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

Should you visit Vilnius or Mainz?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Mainz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a historic, quaint, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Vilnius and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Mainz?

Both Mainz and Vilnius have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Vilnius is very popular for its nightlife, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food. Mainz is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Vilnius and Mainz.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mainz. 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 Vilnius or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

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

Vilnius has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Vilnius and Mainz.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Mainz?

Both Vilnius and Mainz are nice shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Mainz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Vilnius or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Mainz Better for Couples?

Mainz is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Mainz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Vilnius or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vilnius is very popular with the backpacker crowd. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places 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 Vilnius or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Mainz is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Vilnius or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Mainz on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Vilnius or Mainz. In our opinion, Mainz has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Mainz than Vilnius. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Mainz?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Vilnius or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. 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 Vilnius or Mainz?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Vilnius. 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 Vilnius or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Vilnius. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Mainz, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Mainz?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Vilnius or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mainz because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vilnius is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Mainz. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

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

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Mainz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Mainz. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Vilnius