A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Wurzburg vs. Mainz for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg 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.

Wurzburg

Wurzburg is a cultural, architectural, and impressive 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 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.

Wurzburg and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Wurzburg or Mainz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wurzburg than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Wurzburg, Wurzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wurzburg is more popular for its museums and nightlife, while Mainz is known for its food. Mainz is more touristy than Wurzburg and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Wurzburg is popular for its wines, gardens, and charming old town. It is also home to Fortress Marienberg.

How is Wurzburg different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wurzburg
Mainz

Wurzburg is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Wurzburg from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The Franconian city is known for its history and architecture. One of the most well know sights is the 18th-century Residenz palace. Other attractions in town include the Martin von Wagner Museum, the Würzburg Court Gardens, the Marienberg Fortress, and the Würzburg Cathedral & 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 Wurzburg or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wurzburg
Mainz

Mainz is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg. There are local restaurants that serve up regional specialties like bratwurst, weisswurst (white sausage), and Bavarian cream. There are also fine dining restaurants and cafes that cater specifically to tourists.

Is Wurzburg or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Wurzburg
Mainz

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

Wurzburg has a large number of nightlife venues. The town is in the heart of the Franconian wine district, so you'll find many wine bars, cellars, and wineries around town. For something a bit more active, there are some lively clubs and bars to choose from as well.

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 Wurzburg or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Wurzburg
Mainz

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

Wurzburg is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is best explored on foot and there are walking tours available that take you through many of the historical and architectural landmarks.

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 Wurzburg or Mainz?

Wurzburg
Mainz

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wurzburg. There are several shopping streets as well as some major department stores and local venues.

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 Wurzburg or Mainz Better for Families?

Wurzburg
Mainz

Neither Wurzburg nor Mainz are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Wurzburg is not always the best place to visit. The city is filled with history and cultural sights that can sometimes be challenging for young kids. To break up the history, head to some of the town's gardens and main square.

Mainz is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Wurzburg or Mainz Better for Couples?

Wurzburg
Mainz

Both Wurzburg and Mainz are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Wurzburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and beautiful gardens, there is lot for a couple to explore together. You can wander through the fortress or soak up the beautiful gardens.

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.


Is Wurzburg or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wurzburg
Mainz

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

Wurzburg is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and it's easily accessible from Frankfurt by public transit. Many people also choose to visit Wurzbug as a day trip.

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 Wurzburg or Mainz Better for Students?

Wurzburg
Mainz

Mainz is a great town for its student-friendly activities. However, Wurzburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Wurzburg is not popular with students.

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

Wurzburg
Mainz

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

Visitors to Wurzburg can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes trams and buses, including five tram lines that make loops around the city.

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 Wurzburg or Mainz a more walkable city?

Wurzburg
Mainz

Mainz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Wurzburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Wurzburg is a very walkable city. You can wander around town and take in many of the sights and attractions as part of a walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Wurzburg?

How long in Wurzburg or Mainz?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg or Mainz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wurzburg 1-2 
    Mainz 2-4

One day in Wurzburg or Mainz?

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

The beautiful town of Mainz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Wurzburg or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wurzburg. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mainz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Wurzburg or Mainz?

Wurzburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wurzburg. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Wurzburg or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the impressive destination of Wurzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mainz is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Wurzburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wurzburg is €120, while the average daily cost in Mainz is €142. 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 Wurzburg and Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wurzburg 79
    Mainz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wurzburg 158
    Mainz 148
Compare Hotels in Wurzburg and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg


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: Wurzburg Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wurzburg 7.89
    Mainz 37

Is it cheaper to fly into Wurzburg or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz and Wurzburg 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
    Wurzburg 35
    Mainz 41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wurzburg 8.94
    Mainz 33

Tours and Activities in Wurzburg

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

  • Romantic Road Ticket from Würzburg(Main) to Rothenburg/Tauber (SUNDAY): $40
  • City tour through Würzburg with the Bimmelbahn: $12
  • Discover Würzburg Walking Tour with Typical Wine Gift: $20
  • Medieval Musical Tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber: $22
  • Rothenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour in Würzburg: $7.58
  • WÜrzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • Würzburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Wurzburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $251

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: $206
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $130
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $130
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $206
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $196
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $206

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wurzburg 12
    Mainz 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Wurzburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wurzburg:

  • Private mulled wine tour in Würzburg: $54
  • Romantic Road Day Trip from Würzburg to Rothenburg/Tauber incl. Wine tasting : $97


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

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


Which is Bigger, Wurzburg or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Wurzburg. When comparing the sizes of Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg or Mainz in the Summer?

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

Wurzburg is around the same temperature as Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Wurzburg averages around 20°C (68°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 Wurzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wurzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during summer. Wurzburg gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Wurzburg usually receives less rain than Mainz. Wurzburg gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wurzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Wurzburg or Mainz in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Wurzburg is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wurzburg in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Wurzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Wurzburg gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Wurzburg usually gets less rain in October than Mainz. Wurzburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Wurzburg or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Wurzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg. In January, Wurzburg is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Wurzburg average around 1°C (35°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Wurzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during winter. Wurzburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wurzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Wurzburg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wurzburg 1°C (35°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Wurzburg or Mainz in the Spring?

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

Wurzburg is around the same temperature as Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Wurzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Wurzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Wurzburg gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Wurzburg usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Wurzburg gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wurzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Wurzburg

Wurzburg Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)