Is Mainz expensive to visit?
Mainz is a popular town that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
If you choose to make it so, Mainz can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $76 (€73) per day, mid-range travelers spend $180 (€172) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $375 (€358) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mainz.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Mainz is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Palma de Mallorca or Kos.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mainz Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mainz?
The average Mainz trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mainz travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mainz cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Mainz without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $76 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
The town boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Mainz, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Mainz will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $180 per person, per day.
Mainz boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. GuestHouse Mainz is an excellent family-friendly option, while Atrium Hotel Mainz is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Mainz here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $375 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the town with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Mainz
Hotel prices in Mainz can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $83, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $155. Budget accommodations range from $58 to $241, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mainz for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $156 (€149). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $78 (€74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mainz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mainz include:
- Atrium Hotel Mainz starting at $76
- AC Hotel Mainz by Marriott starting at $110
- GuestHouse Mainz starting at $102
- TOP Hotel Hammer-Nichtraucherhotel starting at $82
- Hof Ehrenfels starting at $88
Mainz has a great public transit system, so it's possible to stay further outside the town and commute in. This may keep your accommodation prices down, but your transportation costs will go up. It can also be inconvenient if you're short on time.
If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Many visitors prefer to discover Mainz by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.
The town's captivating old town is a big magnet for tourists. While accommodations in this area can be more expensive, they often have a unique charm and easy access to everything you need.
Transportation Budget in Mainz
Mainz offers excellent public transportation. 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. To save cash and travel quickly, opt for the public transit. And if you need extra convenience, taxis and rideshares are readily available.
Visitors who like to get their exercise by walking will enjoy their time here. The town is easily explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $38 (€37) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mainz. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mainz is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$38
€37
How much does it cost to go to Mainz? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Mainz will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Mainz
The culinary offerings in Mainz are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Mainz can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mainz is $74 (€70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$74
€70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mainz is around $74 (€70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $159. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mainz are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
If you are looking for a high-class venue to wine and dine in, look no further than Heiliggeist, or "Holy Spirit." Though the restaurant was founded during the 20th century, the building of the Holy Spirit was built in 1238 as a hospital by the request of Archbishop Siegfried III. A mixed institution, the Holy Spirit served many purposes throughout the Middle Ages, such as providing housing for the sick, homeless, and elderly. The oldest preserved citizen's hospital in Germany, the building measures measures 33 x 19 meters and is two stories. However, today the Holy Spirit works as a fine dining affair, specializing in international cuisine. With menu options mainly pertaining to breakfast and lunch, the Holy Spirit's meals include Parisian breakfast, New York BLT, Amsterdam breakfast, eggs deluxe, and Bavarian breakfast. Have a bite of something delicious at the Holy Spirit!
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
By making a picnic, you can save money and take in the views. Locate a nearby grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic location for your meal.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mainz
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Mainz, as it is known for its food, historical sights, romance, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mainz typically cost an average of $35 (€33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$35
€33
One of the main reasons for why Mainz has claimed global fame is due to its most important and historic museum: the Gutenberg Museum. Lying opposite to the cathedral in the heart of the old part of Mainz, the Gutenberg Museum is one of the oldest museums of book and printing in the world. Founded in 1900, the Gutenberg Museum is dedicated to Time Magazine's most important person: Johannes Gutenberg, the maker of the printing press. The Museum includes a wide variety of treasures, including two original Gutenberg Bibles of the mid-15th century as well as a reconstruction of Gutenberg's workshop. Besides the main exhibit, the Museum also acquires the educational print shop where you can try typesetting and printing, a museum shop, a great variety of educational events and activities for young and old, and several cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood. For adults, the entrance fee is 5 Euro, and the exhibition building is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Discover and appreciate the wonders of Johannes Gutenberg at the Gutenberg Museum!
Being a metropolitan area, Mainz naturally has quite a few shopping malls. One of the many prime selections of shopping destinations include Roemerpassage, or "Roman Passage." Centrally located in the inner city of Mainz and the heart of the city, Roman Passage has 35 specialty stores that sell quality brands. Designed in the sleekest, most modern of styles, Roman Passage has a wide variety of venues that serve health and beauty, gastronomy, food, fashion, toys, and home and living. Some of these shops include BIBA, Buddhas, Douglas, Engbers, and Hugendubel. What's more, Roman Passage also has a touch of the historical as it holds the Isis and Mater Magna Shrine. Discovered in the years 2000 to 2001, the foundations of a Roman temple were found during the excavation work for the underground car park of the Roman Passage. Honoring the ancient Egyptian deity of Isis and the Roman Magna Mater, the Shrine can be visited during select hours. Shop ‘til you drop and enjoy the history at Roman Passage!
Historical Sights:
The historic old town is a popular destination for many visitors. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.
A nice way to explore destinations in Mainz is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz for $129 details
- Mainz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide for $229 details
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral for $205 details
Mainz, Germany
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.