Trier is the oldest city in Germany. It is located in the region of the Moselle river in Rhineland Palatinate. It was for centuries an important trading place.
Trier Germany – Photo Credit: Ryan Grady
How to spend 2 days in Trier Germany
In this 2-day itinerary in Trier, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Trier
Start the day by visiting Trier Cathedral, the oldest in Germany. Head to Liebfrauenkirche one of the oldest examples of Gothic architecture in the country.
Near the Liebfrauenkirche is the Hauptmarkt, a square with many charming wooden buildings. Pass the Dreikönigshaus, a building built in 1230 as a tower house, which houses a café.
Head to Porta Nigra, a symbol of the city of Trier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beside it is the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift which houses collections from the medieval and early modern ages.
Karl Marx Haus is another attraction of Trier, the birthplace of Karl Marx, today the house serves as a museum. Head to Römerbrücke and take a walk along the Moselle.
Things to see
- Trier Cathedral
- Liebfrauenkirche
- Hauptmarkt
- Dreikönigshaus
- Porta Nigra
- Stadtmuseum Simeonstift
- Karl Marx Haus
- Römerbrücke
Day 1 Itinerary Map
Day 2 in Trier
Start day two in Trier by visiting the Kurfürstliches Palais and the Konstantin Basilika which in the 17th century became part of the newly built palace. Head to Kaiserthermen, the third-largest spa complex in the Roman Empire.
Head to the Amphitheater, which was the scene of gladiator fights and animal competitions. It is used today for occasional outdoor concerts. End the day with a wine tasting.
Things to see
- Kurfürstliches Palais
- Konstantin Basilika
- Kaiserthermen
- Amphitheater
- Weingut Deutschherrenhof
- Weingut G. F. von Nell
Day 2 Itinerary Map
Sights in Trier
1. Porta Nigra
The Porta Nigra is a fortified gate. It Dominates the northern entrance of the old town.
The gate was built at the end of the 2nd century. Today its centuries-old stones are a must-see attraction in the city.
Porta-Nigra-Platz, 54290
2. Trier Cathedral
The Trier Cathedral is the oldest in Germany.
Much of what is seen today was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and was fully restored in 1974.
Liebfrauenstraße 12, 54290
3. Liebfrauenkirche
The Liebfrauenkirche was built in the 13th century. It is one of the oldest examples of Gothic architecture in Germany.
Liebfrauenstraße, 54290
4. Karl Marx Haus
The revolutionary Karl Marx was born in Trier in 1818. The birthplace of Karl Marx is now a museum.
The exhibition introduces Karl Marx as a historical person, the development of his philosophical and economic ideas, and his influence in the course of history to the present.
Brückenstraße 10, 54290
5. Hauptmarkt
Near the Porta Nigra is the Hauptmarkt.
In the square besides its half-timbered buildings, you will find many stores, cafés, and restaurants.
Hauptmarkt, 54290
6. Kurfürstliches Palais
The Kurfürstliches Palais is considered one of the most beautiful rococo palaces in the world.
Occasionally there are concerts in the palace room or during the summer, in the inner courtyard, outdoor concerts.
Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 54290
7. Konstantin Basilika
The Konstantin Basilika was built by Emperor Constantine between 306 – 337 AD. During the Middle Ages, it was used as the residence of the bishop of Trier.
In the 17th century, it became part of the newly built Electoral Palace (Kurfürstliches Palais).
Konstantinplatz 11, 54290
8. Kaiserthermen
The Kaiserthermen is one of the main attractions of Trier. It was the third-largest spa complex in the Roman Empire.
In Medieval times the structure was converted into a fortified castle, despite this, many of the original Roman baths can still be seen.
Weberbach 41, 54290
9. Amphitheater
Near the Imperial Baths are the ruins of the Amphitheater.
It was the scene of many gladiator fights and animal competitions. It is used today for occasional outdoor concerts.
Bergstraße 45, 54295
10. Römerbrücke
The Römerbrücke is the oldest bridge in Germany. The stone pillars of the bridge date from 144 to 152 AD.
Römerbrücke
Where to stay in Trier
1. Mercure Trier Porta Nigra
The Mercure Trier Porta Nigra is located 130 meters from Porta Nigra.
Rooms are equipped with a TV and minibar.
Porta-Nigra-Platz 1, 54292 Trier Germany
2. Nells Park Hotel Trier
The Nells Park Hotel is located 2,3 km from Porta Nigra.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, and safe.
Dasbachstraße 12, 54292 Trier Germany
3. Hotel Villa Hügel Trier
The Hotel Villa Hügel is located 1 km from the historic center of Trier.
Rooms are equipped with a TV, minibar, work desk, and safe.
Bernhardstraße 14, 54295 Trier Germany
Shopping in Trier
1. Karstadt Trier
Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.
Simeonstraße 46, 54290
2. Trier Galerie
The Trier Galerie is located near the Trier Cathedral.
Brands: Bonita, Tom Tailor, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara.
Fleischstraße 62, 54290
Plan your Trip
Trier has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Frankfurt, Koblenz, Mainz.
Distances
Frankfurt – 196 km (122 miles)
Koblenz – 128 km (79.6 miles)
Mainz – 156 km (96.6 miles)
Baden-Baden – 247 km (154 miles)
Mannheim – 182 km (113 miles)
Heidelberg – 202 km (125 miles)
Trier Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
