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

Should you visit Windsor or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Windsor and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Windsor or Mainz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mainz. Although Windsor and Mainz are popular destinations, Mainz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mainz is very popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also well known for The Mainz Cathedral.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Windsor different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Mainz

Windsor 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 Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Mainz

Windsor is a town 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 Windsor. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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 Windsor or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Mainz?

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Mainz Better for Families?

Windsor
Mainz

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

Windsor is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Mainz Better for Couples?

Windsor
Mainz

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Mainz make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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.


Is Windsor or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Mainz Better for Students?

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.


Is Windsor or Mainz a more walkable city?

Windsor
Mainz

Mainz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Mainz?

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

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

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


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

One day in Windsor or Mainz?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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 Windsor or Mainz?

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

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 Windsor or Mainz?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Windsor or Mainz?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Mainz is £121. 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 Windsor and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Mainz £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Mainz £128
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Windsor 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 Windsor


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Mainz £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Mainz £35
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Mainz £28

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in Mainz

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

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Mainz £19


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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Windsor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Windsor is a little warmer than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives more rain than Mainz. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Windsor because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Windsor can be very cold. In the winter, Windsor is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Mainz. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

In April, Windsor is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Mainz. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Windsor

Windsor Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)