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

Should you visit Vienna or Mainz?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

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.

Vienna and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Mainz can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

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 Vienna or Mainz Better for Music?

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

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

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

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Mainz?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Mainz Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Mainz are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Mainz is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Vienna or Mainz Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

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

Vienna is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vienna can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some 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 Vienna or Mainz a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Mainz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Mainz?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this musical 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Mainz?

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

Mainz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Mainz?

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Mainz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Mainz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Mainz?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Mainz in the Summer?

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

In July, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°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 Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna 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.

Vienna is a little warmer than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Mainz. Vienna 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 Vienna or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Mainz. Many visitors come to Vienna 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. Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vienna is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Mainz. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Mainz in the Spring?

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

In April, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mainz. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Vienna