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

Should you visit Salzburg or Mainz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Mainz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Mainz

Mainz is a beautiful, peaceful, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Mainz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Salzburg than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is more touristy than Mainz and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Mainz.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Salzburg or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg or Mainz Better for Music?

Salzburg is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is known as a music capital around the world. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

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

Salzburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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 Salzburg or Mainz?

Salzburg is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Salzburg. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Salzburg is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg or Mainz Better for Couples?

Salzburg is terrific for romance. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Salzburg is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Salzburg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Mainz Better for Students?

Salzburg is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Salzburg is a very popular city for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

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

Both Salzburg and Mainz offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Visitors to Mainz can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Salzburg or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Salzburg is very walkable. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Salzburg or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Salzburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Mainz?

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

The beautiful town of Mainz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Salzburg or Mainz?

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Mainz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the recognizable destination of Salzburg. 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.

Mainz is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Salzburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salzburg. In the summer, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Mainz. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Salzburg or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mainz can be very cold during winter. Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Salzburg is much colder than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Salzburg