Things To Do
in Münster
Münster is a historic university city in North Rhine-Westphalia, renowned for its well-preserved old town and bike-friendly streets. Its Prinzipalmarkt, St. Paulus Dom, and medieval towers sit alongside modern cafés, museums, and a lively student atmosphere. The city blends centuries of architecture with green spaces like the Aasee and extensive parklands.
Rich in culture, academia, and outdoor charm, Münster is remarkably walkable and easy to explore on two wheels.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the Prinzipalmarkt, Münster's iconic marketplace lined with stunning gabled houses. Stop by the historic Town Hall, where the Peace of Westphalia was signed, and marvel at its beautiful architecture. Grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city center.
Visit the St. Paulus Cathedral, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, and take the time to admire its impressive astronomical clock. Afterward, head to the LWL Museum of Art and Culture, where you can explore a diverse collection of art spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby restaurant serving local dishes, and don’t forget to sample some Westphalian ham.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Aasee, where you can enjoy the serene views of the lake and the surrounding parks. Consider dining at a traditional German restaurant, savoring local specialties like pork knuckle or schnitzel. End the evening with a visit to a local brewery to taste authentic Münster beer and soak in the lively ambiance.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a café before renting a bike for a ride around the scenic Aasee. Pedal along the well-marked paths, taking in the beauty of the park and its lush greenery. Stop at one of the many spots by the lake to take photos and enjoy the peaceful morning ambiance.
After your bike ride, visit the Münster Botanical Garden, where you can explore a variety of plant species and beautiful landscapes. Spend some time relaxing on one of the benches, enjoying the tranquility of the gardens. For lunch, grab a picnic from a local deli and find a picturesque spot by the lake to enjoy your meal.
In the evening, return to the city center and discover the vibrant nightlife that Münster has to offer. Visit a few local bars or pubs to experience the friendly atmosphere and mingle with locals. Enjoy a light dinner at a trendy eatery, sampling innovative dishes that showcase the region's culinary talent.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚆1-month public transit pass | $70-90 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Bicycle-friendly and compact city center
- Rich historical architecture and museums
- High quality of life with green spaces
- Can be busy with students during term time
- Nightlife may be quieter than larger cities
- Weather can be rainy and cool year-round
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Tschüss" - Goodbye
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Münster
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic gabled facades and ornate Town Hall façade provide classic Münsteran architecture shots.
Gothic cathedral exterior and interior elements ideal for cathedral photography.
Reflections on the water, swans, and tree-lined promenades create serene compositions.
Glasshouses and seasonal blooms ideal for nature photography.
Food in Münster
Münster Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty kale dish with sausage, a winter classic in Westphalia.
Must-Try!
Air-dried ham from the Westphalian region, often enjoyed with rye bread and pickles.
Dense rye bread commonly served with cheeses, smoked fish, or spreads.
Light, pancake-style dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce, regional cheeses, breads, and regional snacks offered during market days.
Casual bites and snacks during weekends and events with lakeside views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is appreciated in both business and social settings.
Greet with a handshake; use formal 'Sie' with strangers; switch to informal 'du' only if invited.
Keep voices moderate in public spaces; avoid loud behavior in quiet areas like libraries and churches.
Safety
Tipping in Münster
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip around 5-10% in restaurants if service charge isn’t included; rounding up is common.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some small cafés may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, long days with plenty of outdoor cafés and bike-friendly weather; occasional rain showers.
Milder temperatures, colorful park foliage, and fewer crowds; great for city walks.
Chillier, with possible snowfall; Christmas markets and festive lights brighten the city.
Blossoming gardens and parks; outdoor seating returns; showers are common but brief.
Münster at Night
Hiking in Münster
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rolling rural hills north of Münster with forest trails and viewpoints suitable for a half-day hike.
Forest trails and scenic overlooks about an hour’s drive from Münster for longer day trips.
Airports
How to reach Münster by plane.
About 25-40 minutes by car from Münster; major European connections with road or rail access to the city.
Smaller airport about 60-75 minutes by road or rail from Münster; convenient for budget flights.
Major hub around 2 hours by rail; extensive international connections; easy onward travel to Münster by train.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large student population due to the University of Münster and related research institutes.
Family-friendly city with parks, playgrounds, and safe streets.
A growing international student and research community contributing to a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A beloved sport in the region with local club matches and stadiums accessible to visitors.
A core part of life in Münster; extensive bike-friendly infrastructure and cycling events year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Münster.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian options; look for seasonal vegetable plates or enjoy cheese, eggs, and breads; ask for veggie versions of regional dishes.