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

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, 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.

Orkney Islands and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mainz than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mainz is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Mainz is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Also, Mainz is famous for The Mainz Cathedral. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Mainz Cathedral

How is Orkney Islands different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Mainz and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Orkney Islands or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Mainz.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Mainz is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mainz It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Orkney Islands attract visitors from all over. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

Mainz is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Families?

Orkney Islands is a archipelago with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly archipelago. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm 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 Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Mainz are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Mainz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Mainz is very popular with students. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Mainz can get you to most 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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Orkney Islands or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Orkney Islands. 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.

One day in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this tranquil destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago 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, you'll find food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

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

Mainz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Mainz?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this tranquil destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Mainz, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Mainz. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Mainz. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums 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. Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Mainz. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Mainz. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Orkney Islands