Mainz coat of arms

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Mainz

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State capital
—°1828
Mainz (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Mainz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Mainz Cathedral early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility in the imposing crypt.
  • Use public transport tickets for cheaper travel around the city.
  • Taste the local wine at one of the many wine stands on the banks of the Rhine, especially at the Saturday market breakfast.
  • A stroll through the winding streets of the historic old town (Kirschgarten) is especially worthwhile in the evening light.

🍽 Food

🍽
Spundekäs

A local cheese preparation often served with pretzels. Find it in almost any traditional wine tavern in the old town.

🍽
Rheinhessen Wine

Enjoy Riesling or Silvaner directly at the Saturday market breakfast on the Cathedral square.

🍽
Weck, Worscht un Woi

The traditional Mainz trio (bread roll, sausage, and wine), well-suited for a rustic picnic on the Rhine.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly market on the Cathedral square

One of the most beautiful weekly markets in Germany, good for fresh regional products and a snack.

🛍
Augustinerstraße

The main shopping street in the old town with many small boutiques and specialty shops.

🧘
Rose Garden

A quiet park area in the city park with hundreds of rose species, first-rate for a short break.

🧘
Rhine Promenade

Walk along the river a bit away from the center towards the Zollhafen for more peace and quiet.

🧘
Mainz Citadel

The old fortress has not only history but also vast green spaces away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Highlights of 2026

1

Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, has a history spanning over 2,000 years, beginning with the establishment of a Roman legionary camp. Situated at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers, the city was a major religious and political center in the Middle Ages, known as 'Golden Mainz'. One of its most significant monuments is the Mainz Cathedral (St. Martin's), a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that defines the Old Town skyline. Mainz achieved worldwide fame through Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable type printing, to whom the Gutenberg Museum is dedicated. Today, Mainz is a modern media hub and the headquarters of the ZDF television network. The city is also famous for its lively Carnival (Fastnacht) tradition, attracting thousands of visitors annually. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM sites, it also honors its significant Jewish heritage. The surrounding wine culture shapes the city's gastronomy and social life, earning it the title of 'Great Wine Capital'.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C015913182019151051
Rain mm604950437062676750565968

Live webcam – Mainz

See what it looks like near Mainz right now.

Mainz › South: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Botanical Garden · 0.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
222,889
Coordinates
49.99290, 8.24730

Facts

  • Mainz has about 220,000 inhabitants (as of 2023).
  • The city was founded in 13 BC as Mogontiacum.
  • Mainz Cathedral features six towers.
  • The Gutenberg Museum was established in the year 1900.
  • Mainz is the largest wine-growing city in Germany.
  • The ShUM sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021.

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Notable places around

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Sights in the town Mainz (8)

Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin

This over 1000-year-old Romanesque cathedral with its six towers is the most prominent landmark of the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Gutenberg Museum

The world museum of printing arts showcases the history of writing and features two original copies of Johannes Gutenberg's famous Bible.

Electoral Palace

The former residence of the Electors of Mainz stands out with its magnificent red sandstone facade in the German Renaissance style.

Mainz Market Square

The central square next to the cathedral is lined with historic townhouses and features a Renaissance fountain, one of the oldest of its kind.

Mainz Citadel

This Baroque fortress on the Jakobsberg hill testifies to the city's military history and now hosts museums and cultural events.

Carnival Fountain

This nearly nine-meter-high monument in Schillerplatz features over 200 bronze figures depicting the lively traditions of the Mainz Carnival.

Rhine Promenade Mainz

The spacious riverside walkway is a popular meeting spot, offering great views of the Rhine river and the neighboring state of Hesse.

Strand Bastion von Schönborn🎡 recreation

Situated on the banks of the Rhine, the Bastion von Schönborn beach brings maritime flair to the historic city of Mainz. Visitors appreciate the lively ambiance, which invites them to spend sociable hours in deckchairs overlooking the passing ship traffic. For balmy summer evenings, this riverbank is one of the most beautiful spots in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Johannes Gutenberg?
The inventor of the printing press was born in Mainz; the Gutenberg Museum displays original 15th-century Bibles.
What is Fastnacht?
The Mainz Fastnacht is one of Germany's biggest carnival events, featuring a famous parade on Shrove Monday.
What is the significance of the Mainz Cathedral?
St. Martin's Cathedral is a Romanesque masterpiece over 1,000 years old with six towers that define the city skyline.
Where can I try Mainz wine?
Mainz is considered Germany's wine capital; many wine taverns in the old town offer local Rieslings from Rheinhessen.
Are there Roman ruins in Mainz?
Yes, you can visit the Roman Theater or the Sanctuary of Isis and Mater Magna right in the city center.
Mainz: where is it located?
Mainz is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Mainz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin, Gutenberg Museum, Electoral Palace.
Mainz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mainz: why is it worth visiting?
Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, has a history spanning over 2,000 years, beginning with the establishment of a Roman legionary camp.
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