Trier is the oldest city in Germany. It was settled by the Romans and is full of Roman ruins - from an amphitheatre to an old black gate (the Porta Nigra).
Nittel to Trier - 27km
Luxembourg to Trier - 50km
The Porta Nigra is an old Roman gate that dates back to the second century. It's called to the black gate because of the black patina the limestone developed in the middle ages due to pollution. It's about €2 to go inside and look around.
There's a tourist office just next to the Porta Nigra where you can get maps, information in English and also combined tickets for some of the ruins and monuments.
The main market square is right in the centre and is very pretty. There are quite a few cafés dotted around that are good to sit outside when the weather is good. There are also several ice cream shops around the square and towards the Porta Nigra. The ice cream is just €0.60 per scoop - knock yourself out.
The Dom and the surrounding square and area are quite impressive. If you go into the Cathedral itself then don't miss the cloisters.
The amphitheatre is a 10 minute walk from the city centre. It's pretty intact and you can walk underneath it as well. Worth a look (again about €2 to go in).
Karl Marx was born in Trier in a house on Brueckenstrasse. It is now a museum and is worth a visit - but only if you know a bit of German. Last time I went (2 years ago) there were very few English translations.
There are many more things to see in Trier - if you have the time or interest... Check the Trier city web site for details.
If you want to do some actual shopping rather than window shopping then Trier is probably better than Luxembourg. The main streets that start at the market square are the best place to start. It's cheaper than London but not a lot cheaper. Shops stay open until 6pm normally, some larger stores until 8pm. In general nothing is open on Sundays.
If you want a guide or detailed shopping information then Ines is your woman.
In the town itself there are countless places to eat. Most of them will be pretty good. Even the fast food is not bad (check out Nordsee the fish and chip shop). When we are there and want a snack (that isn't ice cream) we often go to the Frankenturm on Dietrichstrasse. It's hearty German style home cooking and inexpensive.
We also like sitting in the cathedral square at Walderdorff's Vinothek. In good weather you can sit outside. When the weather isn't so good or it's evening you can sit inside the Vinothek - it's quite cosy.
The Bitburg brewery also has a restaurant in town. It's generally very busy and isn't great food - but if you want a beer...
Just outside the city are two of our favourite places to eat. The first is the Schloss Monaise. They have very fine food at around €50 per head. The restaurant itself is in a great setting. The second is Weinhaus Becker. They also have very good food. This place is more gourmet (they now have 2 Michelin stars). If you go then don't arrive late. The meal will take some time (6 courses is normal and this is without the 'greetings from the kitchen' that will undoubtedly turn up throughout the meal).
Wherever you go it's worth sticking to the local wine. It's generally not expensive and you have the chance to drink German wine - something that's not so easy to do in England. You can only get Blue Nun, can't you?