The charming city of Mainz packs a lot into its small size – from over two millennia of history and hidden Roman artefacts to legendary parties and half-timbered buildings ripped straight from a storybook.

All that to say, Mainz is a city with range, boasting the title of Germany’s wine capital AND capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate region. It’s also a university town famed for its carnival celebrations… that rocks a pretty great Christmas market too.

Mainz is hardly a secret these days in the world of tourism (its perfect location along the Rhine has made it a hit among river cruisers and bus tours alike) but there’s plenty to discover in this wonderful ancient city.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Mainz, read on. This post will recap the top things to do in Mainz, Germany from buzzy squares and nerdy museums to unique installations you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

1. Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom)

At over 1000 years old, the legendary Mainz Cathedral is an obvious pick for #1 on our list of Mainz must-dos. After all, this imposing Romanesque beauty has been around since the late 10th century!

Mainz Cathedral was originally commissioned by Archbishop Willigis in 975 AD and has witnessed numerous renovations and reconstructions due to fires and wars over the years, leading to the unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles that we see today.

Visitors to Mainz Cathedral are immediately struck by its impressive façade, featuring intricate stone carvings and towering spires. Not to mention the fact that it’s (somewhat) pink!

How to visit: The cathedral is open to regular visitors so long as services aren’t being held – usually on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 1pm until 5pm. You can also join a public tour of the cathedral on the last Saturday of the month, find more information here.

2. Gutenberg Museum

Apart from its epic cathedral, Mainz is known worldwide for being the birthplace of none other than Johannes Gutenberg, the genius who changed the world through a little invention known as the printing press.

Today, you can trace this epic legacy at the Gutenberg Museum, where you’ll find an extensive collection of printed materials, rare books, and historical printing equipment. One of the museum’s highlights is the display of original Gutenberg Bibles, among the first major books printed using movable type in the 15th century, as well as a working replica of Gutenberg’s printing press, so you can see first-hand how the printing process revolutionized the production of books.

Beyond these highlights, you’ll also find various exhibits that delve into the global history of written communication, showcasing diverse printing techniques as well as materials from different cultures and eras.

Nerdy as it sounds, this was one of the highlights of my first visit to Mainz, though some (who get outside more than I do) may find it boring. Honestly, if your gut tells you a printing press museum might be interesting, then you’ll probably enjoy it here.

3. Explore Mainz Altstadt

When in Mainz, there’s no doubt the prettiest part to explore is the city’s historic centre, or Altstadt.

This area’s origins date back to Roman times, when Mainz (known as Mogontiacum) was an important military and administrative center. Over the centuries, the Altstadt flourished, becoming a vibrant medieval town with narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and significant landmarks such as the Mainz Cathedral.

During World War II, much of the Altstadt was heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids, particularly in 1942 and 1945. The destruction left many of the historic buildings in ruins, drastically altering the landscape of the old town. However, in the post-war years, the people of Mainz undertook a determined effort to rebuild and restore their historic center, with a goal of preserving the character and charm of the original medieval town while adapting to modern needs.

And I’d say they succeeded!

One of the best ways to enjoy this area is simply strolling around and discovering its many hidden squares for yourself, but if you’re a Type A planner, some highlights include…

• Marktplatz: A vibrant hub for shopping and dining surrounded by picturesque historic buildings
• Kirschgarten: A picturesque square lined with pretty half-timbered buildings
• Schillerplatz: A pretty square home to the Fastnachtsbrunnen, a whimsical fountain dedicated to Mainz’s carnival traditions
• Holzturm: A six storey white and red Gothic tower that was once part of the city walls
• Eisenturm: Another one of the three remaining towers that were part of the city gates, often has exhibitions inside
• Haus zum Stein: the House of Stone, a 13th century Romanesque stone tower that looks like it should be in Italy

4. Visit Mainz Citadel (Zitadelle Mainz)

The Zitadelle Mainz, or Mainz Citadel, is a formidable fortress perched atop Jakobsberg hill, offering a commanding view of the city of Mainz and the surrounding Rhine Valley.

Constructed in 1660 by the Elector of Mainz, Johann Philipp von Schönborn, the citadel was designed to strengthen the city’s defenses during a period of frequent conflicts in Europe. Its strategic location and robust design made it a crucial military installation, playing a vital role in the protection of Mainz over the centuries.

A highlight here is the Drususstein, an ancient Roman monument commemorating General Nero Claudius Drusus (the stepson of Augustus/Octavian, the first Roman Emperor), an important historical figure in Mainz thanks to the fact that he founded the legionary camp of Mogontiacum, which later became Mainz.

Today Mainz Citadel houses administrative offices, a youth hostel, and several museums, including the Mainz Citadel Museum, which provides insights into the site’s rich history. The grounds of the citadel are also popular for leisurely walks, with well-maintained paths offering panoramic views of Mainz and the Rhine.

5. Check out the Roman Theatre (Römisches Theater)

For those keen to trace Mainz’s Roman roots, another must-see is the city’s Römisches Theater, an ancient amphitheater that is open for public ganders today.

Discovered in the early 20th century, this ancient amphitheater dates back to the 1st century AD when Mainz was known as Mogontiacum. The Mainz Roman Theatre was originally capable of seating up to 10,000 spectators, making it one of the largest Roman theatres north of the Alps.

Today, the remnants of the Mainz Roman Theatre are partially excavated and preserved, allowing visitors to walk among the ruins. There are interpretive signs that provide historical context and explain the significance of the theatre within the Roman city of Mogontiacum.

Whether you’re a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or simply curious about the Roman legacy in Germany, the Mainz Roman Theatre is a cool spot to explore.

6. Sanctuary of Isis & Mater Magna

Want to see more of Roman Mainz? Here’s another one for the list – the Sanctuary of Isis and Mater Magna, which is part of a modern underground museum.

Discovered unexpectedly in 2000 during construction work in the city center, this ancient sanctuary dates back to the 1st century AD, and was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Phrygian goddess Mater Magna (Great Mother), indicating the presence of a multicultural population in ancient Mainz, with Roman, Egyptian, and Eastern deities worshipped side by side.

The sanctuary complex itself includes a series of rooms and altars where rituals were performed, as evidenced by the numerous artifacts unearthed here by archeologists, including statues, inscriptions, coins, pottery, and offerings.

Multimedia presentations and interactive displays also enhance the experience, making the daily life of the Roman inhabitants of Mainz come alive. So, if you’re feeling especially nerdy about this chapter of Mainz’s history, be sure to stop by.

7. Visit Landesmuseum Mainz

And for a more general historical overview of the area, head to the Landesmuseum Mainz, which is actually one of the oldest museums in Germany!

This museum focuses on the rich history and cultural heritage of the Rhineland-Palatinate region. Housed in the former electoral stables, the museum’s grand architecture provides a fitting backdrop to its diverse collections, which span from prehistoric times to the modern era.

Visitors to the Landesmuseum Mainz can explore a wide array of exhibits that include Roman artifacts, medieval sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and contemporary art. While the Roman antiquities are a highlight, the museum also boasts an extensive collection of European paintings, with works by renowned artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder and Rembrandt.

8. Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise

Mainz’s perfect position at the confluence of the Rhine & Mainz rivers makes it a favourite among the river cruise crowd… but for good reason! Surrounding Mainz is one of the most beautiful stretches of the mighty Rhine river, filled with rolling green hills studded with castles and vineyards.

So, if you have time, be sure to admire Mainz (and the Middle Rhine Valley) from the water – you certainly won’t regret it.

In terms of companies that offer this in Mainz, some of the most popular ones include…

• Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD): Daily trips in summer from Mainz to St Goarhausen (I’d recommend then getting a train back and stopping off at one or two towns along the way)
• Primus: Offer day cruises and sightseeing cruises from Mainz to Frankfurt, Heidelberg and the Rheingau region
• You could also join a special Christmas cruise if you happen to be visiting during the festive season!

9. Stroll along the Adenauer Ufer

On a sunny day, one of the nicest things to do in Mainz is simply go for a walk along the banks of the Rhine, particularly within the bounds of the Adenaufer Ufer state park.

This area stretches from the Neustadt neighbourhood all the way down to the Fischtorplatz in Mainz’s old town. Along the way are many well-maintained paths lined with trees and dotted with benches so you can sit down to enjoy the views across the river. In summer, in particular, this area is very popular with locals who enjoy sunbathing and there are quite a few playgrounds to be found as well.

Next to the Theodor Heuss Bridge there’s even a little city “beach” set up at the Mainzstrand in summer, with a series of bars that are perfect for a drink and/or meal while you sink your toes into the sand!

10. See St. Stephan’s Church (St. Stephan zu Mainz)

St. Stephan’s Church is another beautiful and historically significant church nestled in the heart of Mainz.

Founded in 990 AD by Archbishop Willigis (the same archbishop who also instigated the construction of Mainz Cathedral), the cathedral boasts a number of interesting features, including its stunning stained-glass windows, created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. Installed between 1978 and 1985, these windows bathe the church interior in a mesmerizing blue light, depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

While most visitors to St. Stephan’s come to see the stunning stained-glass windows, there’s also a peaceful courtyard and garden worth having a peek at while you’re there.

11. Visit Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten Mainz)

A tranquil hidden gem in Mainz that many visitors miss is the city’s beautiful Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis with diverse plant species and tranquil paths.

It’s located a bit outside of the city centre at the Johannes Gutenberg University, but it’s worth a visit if you have the time and gardens are your idea of a good time. Established in 1946, the garden spans approximately 10 hectares and serves as a vital resource for research, teaching, and public enjoyment.

If you like wandering among pretty gardens then you will love it here, with an alpine garden, arboretum and greenhouse complex to explore. The Botanical Garden also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours, workshops, festivals, concerts and lectures.

12. Relax in Stadtpark

For those in search of more relaxing things to do in Mainz, be sure to check out Stadtpark, a serene park filled with lawns and wooded areas for picnics, walks or other activities.

This is a lovely area if you just want to spend some time outdoors, plus there’s a free birdhouse and a flamingo pond, as well as a beautiful rose garden to enjoy in spring/summer.

And if you happen to be visiting Mainz on the last weekend in August or the first weekend in September then you can also partake in the Mainz wine market – a delightful open-air wine festival!

BONUS TIP: Right next door to the Stadtpark is the Volkspark, another fun outdoor space which features a cute little steam train for riding around, along with the ruins of Fort Weisenau and a mini-golf course.

13. See the Kupferberg Museum

And from wine in a park to wine underground, one of the most unique attractions in Mainz is the Kupferberg Museum, a museum dedicated to the world of sparkling wine which contains the deepest sparkling wine cellars in the world.

Kupferberg Mainz is one of the oldest and most renowned sparkling wine producers in Germany. Their terrace location in Mainz is actually a combination of wine cellar, museum, restaurant and inn, but if you join one of their guided tours you’ll get to learn about the intricate process of sparkling wine production.

One of the highlights on a tour is getting to see the collection of ancient wine cellars, some of which date back to Roman times, and go down seven storeys underneath the building to a depth of 50 metres! The guided tours are usually only available on Saturdays, so check out the website if you might want to do one. Otherwise, you could always try out the restaurant…

14. Visit the Carnival Museum

In Germany, Mainz is perhaps best known for one of the best Carnival celebrations in the country, a tradition you can learn about year-round at the Mainz Carnival Museum.

Also known as the Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum, visitors here can explore a wide array of exhibits that showcase the history, costumes, and cultural significance of the Mainz Carnival. The museum features an extensive collection of traditional carnival costumes, masks, and props that highlight the creativity involved in the celebrations.

One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of floats and caricatures used in the famous Rose Monday Parade, a key event in the Mainz Carnival. There are also photographs, videos, and other multimedia presentations that capture the lively atmosphere of past carnivals.

If you’re not going to be able to attend carnival for yourself, this museum is the best way to still get a taste of the fun!

15. Or Attend Mainz’s Carnival Celebrations (Fassenacht)

Alternatively, if you’re lucky enough to attend the celebrations yourself, then be sure to time your Mainz visit for the city’s epic Fassenacht!

Having gone to similar shenanigans in Cologne during the Kölner Karneval, I can imagine it’s a fun time. Highlights include the Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) parade, which features elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and costumed participants tossing sweets or flowers to the cheering crowds.

The streets are filled with revelers dressed in imaginative and often humorous costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Local groups, known as “Fastnachtsvereine,” put on satirical performances and skits, poking fun at politics or current events. Basically it’s one big crazy party and a must-visit if you’re into that kind of thing!

16. Mainz’s Christmas Markets

Lastly, I need to mention another seasonal highlight – the Mainz Christmas Market.

My second visit to Mainz actually coincided with the gorgeous Christmas market period, which was of course cozy and delightful… even in spite of the crowds!

During the festive period, Mainz is home to a number of different Christmas markets scattered around its idyllic squares, with the most beautiful located in the main market square (Markt), in the shadow of Mainz Cathedral.

While not as grand as some of Germany’s best Christmas markets, this market oozes charm thanks to its collection of beautiful wooden stalls and magical fairy light set up that creates an epic canopy over its central cluster of stalls. If you can time your visit for the holidays, you definitely won’t regret it!

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Mainz?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Mainz activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂