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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

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.

Zurich and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Zurich different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National 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 Zurich or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Mainz offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Mainz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Zurich or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Mainz Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Zurich has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore 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 Zurich or Mainz?

Zurich is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Zurich. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very family-friendly destination. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Mainz Better for Couples?

Zurich and Mainz both very good destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Mainz makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Zurich or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Mainz are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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.

Is Zurich or Mainz Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Zurich is a very popular city for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

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

Both Zurich and Mainz offer very good public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Mainz can get you to most places 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 Zurich or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Mainz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Mainz?

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this liberal destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city 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.

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 Zurich or Mainz?

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

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Zurich or Mainz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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 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 Zurich and Mainz, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Mainz?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Mainz in the Summer?

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

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°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 Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Mainz in the Autumn?

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

Zurich is a little warmer than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Mainz. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Mainz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, 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 Zurich in the winter. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Mainz in the Spring?

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

In April, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Mainz. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Zurich