Unwind in Mainz: The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary
Drink wine on the banks of the Rhine in Mainz, Germany.
03 May 2023
Mainz, Germany, is a city on the Rhine River known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. As a tourist, visitors can explore the famous Mainz Cathedral, stroll through the picturesque Old Town, and enjoy local wines at one of the many cozy taverns. Other must-sees include the Gutenberg Museum and the remains of the Roman aqueduct.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Stay at the Hilton Mainz City hotel for chic comfort and reliable service.
- Stroll along the Rhine river promenade to soak in the city charm.
- Visit the Gutenberg Museum to see the world-famous Gutenberg Bible.
- Try the local specialty, Spundekäs, a cream cheese spread with onion and caraway seeds, at Zum Spiegelzelt.
- Catch a performance at the State Theatre, which showcases cutting-edge productions from opera to plays.
- Visit the towering Mainz Cathedral, one of Germany's most significant Romanesque churches.
- Walk down the picturesque Augustinerstraße, lined with unique shops and cafes.
- Head to the Markt for a lively outdoor market where you can taste fresh produce and browse handmade crafts.
- Try Mainz's famous Riesling wine at Weinstube Kupferbergterrasse, surrounded by stunning vineyards.
- End the day at Café Kupferberg with a cup of coffee and a slice of their signature cake, the Mainzer Kirschtorte.
- Take a train to Heidelberg, a beautiful university town a short distance from Mainz.
- Visit the Heidelberg Castle and enjoy the stunning views of the Neckar River.
- Go shopping at the charming boutiques in the Old Town.
- Walk across the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) for an iconic photo spot with the castle in the background.
- Have a hearty meal of traditional German fare at Zum Güldenen Schaf before heading back to Mainz.
- Visit the Landesmuseum Mainz to explore the state's art, culture, and history.
- Take part in a craft workshop at Atelier Goldstein, an artist-run studio supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Attend a concert at the Frankfurter Hof Cultural Centre, a hotspot for jazz, classical, and new music.
- Satisfy your cravings with a mouth-watering burger at Bullman's American Diner.
- Relax at the intimate Weinstube Reichsapfel, perfect for leisurely conversations over a glass of wine.
- Go on a guided bike tour along the Rhine to discover the city's natural beauty.
- Spend the afternoon at Stadtpark, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city.
- Enjoy a modern take on classic German cuisine at Favorite Weinbistro.
- Stop by Chocolat for some of the best chocolate in the region.
- End your trip with a bang at the KUZ, a multifunctional hall hosting a diverse range of cultural events.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.