Things to Do in Mainz

Thousand-year-old red sandstone cathedral with Romanesque architecture, tombs of archbishops, and a treasury museum (separate entry fee).

🕐 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm

💡 Climb the west tower for panoramic views of the city and Rhine—€3 entry, steps are steep but worth it.

A thousand-year-old Romanesque cathedral with dark red sandstone, tombs of archbishops, and a quiet cloister. The interior is vast and cool, with stained glass and a large bronze door.

🕐 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 12:45pm-3pm

💡 Head to the northeast tower base around 2pm for the best light on the medieval carvings. Free guided tours in German at 2pm on Saturdays.

One of Germany's great imperial cathedrals, with a striking red sandstone exterior and cloisters. Free to enter the main nave.

🕐 Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 12:30–15:00

💡 Visit mid-morning on a weekday to avoid crowds. The treasury (small fee) is worth paying for.

Romanesque cathedral with centuries of history, free to enter the main nave and see tombs, stained glass, and the cloister.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:30-17:00

💡 Go early on a weekday to avoid crowds; check for free guided tours in English on Saturdays.

Gothic church known for its stunning blue stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. Free entry, quiet and reflective atmosphere.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-17:00

💡 Visit around 11am when the sun hits the windows just right; photography allowed without flash.

A terrace overlooking the city and vineyards, part of the historic Kupferberg sparkling wine cellars. Quiet and free to visit.

🕐 Grounds accessible daily 09:00–20:00 (check cellar tour times if interested)

💡 Go late afternoon when the wine tour groups have left. No ticket needed—just walk up the path from the street. The view is best in autumn.

Excavated remains of a 2nd-century Roman theatre that once seated 10,000 people—visible from an elevated walkway.

🕐 24/7 (exterior access only; no indoor exhibits)

💡 Pair it with a walk along the nearby Rhine promenade; the site itself has limited signage, so check the Mainz tourism website for a free audio guide download.

A flat, paved walkway along the Rhine with views of the river, bridges, and the citadel on the opposite bank. Benches, grass strips, and a few kiosks.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Walk east from the Theodor-Heuss-Brücke towards the old harbour for quieter spots. Sunset is best for photos. Bring a picnic—the kiosks overcharge.

A wide riverside walk stretching from the Old Town to the Theodor Heuss Bridge. Benches, trees, and views of the Rhine.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the grassy steps near the Rathaus at sunset—locals do it. No entry fee, but buy wine from a nearby kiosk for €3 a glass.

Long pedestrian walkway along the Rhine river with benches, trees, and views of the river and bridges. Great for a stroll or bike ride.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring a picnic and sit near the old customs house for best sunset views; free open-air cinema in July.

Small, quiet park with cherry trees, a pond, and benches—good for a break with a book or a picnic away from the tourist crowds.

🕐 24/7

💡 Visit in late April when the cherry blossoms are out; the nearby bakery on Gaustrasse sells good bread and pastries.

Contemporary art gallery in a former factory building, hosting rotating exhibitions of modern and street art.

🕐 Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm (closed Mon-Tue)

💡 Free entry on the first Wednesday of every month; check their website for late-night openings until 9pm on Thursdays.

A contemporary art gallery in a converted industrial space, showing rotating exhibitions of modern painting, sculpture, and photography. Normally €7, but free on Wednesdays.

🕐 Wed 11am-7pm, Thu-Sun 11am-6pm (free only Wed)

💡 Go on a Wednesday afternoon around 3pm—it's quiet then. Check the website first for current exhibition; some are stronger than others. Allow 90 minutes.

Covers the history of printing with two original Gutenberg Bibles, working replicas of his press, and hands-on demonstrations. Entry is €5, students €3.

🕐 Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm

💡 Arrive for the 11am printing demonstration (included in entry). Skip the second floor's modern media section unless you're really into it.

Museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of printing, featuring two original Gutenberg Bibles and working replica presses.

🕐 Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm

💡 Go on the first Saturday of the month for free entry to the permanent exhibition; the printing workshop demo (€2 extra) is the highlight.

Large archaeological and art museum with Roman artifacts, medieval paintings, and modern works. Free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon

💡 On free days arrive before 11am to avoid queues; the Roman glass collection alone is worth the trip.

Houses original Gutenberg Bibles and a working replica of his printing press. Low entry fee compared to other museums.

🕐 Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 11:00–17:00

💡 Entry is free on the first Saturday of the month. Allow 1–2 hours. The basement print shop demo is the highlight.

Museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. Low entry cost, with working replica presses and the Gutenberg Bible.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-17:00

💡 Students pay €4 after 4pm on Fridays; the hands-on printing demo is worth queuing for.

An Art Nouveau Protestant church with a striking copper dome and beautiful stained glass. Peaceful and often empty.

🕐 Tue–Fri 14:00–17:00, Sat 10:00–13:00, Sun after service until 12:00

💡 Climb the tower (free) for panoramic views of the city and Rhine, but only on Saturday mornings. Check the door for hours.

A 17th-century fortress on a hill with thick walls, a dry moat, and great city views. The grounds are public; inside the main building is a museum (€3).

🕐 Grounds always open; museum Wed-Sun 10am-5pm

💡 Climb the bastion near the main gate for a panorama over the old town and cathedral. Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry to the museum.