Located along the banks of the Moselle River is Trier, a bustling city and one of the largest in Germany. With a very rich and colorful history, Trier is home to a number of historical sites and architectural gems, making it a favorite among history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. Trier also boasts plenty of culinary delights — some inspired by traditional German fare, as well as decadent dishes from the time of the Romans! Planning to visit Trier soon? Be sure to check out our picks for the best things to do in Trier, so you don’t miss out on any of its most exciting attractions!
1. See the ruins of the Kaiserthermen
Also called the Trier Imperial Baths, Kaiserthermen are the ruins of an ancient bath complex, built in the early 4th century. These ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, as part of the Roman capital. The baths are gigantic, with an estimated capacity of over 650! Here, you can explore the subterranean labyrinth, the boiler rooms, and sprawling sports grounds. Learn more about the Romans’ social and cultural practices, and better appreciate the technological developments of their time. It is worth noting, however, that you will have to pay a minimal entrance fee — 4 Euros (4.60 USD) for every adult, and 2.5 Euros (2.87 USD) for children.
Kaiserthermen
Address: 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Kaiserthermen
2. Explore the Porta Nigra
Also part of the Roman capitol, Porta Nigra is another historical treasure in Trier! Porta Nigra is the largest Roman city gate in the region, originally standing at over four-stories tall. Translating to the ‘black gates’, Porta Nigra was given its name in the Middle Ages, after the darkened sandstone it was built with. These perfectly preserved gates are sure to take you back in time! The Porta Nigra and all its upper floors are accessible to visitors. However, it is worth noting that cars are no longer allowed within the vicinity, to help preserve the gate’s stones. If you visit the gates in the summer, you can even take part in a fun, guided tour of the area, offered by a highly knowledgeable local!
Porta Nigra
Address: Porta-Nigra-Platz, 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Porta Nigra
3. Trier Amphitheater
With a seating capacity of over 20,000, the Trier Amphitheater once served as a large stadium, where events like animal fights and gladiator combat were once held for public entertainment. In spite of its gruesome past, the Amphitheater is a historical treasure from which visitors can learn much about the life and times of the Romans. Trier Amphitheater is also an important cultural hub, currently serving as an open-air venue for various cultural events like the Antiquity Festival, a month-long celebration held every June that features theatrical performances from local artists.
Trier Amphitheater
Address: Olewiger Str. 25, 54295 Trier, Germany
Website: Trier Amphitheater
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4. Visit the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift Museum
If you are an art and history buff, you should definitely visit the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift! This museum itself is an architectural gem, and houses hundreds of works, from the middle ages to the 21st century — paintings, sculptures, textiles and even some figurines from East Asia! The museum also features a permanent exhibit that showcases Trier’s history and industries and often hosts exhibits by talented local artists. Audio guides are available, as well. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Located next to the Porta Nigra, this would be the perfect place to visit after seeing the ruins!
Stadtmuseum Simeonstift
Address: Simeonstraße 60, 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Stadtmuseum Simeonstift
5. Visit the Liebfrauenkirche
The Liebfrauenkirche, or the Church of Our Lady, is an integral part of Trier as a religious site, an architectural gem, and piece of German history. Built in 1260, the Church of Our Lady is the second oldest Gothic-style church in Germany. It was declared a Minor Basilica by the Pope in 1951, and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. What makes this beautiful church truly unique is its circular floor plan, which resembles a twelve-petaled rose to symbolize the Virgin Mary, the twelve tribes of Israel, and the Twelve Apostles. Another intriguing feature is the Apostle’s Creed, painted on the 12 supporting pillars, which is only visible from a particular spot in the church.
Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
Address: Liebfrauenstraße 2, 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Liebfrauenkirche
6. See the Trierer Dom
Also called the High Cathedral of Saint Peter in Trier, Trierer Dom is one of the oldest and largest religious structures in Germany. The structure served as a palace during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. However, the cathedral as we know it today isn’t perfectly preserved from the time it was built. Rather, the cathedral is a result over 1,700 years’ worth of varying artistic, architectural, and religious movements. These are reflected in its different features, like the scalloped pulpit and the Baroque chapel. The cathedral’s main draw, however, would be the Holy Door, which connects it directly to the adjacent Church of Our Lady. Trierer Dom, along with the Church of Our Lady, is a definite must-see, regardless of one’s religious beliefs.
Trierer Dom (The High Cathedral of Saint Peter in Trier)
Address: Liebfrauenstraße 12, 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Trier Dom
7. Visit the Karl Marx House
Karl Marx is one of the most controversial, yet relevant figures in Western history. First opened to the public in 1947, the writer and philosopher’s childhood home has been preserved to provide a glimpse into how his views on class conflict were shaped by his life and times. The museum also features carefully researched and curated exhibitions on his works and ideologies. Audio guides in various languages are also available, to further enrich your experience. Currently, it is one of Trier’s most popular attractions, drawing as many as 32,000 guests per year! Whether or not you agree with the ideologies Marx inspired, you can definitely learn a lot from a visit to the Karl Marx House.
Karl Marx House
Address: Bruckenstrasse 10, 54290 Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
8. Grab a bite at Zum Domstein
Located right between the Main Market Square and the Cathedral, grabbing a bite at Zum Domstein would be a great way to cap off a long day exploring Trier! Although this famed restaurant does serve more conventional German fare during the day, it is best known for its delectable dishes inspired by the recipes of a local chef, dating all the way back to the first century! Some must-tries include the mulled Moselle white wine followed by barley soup, pine-nut-stuffed sausage, and ham served with figs and almonds. For dessert, the wine-sautéed pears with custard, honey and green peppercorns are another favorite. You’ll definitely feel like an emperor after enjoying a feast at the Zum Domstein!
Zum Domstein
Address: Hauptmarkt 5, 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Zum Domstein
9. Indulge yourself at the Weinstube Kesselstatt
If you’re looking to treat yourself on your next trip to Trier, you should indulge in some fine wine and hearty meals at the Weinstube Kesselstatt. You can sample their wide selection of wines and spirits in their cozy indoor dining area, or dine outdoors by the lovely garden area. In addition to its wines, the Weinstube Kesselstatt offers delicious meals, as well. Some of its must-try offerings include their salads, made with fresh local produce, as well as their seasonal dishes, which often feature local game — their braised duck, in particular, is quite popular, as of the time of writing.
Weinstube Kesselstatt
Address: Liebfrauenstr. 10 Trier, Germany
Website: Weinstube Kesselstatt
10. See the Thermen am Viehmarkt
Discovered accidentally after excavation began for what would have been a parking garage, the Thermen am Viehmarkt (or the Forum Baths) are now an important part of Trier’s history. The ruins are of a sophisticated bath complex, composed of two hot-water baths, a cold-water bath, an underground sewer system, and even a heating system. To better preserve the site, a museum was built where visitors may step into the ruins and explore these. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and charges 4 Euros (4.60 USD) per adult, and 2.5 Euros (2.87 USD) for children under 17.
Thermen am Viehmarkt
Address: Porta Nigra 5, 54290 Trier, Germany
Website: Thermen am Viehmarkt
The best of Western history, art, and cuisine in Trier
Home to a good number of historical sites, architectural gems, museums, and even fine restaurants, there is much to learn and enjoy in this fascinating city. There is no limit to the things that you can enjoy here, either! On your next visit, be sure to not to miss these attractions, which show the best that the city — and maybe even Western culture, as a whole — has to offer.
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