Location: Mainz
Top Things to do in Mainz
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What to do and see in Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate: The Best Things to do
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. Gutenberg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 937 reviews
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 DAS1951 - London, United Kingdom
Very interesting museum with everything you need to know about the development of printing in Germany and Europe. Well-presented artefacts. Two original Gutenberg bibles and copies of his press (no originals exist).
2. St. Stephan's Church (Stephanskirche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Although often overshadowed by the tremendous Martinsdom, this cathedral is notable for its dazzling Chagall stained-glass windows.
Reviewed By Aussie135 - London, United Kingdom
St Stephans was founded in 990 but it is most famous for its stained glass windows which were created by Marc Chagall and then Charles Marq. The church itself is beautifully simple, lofty and illuminated by the majesty of its stained glass windows. Chagall intended the windows to be a token of friendship between Germany and France, providing a message of understanding and peace. He chose blue, 18 shades of blue, for his biblical cycle of nine windows because they appeal to our very life spirit just as a clear blue sky on a summers day lifts the heart. He thought gazing on such lovely shades of blue placed the visitor in a more meditative state and made it easier to commune with god.. The windows tell the story of creation and they endow the church with great beauty. It is remarkable that he finished his windows in his 98th year. Charles Marq was a life long friend of Chagall and carried on his work in the church by completing the window in the north and south aisles. Marq created magnificent windows using only 8-10 shades of blue and they fit perfectly in harmony with the Chagall windows and are a joy to see. Buy a guide book and spend time in this joyful and peaceful place admiring the work of two great artists. There is much to see and admire including the church organ. Don't forget to visit the cloisters which are also lovely. At the back of the church there is a WC. My cruise ship guide never mentioned this church which was amazing but I rate it as an absolutely unmissable place to visit in Mainz. Its a bit of walk uphill but well worth it Highly recommended- do not miss.
3. Mainz Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,279 reviews
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 tragio - Artemida, Greece
You can see the cathedral from all around the city. Its in the middle of a very big square. Worth your time and photo shooting.
4. The Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Other than the Rhine cruise, this was the best thing we did in Mainz. It was really excellent. Even if you have limited interest in Roman ships and history, go for a short visit. It’s free so you can leave when you like. It’s an open, white modern looking space and there’s a lot to interest kids as well. The museum is centred around the discovery of 6 Roman ships that were only uncovered in the 1980s. They found them when they were building the Hilton Hotel along the river front. Unbelievable to think that these 2000 year old ships were lying just around the corner, preserved in the mud all of that time. The boats include patrol vessels, cargo ship and ancient warship. They are really well preserved. The remains of the river patrol vessel looked like massive skeletons of plesiosaurs or underwater beasts. There are also large working replicas on display. The information is very good. As you’d expect, it’s mainly in German but there is enough in English too. Even for those who want more specific detail like construction, steerage and propulsion, there’s enough English information. The only thing we were curious about but couldn't find any information on was what had happened to the boats to cause them to all be left in the one spot. Had they been abandoned? Or sunk or wrecked by a storm? A really unique feature of the museum was the large restoration workshop. Unfortunately no one was at work when we were there but normally large windows let you watch them making full-scale working replicas of the Roman boats. There are videos showing the boats being trialled on the Rhine. Mainz was a very important ancient Roman port so there is a lot of additional information about the Roman settlement. Large colourful dioramas across whole walls show what Mainz might have looked like at that time. There are displays of marble busts, sarcophagai, relief sculpture, coins, urns and other artefacts like discharge documents from Roman sailors. We spent well over an hour here and could have spent two but it is only small so you can visit it relatively quickly too. GETTING THERE: It is right by the Romisches Theater train station. From the cathedral it is about 12 -15 min walk. Once you’ve finished, you are very close to the river which makes for a lovely walk along the promenade. Walk past the Hilton Hotel and see where the boats were uncovered.
5. Temple of Isis & Mater Magna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Merz45 - Aachen, 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.)
6. St. Augustine's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By toycp - Melbourne, Australia
You know you have arrived when you see some statues above the door, Loved this church, was built between 1768-1771 , this Baroque style church has an impressive organ from 1773 which has been mainly preserved to its original condition, with its beautifully painted & gilding gold ceiling, chandeliers and beautiful alter & interior. Do pop in, l am sure you will not be disappointed..
7. Markt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
The best time to visit Marktplatz (the central square) is Tuesday, Friday and Saturday when the Farmers’ Market is on. The square fills with local seasonal fruit and veg, wines, cheeses, colourful flowers and hot food stands with German sausages and specialties. The flowers weren't the only colourful thing. The blue and green cheeses (lavender and basil pesto) on the cheese stall also caught our eye. If you are looking for some slightly different gifts to take home rather than the usual souvenirs, then there are some good foodie gifts here (wine, nougat, honey, biscuits). We picked up some local Riesling and a selection of different fruit nougats (see photo). There is a great atmosphere and the stallholders were very friendly. It starts early and finishes around 2pm I think. While you are there, look out for: • 1000 year old Mainz Cathedral • Pretty pastel coloured row of traditional style buildings • Marketbrunnen – lovely pink Renaissance fountain • Heunensaule ‘Giant’s Pillar’ – column in centre of the square • Nagelsaule – a fascinating oak pillar that raised funds in WWI by selling the nails that were hammered into the wood was a WWI fundraiser people
8. Fastnachtsbrunnen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By toycp - Melbourne, Australia
It doesn't look like much from the distance but on closer inspection you can see all the figurines depicting the carnival. It stands over 9 meters tall with over 200 bronze figurines, with some more nearby, a nice area to stop and relax on a hot day.. Do check it out , you won't be disappointed.
9. Kirschgarten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By bdon257 - Morpeth, United Kingdom
We enjoyed this part of old Mainz with its half timbered buildings. It is a lovely part of the city, mainly pedestrianised of at least traffic restricted so walking around here is a pleasant activity. Bars, cafes and restaurants abound and it is easy to find a good place to sit and enjoy people watching.
10. Opel Arena
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 180 reviews
Visit a guided tour through the OPEL ARENA. A distinctive, red and white striking beauty, the OPEL ARENA was built in 2011 as the new stadium of 1. FSV Mainz 05. Architecturally the OPEL ARENA was designed with steep, close to the pitch stands with a high percentage of standing tickets and a total capacity of 33.305 fans.
Reviewed By B7687GIjosem - Mainz, Germany
Modern Stadium with seating and standing places. Family friendly with capacity of 30.000 people. Simple but high quality catering. Lts of tasty sausages and beer.
