Weekend in Trier

Trier's central market square, surrounded by medieval buildings, a Gothic fountain, and the St. Gangolf church. Free to wander and people-watch. Farmers' market on Tuesdays and Sat

Tip: Tuesday and Saturday mornings bring fresh produce and local sausages. Grab a bratwurst from the stall near the fountain—costs around 2 euros.

Germany's oldest cathedral, with Roman origins and a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Entry is free, and it's still an active church.

Tip: Look for the 'Tunic of Christ' relic chapel (rarely open), but the highlight is the 12th-century crypt and the huge crypt frescoes.

A UNESCO World Heritage site with a blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, housing the Holy Robe relic.

Tip: Go at midday when the sunlight hits the stained glass; the treasury costs €1.50 but skip it if you're on a strict budget.

UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Germany's oldest cathedrals, built on Roman foundations. Free to enter, with a treasury room (€3) and the Holy Robe relic shown on rare occasions.

Tip: Walk to the back of the cathedral for the quieter cloister garden—most tourists miss it. The treasury is worth the €3 for the medieval reliquaries.

Germany's oldest cathedral, with foundations dating to the 4th century. Inside you'll find the Holy Robe, a relic said to be Christ's tunic, and a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Tip: Skip the queue at the main door on Sunday — use the side entrance from the cloister courtyard. Check the schedule for free organ concerts on summer evenings.

Germany's oldest cathedral, containing the alleged Seamless Robe of Christ. Its mix of Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture makes it a free historical highlight.

Tip: Skip the queue at the main entrance by going in through the cloister door on the north side. The treasury costs a small fee, but the main cathedral is free and has a beautiful crypt with Roman origins.

Massive collection of Roman artefacts including mosaics, sculptures and the largest gold coin hoard from antiquity.

Tip: Plan your visit for the first Sunday of the month for free entry; otherwise €6. Go early to avoid queues.

Landscaped baroque garden behind the Electoral Palace, with fountains, flowerbeds and views of the palace. Great for a picnic.

Tip: Best in spring when the cherry blossoms are out. The adjacent palace courtyard often hosts free summer concerts.

Formal Baroque garden behind the Electoral Palace, with fountains, flowerbeds and views of the basilica.

Tip: Bring a picnic and sit by the fountain near the rose garden; it's quiet on weekday mornings after 10am.

Baroque gardens adjacent to the Electoral Palace, with geometric flowerbeds, fountains and views of the Roman basilica. A quiet spot for a picnic or reading.

Tip: Bring a blanket and snacks from the Marktplatz bakery. The garden is least crowded late afternoon. Combine with the free walk along the Moselle riverbank just behind it.