Mainz

Logistics

Getting There

Mainz is a city in central Germany. The closest, and fortunately large, airport is Frankfurt airport. This means it’s quite easy to reach Mainz from Europe, but also from locations further away as Frankfurt is a large international airport. There’s a train from Frankfurt airport that is easy and takes about 30 minutes to reach Mainz. If you arrive in terminal 1, follow the signs to the trains. They should take you down an escalator and then there will be machines to purchase a ticket. If you arrive in Terminal 2, take the Sky Line train to Terminal 1 and then follow signs for the regional trains (Regionalbahnof). When purchasing a ticket for Mainz Hbf, it will present you with the choice between “uber Frankfurt/Hbf” or “uber Russelsheim” and you want to choose “uber Russelsheim.” You will be taking the S8 to Wiesbaden VIA Mainz Hauptbahnof. You can also choose to take a train to Mainz Kastel, however, it will put you on the other side of the Rhine River and require a slightly longer walk to the city center.

Getting Around

Mainz is a very walkable city, at least around the primary areas you would look to spend your time. They also have rental electronic scooters that allow you to see more than just the main areas.

Accommodations

Stay near the big church which is where the Marktfruhstuck is on the weekends. This gives you access to the main places you’d want to explore

Things to do and see

Marktfruhstuck

Main market square in Mainz with a big market here on Saturdays. In one part, people are outside drinking Weinschorle, which is essentially white wine and some sparkling water. Everyone spends time outside socializing and enjoying the weekend.

Mainzstrand

Grab a drink on the Rhine river. In the summer, they have an area outside with sand, volleyball courts, chairs and tables lined along the river

City Center

Wander around the town and see the church in the city center and cute German buildings

Wiesbaden

Large town next to Mainz where you can wander around, see the church, shop, or just hang out in the park

Rudesheim

A cute little German town, surrounded by vineyards at the bottom of a hill and along the Rhine.

Rudesheimer Kaffe

Try this alcoholic coffee drink as it was invented in Rudesheim. Brandy and sugar cubes are added to a cup along with coffee, whip cream and some chocolate sprinkles. Restaurant Graf von Rudesheim is one spot serving this drink.

Cable Car

Take the cable car up to the top of the hill. It goes over vineyards and gives gorgeous views of the town, river, and vineyards

Drosselgasse

Cobbled street with numerous historic buildings, restaurants, bars and shops

Frankfurt

Easy day-trip from Mainz. Check out the Frankfurt page for ideas on what to do here

Soccer Game

Check out a Mainz soccer game

Rosenmontag during Karneval

Mainz is known for having one of the larger Rose Monday Carnival celebrations, with a multi-hour parade, food and drink carts all around, and people drinking from the crack of dawn

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg is an easy day trip from Mainz. It is quiet without a ton to do aside from wandering around. There are a few aspects to note if you want to check the boxes:

Upper vs Lower Level

The city has 2 levels, the upper level and lower level. The upper level is the old town and lower level has restaurants, bars, and the canal.

Le Chem de la Chorniche

Europe’s most beautiful “balcony” overlooking the old part of the city. You can walk along the promenade up here for views.

Casemates du Bock

War caves (total of 23 km of underground tunnel networks – a few tunnels are open to the public)

Grund

Explore the lower town of Grund which sits on the Alzette River

Trier

This small town is the oldest town in Germany. There is not a lot here besides its main square (Hauptmarkt) and the Porta Nigra (city gates), but is a nice spot to stop for lunch and a stroll.

Bacharach

German town about 45 minutes away from Mainz by train. Very quiet little town, but has some beautiful viewpoints of the town and vineyards. There are also spots you can do wine tasting like Fritz Bastian.

KD

Take a boat down the river from one town to another in the summer.

Heidelberg

Town about 1 hour by car away to spend a few hours and explore

Food and Drinks

Stadtbalkon

Dinner

Restaurant in town with a great Peanut Butter Bacon Burger

Visit their website →

El Chico

Dinner

Scotch n Soda

Lunch or Dinner

Restaurant in Wiesbaden that has good schnitzel, which is a traditional German meat dish with a bread coding on the outside and served with different sauces.

Eulchen Schlossbiergarten

Drinks

Beer garden with delicious hummus and pretzels.

Visit their website →

Red Cat

Club

Underground club in Mainz with a few different rooms, one with a dance floor, one for smokers, and one for just hanging near a larger bar.

Visit their website →

Spiritus

Drinks

Beer garden with delicious hummus and pretzels.

Visit their website →

Other Notes

Duration

Mainz is a cute town, with many people finding it more appealing than the nearby city of Frankfurt. Consider visiting Mainz along with taking advantage of some of the day trips within the region.

Time of year

Fortunately, it is not a touristy city at all, which is quite nice and allows for a relaxed visit. You feel part of the community and will enjoy simply exploring the city and wandering through the streets. There are always events and festivals going on, but one of the best times to visit Mainz would be during Carnival when the city transforms to celebrate.