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

Should you visit Warsaw or Mainz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Mainz can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a historical, under-rated, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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 peaceful, historic, and quaint town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Warsaw and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 Warsaw or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Warsaw than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Warsaw is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Mainz is known for its food. Mainz is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Warsaw is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center. It is also home to The Old Town Market Square.

How is Warsaw different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Warsaw
Mainz

Warsaw 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 Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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 Warsaw or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Warsaw
Mainz

Mainz is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw
Mainz

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

Warsaw has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw
Mainz

Both Warsaw and Mainz have great historic old towns worth visiting.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

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 Warsaw or Mainz?

Warsaw
Mainz

If you're looking to go shopping, Warsaw and Mainz both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Warsaw. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

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 Warsaw or Mainz Better for Families?

Warsaw
Mainz

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

Warsaw is a family-friendly city. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are 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 Warsaw or Mainz Better for Couples?

Warsaw
Mainz

Mainz is a great town for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Mainz is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.


Is Warsaw or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Warsaw
Mainz

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Mainz are good places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a 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 Warsaw or Mainz Better for Students?

Warsaw
Mainz

For students, both Warsaw and Mainz are great places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

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

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

Warsaw
Mainz

Warsaw and Mainz both offer great public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Warsaw can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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.


Is Warsaw or Mainz a more walkable city?

Warsaw
Mainz

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Warsaw 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 Warsaw, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mainz than Warsaw. 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.


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

One day in Warsaw or Mainz?

In Warsaw, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse 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.

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 Warsaw or Mainz?

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

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

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 Warsaw or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Warsaw. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Warsaw?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $93, while the average daily cost in Mainz is $152. 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 Warsaw and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $51
    Mainz $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $102
    Mainz $160
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.67
    Mainz $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • from Warsaw to Krakow private transfer: $495
  • Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $211
  • Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $446
  • Private Economy Transfer Airport -City 1-3 person: $59
  • Gun Shooting Experience with Transfers: $83
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $175
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfer: $175
  • Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57
  • Chopin Airport Private Transfer: $82
  • Chopin & Modlin Airport Transfers: $64
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $35
  • Warsaw to Krakow or Krakow Airport Transfer Best Value: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Warsaw or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Mainz $44
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Warsaw $7.00
    Mainz $36

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • 2 Hour Super Segway City Tour of Warsaw: $67
  • 2-Hour Breakfast Experience in a Home from Warsaw: $49
  • 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $207
  • 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $37
  • 6 Hour Private Car Tour to Treblinka With Hotel Pickup: $305
  • Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $76
  • BIKE ADVENTURE : 4-hour sightseeing tour of Warsaw /inc. Pick-up/: $97
  • Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup: $131
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Chopin's Warsaw - guided tour in a minivan with evening piano concert: $67
  • Chopin’s Warsaw - City tour in the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin: $69

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: $131
  • 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 : $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $197
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Warsaw $10
    Mainz $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Warsaw and Mainz, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Warsaw.

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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Mainz?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Mainz. The summer months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

Warsaw is around the same temperature as Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Warsaw usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Mainz. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Warsaw is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Mainz. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Warsaw. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Mainz. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Warsaw during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months.

Warsaw is cooler than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Warsaw

Warsaw Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)