Mainz is the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, and an old university town on the left bank of the Rhine. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Mainz Germany – Photo Credit: Nour Rbati
How to spend one day in Mainz Germany
In this 1-day itinerary in Mainz, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Mainz
Start the day by visiting the old center of Mainz, which has many attractions and sights, such as Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum, as well as numerous elegant boutiques, cafés, and wine taverns.
Still, in the old center on Rheingoldstrasse, pass by the two ancient towers (Eisenturm and Holzturm) that formed part of the city’s fortifications. Head to Zitadelle, located on the edge of the old town, built-in 1660.
Be sure to take a tour and wine tasting.
Things to see
- Mainz Cathedral
- Gutenberg-Museum
- Kunstverein Eisenturm
- Holzturm
- Zitadelle
Day 1 Itinerary Map
Sights in Mainz
1. Gutenberg Museum
The Gutenberg Museum is located in the beautiful old house Zum Römischen Kaiser, dating from 1664.
The museum is dedicated to the printing world.
Liebfrauenstraße 5, 55116
2. Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral is located on the Marktplatz.
The cathedral museum has numerous artifacts and documents related to the building.
Markt 10, 55116
3. Altstadt
The old town of Mainz is charming with baroque churches, elegant boutiques, cafes, and wine taverns.
Altstadt
4. Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum
The 17th-century Election Palace houses the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum. The museum was founded in 1852.
It features prehistoric and Roman collections as well as material from the beginning of the historical period.
Ernst-Ludwig-Platz 2, 55116
5. Holzturm and Eisenturm
The two ancient towers formed part of the fortifications of the city.
The oldest is the Eistenturm. It was built as a watchtower and today it houses art exhibitions and events.
The Holzturm also served as a watchtower. Today it houses a variety of community groups.
Holzstraße 34, 55116 / Rheinstraße 59, 55116
6. Mainz Citadel
The citadel is situated at the fringe of the old town. The Fortress was built in 1660.
During World War I and World War II the citadel was used as a prisoner-of-war camp.
Windmühlenstraße, 55131
7. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden occupies an area of 10 hectares. It is maintained by the University of Mainz.
Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 9, 55128
8. Wine Tasting
Mainz is considered the wine capital of Germany. It is located in the largest wine region of the country in Rheinhessen.
Where to stay in Mainz
1. Hyatt Regency Mainz
The Hyatt Regency Mainz is located on the banks of the Rhine within walking distance of historic downtown attractions.
Rooms are elegant and feature a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and minibar. Some rooms offer a view of the river.
The hotel has an indoor pool and a spa.
Templerstraße 6, 55116 Mainz, Germany
2. Hilton Mainz City
The Hilton Mainz City is located in the city center.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and work desk.
Münsterstraße 11, 55116 Mainz, Germany
3. Novotel Mainz
Located a 15-minute walk from the cathedral, Novotel Mainz offers great value for money.
The rooms are equipped with a TV and offer tea and coffee-making facilities.
The hotel has a restaurant and a historic wine cellar dating back to the 17th century and contrasting with modern architecture.
Augustusstraße 6, 55131 Mainz, Germany
4. me and all hotel Mainz
Me and all hotel mainz is located in a new building 10 minutes walk from the historic center. Rooms have a small seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar.
The hotel has a gym and a sauna.
Binger Str. 23, 55131 Mainz, Germany
5. the niu Mood Mainz
the niu Mood is located 2 km (1.2 miles) from the historic center of Mainz and offers excellent value for money.
The rooms are cozy and have a flat-screen TV and a safe.
The hotel has a sauna.
Mombacher Str. 6, 55122 Mainz, Germany
6. Best Western Hotel Mainz
The Best Western Hotel Mainz is located within walking distance of the city’s central station.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, kettle, and coffee maker.
The hotel has a restaurant.
Wallstraße 56, 55122 Mainz, Germany
Shopping in Mainz
1. Galeria Kaufhof Mainz
Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.
Schusterstraße 41-45, 55116
2. Römerpassage Mainz
The Römerpassage is located 600 meters from the cathedral.
Brands: Engbers, Laura Ponti, Douglas.
Römerpassage, 55116
Plan your Trip
Mainz has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mannheim, Darmstadt.
Distances
Frankfurt – 53.2 km (33.1 miles)
Wiesbaden – 16.9 km (10.5 miles)
Mannheim – 83 km (51.6 miles)
Darmstadt – 39.6 km (24.6 miles)
Heidelberg – 91.4 km (56.8 miles)
Koblenz – 99.9 km (62.1 miles)
Mainz Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Best Palace & Castle Hotels on Rhine River Germany
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
