Visit the Beautiful Sights of Mainz

Visit the Beautiful Sights of Mainz – When cruising to Mainz, Germany expect to be amazed by the exciting and long spanning history of the town dating back 2,000 years! The Mainz Cathedral dominates the skyline and is one of the most important buildings in Germany. The city is also known for its wines, is the wine capital of Germany and an exciting stop on your cruise to Mainz, Germany. The location of the city is also something interesting. Located along the Rhine and the Main Rivers, it was always ideal for trading and thus exciting relics still exist there today. There are also a few museums to discover more about the history and culture of the area that leave the townspeople so proud. On certain days of the week, you can also find that the outdoor market place offers a variety of interesting items that would make great souvenirs. Find the Best Rhine River Cruise Guide here, or visit us on Pinterest.

Mainz Weather – Best Time to Visit Mainz

The best time to visit Mainz is May thru September when there are pleasant temperatures and almost no precipitation.  The summers are warm in Mainz with an average temperature of 68°F. July temperatures can peak around 77°F, making it the ideal month to visit. Autumn in Mainz is beautiful with temperatures averaging 48°F. Spring has pleasant weather, but average temperatures will be in the mid 50s, a little chilly. Winter averages cooler temperatures averaging 36°F.

Mainz Top Sights to See & Do

St. Stephens Church

Over one thousand years ago, in the year 990, Willigis, Archbishop of Mainz and Archchancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, endowed a collegiate foundation here and had the church built as the “Empire’s Place of Prayer”. The constructor of the cathedral was himself laid to rest in St. Stephen’s in 1011. The new Gothic building was erected between 1290 and 1335. It stands on the foundations of the basilica built in Ottonian-pre-Romanesque style around 990. When the (gun) Powder Tower located nearby blew up in 1857, St. Stephen’s was also badly damaged. The rich baroque decoration was removed during the reconstruction.

Gutenberg Museum

Experience the history of printing, writing, and books in the Gutenberg-Museum. The Gutenberg-Museum, which lies opposite the cathedral in the heart of the old part of Mainz, is one of the oldest museums of the book and printing in the world. The Museum was founded by a group of Mainz citizens in 1900 and dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, today’s “Man of the millennium”, and his inventions.

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Mainz Cathedral

The phenomenal six-towered Mainz cathedral stands tall in the center of this ancient town. It’s one of the remarkable accomplishments of Romanesque architecture on the upper Rhine. Its construction began in AD 975, and it’s a wonder that it still reigns supreme today.  View the numerous monuments and tombs of once-influential archbishops and princes, along with several centuries-old religious sculptures.

Landesmuseum Mainz (Mainz State Museum)

Mainz State Museum located at the center of the city at Grosse Bleiche is one of the oldest museums in Germany. The museum’s collection of works of arts and artefacts covers all periods from the prehistoric era to the 21st century. The main collections are: Prehistory, Roman empire, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, graphic art from 16th to 20th century, Dutch paintings, 18th century porcelain and 19th century paintings, Judaica, city history, art-déco glass and 20th century art. Watch out for special exhibitions of art from specific periods in history and contemporary art.

Go to the Marktplatz

The Marktplatz, or marketplace, is Mainz’s central square in front of the cathedral. It’s one of the city’s most attractive spots, surrounded by charmingly painted and half-timbered buildings. Touring the market on Saturdays is one of the best things to do in Mainz. The Christmas market is every December and the marketplace changes into a winter dreamland. With all the market stalls and fairy lights lit up, the place looks stunning. 

Best Mainz Restaurants

Weinstube Hottum $11 – 30

Rustic and cozy, the wine tavern Hottum is one of Mainz’s oldest Weinstuben. It fills up as soon as the doors open at 4pm, so be prepared to share a table with locals. Telephone: 49 6131 223370 Web: Weinstube Hottum

Heiliggeist $11 – 30

A restaurant in a former sacral building, a hospital from the 14th century – quite a spectacular setting to enjoy food classics such as Schnitzel or Spätzle. Telephone: 49 6131 225757 Web: Heiliggeist

Goldener Hirsch $11 – 30

Modern yet cozy; very good food, popular with a younger crowd and families. Located in the hip and quirky Mainz Neustadt area. Offers a lunch menu. Telephone: 49 6131 2108020 Web: Goldener Hirsch

Weinhaus Wilhelmi $11 – 30

Quaint and cozy with a great atmosphere, always busy, lovely winding stairs. The menu is definitely skewed to the Pfalz; they have a good selection of wine, but also serve beer. Telephone: 49 6131 224949 Web: Weinhaus Wilhelmi

Weinhaus Schreiner $21 – 40

A slightly more formal-feeling and more refined then the other listed restaurants, with an excellent seasonal menu of regional specialties using local ingredients. A little pricier, but worth every penny. Telephone: 49 6131 225720 Web: Weinhaus Schreiner

Best Mainz Wine Bars

Ladendorfs Weinhaus

Wine lovers should not be deterred by the subdued looks of Ladendorf’s exteriors – this wine place carries some of the most sought-after wines of Germany. Also, the owners manage to list the latest hot-shot vintners – even before their stars begin to rise. Food is simple and tasty Abendbrot-style, think of a range of ploughman’s platters. Telephone: 49 6131 2493609 Web: Ladendorfs Weinhaus

Rote Kopf

The “Red Head” Weinstube is popular amongst all generations. Owned and run by Marcus Landenberger, the only vintner with a winery in the city center of Mainz, this friendly joint features classic cuisine of the region. The wine list is strong on wines from Rheinhessen at extremely fair prices. Landenberger’s own wines are well represented, obviously. But also wines from the regions of Mosel, Rheingau, Saar and Pfalz are available.  Telephone: 49 6131 231013 Web: Rote Kopf

Weinhaus Bluhm

Mind your head when entering Weinhaus Bluhm. Located in the heart of Mainz’ old town, uber-cosy Weinhaus Bluhm blends German tradition with a touch of French nonchalance added by owner Murielle. Unsurprisingly there is a French touch to the food menu, too. Weinhaus Bluhm is somehow a nod to Mainz’s francophile past and present. Telephone: 49 6131 4906343 Web: Weinhaus Bluhm

Weinhaus Wilhelmi

One of the oldest Weinstuben of Mainz. If you look for history and tradition in Mainz food and wine culture, this is it. Weinhaus Wilhelmi celebrated 125 years of uninterrupted hospitality in October 2019. The building goes much further back though, to 1750 when its construction just outside of the fortified city walls required a special permission by the military administration. The historic wood clad dining room is adorned with pictures of famous guests and the atmosphere totally compensates for a slightly uninspired wine list. Telephone: 49 6131 224949 Web: Weinhaus Wilhelmi

Weinbar Laurenz

This wine bar got founded only 5 years ago and skyrocketed to almost instant stardom amongst German wine insiders. With no tradition to mind, a small but excellent seasonal food menu, and a wine list with plenty of excellent wines by the glass the team at Laurenz hit a homerun. Book well ahead if you want to enjoy an evening in this modern yet cozy wine bar. Telephone: 49 6131 2168660 Web: Weinbar Laurenz

Best Mainz Hotels