Mainz's Neustadt district lies northwest of the old town and beyond the wide Kaiserstraße. At the end of the 19th century, it was built on the area once known as "Gartenfeld" outside the fortress walls of Mainz, doubling the size of the old town in one fell swoop.

Neustadt still owes its architectural and urban design to city architect Eduard Kreyßig (1830-1897), even though it was severely damaged during World War II. However, many of the Wilhelminian-style residential buildings, some with magnificent facades, as well as the Christuskirche, which is visible from afar, are still preserved.

In recent years in particular, the Neustadt district has been carefully renovated. Modern architects and artists have contributed to the appearance of the Neustadt district with their buildings and sculptures – for example, Dieter Magnus with his Green Bridge and Hugo Becker with St. Joseph's Church. Schott AG, an internationally successful specialist company, is also based in the Neustadt district. 

The original Frauenlob Fountain on the Rhine promenade commemorates the minstrel Heinrich von Meißen, known as Frauenlob, who died in Mainz in 1318. After praising the female gender in his works, he is said to have been carried to his grave by the women of Mainz. Walking along the banks of the Rhine, you come to the customs and inland port, which will be converted into a new city district in the coming years. Some buildings are already in place, such as the Kunsthalle Mainz with its striking glass tower and the old wine warehouse building—now a modern office complex.

Other characteristic features include the many squares and traffic-calmed streets, the pubs and cafés, the small shops and craft businesses. Numerous social institutions are located in Mainz-Neustadt and serve as points of contact for citizens' concerns. The new Mainz synagogue, seat of the Jewish community, stands on Synagogenplatz.

Today, Neustadt thrives on its colorful mix and cultural diversity of native Mainz residents, newcomers, and many young families and students. At the annual street festivals, the residents of Neustadt celebrate themselves and the distinctive character of their neighborhood. Goetheplatz, where the traditional "Gaadefelder Kerb" takes place, plays a central role in this. The area around Gartenfeldplatz has developed into a real scene meeting place. The Mainz Rose Monday parade starts in Neustadt and ensures a festive atmosphere and cheerful mood.