Mainz attracts a decent number of travelers visiting Germany, and it can be worth stopping by if you're traveling through the area. Most travelers go to check out the Mainzer Dom Or Cathedral and enjoy Mainz's churches and museums. Explore this Mainz travel guide to get more ideas for things to see and do.
Mainz is the state capital of Rheinland-Pfalz and is remarkable for the way its 2,000-year history is woven into its culture: its founding by the Romans, the forces of medieval Christendom, revolution caused by the invention of mechanical printing, occupation by the French, and other links to the past have become ingrained in the present-day city. They can be seen in the cathedrals and churches, palaces, winding old streets, numerous museums and galleries, and the neighborhoods rebuilt after World War II. Roman relics that continue to be uncovered tie the present city to its ancient past.
In recent years, excavators unearthed the second largest amphitheater north of the alps right next to the train station Mainz Süd. Several Roman ships dating from the fourth century are on display and an Isis-Temple is now open to the public underneath the Roemerpassage, one of the city's shopping malls. The Roemerpassage may be representative of the city's success in combining the remnants of its past with a lively and modern while cosy atmosphere defined as much by the 'Gemuetlichkeit' characterizing the Rheinlaender as by the fact that Mainz is a city of 35.000 students. Since the city is located at the heart of what is called the 'Rhein-Main-Gebiet" forming one of Germany's cultural and economic centers, students have easy access to Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, and, last but not least, Frankfurt (25 min train-ride), where international companies and important banks do business within the vicinity of one of the major centers of world economics, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Due to this central location, a lot of major newspapers, radio- and TV-stations have their offices here, among them the ZDF. Due to the many opportunities the city offers specifically to students and due to the high standard of living and countless cultural events throughout the year, Mainz was voted the most student-friendly city in 2002.
This tip is not just for Mainz, it's for most small towns and/or cities in Germany. Most restaurants and shops do not take travelers checks (some places no credit cards). If you take money with you, the best place to exchange for their money is at a bank because you will get the best exchange rate.
Some restaurants will supply ice if requested.
If you find an outdoor event that is selling items such as clothing, linen, etc., I recommend you check prices at other places and then check theirs, usually you can get a little better price with the outdoor event.
Like beer or wine? Then you're going to find both in Germany. The best places to go are biergartens because you meet the citizens, and they are fun to drink with. Certain times of the year, there are wine fests you can go to. Each town has their own fest which will sometimes have music and/or dancing.
If you are going to Mainz to study, stay in Hechtsheim Wohnheim! We had many a GREAT party here :D (there's a bar downstairs open three nights a week).
Red Cat (on Schillerplatz) is a quaint little club that can be good fun if you go with a good crowd! Then afterwards head over to Subway for a nice sandwich!
I discovered the delights of 50 Grad on Klubnacht Semester 2 (this is for students) and the music that night was brilliant and the place was packed! It really does depend on the nights you go out. Some nights are surprisingly full and others not so much...
Overall, Mainz is a good spot to go out but make sure you go with a few people to guarantee a few laughs!
Mainz is the state capital of Rheinland-Pfalz and is remarkable for the way its 2,000-year history is woven into its culture: its founding by the Romans, the forces of medieval Christendom, revolution caused by the invention of mechanical printing, occupation by the French, and other links to the past have become ingrained in the present-day city. They can be seen in the cathedrals and churches, palaces, winding old streets, numerous museums and galleries, and the neighborhoods rebuilt after World War II. Roman relics that continue to be uncovered tie the present city to its ancient past. 
