A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Mainz for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Mainz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

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

Thessaloniki and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Thessaloniki different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Mainz both to be excellent destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Mainz is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

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

Thessaloniki has a large number of nightlife venues. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for Couples?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Mainz Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Mainz are excellent destinations for students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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

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

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

One day in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

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

Mainz is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. 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 place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Mainz?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°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 Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Mainz. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Mainz. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Mainz. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Mainz. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Mainz. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki