In a nutshell
- In this interview from our Heimatliebe series, Nicole — a true Münster local — answers our 22 questions about her hometown. She reveals which sights you absolutely can’t miss and shares her insider tips for Münster on the best attractions, restaurants, and activities.
- Münster is located in Westphalia, has 310,000 residents, and is known as a young, green, bike-friendly city.
- A beautiful old town with plenty of restaurants and cafés, cool events, and lots of nature getaways nearby make this city seriously appealing.
- Münster is absolutely worth a visit — whether you’re coming for a day trip or a full weekend.
Tips and Info for a Trip to Münster
Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you need before heading to Münster.
Location
Münster is located in northwestern Germany in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The city is close to the Ruhr Area. Dortmund is only 50 kilometers away as the crow flies, and a trip to Essen takes less than an hour and a half.
Heading north is worth it too. You can reach Bremen and Hannover in about two hours by car.
For a day trip across the border into the Netherlands, you only need to drive about 70 kilometers.
Our Hotel Picks
Here are our hotel recommendations in Münster for every budget:
Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Münster
Our Expert
I’m Nicole and I live in beautiful Münster.
In my free time I love getting out with my camera as a hobby photographer. Except for two years when I chose to live in Franconia, I’ve always been here — and I’ve always remained a Münster local at heart.
Which is exactly why I pushed my bike up the vineyards in far-off Franconia.
Münster in Three Words
Green, lively, more open-minded than Westphalians are given credit for.
Why Go There!
Because Münster has everything you need for a great city break in Germany. There’s a lovely little historic center, loads of great green spaces right on the city’s doorstep. You can explore pretty much everything by bike and then treat yourself to great food and culture afterward. It’s a wonderful destination off the beaten path.
What Makes Münster Unique
Bikes, bikes, bikes!
Things to Do in Münster: Sights and Activities
Must-Sees
I’d recommend everyone experience the wonderful weekly market in Münster. It takes place every Wednesday and Saturday on Domplatz right in the city center. You absolutely have to get them to put together a delicious “cheese bag” for you!
Afterward, it’s well worth visiting the Cathedral, the Prinzipalmarkt, and the Lamberti Church.
The Palace with its adjoining Botanical Garden is also really beautiful.
Don’t miss the Promenade — an approximately 5-kilometer-long green belt around the city center, open only to cyclists and pedestrians.
At the Aasee you can take a stroll, wind down the evening, or head out on a paddleboat.
On a Rainy Day
Münster has a reputation for rain. So here’s my tip: put up your umbrella and carry on.
With Kids
A great activity with kids is a trip to Amelsbüren. There you can use the sensory park on the Alexianer campus free of charge.
Twelve experience stations — including a barefoot path, a partner swing, humming stones, and much more — await visitors of all ages.
You can also take the kids to the zoo, which is honestly doable in just about any weather.
Best Day Trip
When I want to get out of the city, a 30- to 45-minute drive to the Teutoburg Forest is a great option. It’s a seriously wonderful place to escape everyday life and hike one of the many “Teutoschleifen” trails on loop routes ranging from 5 to 12 kilometers.
My personal highlight is the Canyon in Lengerich. But it’s always a pleasure to discover something new on a familiar route too — like small sculptures carved from tree stumps.
To Relax
The Rieselfelder are a great place to unwind. It’s a large nature reserve on the northern edge of Münster where you can walk endlessly. Nothing disturbs you except birdsong, and you almost forget you’re just on the outskirts of the city.
My own personal favorite spot is the Kunstgarten Lauheide. Tucked away between Münster and Telgte, this donation-based garden is free to enter. Sculptures of all kinds are displayed throughout, and the many benches and seating areas invite you to linger.
It’s especially lovely to sit right by the frog pond.
Best Viewpoint
On the upper floors of the Stadthaus you’ll find 1648, a café run by the Alexianers. In my opinion, this is where you get the best panoramic view over Münster. Bring a little patience though — the café is super popular and often packed.
You can also take the elevator up and enjoy the view over Münster from the lobby area without waiting for a table.
Best Photo Spot
Schulstraße during cherry blossom season is really something special. The cherry trees and the beautiful houses of the Kreuzviertel are my go-to photography spot.
It’s also not quite as crowded here as in Bonn during cherry blossom season — a definite bonus.
Craziest Activity
I had a really hard time answering this one and even asked friends about it. There was a lot of head-scratching. Maybe we Münster locals just aren’t that crazy!
Best Event of the Year
Münster has loads of great events like the Harbor Festival, the city festival, the Kreuzviertelfest, and much more.
My absolute personal favorite, though, is the Promenaden Flea Market.
Once a month from May to September, a large flea market takes place in front of the Palace and on the adjacent Promenade meadows. There are always great finds from both private sellers and professional vendors.
The Summer Night Flea Market, which always takes place in August, has a particularly special atmosphere.
Best Museum
The Natural History Museum next to the Allwetter Zoo is a wonderful spot. The planetarium here offers great presentations for both children and adults.
Beyond the permanent exhibitions, there are always exciting temporary shows on display too. It’s worth checking the LWL Natural History Museum website before your visit.
Most Beautiful Neighborhood
I’m especially fond of the harbor district. In summer you can hang out right on the harbor promenade or enjoy the sunset with a cold beer by the canal.
There are so many great restaurants here to indulge in. Across from the harbor promenade you’ll also find the Hafenkäserei cheese shop. I haven’t been there myself yet, but it’s at the very top of my Münster to-do list.
Food and Drink in Münster
Local Specialty
Münsteraner Töttchen is a typical regional specialty. Personally, I find it pretty gross and wouldn’t really recommend it.
What I can recommend with a clear conscience, though, is enjoying a cold Pinkus beer.
Favorite Restaurants
I secretly also like to call myself a restaurant tester for Münster — I simply love going out to eat. So narrowing it down to three restaurants and three dishes isn’t easy, but here goes:
- Zum zweischneidigen Pferd: This spot at Wolbecker Straße 136 is one of my favorites. A tiny, cozy place that makes the best pizzas in Münster. I absolutely have to recommend the “Anabelle & Annelise” — a pizza with thin yellow and purple potato slices. It’s also great that they’ve figured out here that cutlery is for beginners.
- f24: Pretty centrally located at Frauenstraße 24. A cultural venue with real history. You’ll find lots of Turkish dishes here at a fair price. I’ve actually been ordering the same dish for years — the falafel plate with börek, hummus, flatbread, and many other treats leaves nothing to be desired.
- Jusho: The best sushi in the city, at Von-Steuben-Straße 17. Their all-you-can-eat concept lets you work your way through every sushi creation on the menu.
Best Burger
Hands down at the Hochstapler. I’m mildly addicted to the “New Yorker” with a generous amount of sauerkraut.
Best Ice Cream
Even at the risk of making the line outside even longer: the best ice cream in the city is at Raphael’s Eismanufaktur. You’ll find unusual flavor combinations here that always taste amazing.
Going Out in the Evening
In the evening, grab a beer at one of the bars on Kreuzstraße. The Cavete or the Blaues Haus have a great rustic vibe.
The best cocktail in all of Münster is undoubtedly the “Bartender’s Choice” at LUX. Always new, always delicious, and never disappointing.
Where to Stay in Münster
Favorite Hotel
I’ve never actually stayed in a hotel in Münster myself, and when I travel I’m happy with a sleeping pad — so this one isn’t so easy to answer.
That said, I think the Mauritzhof is a great option — the hotel is super centrally located, and I’ve heard you sleep like you’re on a cloud there. They also have a nice little outdoor area with a view of the Promenade, so breakfast there sounds lovely.
For those on a tighter budget, I’d recommend the hostel-bar concept Tom und Polly in the Südviertel.
