Mainz On a Budget
On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!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
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 Europe.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:
Looking for a party in Berlin or Munich?
Are you a student or backpacker traveling alone through Germany?
Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
