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

Should you visit Tallinn or Mainz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming, quaint, and whimsical 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

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

Tallinn and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tallinn is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food. Tallinn is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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 Tallinn or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn 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 Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

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

Tallinn has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

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 Tallinn or Mainz?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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 Tallinn or Mainz Better for Families?

Tallinn is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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 Tallinn or Mainz Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Mainz are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Tallinn. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Mainz is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Tallinn and Mainz.

Tallinn has some very good public transit options. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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.

Is Tallinn or Mainz a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Mainz are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallinn or Mainz. In our opinion, Tallinn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallinn than Mainz. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Mainz?

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint 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.

In Mainz, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Tallinn or Mainz?

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

In Mainz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mainz has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Mainz?

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

Mainz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Mainz, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Mainz?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Mainz. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping 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.

Tallinn is much colder than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Mainz. Many visitors come to Tallinn 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. Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Mainz. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Tallinn