27 Best Things to Do in Trier germany: 2024 Guide from Long Time Expat

For your convenience, I’ve divided up Trier stuff into History vs Food & Shopping vs Outdoor and Nature vs Day Trips.

History, Culture & Architecture

1. Porta Nigra : The Black Roman Gate

	Opening Hours	Admission Cost	Location
Porta Nigra	Mon – Sun: 9 am to 6 pm	€4 for adults, €2.50 for children	Google Maps Link

The first things we saw as we walked into Trier’s Altstadt (Old Town) was the amazing and well preserved Roman city gate, the PORTA NIGRA. It’s a must-see and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was built around 180 AD out of sandstone. It is made of grey sandstone and is the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. You can pay at the entrance or purchase a ticket online in advance.

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2. Trier Amphitheater : With Roman Gladiator Reenactments

	Opening Hours	Admission Cost	Location
Trier Amphitheater	Daily: 10 am to 6 pm (closes at 4 pm in winter), last admission 30 minutes before close	€4 for adults, reduced fare for children and students	Google Maps Link

Did you know that Trier’s Roman amphitheater is one of the biggest and best preserved in the world? And, you can walk down the steps to the arena. There’s a loop you can follow (called Rundgang), which takes you below the amphitheater to see the ancient canals that still have water flowing through them.

And get this, during the summer you can even see gladiator reenactment shows on Saturdays and Sundays! Tickets are €18 for adults, or €45 for families.

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3. Learn About Karl Marx and Trier

	Opening Hours	Admission Cost	Location
Karl Marx House + Karl Marx Statue	Daily: 10 am to 6 pm (closes at 4 pm in winter), last admission 30 minutes before close	€4 for adults, reduced fare for children and students	Google Maps Link

The philosopher Karl Marx is a pretty controversial figure. But when I visited the Karl Marx House Museum, I learned so much about his life and ideologies. Did you know he was born in Trier in 1818, but eventually got exiled because of his beliefs? Crazy stuff.

Anyway, if you’re interested in checking out the Karl Marx House and statue, they’re just a short walk apart. And the statue is conveniently located near the Stadtmuseum and Porta Nigra, so you can make a day of it if you’re feeling up for it.

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4. Marvel at St Peter’s Church : Trier Dom & Gardens

	Opening Hours	Admission Cost	Location
St. Peter’s Cathedral	Mon – Sat: 10 am to 6 pm, Sun: 11:30 am to 6 pm	Free	Google Maps Link

Trier’s St Peter’s Church is absolutely worth a visit and my favorite church in Germany. The architectural beauty compliments the city’s heritage, but the real highlight is the gardens in the rear and the Heiliger Rock event after Easter.

St. Peter’s Cathedral is actually the oldest church in Germany! Crazy, right? It’s been built and added onto throughout the years, and you can still see Roman bricks built into the central nave.

If you’re interested, you can sign up for a tour of the cathedral. But even if you don’t, entry is totally free and you can visit outside of church services. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the beautiful courtyard – you can find it through a side door on your right near the altar!

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5. View Jesus’s Crucifixion Robes

	Opening Dates	Admission Cost	Location
Jesus’s Robes at St. Peter’s	10 days after Easter, once per year	Free	Google Maps Link

We were truly moved by the relics at the Trier Cathedral, like Jesus’s Crucifixion Robes. Soldiers divided his garments during the crucifixion, but his tunic remained intact. Empress Helena found the tunic and other relics in Jerusalem in 326. She distributed them to important churches, including Trier Cathedral.

Der Heiliger Rock im Dom St. Peter’s Trier

The Robe of Christ is a rare relic shown only for 10 days a year starting after Easter. Its authenticity has been questioned, but believers still hold it sacred. The Catholic Cathedral only opens the doors for 10 days, once a year to view the robes of Jesus during his crucifixion.

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6. Visit Konstantine Church (Aula Palästina)

Between the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Electoral Palace is the UNESCO site protestant cathedral. We chose not to go inside because of time constraints, but if you’re interested you can visit between 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Saturday, and 2:00pm – 6:00pm on Sunday.

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7. Wander Around the Pink Electoral Palace

So there’s this really cool historic building that’s a Rococo landmark. It dates back to the archbishop of Trier and has tons of old-world charm. Nowadays, it’s actually an administrative building, but you can still visit it – just make sure to check the operating times first since they depend on government operations.

If you do get to visit, some noteworthy spots to check out include the north wing, which has a historical overview of the building and the city, as well as the courtyard, foyer, and stairs.

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8. Chill at the Palastgarten and Queergarten Beer Garden

A stroll through the Herrengartchen and the Palace Gardens was chillaxing. The perfectly manicured grounds offered peaceful moments. It’s always open to foot traffic and a great respite from the busy city center crowds.

The Queergarten was Germany’s first officially OUT gay beer garden.

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9. Visit Kaiserthermen Roman Baths UNESCO site

	Opening Hours	Admission Cost	Location
Roman Imperial Baths	Mon – Sun: 9 am to 5 pm	€4 for adults, €2.50 for children	Google Maps Link

The Imperial Bath, or Kaiserthermen, are impressive. The Roman Imperial Baths in Trier are an impressive sight to behold. You’ll get to see an ancient bath house that’s still standing (well, partially at least).

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore some underground walkways too.

The Romans really knew how to heat things up, and you can read all about it during your visit. Fun fact: this place has also been a castle and a monastery over the years. Talk about a glow-up!

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10. Römerbrucke: The Oldest Bridge in Germany

The Roman Bridge (also called the Old Moselle Bridge), which crosses the Moselle in Trier (Augusta Treverorum), is the oldest bridge in Germany. It’s located just outside the Old town. Here’s the google maps location.

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11. Liebfrauenkirche Church

	Opening Hours	Admission Cost	Location
LIebrauenkirche	Mon – Sat: 8 am to 6 pm Sun 9 am to 6 pm	Free	Google Maps Link

The Liebfrauenkirche, which means “Church of Our Lady” in German, is a UNESCO-designated site in Trier. It’s actually the earliest church built in French High Gothic style outside of France, which is pretty cool! It’s part of the Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plus, it’s right next to the Trier Dom (cathedral) and shares a common wall with it.

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12. Trier Museums

Visiting Trier’s museums, like Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier and Simeonstift should be on your list.

	Opening Hours	Admission	Location
Rheinisches Landmuseum	Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm, last admission 30 minutes before close	€8.00 for adults, reduced fare for children and students	Google Maps
Simeonstift	Open daily: 10am – 5pm (closes 4pm in winter), last admission 30 minutes before close	€5.50 for adults, every first Sunday of the month only €1.00	Google Maps

The Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Trier is a must-see in a city full of Roman sites. It’s a unique German museum with an extensive collection of Roman artifacts, including the Trassem hoard and the Neumagen wine ship. Don’t miss the Polydus Mosaic and the Trier Gold Coin Treasure if you’re lucky!

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13. Barbara Therme UNESCO Site

This 2nd-century baths complex was the second largest in the Roman Empire, spanning 42,000 square meters and offering wellness and relaxation at the highest level. The building was adorned with marble and works of art and featured several heated bathing pools, niches decorated as sea caves, and other amenities such as cultural centers, libraries, restaurants, shops, and a beauty salon.

Today, visitors can still see the underground passages that operated the heating system. The complex was in operation until the 5th century and then served as a quarry. It was named after the former Trier suburb of “St Barbara,” an old fishing and shipping village. Additionally, it was a station on the Roads of the Romans.

It’s an open park so you can visit anytime.

14. Go down in the Crypt at St. Matthias Abbey

Located in the southern part of the city of Trier, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias has a rich history dating back to the 3rd/4th century. The Romanesque basilica within the abbey has been a site of veneration for the grave of the Apostle Matthias since the 12th century. Today, our monastic community in Trier consists of eleven members. Discover the fascinating history and spiritual significance of this ancient abbey.

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Food, Wine & Shopping

15. Eat Ancient Roman Food at Zum Domstein Trier

We enjoyed the unique experience of savoring ancient Roman food at the Zum Domstein.

They have normal German food also, but when in the Rome of the North why not try 2,000 year old recipes?!?

I’m partial to their apricot dish and the lamb.

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16. Eat Baja Mexican (With Actual Spice) at Chicano’s

Get a reservation! Chicano’s has food in the style of San Diego Mexican with real corn tortillas, bespoke drinks and some spicy!

If you’re missing a taste of SoCal – this is going to be a real treat for you.

Location: Saarstraße 119, 54290 Trier

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17. Eat Ethiopian at Addis Abeba

Flavor, flavor flavor! One of the worst things about Germany is the lack of flavor in it’s traditional cuisine.

Trier offers quite a few flavor filled restaurants and this one is top 3! Location: Saarstraße 107, 54290 Trier.

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18. Shopping in the Kornmarkt

Shopping in Trier’s Altstadt and Kornmarkt market square provided a delightful mix of old-town charm and modern-day retail and certainly one of the top things to do in Trier. You’ve got a variety of shops from quirky lady-boutiques to old book stores and antiques.

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19. Moselle Wine Tastings

There are many places to stop and taste local wines, but my favorite is the Weinstube Kesselstatt located right in front of the Liebfrauenkirche and Trier Dom in the Old town.

Wine Tours

If you want a full day wine tour – join the Grape Escape Mosel to experience Germany’s rich wine history with a taste of the best Mosel wines from boutique family vineyards to globally acclaimed wineries. The Moselle is one of the most interesting places to visit near Trier Germany.

Personal tastings of RIESLING in all its glory and variations, from bone dry to late harvest, coming from different soils of blue, red, and grey quartzite slate.

Discover special German Pinot Spätburgunder and sparkling wines. Open minds and open wines, the more thirsty wine lovers, the merrier!

🍷 Book a private wine tasting and lunch tour with a guide. Even add on a visit to Burg Eltz.

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Outdoor & Nature Activities

20. Cycle on the Moselle

The Trier region offers a multitude of cycling and mountain biking routes. You can enjoy bike paths along the Moselle River or the Saar River. The Trier tourism site has at least a dozen different routes for you to choose and is one of many healthy things to do near Trier.

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21. Find the Pacifier Tree

I’m going to let you figure this one out and explore on your own!

22. Kids’ Activities

Got kids that hate “touring”? See the sights Via an Interactive & Family Friendly Game

Explore Trier in a fun and interactive way with a smartphone game that lets you collect clues and solve a fictional murder case with friends or family. Immerse yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes and discover iconic sites like the Trier Cathedral and Hauptmarkt while getting some exercise.

This game is a great way to explore places to see in Trier without even realizing you’re walking!

➡️ Book a fun interactive Way to walk the city with a Sherlock Holmes self-guided mystery game.

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23. Hike the Moselsteig or Römerpfad

Moselsteig Long Distance Hiking Trail

Hiking the Moselsteig near Trier is an amazing experience that takes you through picturesque vineyards, quiet forests, and open fields while offering incredible panoramic views of the Moselle Valley.

The Moselsteig hiking trail is a 365-kilometer long trail that follows the Moselle river from the Franco-German-Luxembourg tripoint to the Deutsches Eck headland in Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine.

The trail consists of 24 stages, each with its unique character, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

Römerpad Loop (Roman Path)

The much shorter loop is great for a lovely 6 mile (10km) dayhike just outside Trier. Take a hike through the forest and enjoy spectacular views while discovering many traces of the Roman past along the way.

The 10 km circular route between Kordel and Butzweiler leads past waterfalls, the castle Ramstein, Genovevahöhle (cave), Celtic ring walls, parts of the Roman “Langmauer,” and the Roman mine “Pützlöcher.”

This is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the district of Trier-Saarburg, making it an exciting and diversified adventure.

Parking is here.

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24. Play Cornhole in Nearby Konz

One of the most surprising activities and fun things to do in Trier is playing American style cornhole in the nearby village of Konz. Check out the Cornhole Europa website for more details.

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Day Trips

25. Off-the-Beaten Path Day Trips from Trier

While visiting Trier, we really enjoyed taking day trips to nearby destinations. One of our favorites was a day trip to LUXEMBOURG, which is a short drive or train ride away from Trier. We explored the picturesque old town and marveled at the historical fortifications.

Another great day trip option is exploring the MOSELLE VALLEY region. We ventured along the Mosel River, visiting quaint wine villages and tasting the delicious LOCAL WINE. This area is famous for its Riesling, so we made sure to taste a few varieties.

Destination	Distance from Trier
Luxembourg	40 minute drive
Cochem	1 hour drive
Upper Middle Rhine River Gorge	1.5 hour drive

Keep reading below on detailed travel guides for the best places to go on the Moselle River Valley.

🛎️ Book a stay at this amazing Rhine Castle hotel to have the FULL German experience.

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26. Viewpoints near Trier : Saarschleife

The Saarschleife, located in the Saarland region of Germany, is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning water gap carved by the Saar River through a quartzite layer.

To get there from Trier, visitors can take a train or bus to the nearby town of Mettlach, where the Saarschleife begins near the Besseringen section of the town and ends in Mettlach.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour by train or bus, and visitors can also opt to take a taxi or drive themselves. Once there, you can explore the area by walking along the tree-top path or hiking the surrounding trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding forests.

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27. Christmas Markets

The markets are one of the Best Trier Things To Do In Winter. They are known throughout Europe and a lovely destination if you happen to be travelling during late November and the first 3 weeks of December. Things to see in Trier Germany are not limited to the summer months.

If you have fallen in love with German Weihnachtsmarkts, like me…you’ll want to to to the St. Wendel Christmas market too.

Summary of UNESCO sites in Trier

These locations are part of the World Heritage Site and are open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of Trier in addition to the city museum.

UNESCO Site	Tourist Attractions in Trier Germany
Amphitheatre	Built in the mid-2nd century and accommodating up to 20,000 people
Römerbrucke	A historic bridge crossing the Moselle river
Barbara Therme	Ancient Roman public baths
Igel Column	A burial monument erected in the 3rd century
Porta Nigra	The northern gate to the Roman city
Imperial Baths	Incomplete baths that were constructed in the 4th century
Aula Palatina (Basilica)	An early Christian basilica built in the early 4th century
Trier Dom Cathedral	The oldest church in Germany
Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche)	A Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century

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Where to Stay in Trier

Best Places to Stay in Trier Germany

Budget | Hotel B&B : For more of a budget stay, I would recommend the Hotel B&B, it offers clean and basic accommodations and is about a half mile from the Porta Nigra making it possible to walk.

Midrange | Hotel Eurener Hof  : This hotel offers 69 rooms and is well-located in the center of the city. It’s perfect for LOCAL EXPLORING, as it is within striking distance of many attractions such as the Trier Cathedral and Porta Nigra. This hotel also has an INDOOR POOL, which is great for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

Luxury | Park Plaza Trier : One of my favorite hotels is the Park Plaza, a spa hotel nestled in the old town and only a 5 minute walk to the Dom Trier and the Moselle river. The view is simply fantastic, and I found it to be an excellent value for money. The Relaxarium spa area at the Park Plaza Trier features a beauty area, a sauna, Roman steam room, Laconium steam room, ice grotto and a range of massages and cosmetic treatments. Use of the spa area is complimentary if you book a massage or cosmetic treatment.

Luxury | Hotel Villa Hügel : Another excellent choice is the Hotel Villa Hügel, an elegant four-star Art Nouveau hotel that features a sauna, pool, and an on-site restaurant serving upscale regional cuisine. If you’re looking for a place that combines comfort, luxury, and a touch of HISTORY, then this hotel is definitely for you.

Boutique Luxury | Hotel Zur Glocke : Romantik Hotel Zur Glocke is situated in the Mitte district of Trier, directly in the pedestrian zone, just two minutes’ walk from the main market and the famous Porta Nigra. You can enjoy the hotel’s on-site restaurant, and all rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For added comfort, bathrobes and slippers are provided. 

Super Budget | SUV or Car Mattress : Summer can be challenging to get accommodations if you don’t plan early!  If you’re out of luck finding a room it’s okay becuase it’s totally legal to sleep one night in your car in a legal parking spot in Germany. The Exped Megamat Duo 10 is the most comfortable of all the I have tested.

Find an accommodation in Trier.

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History and Background of Trier Places to Visit

Oldest City

Trier is often referred to as the OLDEST CITY in Germany, with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. Founded around 16 BC as the city of Augusta Treverorum, it was an important administrative and trading center.

We can still see remnants of this ancient history today through various architectural landmarks and historical sites.

Year of Founding	Name of City	Importance
16 BC	Augusta Treverorum	Administrative and Trading Center

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Roman History

Trier’s Roman history is perhaps its most famous aspect, as it was the residence of Emperor Constantine and other Roman emperors during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. In fact, the city was once known as the “Rome of the North.”

Several landmarks showcasing Trier’s Roman past are still intact, like the Porta Nigra, Ancient Roman Bridge, and the Barbara Baths, which were once a popular bathing place in the Roman times but later repurposed when besieged by the Franks in the 5th century (source).

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Trier Germany Travel Guide

Trier Germany Travel Tips:

• If you’re planning on seeing all the Roman landmarks, grab the Trier city pass “Antikencard Trier” to save on entrance fees. It costs between €12 – €18 and gets you into the main sights.
• Consider getting the TrierCard, which allows you to ride public buses for three consecutive days and gives you discounts on various tourism activities. It costs €15 for a single ticket or €30 for a family ticket.
• Buy a ticket for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour Trier, which transports you between three main bus stops to see Trier’s main attractions like the Porta Nigra, Barbara Baths, Amphitheater, Petrisberg Viewpoint, etc.
• Many restaurants require reservations, so if there’s a particularly nice place you’re dying to go to, call ahead.
• Most things are closed on Sundays, except tourist and cultural attractions.
• Be sure to carry cash for small businesses and food stands because many places don’t accept card payments.

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How to Get to Trier

There are multiple ways to reach Trier, including by plane, train, or car. The nearest airport is Luxembourg Airport (LUX), around 40 km from Trier. Alternatively, you could fly into Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN), though it is more distant at 70 km away.

Airport	Distance from Trier
LUX	40 km
HHN	70 km

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By Train

Frequent train connections make it easy to get to Trier from various cities in Germany and neighboring countries. For example, the Deutsche Bahn offers INTERCITY, REGIONAL, and LOCAL train routes that can transport you to the city comfortably and efficiently. Check the www.bahn.de website for timetables and use the DB Navigator App to plan your travel routes, but Google Maps does seem to work pretty well too. (DB Navigator App)

✈️ When you book your transport online, I personally recommend and always use OMIO. They search for trains, buses, flights and ferries, so you get the easiest way to your destination! 

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By Car

Trier is well connected by autobahn. To get to Trier by car from Frankfurt International Airport, one should take the A3 motorway towards Cologne and then switch to the A48 towards Trier. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. 

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Getting Around Inside Trier

Once you arrive in Trier, you’ll be delighted by the walkable city center. Most major attractions are within SHORT distances from each other, and exploring on foot allows you to absorb the city’s history and glorious architecture.

For longer journeys, Trier has an excellent public bus system. A day ticket costs around €4, and you can access buses from various points in the city center. You’ll also find taxis and rental bikes readily available, offering even more flexibility for your stay.

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How Long to Stay in Trier

Given the number of historic sights and attractions in Trier, we recommend dedicating at least two days to explore the city.

This allows you to visit trier tourist attractions like the Porta Nigra, Roman Amphitheater, Trier Cathedral, and Church of Our Lady. If you plan to embark on day trips to nearby destinations, extend your stay by another day or two.

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Best Time of Year to Visit Trier

The prime time to visit Trier is during the SPRING and AUTUMN (late April-May and September-October), as temperatures are moderate, and the city is not overly crowded.

This ideal weather lets you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and cycling without facing oppressive heat, frigid cold, or the peak tourist rush. Places to visit in Trier are accessible year round however.

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Trier Sightseeing Map (Click on Image for Interactive Google Maps)

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse or fingers to zoom in and out. Click on the icons to get more information. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the written index. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your google maps account.w the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open google maps, click the menu button, and go to “your places”/ “maps.”

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READY TO EXPLORE MORE FAIRYTALE GERMANY? HERE ARE MY TOP MOSEL & RHINE VALLEY GUIDES

• Hike the Rhine Castles Trail
• Best Castle Hotels in Germany
• Burg Rheinfels Travel Guide
• Fly over vineyards on the Cochem chairlift.
• Mystical Waterfalls at Ehrbachklamm

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FAQ Trier Things to Do

As we explore Trier, we’ve gathered some frequently asked questions to help guide you through your visit to this historic city.

trier germany things to do Conclusion

There’s so much to do in Trier and is close to the magnificent Moselle Valley, Luxembourg, France and Belgium.

Beyond what to do in Trier, stay tuned to my blog for my upcoming articles on the Saarschleife treetop walk and the wonderfully unknown long distance hiking trail called the Saar-Hünsrucksteig.

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