A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Nuremberg vs. Mainz for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Families

Should you visit Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg

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

Mainz

Mainz is a peaceful, historic, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Nuremberg and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nuremberg or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nuremberg than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nuremberg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food. Nuremberg is famous for its quaint old town, beautiful architecture, and festive Christmas markets. It is also well known for Nuremberg Castle. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Nuremberg different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nuremberg is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Nuremberg from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's well established on the tourist circuit and it's easy to see why. The history and charm, combined with interesting sights make it a top place to visit in Germany. Make sure you check out Kaiserburg, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, and Germanisches National 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 Nuremberg or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Nuremberg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is heavily influenced by Franconian cuisines and you'll find many sausages and lots of meat in the restaurants. In addition to Nuremberg sausage, you should definitely try the bretzel, leberkäsweggla (a meat and grain snack), and schäuferle (pig's shoulder meat).

Is Nuremberg or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

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

Nuremberg has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with clubs, bars, live music venues, and a number of festivals held in town. It's possible to have a relaxing night with a beer in a beer garden or a more lively evening at one of the many clubs around 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 Nuremberg or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

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

Nuremberg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's old town is filled with charm and it's easy to explore on foot. It's also large enough that you'll leave wishing you had more time to see it all.

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 the Shopping Better in Nuremberg or Mainz?

Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg. In addition to its iconic Christmas markets, you'll find year round shopping areas, pedestrian shopping streets, and large shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop include Lorenzer Altstadt, Hauptmarkt, and Königstorpassage.

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 Nuremberg or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Nuremberg is a very family-friendly destination. The town has a nice zoo and several museums that are great for kids like the DB Railway Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. Also make sure you visit the Imperial Castle which is a highlight of a trip to Nuremberg for kids and adults alike.

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 Nuremberg or Mainz Better for Couples?

Both Nuremberg and Mainz are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Nuremberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has history, beauty, charm, and personality. You'll find many romantic spots to walk hand in hand or enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

Mainz is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Nuremberg or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nuremberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a favorite city of many travelers to Germany and backpackers are no exception. There are enough hostels to keep prices in check and wandering the old town is a free and rewarding experience.

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 Nuremberg or Mainz Better for Students?

Nuremberg and Mainz are great places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Nuremberg. It's a reasonably priced city with a number of activities and great transportation. Students appreciate the energy and large number of things to do.

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

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

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

The public transit in Nuremberg can get you around easily. The city offers buses, trams, and an underground train system.

Mainz offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Nuremberg or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Nuremberg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Nuremberg is a very walkable destination. The old town in particular is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Nuremberg?

How long in Nuremberg or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Nuremberg or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nuremberg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

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

One day in Nuremberg or Mainz?

In Nuremberg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A weekend in Nuremberg or Mainz?

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

You'll find museums and food around the historic 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.

Five days in Nuremberg or Mainz?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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.

A week in Nuremberg or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Nuremberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Historical Tours in Germany, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nuremberg or Mainz?

Nuremberg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg or Mainz in the Summer?

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

In July, Nuremberg is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Nuremberg average around 20°C (68°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nuremberg this time of the year. In the summer, Nuremberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Nuremberg gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Nuremberg usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Nuremberg gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nuremberg or Mainz in the Autumn?

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

Nuremberg is around the same temperature as Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nuremberg averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nuremberg usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Nuremberg gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nuremberg usually receives less rain than Mainz. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nuremberg or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Nuremberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg. In the winter, Nuremberg is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nuremberg in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Nuremberg often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Nuremberg gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Nuremberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nuremberg or Mainz in the Spring?

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

In April, Nuremberg is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Nuremberg average around 10°C (50°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nuremberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Nuremberg gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nuremberg usually receives less rain than Mainz. Nuremberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Nuremberg