A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Mainz for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Zermatt or Mainz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Zermatt and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Mainz are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Mainz is known for its museums and historical sights. Zermatt is more touristy than Mainz and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Mainz Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mainz is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Zermatt. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Mainz is not a skiing destination.

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

Mainz is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zermatt and Mainz offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Mainz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Zermatt or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

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

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Mainz Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Mainz is not a resort destination.

In Zermatt, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Mainz is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Around Zermatt visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Mainz?

Zermatt is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt or Mainz Better for Families?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly destination. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Mainz Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zermatt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt or Mainz Better for Students?

Mainz is a well-known place for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Mainz is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. 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.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Zermatt or Mainz a more walkable city?

Zermatt and Mainz both are amazing when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Mainz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zermatt or Mainz?

In Zermatt, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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.

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 Zermatt or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Zermatt or Mainz?

Zermatt is a fun place to experience. In Zermatt, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Zermatt or Mainz?

You'll find nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Mainz, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Mainz. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Zermatt is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Mainz. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Mainz. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mainz can be very cold. Zermatt can be very cold during winter. In January, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Mainz. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Zermatt