A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leiden vs. Mainz for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Leiden or Mainz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, Mainz attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Mainz travel costs.

Leiden and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Mainz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mainz than Leiden. Mainz is bigger than Leiden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mainz is better known for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Leiden is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Mainz is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Also, Mainz is famous for The Mainz Cathedral. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

The Mainz Cathedral

How is Leiden different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leiden 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 Leiden. There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological 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 Leiden or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Leiden and Mainz offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Leiden has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mainz makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Leiden or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Leiden is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Leiden. The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.

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 Leiden or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Mainz?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Leiden and Mainz.

Leiden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.

Mainz is a great destination for shopping. 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 Leiden or Mainz More Beautiful?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Mainz attracts visitors from all around. Located on the Rhine River, the town is filled with history and charm.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Mainz Better for Families?

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

Leiden is a very family-friendly destination. The town has a mix of educational, cultural, and fun activities for all ages. There are many family-friendly museums like Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs and wildlife, and the National Museum of Antiquities, which brings history to life. There's also the Corpus Museum, which takes visitors on a unique, interactive journey through the human body.

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 Leiden or Mainz Better for Couples?

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Leiden is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy charming towns and world class museums will enjoy their time here. The town also has picturesque canals, historic bridges, and cozy street cafes. Couples can explore places like the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, or enjoy a quiet moment in the scenic Leidse Hout Park.

Is Leiden or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Mainz are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Leiden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers affordable accommodations, including hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as reasonably priced eateries serving Dutch classics and international cuisine. Many of Leiden’s attractions, like its historic canals, charming streets, and open-air markets, can be enjoyed for free.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Leiden or Mainz Better for Students?

Both Leiden and Mainz are superb destinations for students.

Leiden is very popular with students. It feels like a university town and it's home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The town also has a young atmosphere with plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural events that influence the student life. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate by bike, and the abundance of libraries, study spaces, and museums provides ample resources for learning and inspiration. Housing can be difficult to find though.

Mainz is a great city to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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

Mainz is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Mainz. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Leiden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

Is Leiden or Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

Leiden is very walkable. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Leiden or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Leiden 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 Mainz.

One day in Leiden or Mainz?

In Leiden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scholarly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Leiden or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Leiden or Mainz?

Leiden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Leiden. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Leiden or Mainz?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Leiden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Mainz, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leiden Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden 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 Leiden or Mainz?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Leiden or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leiden is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leiden in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Mainz. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Leiden in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Mainz. Most visitors come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mainz can be very cold. Leiden can be very cold during winter. Leiden is a little warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Mainz. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Mainz. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, Leiden is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leiden in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mainz. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Leiden