What to do and see in Mainz, Germany: The Best Places and Tips

January 10, 2018 Osvaldo Hartline

Two thousand years of history have lent Mainz a cosmopolitan air, and museums and cathedrals of various architectural styles dot the city. Bring home a book as a souvenir—Gutenberg worked here, and the museum dedicated to him is a highlight.
Restaurants in Mainz

1. St. Stephan's Church (Stephanskirche)

Kleine Weissgasse 12, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 6131 231640
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 731 reviews

St. Stephan's Church (Stephanskirche)

Although often overshadowed by the tremendous Martinsdom, this Cathedral is notable for its dazzling Chagall stained-glass windows.

Reviewed By SMO2015 - Canada

During my walking tour of Mainz with friends, I was advised to look inside the St. Stephan’s church. A lovely interior with unique Chagall blue stained glass windows and an interesting history. While not as ornate as some other churches, worth a look see.

2. Markt

Marktplatz, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 6131 122283
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 416 reviews

Markt

Reviewed By GezginIstanbul - Istanbul, Turkey

Mainz does not have a classic old Altstadt, but a very busy market place where many shops and restaurants are located including a Gutenberg Denkmal.

3. St. Augustine's Church

Augustinerstr. 34, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 4906 1312530
Excellent
54%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 133 reviews

St. Augustine's Church

Reviewed By TheShis - Tel Aviv, Israel

This is a beautiful 18th century church, located in central Mainz. The most striking aspect of this church is undoubtedly its stunning ceiling with its beautiful colors. However, the altar and the organ are impressive as well. The acoustics in the church is absolutely wonderful.

4. Mainz Cathedral (Dom)

Markt 10, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 6131 253412
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Mainz Cathedral (Dom)

The city's huge main Cathedral is over 1,000 years old and contains the tombs of several of the city's archbishops.

Reviewed By GaeFire - Florence, Italy

Definitely worths visiting The outside is majestic and a bit opulent, but the inside is just incredibly wonderful. Free access.

5. Gutenberg Museum

Liebfrauenplatz 5, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 6131 122640
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 710 reviews

Gutenberg Museum

Located in the hometown of Johannes Gutenberg, the founder of the printing press, this museum displays a recreation of his original printing press and a collection of other exhibits.

Reviewed By 101jumper - Kansas City, Missouri

The Gutenberg Museum is a tribute to a man who shaped the modern world. The museum is located in the Mainz old town in a picturesque ancient building. The outside welcomes visitors with statues representing old typeset and pictures used in the printing process - incidentally a great way for the blind to experience the museum. Entrance fees are reasonable at just 10 Euros for a family. There is also a coat rack and small lockers in the lobby. One may rent headphones, in several languages, to assist with the displays although most have English titles and descriptions. Please note the strictly enforced no photos policy. The displays include some of the world’s rarest books including Gutenberg Bibles and examples from across the globe and world history. Visitors can watch demonstrations of a printing press (and take advantage of the next door printing lab). The gift shop included pens, paper and an assortment of other themed items.

6. Kirschgarten

55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Excellent
48%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Kirschgarten

Reviewed By TheShis - Tel Aviv, Israel

This is a lovely street with gorgeous typical German houses and architecture. The street offers numerous restaurants and cafés, as well as other shops. This is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and some light shopping.

7. Fastnachtsbrunnen

Schillerplatz, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Excellent
49%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Fastnachtsbrunnen

Reviewed By Steve A - Ban Phe, Rayong

Heidelberg has a Carnival that rivals Rio. This Fountain pays tribute to the jesters that perform during carnival. It is often referred to as the Carnival Fountain. The platz is a nice place to spend some time people watching

8. The Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding

Neutorstrasse 2, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 6131 286630
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 129 reviews

The Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding

Reviewed By TheSpear - Colorado

While the remains of the actual ships are limited (mostly the bottoms or hulls), it's some of the only Roman ships of this period that have been found. The reconstructed versions are well done and really help you understand what the craft might have been like. I'm also adding some photos because there's a lot of material beyond the ships here. I particularly liked some of the Tombstones and other items that were connected with shipping in the area.
It's free and it's the only such museum in the world. There are a moderate number of English descriptions summarizing major sections ad well ad eachof the ship remenants, however, many of the exhibits and details are only in German. For 3 Euros, you can get an English booklet which helps with context though not the details that you're missing. It's also one way to support the museum.

9. Temple of Isis & Mater Magna

Roemerpassage 1, 55116 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

Temple of Isis & Mater Magna

Reviewed By Merz45 - Germany

The museum (in a shopping centre) consists of just one very large underground room containing remains of the (originally far more extensive) Isis and Mater Magna temple, surrounded by exhibits excavated from the site. It's a fascinating collection and excellently set out, with explanatory notes and a video presentation. I really wanted to see the curse tablets (Fluchtafel) which were very well displayed.
If at all possible ask for a guided tour - we were extremely lucky to have a knowledgeable archaeologist who explained the signifance of this very rare temple type and provided us with all sorts of fascinating details about the exhibits. The museum has to fund itself (the staff all work on a voluntary basis), so though entrance is free, they are extremely grateful for contributions. If you are interested in Roman history, an absolute must. (And if you were never much good at Latin, it's good to know that the original curse tablets are by no means free from spelling and grammar mistakes.)

10. Opel Arena

Eugen-Salomon-Str. 1, 55128 Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany +49 6131 37550443
Excellent
40%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 154 reviews

Opel Arena

Visit a guided tour through the OPEL ARENA. A distinctive, red and striking beauty, the OPEL ARENA was built in 2011 as the new stadium of 1. FSV Mainz 05 (under the name Coface Arena). It does not only serve as a venue for the Bundesliga matches of 1. FSV Mainz 05, but also as an event venue and a new figurehead of the city of Mainz. Architecturally, it was constructed with four steep one-tier stands and open corners with a view of the city and the surrounding nature. These features make it stand out in football Germany. The OPEL ARENA unites the spirit of traditional football venues with the functionality of modern stadiums. Keeping the loud and thrilling atmosphere that the old Bruchwegstadium was known for in mind during the process of building the new stadium, the OPEL ARENA was designed with steep, close to the pitch stands with a high percentage of standing tickets. With a total capacity of 34.000 fans, there are 13.700 standing tickets for home fans and away guests. The lower part of the back straight stands are the support area with 3.000 places for standing fans which generates a special boiling-pot like atmosphere for a fierce support of the team. From the outside, the large red archways which frame each of the four stands, make a lasting impression. At night, they are illuminated, showing over a long distance that the OPEL ARENA marks the home of red-and-white 1. FSV Mainz 05 Guest who visit the OPEL ARENA will be greeted by a welcoming entrance. When coming to the stadium from the center of the city, the first thing to be seen is a cubic porch, which harmonizes with the architectural design of the red archway and opens up to the inside in a light-flooded foyer. The hospitality area of the OPEL ARENA seats about 2.700 VIP fans – 2.000 on the VIP stands and 700 in 35 VIP boxes. Passionate, emotional, modern, down-to-earth, familial, open, hospitable, friendly and not taking itself too seriously – the club 1. FSV Mainz 05 has a special kind of style and character. This is also reflected in its custom-made stadium. It says OPEL ARENA on the outside, but within lies the heart of football.

Reviewed By Matthew23LFC - Liverpool, United Kingdom

I came here to watch Liverpool for a friendly game in the summer and I thought it was a very average stadium compared to other stadiums in Germany. It is a very modern stadium with good outside entertainment so overall it was a good match...MoreThank you for rating the OPEL ARENA! Outside gamedays you could easily reach the OPEL ARENA by citybus or by tram. The next stop "Hochschule Mainz" is located only 500m away.

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