Mainz is an old city in Germany located on Rhine River. Despite its smaller size compared to other German cities such as Berlin or Munich, Mainz still has a long interesting past. It was founded by the Romans in the first century, and the area was nothing more than a military fortress. Over the years, the city grew more important and was the eventual home of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable printing press. Mainz has a lot to see and offer whether you’re new in town or even a local. It also doesn’t disappoint in terms of accommodations. You’ll find vacation rentals that won’t break the bank as well as high-end options. The quaint Airbnbs in Mainz are also worth checking out. If you’re in the city and looking for fun activities, check out these top things to do in Mainz, Germany.
1. Take pictures at The Marktbrunnen (Market Fountain)
Come and marvel at the marvelous Market Fountain, a historical landmark that holds a significant place in Mainz’s history. Back in 1526, Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg, the Archbishop of Mainz, generously bestowed this magnificent Renaissance fountain to the city. Today, it proudly stands as Germany’s oldest and perhaps most exquisite Renaissance fountain. Not only is it a work of art, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of historical dynamics. During a time when access to clean water was scarce, the fountain helped in easing the hurdles.
Upon closer inspection, the fountain’s intricate details reveal political and didactic elements, reminding locals and tourists alike of Mainz’s storied past.
The Marktbrunnen (Market Fountain)
Address: Marktplatz (opposite the shop Sinn Leffers) 55116 Mainz
Website: The Marktbrunnen or Market Fountain
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
2. Tour the stunning Mainz Cathedral
The stunning Mainz Cathedral is a cherished landmark that has been a place of worship and a vibrant hub for Mainz residents. For centuries, it has served as a testament to the city’s rich history. Inside, you can admire the impressive new organ and explore the fascinating discoveries within the ancient Roman-era old cathedral. Outside of liturgical times, the cathedral welcomes visitors to explore its grandeur. Public tours are also held on the last Saturday of each month. Conveniently, there are several car parks nearby for easy access.
The blessed place also strives to ensure accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly areas, dedicated seats for the visually impaired, and an inductive audio system for the hearing impaired.
Mainz Cathedral
Address: Markt 10, 55116 Mainz
Website: Mainz Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6:30pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 12:45pm - 3pm, 4 - 6:30pm
3. Attend a mass at St. Stephen's Church
This grand Gothic Church is one of the most beautiful around the city and it was built from 1267 to 1340. You don’t have to be a religious person to enjoy a tour here but after all those centuries, mass is still being offered in this historic building. Take in the beautiful medieval architecture and marvel at this masterpiece.
St. Stephen's Church
Address: Kleine Weißgasse 12, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: St. Stephen’s Church
Price: Free
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4. Visit the Gutenberg Museum
The Gutenberg Museum is the oldest printing museum in the world and is not only part of local history but arguably world history as well, since Johannes Gutenberg essentially invented mass printing. The museum is named after the inventor of the printing press who was from Mainz, and the museum features lots of works and artifacts from all over the world that relate to printing
The Gutenberg Museum
Address: Liebfrauenpl. 5, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: The Gutenberg Museum
Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD
5. Check out different sea vehicles at the Museum of Ancient Seafaring
Located on the site of a former covered market area, the Museum of Ancient Seafaring will take guests through a passage of time and bring to several historic periods of seafaring. Learn how different people learned to navigate the waters of the oceans and the seas and marvel at the old boats that have stood the test of time.
Museum of Ancient Seafaring
Address: Neutorstraße 2b, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Museum of Ancient Seafaring
Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD
6. Learn German history at Roman-Germanic Central Museum
If you’re looking for a little more history on your tour of Mainz, then check out the Roman-Germanic Central Museum. The purpose of this institute is to study the old world from the pre-history of the stone-age to the middle ages. There are several divisions of the museum with a permanent collection available to the public as well as conferences open to the public as well.
Roman-Germanic Central Museum
Address: Ernst-Ludwig-Platz 2, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Roman-Germanic Central Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
7. View artwork at The Iron and Wood Towers
The Iron and Wood Towers are are an iconic part of the city and piece of Mainz history. Although the Iron tower is not made of iron it is named such because of the iron market that was once held nearby. The same reasoning applies to the wooden tower. These days, the landmark towers are part of an organization that exhibits art and various projects for exhibitions.
The Iron and Wood Towers
Address: Holzstraße 34, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Iron and Wood towers
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
8. Look at the beautiful flowers of Botanischer Garten Mainz
Maybe you’ve always been so curious about what to see in Maine apart from breathtaking buildings with stunning architecture. Well, you can also spend some time hanging out around nature and learning about trees and flowers in this city. The Botanischer Garten Mainz is an arboretum and botanical garden that is managed by the University of Mainz. The land was once a military training ground but after WWII, the city converted it to the botanical garden it is today.
Botanischer Garten Mainz
Address: Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 9, 55128 Mainz, Germany
Website: Botanischer Garten Mainz
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Grab a late night meal at Am Holztor
Indulge in some traditional German food in a traditional German restaurant. Open until late at night, Am Holztor has been open for over 150 years and is located near the Wood Tower. This little restaurant has been a favorite among locals for generations, serving food with fresh ingredients and fine regional wines.
Am Holztor
Address: Holzstraße 40, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Am Holztor
Opening hours: Tues - Sat: 5am - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
10. Have a nice breakfast at Bellpepper Restaurant
Located directly on the banks of the Rhine, Bellpepper Restaurant serves some amazing breakfast options for those with dietary restrictions, like vegans. Enjoy an amazing view while you indulge in some amazing food. They also have a large selection of regional wines available for those eating at the Bellpepper Restaurant when it’s not breakfast.
Bellpepper Restaurant
Address: Hyatt Regency Mainz, Templerstraße 6, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Bellpepper Restaurant
Opening hours: 6:30am - 10pm (daily)
11. Drink craft beer at Spiritus
Posted by Spiritus on Tuesday, 5 April 2016
With a little mystery and a little chemistry, Spiritus is a great way to spend an evening indulging in some deliciously crafted cocktails. This dimly lit cocktail bar is cozy and cool watching the bartenders make custom drinks is a fun thing to do in itself. They have a long list of craft beer available and fancy gin cocktails.
So if you ever find yourself thinking about what to do in Mainz at night during your visit, this place is a great diversion.
Spiritus
Address: Neutorstraße 5, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Spiritus
Opening hours: 8pm - 1am (daily)
12. Experience German nightlife at Alexander The Great
Germany has some great nightlife and Mainz is no exception. If you want to rock out one night here, make sure to visit Alexander The Great. No, not the dead Greek conqueror, but the club named after him! This Metal and Rock bar has been a favorite for local Metalheads for a while so stop by, have a drink and party on.
Alexander The Great
Address: Hintere Bleiche 8, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Alexander The Great
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 8pm - 6am (closed on Sun - Tues)
Price: Free entry
13. Listen to live music at Frankfurter Hof Mainz
Maybe metal in a rock club isn’t for you. No problem because Mainz has a lot of other great music venues. Head to Frankfurter Hof Mainz and check an outdoor concert if there’s a performer in town that you’re into. Located in the heart of the old town in Mainz, you’ll be surrounded by history while you listen to great tunes.
Frankfurter Hof Mainz
Address: Augustinerstraße 55, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Frankfurter Hof Mainz
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 20 - 80 USD
14. Savor luscious cherry liquor at the Amorella Kirschmanufaktur vineyard
If you’re a non-German speaker, simply pronouncing “Amorella Kirschmanufaktur” might be a little on the difficult side but once you get a taste, that won’t matter. Specializing in cherry flavored liquor, Amorella Kirschmanufaktur is a great way to treat your tastebuds and taste some local specialty drinks.
Amorella Kirschmanufaktur
Address: Chausseehaus 1 55127 Mainz-Marienborn Germany
Website: Amorella Kirschmanufaktur
Opening hours: 1pm - 6pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
15. Buy a book at Exquisite & Büchergilde Bookstore Silke Müller
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to see Mainz with less effort, maybe a book about the city can help you. Bookstores are a little rare these days, that’s why it is always a good idea to go to one when you see it. The Exquisite & Büchergilde Bookstore Silke Müller is one of Mainz’s favorite spots for its literary circles. Grab a book while you visit or check in to see if there are any events going on like talks or author visits.
Exquisite & Büchergilde Bookstore Silke Müller
Address: Neubrunnenstraße 17, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Exquisite & Büchergilde Bookstore Silke Müller
Opening hours:Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 20 - 50 USD
16. Get a scoop of German ice cream at EisCafe De Covre
Posted by Eiscafe de Covre Gelateria on Saturday, 18 January 2014
Germany knows how to do treats right. German pastries and chocolate are only the tip of the iceberg, though, because EisCafe De Covre is putting German ice cream on the map. This quaint little shop is located in the heart of town and it is modern, bright and has some great service. Enjoy a wide variety of flavors and sundaes.
EisCafe De Covre
Address: Schillerpl. 16, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: EisCafe De Covre
Opening hours: 9:30am - 10pm (daily)
17. Have a delicious pastry at Traditions-Backstube Vetter
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When you’re visiting Mainz, head to one of the local bakeries and try some freshly baked delicious goods. From sweet treats to fresh bread, the folks at Traditions-Backstube Vetter are known as one of the best bakers around. They’re so good in fact, that there is often a line outside.
Traditions-Backstube Vetter
Address: Jakobsbergstraße 4, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Website: Traditions-Backstube Vetter
Opening hours Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
18. Enjoy a cruise on the Rhine River (from USD 41.0)
German is probably some of the most underrated food around. Enjoy a scenic river cruise along and enjoy a gourmet meal with the amazing views of Mainz in the background. The cruise is three hours long and while you enjoy your delicious meal, you’ll learn a little about the city’s history and catch some of its most famous sights.
Rhine River Hop On Hop Off Cruise on Castle Route
Duration: 1 to 12 hours
Lots to experience in Mainz
Have you been wondering if Germany is worth visiting? With Mainz as one of its hidden gems, the country is undeniably an excellent destination. Mainz is a beautiful old city with a lot to experience. From tasty German food to old historic buildings and cool modern art. Whether you’re into food, fun or local color, Mainz has a lot to see and do. With our list above, you can try out the plethora of activities in this delightful destination.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do in Mainz, Germany
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