Tips for a three-day short trip with the mainzcardplus
A short trip to Mainz - three days full of culture, history and enjoyment. I work for the city marketing organization in Mainz and know the mainzcardplus offer inside out - but what does it actually feel like to experience your own city through the eyes of a visitor? That's exactly what I wanted to find out and grabbed the card to spend three days exploring Mainz. 72 hours of free travel by bus and train, free entry to many museums, a guided tour of the city and discounts on cultural events and souvenirs - all for just 22 euros. The card is convenient bookable online or directly on site.
Day 1: Arrive, immerse yourself and enjoy
First stop: Discover Mainz in the mainz STORE
My first port of call is the mainz STOREdirectly on the cathedral square. There are not only lots of tips for my stay here, but also genuine Mainz souvenirs - from wine from Rheinhessen to the popular Mainzelmännchen. While browsing, I stop at an interactive station: the "mainzgefühl-Experience". It's all about what makes Mainz special - conviviality, openness and lots of charm. And then this one sentence pops up: "Move your bobbes to Mainz!" - a clear invitation to actively explore the city. Let's go!
Art and history at the Landesmuseum Mainz
Just a few minutes' walk away is the State Museum Mainzone of the oldest museums in Germany. Here I immerse myself in thousands of years of art and cultural history - from Roman finds to contemporary works. After my tour, a special surprise awaits me: the newly opened Museum Café Arte. I treat myself to a short break with homemade cake and freshly brewed coffee before continuing.
Wine and conviviality in a Mainz wine bar
What would Mainz be without its wine? At the end of the day, it's worth visiting one of the cozy wine taverns in the old town. In Mainz, it's quite normal to sit together with other guests - and after just a few minutes, I'm involved in a lively conversation. "Where are you from? And how do you like it?" Mainz is a place where it's easy to make friends. I end the evening with a glass of Riesling and a portion of Spundekäs cheese.
Day 2: Culture, history and stagecraft in Mainz
Gutenberg Museum & Natural History Museum - Two worlds under one roof
No visit to Mainz without the Gutenberg Museum! As one of the most important printing and book museums in the world, it presents the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg. Particularly fascinating: the two original editions of the 42-line Gutenberg Bible and the interactive media card, which brings the exhibited objects to life in an exciting way. I try out the selfie station and print my picture directly onto the card - an original souvenir!
As the actual museum building on Liebfrauenplatz is making way for a new building, the interim exhibition "Gutenberg-Museum MOVED" is currently on display in the Natural History Museum to find. Just one ticket gives you access to both museums! After so much printed art, I immerse myself in the time of the prehistoric Rhine and let myself be inspired by the exhibits of the Hauerelefant and its offspring.
Market visit: enjoy the Mainz lifestyle
A morning full of culture makes you hungry - how good that the Mainz weekly market is not far away. Between fresh fruit, fragrant flowers and Rhine-Hessian specialties, I let myself drift and try what is a must here: Weck, Worscht & Woi. You can't get any more Mainz lifestyle than that!
City tour & cathedral museum - experience history up close
Strengthened, we continue with a City tour. Mainz shows itself from its best side - the authentic guides not only tell facts, but also bring the history of the city to life. I learn more about the St. Martin's Cathedral in Mainz as a landmark of the city and discover hidden alleyways with picturesque half-timbered houses.
If you want to experience even more culture, you can visit the Episcopal Cathedral and Diocesan Museum visit. Here you can discover over 3,000 square meters full of works of art from over 1,000 years of history - from Romanesque sculptures to magnificent church treasures.
Evening program: Theatre experience at the Staatstheater Mainz
After so much history, it's time for some stagecraft in the evening. The Mainz State Theater offers a varied program of opera, drama and dance. I opt for a modern production and let myself be inspired by the unique atmosphere of the theater - an inspiring end to a day full of culture.
Day 3: Relaxed Rhine cruise and departure
Cruise with the KD - Experience the Rhine from its most beautiful side
After two days full of new impressions, relaxation is on the agenda today.
With the Cologne-Düsseldorfer (KD) Boat trip out onto the water. Thanks to my mainzcardplus, I get a 20 % discount on the trip - a nice bonus! The tour takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, past medieval castles, steep vineyards and small, charming villages.
A highlight: the detour to Rüdesheim. I take the opportunity to take the cable car to the Niederwalddenkmal. I float silently over the vines and enjoy the panoramic view of the Rhine. A perfect moment to reflect on the last few days.
Departure - keeping Mainz in best memory
After the relaxing boat trip, I return to Mainz - and this time not with a suitcase full of souvenirs, but with a head full of new impressions. I spent three days experiencing the city from a different perspective, letting myself drift and trying out for myself what I normally only recommend. Discovering Mainz with the mainzcardplus was definitely worth it - and I'm sure it's also the perfect companion for guests. And who knows? Maybe I'll take some time out again soon for a short vacation in my own city.
