Mainz On a Budget

Sights
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!Activities
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!Food and Dining
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!Transportation
While rental car services are provided throughout the city, all the destinations listed above and many more can be reached by foot. There are signposts throughout the city as well as maps provided at any information center. However, if you are looking to explore the ins and outs of Mainz more extensively, purchase the Rheinland-Pfalz-Ticket, offering unlimited travel in local trains for up to 5 persons inside the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Wiesbaden. The ticket costs anywhere from 21 to 37 Euros depending on where you purchase your ticket from (with purchasing tickets online being the cheapest option). Live and enjoy the German life and stop by Mainz, Germany!Related:
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Train and Bus Prices
The best prices for buses and trains in Germany can be found on Omio (formerly GoEuro). They let you search across all train, bus, and plane routes throughout the region.