hood's Secret Stash: $9.44
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Nottingham and Robin Hood Private Guided Walking Tour: $151
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19

Tours and Activities in Mainz

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

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Mainz £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Mainz, 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 Nottingham Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Mainz?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Mainz?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nottingham or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Mainz. The summer months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

Nottingham is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. In the summer, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Nottingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nottingham. In January, Nottingham is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Mainz. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months.

Nottingham is cooler than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Mainz. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Nottingham

Nottingham Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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