Münster (Muenster) is famous for its bike-friendly streets, prestigious university, and cultural importance. This major city of northwest Germany is home to over 30 museums dedicated to a broad range of topics, from art and science to history and technology.
Münster Old Town is a great place to explore. Here, you’ll find historical landmarks such as the cathedral and the Town Hall, as well as lively shopping streets. Münster’s nightlife is a mix of vibrant student pubs and classic German brewhouses. All this makes Münster a pleasant vacation destination for just about any traveller.
What are the best things to do in Münster?
- 1
Domplatz Münster
Discover some city landmarks in this lively historical square
- Budget
- History
- Photo
- Shoppers
Domplatz Münster is the largest square of the city. Framed by Saint-Paulus-Dom (Münster Cathedral), the Town Hall, the Art and Cultural History Museum, and the Archeological Museum, there’s a lot to see here. It’s also the place where a lively market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Have a drink on the terrace of Floyd Coffee, right opposite the cathedral, and take the pulse of the city before you go and explore it.
Location: Domplatz, 48149 Münster, Germany
Map - 2
Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History
Learn more about the local culture
- History
- Photo
The Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History is settled in a spacious, modern building on Münster Cathedral Square. It’s a captivating, well-laid-out museum, home to beautiful late-Gothic paintings and sculptures, paintings by the Cranachs, and artworks by German groups of artists such as Der Blau Reiter and Die Brucke. You'll also find a library, gift shop, and a restaurant.
Location: Domplatz 10, 48143 Münster, Germany
Open: Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (till 10 pm on the second Friday of the month, closed on Mondays)
Mapphoto by Ronald van der Graaf (CC BY 2.0) modified
- 3
Prinzipalmarkt
Go shopping in a lively historical square
- Budget
- History
- Photo
- Shoppers
Stretching for 200 meters from Saint-Lambert's Church to the Town Hall Tower, Prinzipalmarkt is the historical square of Münster. Wiped out during the Second World War, it was reconstructed true to the original during the 1950s. Lined with historical buildings, classy boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, it’s an animated street, perfect for an afternoon of window-shopping. The Historic City Hall, Saint-Lambert's Church and the Town Hall Tower are also worth visiting.
Location: Prinzipalmarkt 7, 48143 Münster, Germany
Map - 4
Stadthafen
Wander around a trendy industrial spot
- Couples
- Food
- Nightlife
- Photo
Stadthafen is Münster's City Port, which is on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. Despite the industrial atmosphere of this neighborhood, it’s somehow a trendy place to hang around, especially on sunny days. The Hafen Promenade is a popular place to stroll while the docks are lined with hip cafés and restaurants. Café Med, Hochstapler and Coconut Beach Muenster are among the favorite spots for lunch here. After dark, head to Hot Jazz Club – it’s a popular live music bar and restaurant.
Location: Hafenplatz, 48155 Münster, Germany
Mapphoto by Hydro (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 5
Aasee
Enjoy the attractions and activities available at this large lake
- Adventure
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
The Aasee is an artificial lake located just southwest of the city center. As the main recreational area in Münster, it offers a good range of activities, from strolling to sailing to touring the lake on solar boats. The Muenster All-Weather Zoo, the Natural History Museum, the Planetarium, and the Muhlenhof Open-Air Museum are all located on the banks of the Aasee. A 5 km path goes all around the lake, and you’ll find a few restaurants at the pier towards the northern end.
Mapphoto by Hrz29vv (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Muhlenhof Open-Air Museum
Learn how Munsterland people lived hundreds of years ago
- Families
- History
- Photo
Sat on the banks of the Aa Lake, Muhlenhof Open-Air Museum is dedicated to the history of local rural life. It was founded in 1961 with the erection of a windmill moved here from the nearby Emsland, soon followed by the construction of an entire traditional German village. Covering an area of 5 hectares, the village has a 19th-century chapel, a school, a blacksmith’s forge, and an assortment of other workshops. It’s very educative and allows you to discover and experience how Munsterland people lived a few hundred years ago.
Location: Theo-Breider-Weg 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Map - 7
Cycling in Münster
Tour the bicycle capital of Germany
- Adventure
- Couples
Münster claims to be the bicycle capital of Germany. The city has a 450 km network of cycle paths and bicycles are used by a third of the population on a daily basis. Head to one of the main bicycle stations available downtown to rent a bicycle before exploring the city and its surroundings at your own pace. The largest of them is Radstation Muenster in Berliner Platz (next to the train station) while another big one can be found on Koenigsstrasse.
Map - 8
Theater Münster
Münster’s historical theatre
- Couples
- History
- Nightlife
Opened in 1956, Theater Münster was one of the first new theatres built in Germany after the Second World War. It’s located a short stroll northwest of Domplatz Muenster. Featuring operas, theatre plays, ballets, and music concerts performed by the Münster Symphony Orchestra, it offers a pleasant venue for a cultured evening in Münster.
Location: Neubruckenstrasse 63, 48143 Münster, Germany
Mapphoto by Theater Münster (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 9
Kuhstrasse
Experience some of the city's best nightspots
- Nightlife
Münster has a good, varied choice of nightspots to enjoy, especially around the city center. If you’re in a party mood, Destille is the venue to head to. Located on Kuhstrasse, it’s a lively and busy rocking pub. For a more traditional, quiet night, go to Pinkus Mueller on Kreuzstrasse. This brewery has a good choice of locally brewed ales for you to sample. Last but not least, Pension Schmidt is a 1970s-style venue that sits on Alter Steinweg. They have live music, quiz nights, lectures, and more, so there’s always something going on in this cool venue.