Trier
Germany
Why Trier is a great destination
Lighter on crowds yet heavy on Roman-era thrills, Trier pairs UNESCO-scale monuments with an easygoing Moselle city vibe.
- Atmosphere: A lived‑in university town of cobbles and riverbanks; meet at the Porta Nigra, stroll the Palastgarten beside the Basilica of Constantine, and unwind by the Moselle at Zurlauben—unhurried and photogenic.
- Ancient wow, no crush: Explore the Kaiserthermen tunnels, the amphitheatre vaults, and the Aula Palatina’s vast hall with room to breathe—headline heritage without the queues and jostling.
- Authenticity & flavour: Sip local Viez cider or Mosel Riesling in Olewig’s wine taverns, try Zwiebelkuchen in the Hauptmarkt, and time your trip for the Brot & Spiele festival—a proudly local take on Roman history.
- Value & ease: The AntikenCard bundles top sites and the Rheinisches Landesmuseum for less; a compact centre means easy walks, riverside cycle paths, and plenty of cafés that won’t sting the wallet.
Who should go to Trier?
Trier is ideal for travellers who crave living history woven into a modern city. As Germany’s oldest city and a former imperial capital, it delivers the most complete Roman experience north of the Alps within easy walking distance. From immersive VR at the Porta Nigra to quiet museum masterpieces, Trier rewards weekend dashes and slow cultural escapes alike.
- History lovers: Explore nine UNESCO Roman monuments—from the Porta Nigra, the world’s best‑preserved Roman city gate, to Constantine’s Basilica—and the Landesmuseum with the largest Roman gold hoard ever found.
- Culture vultures: Experience living heritage as the Aula Palatina functions as a church, join the summer “Brot & Spiele” festival, and try the Porta Nigra VR time‑travel.
- Scenery seekers: Stroll the Moselle riverfront and cross the oldest standing bridge in Germany, then capture golden‑hour shots of the illuminated Porta Nigra and Basilica.
- Active travellers: Descend into the Imperial Baths’ tunnels and amphitheatre cellars, then hike vineyard paths above Trier for sweeping city‑and‑valley views.
- Foodies: Pair Moselle Riesling with local Viez cider and Roman‑inspired dishes, in atmospheric spots around the Porta Nigra and market squares.
- City‑breakers: A compact, walkable city centre plus the value AntikenCard makes packing the Second Rome into a weekend easy, with simple rail links and Luxembourg close by.
Who should go to Trier?
Trier is ideal for travellers who crave living history woven into a modern city. As Germany’s oldest city and a former imperial capital, it delivers the most complete Roman experience north of the Alps within easy walking distance. From immersive VR at the Porta Nigra to quiet museum masterpieces, Trier rewards weekend dashes and slow cultural escapes alike.
- History lovers: Explore nine UNESCO Roman monuments—from the Porta Nigra, the world’s best‑preserved Roman city gate, to Constantine’s Basilica—and the Landesmuseum with the largest Roman gold hoard ever found.
- Culture vultures: Experience living heritage as the Aula Palatina functions as a church, join the summer “Brot & Spiele” festival, and try the Porta Nigra VR time‑travel.
- Scenery seekers: Stroll the Moselle riverfront and cross the oldest standing bridge in Germany, then capture golden‑hour shots of the illuminated Porta Nigra and Basilica.
- Active travellers: Descend into the Imperial Baths’ tunnels and amphitheatre cellars, then hike vineyard paths above Trier for sweeping city‑and‑valley views.
- Foodies: Pair Moselle Riesling with local Viez cider and Roman‑inspired dishes, in atmospheric spots around the Porta Nigra and market squares.
- City‑breakers: A compact, walkable city centre plus the value AntikenCard makes packing the Second Rome into a weekend easy, with simple rail links and Luxembourg close by.
Top things to do in Trier
These are the unmissable highlights of Trier’s ancient past. Use them to experience Augusta Treverorum’s Roman grandeur in a compact, unforgettable circuit.
- Walk the Porta Nigra’s passages and upper levels to admire Roman masonry and traces of the medieval Simeon church.
- Explore the Imperial Baths’ subterranean service tunnels and towering caldarium walls, a masterclass in Roman engineering.
- Visit the Rheinisches Landesmuseum for the Trier Gold Hoard, the Neumagen Wine Ship and the finest Roman mosaics north of the Alps.
- Take in Constantine’s Basilica (Aula Palatina), a colossal single-room throne hall with original Roman brickwork and hypocaust.
- Hike up to the Amphitheatre’s hillside arena and descend into its atmospheric underfloor cellars.
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Top things to do in Trier
These are the unmissable highlights of Trier’s ancient past. Use them to experience Augusta Treverorum’s Roman grandeur in a compact, unforgettable circuit.
- Walk the Porta Nigra’s passages and upper levels to admire Roman masonry and traces of the medieval Simeon church.
- Explore the Imperial Baths’ subterranean service tunnels and towering caldarium walls, a masterclass in Roman engineering.
- Visit the Rheinisches Landesmuseum for the Trier Gold Hoard, the Neumagen Wine Ship and the finest Roman mosaics north of the Alps.
- Take in Constantine’s Basilica (Aula Palatina), a colossal single-room throne hall with original Roman brickwork and hypocaust.
- Hike up to the Amphitheatre’s hillside arena and descend into its atmospheric underfloor cellars.
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3-day Trier itinerary
Day 1: Rome’s northern capital, at your feet
Begin with Trier’s signature Roman skyline and ease into the city’s UNESCO core. Today balances blockbuster monuments with short walks and plenty of time to absorb the scale that made Augusta Treverorum “The Second Rome”.
- Morning: Start at Tourist Information opposite Porta Nigra to pick up the AntikenCard (Premium is best value if you plan multiple sites). Explore Porta Nigra inside and out, then try the Zeitreise VR experience to see the 4th‑century gate come alive; climb to the upper level for city views. (Wear sturdy shoes—the original stone steps can be slick in wet weather.)
- Midday: Stroll via the Hauptmarkt to Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady; if times align, join a guided tour into the cathedral’s archaeological areas to see Roman domestic remains beneath the church. Grab a light lunch nearby and try a glass of local Viez. (Check service times—access to interiors may pause during services.)
- Afternoon: Walk to the Basilica of Constantine (Aula Palatina) to feel the enormity of the imperial audience hall, then continue through the palace gardens to the Imperial Baths. Descend into the service tunnels to appreciate Roman engineering. (In summer the tunnels are pleasantly cool; in winter bring a jumper.)
- Evening: Circuit back at dusk for photos of the illuminated Basilica and Porta Nigra. Dine along the Moselle or around the Hauptmarkt; in warm months, book an outdoor table and linger as the monuments light up.
Day 2: Context, craft and the arena
Today is about understanding the people behind the stones. Begin with the collections that decode daily life, then step into Trier’s amphitheatre and urban bathhouses.
- Morning: Dive into the Rheinisches Landesmuseum: don’t miss the Trier Gold Hoard, the Neumagen Wine Ship and the mosaic galleries; time your visit for the “In the Realm of Shadows” polychromy show if available. Arrive at opening for a quieter start and to pace yourself. (Allow 2–3 hours; verify opening days, which can vary seasonally.)
- Midday: Walk to the Amphitheatre, built into the city wall—explore the underground passages and imagine the backstage mechanics. A quick picnic on the surrounding slopes is lovely in spring/autumn; in August, expect festival rehearsals or events.
- Afternoon: Head to the Viehmarktthermen (Forum Baths) inside the glass pavilion to read the layers of a Roman quarter beneath a modern square. Continue to the Barbara Baths to take in their sheer footprint from the elevated footbridges. (The Barbara Baths remain a viewing site only; signage is excellent.)
- Evening: Wander to the Roman Bridge for sunset—the Roman piers are still doing the heavy lifting. Settle at the riverside for a simple supper; on cool nights, move indoors and try Flammkuchen with a Moselle Riesling.
Day 3: Hidden layers and wide views
Slow down and follow the threads that bind Roman Trier to the living city. You’ll mix lesser‑known spots, a panoramic viewpoint, and a short hop to a remarkable roadside monument.
- Morning: Trace the riverfront near the Roman Bridge to find the remains of the Roman granary and watch river life go by. If you like a view, continue up to Petrisberg (on foot or by bus/taxi) for a panorama that helps you read the Roman city plan against today’s streets.
- Midday: Back in the centre, lunch near the Hauptmarkt, then consider a themed guided walk such as “2,000 years in 2,000 steps” to connect the dots between sites. Alternatively, visit the Cathedral Treasury to explore the city’s Constantinian and pilgrimage heritage. (Check for temporary closures and timed entry.)
- Afternoon: Take a short bus or taxi to the Igel Column, a 23‑metre 3rd‑century funerary monument rich with carved scenes of trade and myth; allow 45–60 minutes on site. Return via the Moselle for a café stop and a last wander through the pedestrian zone.
- Evening: If you’re visiting in August, book tickets for Brot & Spiele at the Amphitheatre/Kaiserthermen; otherwise, enjoy a relaxed tavern evening with Viez in the old town. For a final flourish, repeat your favourite monument by night—the Porta Nigra rewards a second look in blue hour.
Notes and tips for all three days:
- The main Roman sites are walkable but spread out—plan 15–20 minutes between clusters. Opening hours shift with the seasons; winter hours are shorter and Mondays may differ—always check on the day.
- The AntikenCard Premium typically includes Porta Nigra, Imperial Baths, Amphitheatre, Forum Baths, Barbara Baths (viewing), and the Landesmuseum; buy it at the Porta Nigra or Tourist Information.
- Surfaces are uneven across sites; waterproof shoes help in damp weather. In hot spells, carry water—many areas are exposed with limited shade.
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Food and drink in Trier
Trier’s food scene blends Moselle wine culture with hearty Rhineland comfort and a proud cider tradition. Expect simple, regional plates, seasonal treats, and relaxed stops in wine taverns, cafés, and open-air markets.
- Viez (Trier cider) – Lightly sparkling, tart apple cider poured from a stoneware jug into a Viezporz; a down-to-earth local staple. Best in rustic cider houses and neighbourhood bars.
- Mosel Riesling wine tasting – Crisp, mineral-driven whites (plus Elbling and sekt) from steep slate vineyards; try a flight or a glass by the river. Atmospheric in riverside weinstuben and winery courtyards.
- Zwiebelkuchen & Federweißer (autumn) – Warm onion tart with freshly fermenting “new wine”; the classic harvest pairing, September–October. Lively at harvest fêtes, seasonal wine taverns, and the Hauptmarkt stalls.
- Döppelabbes – Hearty grated-potato bake with leeks and bacon, often served with apple sauce; pure regional comfort. Homely in traditional Gasthäuser and village inns.
Eat like a local: Discover Trier top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Trier
Trier’s food scene blends Moselle wine culture with hearty Rhineland comfort and a proud cider tradition. Expect simple, regional plates, seasonal treats, and relaxed stops in wine taverns, cafés, and open-air markets.
- Viez (Trier cider) – Lightly sparkling, tart apple cider poured from a stoneware jug into a Viezporz; a down-to-earth local staple. Best in rustic cider houses and neighbourhood bars.
- Mosel Riesling wine tasting – Crisp, mineral-driven whites (plus Elbling and sekt) from steep slate vineyards; try a flight or a glass by the river. Atmospheric in riverside weinstuben and winery courtyards.
- Zwiebelkuchen & Federweißer (autumn) – Warm onion tart with freshly fermenting “new wine”; the classic harvest pairing, September–October. Lively at harvest fêtes, seasonal wine taverns, and the Hauptmarkt stalls.
- Döppelabbes – Hearty grated-potato bake with leeks and bacon, often served with apple sauce; pure regional comfort. Homely in traditional Gasthäuser and village inns.
Eat like a local: Discover Trier top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Trier
Choosing where to stay in Trier is about matching the neighbourhood to your travel style. The city is compact, but each area offers a distinct vibe—close-up Roman ruins, river life, or hilltop calm. Pick your base by atmosphere and walking distance to the sights.
- Altstadt (Old Town) — cobbled lanes by the Porta Nigra and Hauptmarkt; perfect for first-timers and history lovers who want everything walkable and lively cafés (expect crowds and evening buzz).
- Südstadt/Palastviertel — elegant streets by the Basilica of Constantine and Kaiserthermen; suits culture fans and couples seeking quieter nights with easy strolls to major sites.
- Moselle Riverside (Zurlaubener Ufer/Römerbrücke) — promenades, beer gardens and boat piers; great for families and sunset walkers, handy for the Roman Bridge and cycling paths (some weekend noise).
- Petrisberg — modern hilltop quarter near the Amphitheatre with big views and trails; ideal for runners, motorists and those wanting peace, but factor in an uphill walk/bus to the centre.
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Where to stay in Trier
Choosing where to stay in Trier is about matching the neighbourhood to your travel style. The city is compact, but each area offers a distinct vibe—close-up Roman ruins, river life, or hilltop calm. Pick your base by atmosphere and walking distance to the sights.
- Altstadt (Old Town) — cobbled lanes by the Porta Nigra and Hauptmarkt; perfect for first-timers and history lovers who want everything walkable and lively cafés (expect crowds and evening buzz).
- Südstadt/Palastviertel — elegant streets by the Basilica of Constantine and Kaiserthermen; suits culture fans and couples seeking quieter nights with easy strolls to major sites.
- Moselle Riverside (Zurlaubener Ufer/Römerbrücke) — promenades, beer gardens and boat piers; great for families and sunset walkers, handy for the Roman Bridge and cycling paths (some weekend noise).
- Petrisberg — modern hilltop quarter near the Amphitheatre with big views and trails; ideal for runners, motorists and those wanting peace, but factor in an uphill walk/bus to the centre.
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Good to know before you go to Trier
Travelling to Trier is straightforward, with a compact historic core and excellent transport links across the Moselle region. A few practical details will help you budget smartly, move around easily, and dodge the busiest times.
- Affordability: Trier is moderately priced—budget around €12–18 for a casual main, €3.50–4 for a beer or coffee, €90–140 for a good mid‑range double room, and consider the AntikenCard (from about €12–18) for multiple Roman sites.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable; buses and regional trains cover outlying sites and day trips (Luxembourg City, Koblenz), Moselle river cruises run seasonally (roughly Apr–Oct), and a car is handy for vineyards and nearby stops like Igel or the Saar loop.
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in tourism, hospitality and by younger locals; basic French is also not uncommon due to proximity to Luxembourg.
- Safety & comfort: It’s a very safe, family‑friendly city; use normal city smarts against petty theft in crowded spots and wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and uneven Roman stonework.
- Crowds: Peak season is June–August (especially weekends and during the Brot & Spiele festival in August); April–May and September–October are pleasantly quieter, while winter is calm with shorter opening hours.
Good to know before you go to Trier
Travelling to Trier is straightforward, with a compact historic core and excellent transport links across the Moselle region. A few practical details will help you budget smartly, move around easily, and dodge the busiest times.
- Affordability: Trier is moderately priced—budget around €12–18 for a casual main, €3.50–4 for a beer or coffee, €90–140 for a good mid‑range double room, and consider the AntikenCard (from about €12–18) for multiple Roman sites.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable; buses and regional trains cover outlying sites and day trips (Luxembourg City, Koblenz), Moselle river cruises run seasonally (roughly Apr–Oct), and a car is handy for vineyards and nearby stops like Igel or the Saar loop.
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in tourism, hospitality and by younger locals; basic French is also not uncommon due to proximity to Luxembourg.
- Safety & comfort: It’s a very safe, family‑friendly city; use normal city smarts against petty theft in crowded spots and wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and uneven Roman stonework.
- Crowds: Peak season is June–August (especially weekends and during the Brot & Spiele festival in August); April–May and September–October are pleasantly quieter, while winter is calm with shorter opening hours.
Best time to go to Trier
Seasonality in Trier ranges from lively summer crowds and extended opening hours to tranquil winters with shorter days and reduced site times. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, fewer visitors, and the best balance for exploring the Roman monuments.
- Spring & Autumn (Shoulder Season): Mild, comfortable temps and thinner crowds; relaxed, contemplative vibe with long enough daylight and broadly full site hours.
- High Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, busiest period with festivals and peak tourism; energetic city feel and the longest opening hours.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Chilly, often damp, and very quiet; atmospheric ruins and city lights, but reduced opening hours and early sunsets.
Best time to go to Trier
Seasonality in Trier ranges from lively summer crowds and extended opening hours to tranquil winters with shorter days and reduced site times. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, fewer visitors, and the best balance for exploring the Roman monuments.
- Spring & Autumn (Shoulder Season): Mild, comfortable temps and thinner crowds; relaxed, contemplative vibe with long enough daylight and broadly full site hours.
- High Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, busiest period with festivals and peak tourism; energetic city feel and the longest opening hours.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Chilly, often damp, and very quiet; atmospheric ruins and city lights, but reduced opening hours and early sunsets.
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How to get to Trier
By Air
- Luxembourg (LUX) – approx. 40 km. Driving/taxi 35–45 min. By public transport: bus to Luxembourg Gare (public transport in Luxembourg is free), then regional train to Trier Hbf; total 1–1.5 hrs depending on connections.
- Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) – approx. 70–80 km. Direct regional bus (RegioLinie 350) to/from Trier; about 1.5–2 hrs; limited frequency—check timetables.
- Frankfurt Main (FRA) – approx. 190 km. By train via Mainz or Koblenz; typically 2.5–3 hrs with 1–2 changes. Driving about 2–2.5 hrs.
- Cologne/Bonn (CGN) – approx. 170 km. By train via Koblenz; about 2.5–3 hrs. Driving about 2–2.5 hrs.
- Saarbrücken (SCN) – approx. 85 km. Bus to Saarbrücken Hbf then regional train to Trier; around 1.5–2 hrs in total.
By Train
- Main station: Trier Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). Secondary: Trier Süd.
- Frequent regional trains connect:
- Luxembourg City: about 50–60 min, typically every 30–60 min.
- Saarbrücken: about 60–70 min (direct regional services).
- Koblenz (scenic Moselle line): about 1 hr 40 min–2 hrs.
- Cologne: about 2 hr 40 min–3 hrs (usually 1 change in Koblenz).
- Frankfurt (Main) Hbf/FRA Airport: about 2.5–3 hrs (via Koblenz or Mainz).
- Paris: about 3.5–4 hrs via Luxembourg (TGV from Luxembourg Gare).
- Local buses hub at Trier Hbf and Porta Nigra (main city bus interchange).
By Bus
- Long-distance coaches (e.g., FlixBus) serve Trier with routes to Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Saarbrücken and others; stops are typically at/near Trier Hbf.
- Regional buses link Trier with Moselle towns and Hahn Airport (line 350).
By Car
- Motorways: A64 to Luxembourg; A1 north to Koblenz/Cologne; A1/A8 via Saarbrücken; A602 feeds directly into Trier.
- Typical driving times: Luxembourg City ~45 min; Saarbrücken ~1 hr; Koblenz ~1.5 hrs; Cologne ~2–2.5 hrs; Frankfurt ~2–2.5 hrs.
- Multiple city-centre car parks near Porta Nigra and the Basilica; follow “Parkhaus” signs.
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