I have a confession to make. Usually, when I travel, I try to eat local foods when I travel but I consciously looked for other types of restaurants in Munster, Germany. Why?
Firstly, I have to admit that German cuisine isn't my favorite cuisine (except for Black Forest cake, obviously) and secondly because I'd come across a few places to eat in Munster I wanted to check out when I was researching my trips there that didn't fit the word “traditional”… at all.
Fun restaurants in Munster, Germany
1. Waffles at Waffelschmiede Münster
As you can see, the waffles from Waffelschmiede are very Instagrammable and that's also where I discovered them. You can choose between salty and sweet waffles and although I'd intended to be a bit more healthy and eat a salty waffle, I caved as soon as I saw this combination of Nutella, strawberry, banana and whipped cream on the menu.
Combined with a late, it was so good. I actually ate way too much if it, not wanting to leave any of this deliciousness behind.
There are two Waffelschmiede's in Münster and the one I went to wasn't that big inside, but it did also have a nice terrace where I sat. It's a bit hard to find, though.
You need to the Aegidiistrasse where you'll spot a Cafe Extrablatt (it's a cafe chain) on the corner next to what appears to be a little square entrance. That entrance is the entrance to the Aegidiimarkt, where you can find Waffelschmiede down the steps to your left. There's a sign indicating that it's there as well.
Unfortunately, there was no free wifi. Wifi doesn't seem to be common yet around restaurants and cafes in Münster.
Practical information
Waffelschmiede
Aegidiimarkt 3 and Wolbecker Str. 20
48143 Münster
2. Vegan food at Krawummel – Different Dining Münster
Krawummel was just a five-minute walk from my hotel and so an obvious choice for my first food stop after arriving in the city. I'd discovered this vegan restaurant on Instagram as well and while I'm not vegan, I do like vegetable-stuffed meals and healthy food.
Krawummel's menu is written out on a large chalkboard and consists of bagels, salads, burgers, soups, sweet stuff, and sandwiches. I opted for a falafel sandwich full of delicious vegetables with peanut butter dressing.
Granted, that wasn't the best choice of dressing, but I had to make this decision under pressure (I wasn't aware I had to choose a dressing when ordering and blocked) and it wasn't a complete mismatch. I combined the falafel with a lemonade of a brand I didn't know, which made for a yummy, decent and filling meal which cost me around €8.
When eating at Krawummel, you have to order at the counter and you'll get called when your food is ready. When you're done, you're supposed to clean up after yourself as well.
This might seem a bit fast food restaurant-y, but I can assure you Krawummel is pretty cozy, with a nice interior and plenty of seating space both inside and on the terrace. There was wifi as well, but it didn't work for me.
Practical information
Krawummel – different dining
Ludgeristrasse 62
48143 Münster
3. Fast and easy at China Corner Münster
As I wanted to get some work done in the evenings while I as in Münster, I ate twice at the same fast and easy place nearby my hotel: China Corner.
China Corner is a Chinese restaurant with a ton of meal options for really affordable prices. The dishes are pretty big and you can have them there or order them as take-out. There's quite a bit of seating space inside, but I opted for the terrace.
Service was swift and friendly, but again, no wifi :-(
Practical information
China Corner
Syndikatgasse 8
48143 Münster
Good to know: this is where part of the Münster Christmas market stands when it's the season.
4. Quiche at Pain & Gâteau à la Krimphove
This bakery/lunch spot near the Lambertikirche was recommended to me by Juliane from Münster Marketing. She assured me the bread and pastries here are really good, but I decided to go for a spinach quiche for lunch instead.
That only set me back €4.90 and I paid another €2.5 or so for my Cola Zero. In general, I had the impression that food was a bit cheaper in Münster than in most Belgian cities, while drinks were more expensive.
Pain & Gâteau à la Krimphove is three stories high and so I didn't have trouble finding a spot. Unfortunately, there was no wifi here either.
Practical information
Pain & Gâteau à la Krimphove
Michaelisplatz 9
48143 Münster
5. Cheese at the new Hafenkäserei
Münster's harbor area is “up and coming”, with hip restaurants on one side and a whole bunch of building works going on on the other. When I was there, the Hafenkäserei had just opened its doors and so I went to have a look.
On the ground floor, I found a cheese cafe. I'm not kidding, a cheese cafe! I'd just had the quiche I described above, though, so I contained myself.
On the first floor, there's a little cheese museum where you can find information on the production of cheese, as well as look into a cheese production room through big windows. On days when there isn't a cheese production demonstration, you can watch videos explaining the process.
Practical information
Hafenkäserei Münster
Am Mittelhafen 20
48155 Münster
6. Middle Eastern at Salam Kitchen
Salam Kitchen offers Middle Eastern and fusion cuisine at the hip Wolbecker Strasse behind Münster's main train station. Inside it feels warm and casual, outside you can sit at the wooden tables to watch life go by as you enjoy some hummus before your main dish comes – at least, that's what I did!
On the menu, you'll find starters, quick bites, and proper main courses. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, just don't expect 20 different options of each.
As said, I started with some hummus and homemade bread, and then had the fish falafel. The hummus was about €3.5 and the fish falafel around €14.5 if I remember correctly. To drink I just had some sparkling water.
The service was friendly and fast. When my dinner date and I couldn't finish our massive meals, the waitress kindly asked whether we'd like a doggy bag. I didn't turn down some leftover hummus for the day after :-)
My experience was entirely positive, but I did read some mixed reviews when I was trying to find out more about the place afterward. It seems it mostly comes down to which waiter you get. Salam Kitchen also works with refugees to create their dishes and trains them to work in restaurants, so I'm guessing there might also be a fair bit of coming and going of personnel.
Practical information
Salam Kitchen
Wolbecker Str. 64
48155 Münster
7. A sunny lunch at Cafe Extrablatt
Cafe Extrablatt is a chain, but the one at Aegidiimarkt has this massive terrace I just couldn't resist when I was looking to quiet my growling stomach around lunchtime. The menu has a ton of options from breakfast to small bites, full-blown meals, and desserts. I ordered the chicken wrap with a sparkling water and paid a little less than €10 for both.
Service was friendly but a bit slow. My wrap was tasty and came with a little salad on the side. If you also want fries, you have to order those extra.
Practical information
Cafe Extrablatt
Aegidiimarkt 1
48155 Münster
8. Coffee at Fyal Central
Fyal Central is a hotspot among students from morning until late at night. This is a place to go for drinks or their excellent coffee, but the breakfast pastry I had was a little dry. If you want to have a quiet chat, you'll have to go sit outside on the terrace like we did as the music is pretty loud here all-day-long.
Practical information
Fyal Central
Geisbergweg 8
48155 Münster
9. A quick and filling bite at Taco Heroes
Unfortunately, I don't have a proper photo of the deliciously filling burrito I had from Taco Heroes. I went to get takeaway there one evening as it was right by the hotel I was staying at and damn, it was good. I hadn't expected that.
Taco Heroes does tacos, burritos, salad bowls and a few little things on the side. The food is prepared in front of you so you can pick exactly what you want to go in your burrito (or taco or salad bowl). They have two sizes of burritos: with a 25 cm diameter and with a 30 cm diameter. Only costing 50 cents more, I obviously ordered the big one and I have to admit that for me, that was a bit too big. Upside: I had leftover burrito for lunch the next day :-)
If you want to eat in, that's also possible. It's quite spacious inside and they also have a terrace.
How to get to Munster
Münster has an airport, but as it's not too far from Belgium, I decided to go by train. I took the Thalys in Liège-Guillemins to Essen and should have switched there onto a regional direct train to Münster West Hbf, but because of an accident on the German railroads, I instead took a train from Essen to Hamm and then from Hamm to Münster. On the way back, I took the train Münster > Essen and the Thalys Essen > Liège-Guillemins without issues.
You can also board that same Thalys at Brussels-Midi, if that's more convenient or if you'd rather not book a Thalys ticket, take a regional train from Brussels-Midi or Liège-Guillemins to Cologne and switch to another regional train that goes directly to Münster there.
Do check ticket prices first, though, as Thalys isn't necessarily more expensive and it's usually faster than taking two regional trains. It takes four to five hours to get from Brussels or Liège to Münster.
You can purchase your tickets at NMBS Europe and print them at home.
Where to stay in Munster
Boutique: H4 Hotel Münster
I spent two nights at the H4 Hotel Münster City Center, just a short walk from the train station and right in the center of the city. The beautiful Prinzipalmarkt and the Domplatz are ocated at less than 10 minutes walking from the hotel and an additional benefit was the free bike hire that came with the room.
The H4 offers an elaborate breakfast buffet and spacious rooms with free wifi, a free locker, and a flat screen tv. No fridge and no tea and coffee supplies, as is usual in German hotels, but you do get free sparkling water.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Budget: H.ostel Münster
Located right on Marienplatz Square, this hostel is a fun option if you’re running on a tight budget. The dormitories all have a quirky design, with each bunk bed separated from the others by wood. They're a bit like sleeping pods, making it still feel private even if you’re sharing a room with nine others. The air-conditioned dorms offer free WiFi and lockable containers for personal belongings. Linens are provided as well. The bathrooms at the hostel are large and stylish. In your free time, you can pass by the fun reception for information or hang at the cafe area.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Chain: Mövenpick Hotel Münster
Mövenpick Hotel is found right next to Lake Aasee and within walkable distance to the center of Münster. It’s really good value for a four-star hotel, with three restaurants, a sauna on the roof, and a gym overlooking the Old Town. The rooms have a contemporary feel with free tea and coffee making facilities, air-con, and free WiFi.
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Luxury: Mauritzhof Hotel Münster
This is a great hotel that I’ve enjoyed staying at before. Prinzipalmarkt is only a ten-minute walk away, and it’s really easy to get to other city landmarks by foot. There’s an outdoor terrace, free WiFi and a good buffet breakfast. The rooms are stylish with muted tones and spacious bathrooms.
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Apartment: Ferienwohnung Dörrie im Zentrum
A fantastic central location right near the railway station and a short walk to the cathedral, this apartment is cute and cozy, feeling like a real home-from-home. Kitchen facilities are not extensive, with a microwave, kettle and fridge, but it’s a great base from which to explore the city. Free WiFi is provided.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com
If you're looking for alternative apartment options, have a look on Airbnb. I use Booking for hotels, but I always check Airbnb for apartments as they have such a large selection.
If you found this post useful, please consider booking your next Airbnb through my link. I'll earn a small commission while the price for you stays exactly the same. Income like this helps me travel independently and create new content.
Don't forget travel insurance
Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance has you covered in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered every trip I go on.
Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.
PIN FOR LATER
My trip to Münster happened in collaboration with Münster Marketing. Food choices were entirely mine, although inspired by delicious-looking Instagram photos.