Hello all, I love this site. I've been lurking for at least a couple of years, and now I finally have the opportunity to ask a question! In May/June I'll be going to Germany. I arrive in the morning (around 8 am)in Frankfurt and my hotel is in Mainz. My question is, what should I do on my first day before I can check in at the hotel? I'll be on my own, but joining an organized tour group the following day. Should I try to do some activity in Frankfurt, or should I head straight to Mainz from the airport and begin my touring there? I'm worried a bit about jetlag. This is only my second trip to Europe. First trip was 15 years ago. Any suggestions are very welcome. Schönen Dank!
Posted by
OP
Hartford, CT
5 posts
Thanks George. Any recommendations for things to do in Mainz?
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9220 posts
If you go to the Regional train station at the airport, you won't need to worry about catching an ICE train as they don't stop there. Just go downstairs by Arrivals B-1, and just follow the signs. Catch any train stopping at track 3, as they all go to Mainz. One-way ticket is 4.25 euro and you will need change or a 5 euro bill. Ticket machines change to English and are easy to use. No credit cards for the RMV tickets. No need to validate your ticket, just get on the train. Drop off your bags at your hotel in Mainz or see if they will let you check in early. Some hotels do, some don't. Highlights of Mainz include the St. Martins cathedral, St. Stephens with the Chagall windows, St. Augustine, the Isis Temple ruins, the new Jewish Synagogue, and the Guthenburg Museum.
Posted by
OP
Hartford, CT
5 posts
Thanks Jo and George, I arrive on a Friday, so walking around the market is a great idea. Since the tour group will be going to the Gutenberg, maybe I will try the cathedral.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
In Mainz you can go to the Johan Gutenburg Museum and see the history of printing with moveable metal type. On display is a Gutenburg 42 line Bible and some other examples of incunabula. The museum also had examples of printing from around the world.
Posted by
Columbus, USA
346 posts
We werejust thinking about this same topic yesterday. My thought was to head for Wiesbaden and perhaps take a soak in one of the thermal baths before heading on. Wash all the travel gunk off and relax before heading on. Just a thought. I wonder if anyone else has done this and it would be worth stoping...
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9220 posts
Wiesbaden is a beautiful city, with great architecture from the middle 1800's when it was a favorite of the visiting royalty and the Kaiser taking the waters at the spa. The casino is one of the oldest in Germany and the pedestrian shopping zone is pretty good. I really like the Marktkirche sitting in the middle of town. Though only 150 years old, it has an elegance to it, as well as a fabulous organ. The pastor is from Kansas, so if you see a friendly smiling man in there, named Jeff, tell him Jo said hi.
Posted by
Nassau
53 posts
The scourge of US flights to Europe! Getting there in time for breakfast! Perhaps you could contact your hotel and ask if early check-in is a possibility? The first thing I want is a shower and a couple hours sleep when I get there. But, if all else fails, there is an interesting museum about the Roman period in Mainz. I believe they found a Roman ship ruin and basically developed the museum around it.
As pointed out elsewhere, daylight and fresh air are great cures for jet lag. Mainz has a nice promenade along the Rhein, with lots of benches.
Posted by
OP
Hartford, CT
5 posts
Thanks Kurt, You all are great! I will ask if I can check in early. I'm kind of doubting it though, since I will be a part of a tour group. Can't wait for the trip, I'm so excited!