A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Mainz for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and theater.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mainz. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Mainz are popular destinations, Mainz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mainz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions and small town charm. Mainz is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also well known for The Mainz Cathedral. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The Mainz Cathedral

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Mainz is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is terrific for theatre. However, Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Stratford-upon-Avon that are not to be missed. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mainz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Mainz is not a good area for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Mainz is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Families?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Couples?

Mainz is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Mainz makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Mainz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

The public transit in Mainz can get you around 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Mainz, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

Many people visit Mainz for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Mainz offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Mainz, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Mainz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mainz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mainz 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Mainz.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Mainz. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, 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. Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more rain than Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Mainz. The spring months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Stratford-upon-Avon