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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Mainz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a stunning, spectacular, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Mainz

Mainz is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mainz. Although Outer Hebrides and Mainz are both popular with visitors, Mainz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mainz is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Outer Hebrides is known for its beaches and hiking. Mainz is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also home to The Mainz Cathedral. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Outer Hebrides different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Mainz can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is not a good area for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Mainz doesn't offer many options. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Outer Hebrides attract visitors from all over. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Outer Hebrides is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Around Outer Hebrides visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mainz. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

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

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Outer Hebrides and Mainz both very good destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Outer Hebrides and Mainz are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz Better for Students?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Mainz a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Mainz

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Outer Hebrides or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this serene destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this natural 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, 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 Outer Hebrides and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides


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: Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Mainz £31

Is it cheaper to fly into Outer Hebrides or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Outer Hebrides 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Mainz £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Mainz £28

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
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Mainz £19


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



When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Mainz. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Outer Hebrides during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Outer Hebrides gets 83 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 Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Mainz. The cuisine are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. It's quite cold in Outer Hebrides in the winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Mainz. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Mainz. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Mainz. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


Related Articles for Outer Hebrides