- Mainz hosts one of the largest and oldest Roman theaters north of the Alps, discovered during the construction of a railway line in the 19th century.
- The city is one of the original Great SchUM cities, a historic alliance of Jewish communities in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz that shaped Ashkenazi culture.
- Mainz is home to the world's first university to adopt a student parliament, a tradition dating back to its mid-15th-century origins.
- During the French occupation in the late 18th century, Mainz briefly functioned as the capital of the Republic of Mainz, the first democratic state on German soil.
- The city's wine heritage is so deeply integrated that it is recognized as one of the 'Great Wine Capitals' of the world.
About Mainz
Mainz serves as the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate state and remains a pivotal center for the German wine industry. The city is renowned for its Roman heritage and as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, which is celebrated at the Gutenberg Museum [12332]. Visitors frequently explore the architectural depth of the Mainz Cathedral [11946] and the unique blue-light interiors of St. Stephan's Church [66975]. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers, the city maintains historical defenses like the Mainz Citadel [11456].
Highlights of Mainz
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Explore over a millennium of Romanesque architecture at this historic imperial cathedral.
Temples
View the iconic blue stained-glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall.
Museums
Examine original 15th-century Gutenberg Bibles and the evolution of printing technology.
Historical places
Walk the historic fortifications that once served as the primary defensive structure for the city.
Parks
Relax in this extensive parkland that runs alongside the Rhine river.
Venues
Attend a Bundesliga football match at this modern, eco-friendly stadium.
Historical places
Tour the baroque palace architecture located just across the river in Wiesbaden-Biebrich.
Museums
Discover extensive natural history and art collections housed within this prominent regional museum.
Top things to do in Mainz
The 181 highest-rated places in Mainz, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Mainz Cathedral is a Romanesque sandstone basilica that served as the traditional site for the coronation of German king...
2
Historical places
Schloss Biebrich is a prominent Baroque residence located on the banks of the Rhine in Wiesbaden. Originally commissione...
3
Venues
Mewa Arena is the primary home stadium for the Bundesliga football club 1. FSV Mainz 05, located in the Mainz-Bretzenhei...
4
Parks
Volkspark Mainz features a popular playground situated within the city's largest public park, spanning approximately 10...
5
Parks
Kurpark in Wiesbaden is an English-style landscape garden established in 1852 by landscape architect Carl Friedrich Thel...
6
Parks
Schlosspark Biebrich is a historic Baroque landscape garden located directly on the banks of the Rhine River, serving as...
7
Temples
St. Stephan's Church in Mainz is globally recognized for its nine iconic stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall...
8
Museums
The Gutenberg Museum in Mainz is one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to printing, book culture, and writing hist...
9
Museums
Museum Wiesbaden is a dual-focus institution housing both the State Collection of Art and the State Collection of Natura...
10
Historical places
The Mainz Citadel is a 17th-century Baroque fortress situated on the site of the former Jakobsberg monastery. It serves...
11
Parks
Stadtpark Mainz is a sprawling, historic green space located along the Rhine River in the Weisenau district. The park is...
12
Venues
The Staatstheater Mainz serves as the central cultural hub for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, operating out of a com...
13
Venues
Brita-Arena is a multi-purpose stadium located in Wiesbaden, serving as the home ground for the professional football cl...
14
Parks
The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Botanical Garden serves as a scientific research facility and teaching collectio...
15
Historical places
The Kurfürstliches Schloss is a 17th-century Renaissance palace in Mainz, serving as the primary residence for the Princ...
16
Museums
The Landesmuseum Mainz is housed in the historic former stables of the Electoral Palace in the heart of Mainz. It serves...
17
Museums
Museum Reinhard Ernst is a purpose-built facility dedicated exclusively to abstract art, inaugurated in 2024. Designed b...
18
Places of interest
The Theodor Heuss Bridge connects the German cities of Mainz and Wiesbaden, spanning the Rhine River. It serves as a vit...
19
Venues
The Bruchwegstadion served as the primary home ground for the Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 from 1965 until 2011. Sinc...
20
Venues
Unterhaus – Mainzer Forum-Theater is a renowned cabaret and comedy venue in Mainz, Germany, established in 1966. It serv...
21
Historical places
The Oranjendenkmal is a notable historical monument situated on the Luisenplatz in Wiesbaden, Germany. It commemorates t...
22
Parks
Hartenberg Park serves as a primary recreational green space in the Hartenberg-Münchfeld district of Mainz. The park fea...
23
Historical places
The Roman Theatre in Mainz, known as Mogontiacum in antiquity, is the largest Roman theatre north of the Alps. Built in...
24
Historical places
The Reduit is a primary fortification structure of the former Mainz Fortress system located in the Mainz-Kastel district...
25
Historical places
The Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater is a remarkably preserved subterranean Roman religious site located in the basemen...
26
Venues
27
Temples
28
Museums
29
Historical places
30
Historical places
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Mainz on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Mainz
May through September, when the mild weather facilitates Rhine river cruises and outdoor dining at local wine taverns.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the old town, core museums, and nearby historical sites.
The city is highly walkable, supplemented by an efficient tram and bus network operated by MVG.
The Altstadt (Old Town) offers proximity to major historical sites, while the area near the Rhine river provides scenic views and quieter lodging options.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs reflect typical German urban standards, though wine is locally sourced and relatively affordable.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 181 curated attractions in and around Mainz, ranked by traveller ratings.
Mainz Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Mainz right now.
The largest category is temples, with 55 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
Explore more of Germany
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
