Despite being the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Rhine Valley and the capital of Germany's largest wine region, Mainz still flies largely under the radar. The most popular things to do in Mainz all revolve around the mighty Rhine River: stroll along the scenic Rhine promenade, set sail on a boat cruise to admire the fairy-tale castles and medieval towns upstream, or sample the region's famous riesling at a riverside vineyard. Back in the city, stroll around the atmospheric old town and admire the half-timbered buildings of the Kirschgarten.
While spring and fall can be great for sightseeing, it's a good idea to time your visit for one of Mainz's annual events. The city pulls out all the stops during Carnival (Fastnacht) in February/March, making it a fun alternative to Cologne's mega-festival—don't miss the renowned Rose Monday parade. In the summer, the Mainz Wine Market (August/September) is a must for wine lovers, and the popular Summer in the City concert series takes place along the Rhine riverbanks.
The cobbled lanes of the old town are best explored on foot, and all of the attractions in central Mainz are walkable. If you're staying outside the center, hop on one of the five tram lines that crisscross the city or make the most of the meinRad bikesharing service. There are also several bike and e-bike rental outlets around the city. A 3-day mainzcardplus grants unlimited access to all public transport in Mainz and neighboring Wiesbaden.
Mainz's other claim to fame is Johannes Gutenberg, the 15th-century inventor of the movable-type printing press. Bookworms can learn more at the Gutenberg Museum, where you can pore over old books and manuscripts and see two of the original Gutenberg Bibles. If you're more of a foodie than a history buff, don't miss the huge farmers market held on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings in Marktplatz—try the bread, sausage, and wine (Weck, Worscht, un Woi), the classic local breakfast.
