Things To Do
in Trier
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, situated on the Moselle River near Luxembourg. Its historic center is a compact treasure trove of Roman ruins, medieval churches, and baroque architecture. The Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral (Dom), and Imperial Baths anchor a walkable core that reveals two millennia of history.
As a gateway to the Moselle wine region, Trier combines ancient heritage with riverside scenery and welcoming wine taverns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and robust German coffee. Afterward, stroll through the ancient streets of Trier, admiring the stunning Roman architecture, including the Porta Nigra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos as you capture the beauty of this historic city.
In the afternoon, visit the Trier Cathedral, where you can explore its rich history and impressive architecture. Next, make your way to the Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiators once fought; take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating past. Round off your afternoon with a relaxing walk along the Moselle River, enjoying the picturesque views.
As the sun sets, head to one of Trier's traditional restaurants to indulge in local cuisine, such as Sauerbraten or Flammkuchen. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll back to the Porta Nigra to see it beautifully illuminated at night. Finish your evening with a glass of Moselle wine at a cozy wine bar, soaking in the ambiance of this historic city.
Begin your day at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the Roman Empire in Trier. Marvel at the extensive collection of artifacts, including mosaics and sculptures that tell the story of this ancient city. After exploring the museum, take a short walk to the Imperial Baths, one of the largest Roman bath complexes in Germany.
In the afternoon, continue your Roman adventure by visiting the Barbara Baths, another impressive ruin that showcases the engineering prowess of the Romans. Spend some time at the nearby Church of Our Lady, an example of Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, sampling local specialties.
As dusk approaches, find a spot at one of the riverside restaurants for dinner, where you can enjoy fresh fish from the Moselle River. Afterward, take a scenic boat cruise on the Moselle, providing a unique perspective of the city’s historic buildings. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets of Trier.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🍷Glass of local Riesling | $5-8 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short distance) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $110-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Roman-era heritage in a compact historic center
- Excellent Moselle wine region with scenic riverfront
- Walkable streets and easy day trips to vineyards
- Strong cultural life with museums and markets
- Can be crowded with day-trippers in peak season
- Limited large-city nightlife compared with bigger German cities
- "Guten Tag" - Hello/Good day
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like ...
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Die Rechnung bitte" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Trier
Visit one of these nice places.
Imposing Roman city gate built in the 2nd century, especially photogenic at golden hour.
Gothic and Romanesque architecture with a grand façade and serene interior.
Ancient bridge over the Moselle, offering reflections and river views.
Vibrant square with Rathaus and fountains, ideal for street photography.
Atmospheric ruins with arches and garden remnants perfect for moody shots.
Food in Trier
Trier Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A potato pancake baked with apples or onions (bacon optional); a Rhineland regional favorite.
Must-Try!
Herbed green sauce typically served with potatoes and eggs or meat; vegetarian by default.
Classic pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, often served with potato dumplings.
Thin-crust Alsatian-style pizza with onions and lardons; widely available in Trier’s taverns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly markets in Trier's central square offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, bread, and local Riesling.
Seasonal street food stalls and small bites along the Moselle promenade during warm months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Guten Tag or Hallo; a handshake is common in formal or first meetings.
Use Sie for strangers; switch to du only with consent or among close friends.
Be punctual for appointments and dining reservations; plan extra time for rail connections.
Respect quiet hours in residential areas, especially at night.
Safety
Tipping in Trier
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common; you can tip at the table in cash or add it to the bill with card.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (NFC) are common; some smaller venues may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming streets; outdoor cafés reopen and city walks are pleasant.
Warm days and lively evenings; ideal for riverfront strolls and winery visits; occasional showers.
Crisp air and grape harvest season; wine festivals and golden vineyard views.
Cold with a chance of snow; Christmas markets light up the city; cozy pubs offer warmth and comfort food.
Trier at Night
Hiking in Trier
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Long-distance trail along the Moselle with river views and vineyard viewpoints.
Accessible day hikes offering forest trails, ridges, and scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Trier by plane.
Approximately 40–60 minutes by car or rail from Trier; convenient for regional travel and cross-border trips.
About 1.5–2 hours away by car or rail; budget flights with onward rail connections to Trier.
Major international hub about 2.5–3 hours away by high-speed train; frequent connections to Trier.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student presence from the University of Trier adds energy, affordability, and cultural activity.
Many residents commute from Luxembourg and Belgium, creating a multilingual, international atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed with local clubs and matchdays; cycling and river sports are also popular along the Moselle.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Trier.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian-friendly options abound, especially Grüne Soße with potatoes and eggs; many places can accommodate dairy.
Many German dishes include gluten; ask for gluten-free bread or dumplings; confirm ingredients with staff.