Weekend in Münster

Street-level view of a grand 18th-century Baroque palace façade and the adjacent Domplatz square. Free to walk around; the palace interior is closed to the public.

Tip: The square hosts a farmers' market every Wednesday and Saturday morning – cheap local apples and cheese. Best photo spot is from the tram stop on the corner.

The historic main market square lined with gabled houses, arcades, and the medieval Town Hall where the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648. Free to walk through and admire the

Tip: Visit late evening when the crowds thin and the facades are lit up. Stop at the historic 'Ratskeller' for a cheap beer — they have a €3.50 after-work special until 19:00.

Modern art museum with rotating exhibitions. Free entry every Wednesday afternoon.

Tip: Arrive just after 2pm on Wednesdays to avoid the queue. Otherwise, standard ticket is €5.

Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock from 1542 and medieval frescoes.

Tip: Visit at noon to see the clock figures move. The crypt has a small free exhibition on cathedral history.

Medieval cathedral with a striking astronomical clock, modern stained glass, and free entry.

Tip: The astronomical clock puts on a show at noon—figures move. Skip the tower climb (paid).

Romanesque-Gothic cathedral begun in 1225. Features a medieval astronomical clock, modern Altar, and a crypt with bishops' tombs. Entry free but audioguide costs €4.

Tip: Climb the tower (€2) for panoramic views; it's 245 steps but rarely busy. The astronomical clock mechanism operates at noon daily.

A largely Gothic cathedral with the famous astronomical clock (one of the finest in Germany), a Romanesque westwork, and intricately carved choir stalls. Entry is free, though the clock tower climb co

Tip: The astronomical clock chimes at noon with a procession of the Three Kings. Arrive ten minutes early to snag a view from the nave—it gets busy. The treasury (€3) has some fine relics.

Historic cemetery from 1530, shaded by old lime trees. Quiet spot with ornate tombstones and a war memorial. Running paths and benches for reading.

Tip: Best in late afternoon when the low sun filters through the trees. The gravestone of poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff is near the main gate.

A sandstone Romanesque and Gothic cathedral from the 13th century, featuring an astronomical clock from 1542 and modern stained-glass windows.

Tip: The astronomical clock show at noon and 5pm has moving figures—a unique free attraction. The cloister garden is quieter and often overlooked.

The state museum for art and cultural history, housing works from the Middle Ages to modern art, including the famous 'Münster School' paintings. The permanent collection is free o

Tip: Head straight to the top floor for the contemporary art section — it's less crowded and has a small rooftop café with good views over the city's towers.