A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Mainz for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a international, bustling, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Mainz

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

The Hague and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in The Hague or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. The Hague is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also home to The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Mainz?

The Hague
Mainz

Mainz is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in The Hague or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hague
Mainz

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between The Hague and Mainz can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Mainz

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

The Hague has a large number of nightlife venues. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague or Mainz Better for Music?

The Hague
Mainz

The Hague is a very popular place for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Mainz is not a live music destination.


Is The Hague or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

The Hague
Mainz

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Mainz?

The Hague
Mainz

The Hague 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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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 The Hague or Mainz Better for Families?

The Hague
Mainz

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

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Mainz Better for Couples?

The Hague
Mainz

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Mainz

The Hague and Mainz are both good destinations for backpackers.

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

It's common for backpackers to 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 The Hague or Mainz Better for Students?

The Hague
Mainz

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

The Hague is a very popular city for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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


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

The Hague
Mainz

Visitors will find superb public transit in both The Hague and Mainz.

Public transit in The Hague is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Mainz has some very good public transit options. 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 The Hague or Mainz a more walkable city?

The Hague
Mainz

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either The Hague or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in The Hague or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in The Hague or Mainz?

Each neighborhood in The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in The Hague or Mainz?

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

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Mainz?

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming town of Mainz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 The Hague or Mainz?

You'll find live music and food around the bustling big city of The Hague. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or The Hague?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, while the average daily cost in Mainz is €142. 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 The Hague and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Mainz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Mainz 148
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in The Hague 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 The Hague


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: The Hague Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Mainz 37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and The Hague 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
    The Hague 55
    Mainz 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Mainz 33

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour: $535
  • Bicycle tour The Hague Highlights: $27
  • Boattour The Hague and Scheveningen: $187
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Den Haag: Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover The Hague's city center with an Outside Escape game tour: $27
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric Tulip and Flower Fields GPS audio tour: $139

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: $130
  • 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 : $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Mainz 22

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Mainz, we can see that The Hague 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague 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 The Hague Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Mainz?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

The Hague is cooler than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, 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 The Hague. The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, The Hague usually receives more rain than Mainz. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and The Hague during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, The Hague is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in The Hague in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, The Hague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Mainz. Most visitors come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. The Hague can be very cold during winter. In January, The Hague is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 2°C (36°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

The Hague usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, The Hague usually receives more rain than Mainz. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Mainz. The spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

The Hague is cooler than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, The Hague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mainz. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and The Hague

The Hague Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)