A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mainz vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Mainz or Budapest?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mainz and Budapest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. The beauty of Mainz is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Mainz travel costs.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Budapest is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Budapest travel costs.

Mainz and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Mainz different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Mainz or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mainz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Mainz or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Budapest has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Mainz or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Both Mainz and Budapest have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Budapest?

Budapest is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Mainz or Budapest More Beautiful?

Mainz and Budapest both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Mainz is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Located on the Rhine River, the town is filled with history and charm.

The beauty of Budapest is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.

Is Mainz or Budapest Better for Families?

Budapest is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Budapest is a family-friendly city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Mainz or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Budapest are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Mainz or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Mainz or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Many students visit Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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

Budapest is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some places easily. 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.

Is Mainz or Budapest a more walkable city?

Mainz and Budapest are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Budapest?

In either Mainz or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Mainz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Mainz or Budapest?

The beautiful town of Mainz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mainz or Budapest?

Mainz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mainz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Mainz or Budapest?

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Mainz or Budapest?

Mainz is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the historic big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Budapest, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz than you might in Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Budapest, 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 Mainz or Budapest?

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 Mainz or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Budapest. Many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Mainz is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Mainz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mainz usually receives more rain than Budapest. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mainz or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. The weather in Mainz can be very cold. Mainz is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mainz or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Mainz during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mainz is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Mainz