Mainz in 3 Days: Culture, Wine, and Shopping

Discover the historic charm of Mainz, Germany.

03 May 2023

Mainz, located on the Rhine River, offers visitors a mix of historic, cultural and culinary experiences. The city is home to the Gutenberg Museum, where one can view the printing press and other works of Johannes Gutenberg. Mainz is also famous for its wine and visitors can sample the local Riesling and visit the numerous vineyards throughout the region.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Mainz's Cultural Gems

  • Hotel: Hilton Mainz City
  • Start with a visit to St. Stephan's Church, a 1,000-year-old Gothic masterpiece
  • Walk along the picturesque banks of the Rhine river and grab a coffee from one of the trendy cafes nearby
  • Lose yourself in the Gutenberg Museum, home to the world's oldest printed Bible, and learn about Mainz's rich printing history
  • Enjoy a traditional German lunch at Zum Babbelnit, famous for its Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and Apfelwein (apple wine)
  • Visit the Mainz Cathedral, one of Germany's most historically significant churches, and take in the stunning views of the city from its tower
  • End the day at the Gautor jazz bar, where locals gather for live music and delicious cocktails
Day 2

Sipping Wine and Relaxing in Rheinhessen

  • Spend the day touring the beautiful vineyards of Rheinhessen, Germany's largest wine region, with Mainz Wine Tours
  • Visit the historic town of Nierstein and try some of the region's best Rieslings and Silvaners at Weingut Schätzel
  • Take a relaxing walk around the vineyards and enjoy the impressive landscapes of the region
  • Stop by the charming town of Oppenheim and admire its well-preserved medieval buildings and quaint streets
  • Have dinner at Weinhaus zum Grünen Baum, a cozy restaurant with traditional German cuisine and a fantastic selection of local wines
  • Return to your Hilton Mainz City hotel and indulge in some of the hotel's luxurious amenities, such as its sauna and spa facilities.
Day 3

Shopping and Exploring Mainz's Quirky Spots

  • Head to the bustling weekly market at Domplatz and buy some fresh produce and local specialties
  • Browse the shops and boutiques in the Altstadt (Old Town), a colorful and vibrant neighborhood with plenty of quirky stores and coffee shops
  • Visit the Mainz State Museum and learn about the city's long and fascinating history
  • Indulge in some delicious pastries and coffee at Café Kupferberg, one of Mainz's oldest and most beloved cafés
  • Take a stroll through the Stadtpark and admire its beautiful gardens and water fountain
  • Finish your stay in Mainz at Heilig-Geist-Spital, a charming restaurant known for its regional specialties, like sauerbraten and kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes).

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Mainz, Germany by plane is to fly into Frankfurt Airport and then take the S-Bahn (S8 or S9) to Mainz Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes around 25 minutes.

Car

If you plan on driving to Mainz, you can take the A60 autobahn, which connects the city with the rest of Germany's highway system. Additionally, Mainz is located along the A643, which connects the city with neighboring cities and towns.

Train

If you are already in Germany, taking a train to Mainz is a convenient option. You can take an InterCityExpress (ICE) or InterCity (IC) train to Mainz Hauptbahnhof from most major cities in Germany, including Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Mainz, the city is located along the Rhine river, which is a major shipping route for cargo and passenger boats. If you are interested in traveling by boat, you can take a river cruise that stops in Mainz or take a ferry from nearby towns along the Rhine.

Bus

Buses are a popular way to travel in Germany, and there are several bus companies that offer routes to Mainz. Flixbus and Eurolines are two of the most well-known companies. Both offer frequent departures to Mainz from major cities across Europe.

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