Mainz
Getting There
There’s a train from Frankfurt airport that is easy and takes about 30 minutes. 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
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 Drink Recommendations
Cafes
Baristaz
Coffee shop
Dinner
Stadtbalkon
Restaurant in town with a great Peanut Butter Bacon Burger
El Chico
Good spot for Steak
Santiago
Cuban restaurant
Heiliggeist
Good restaurant in downtown Mainz
Wilma Wunder
Restaurant right on the main square in Mainz with seating inside and outside. Nice terrace and upper-level patio outside that overlooks the square
Moctezuma
Mexican restaurant
Augustinerkeller Mainz
German restaurant with hardy German food
Ristorante Incontro
Great Italian restaurant for a nicer, true Italian meal
Ristorante alCortile
Another good Italian restaurant with a nice little outdoor area to sit
Gusto
Italian Restaurant
L’Angelo
Italian on the main road in Mainz
Best Worscht in Town
Quick stop for currywurst. Be careful, it gets quite spicy if you select a high spice level
Scotch n Soda
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.
Drinks and Nightlife
Eulchen Schlossbiergarten
Beer garden with delicious hummus and pretzels.
Mole Biergarten – Sommerlounge
Beer garden with tasty French fries
Gutleut
Bar in downtown Mainz
Irish Pub
Irish pub in downtown Mainz with live music
Red Cat
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.
Spiritus
Mixology bar for more unique drinks
Braunewell
Outdoor spot to grab a drink on the river
The Porter House Irish Pub
Irish pub
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 daytrips within the region.
Visiting
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.
Timing
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.
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks