self guided tour munich

The Ultimate Free Walking Tour of Munich (For 2023)

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Ah… Munich. A city known for Oktoberfest, Munich offers more than just beer. Filled with museums and historical sites and surrounded by extravagant castles, Munich is one of the best cities in Germany. And there’s no better way to explore this delightful Bavarian city than on a free walking tour of Munich!

This self-guided Munich walking tour is not just doable — it’s called for. Where else can you find over a dozen historical monuments, breathtaking city views, and lively plazas packed into less than one kilometer?

And while some walking tours of Munich may be tiring, this one has a total walking distance of only 35 minutes . This means you’ll have plenty of time to take it easy, wander around, and dive into the legends of these unique Munich landmarks.

However, you should still set aside at least 1 day in Munich to do this tour, as there’s plenty to do at each stop.

Well, without further ado, let’s begin!

A Quick Summary of Your Free Walking Tour of Munich

• Karlsplatz-Stachus
• Bürgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)
• Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)
• Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
• Marienplatz
• Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
• Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
• Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
• Asamkirche (Asam Church)
• Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market)
• Hofbräuhaus München

Needless to say, this free walking tour of Munich will take you to all the top spots . So get your camera ready, put on some comfortable shoes, and prepare to spend one perfect day in Munich (one of the best places to visit in Bavaria !).

The Ultimate Free Walking Tour of Munich

1) karlsplatz-stachus.

• Opening Hours : None
• Cost : Free

Your Munich walking tour starts at Karlsplatz-Stachus, the most famous square in Munich.

It practically connects all the city’s transportation lines, making it one of the top hubs in Munich. In the mid 20th century, it reportedly had the most traffic in all of Europe ! This led to a saying that spread well beyond Munich: “Da geht’s ja zu wie am Stachus,” which is similar to the UK expression “It’s like Piccadilly Circus.”

Needless to say, there is always something to do at Karlsplatz-Stachus. On the eastern side, you can admire the gothic gate “Karlstor.” In the summer, you can enjoy some ice cream while sitting by the picturesque fountain. And in the winter, this fountain turns into a huge Munich ice rink!

There are also endless shopping opportunities, including:

• Kaufhof : Built in 1950, this was the first department store in Munich.
• Stachus Passagen for some underground shopping.
• Shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the square.
• The entrance to Neuhauserstraße and Kaufingerstraße , the two main shopping streets of Munich.

But before checking out the shops or continuing with our tour, take your time to soak up the atmosphere at Stachus. We will gradually head down Neuhauserstraße for the next stops on our free walking tour of Munich!

The Funny Story Behind the Dual Name of Karlsplatz-Stachus

The square was built in 1777 when the Elector Karl Theodor took over the government of Bavaria. Like any modest ruler, he named the new square after himself — Karlsplatz. But he was so unpopular with the residents that they refused to use that name . And so the square became known as Stachus, in memory of the tavern that was displaced for the square’s construction.

2) Bürgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)

• Opening Hours : Upper church: Monday-Saturday, 11 am-1 pm. Lower church: Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 2 pm-5 pm.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 4 minutes
• Website : https://www.mmkbuergersaal.de/

From Karlsplatz-Stachus, walk four minutes to our next stop: Bürgersaalkirche, otherwise known as the Citizen’s Hall Church.

From the outside, Bürgersaalkirche kinda looks more like a government building than a church. And, as a matter of fact, it was first built in 1709 as a “citizen’s hall” (hence the name), and was only consecrated in 1778. The church is also divided into an upper floor and a lower floor, with the exterior pink façade showing this division.

In the upper church, you’ll find the brightly lit, ballroom-like prayer room . Everywhere you look, there are works of art in the form of frescoes, paintings, and statues.

In the lower church, you can find the crypt of Ruper Mayer , a Jesuit priest known for his resistance against the Nazis. For a bit of history, I recommend walking around the small museum room containing memorabilia from his life.

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3) Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)

• Opening Hours : The Crypt is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am-4:30 pm, and the weekends from 9:30 am-2:30 pm.
• Cost : Free (or 2 euros to enter the Crypt).
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 2 minutes
• Website : https://www.st-michael-muenchen.de/en/

The next stop on our walking tour of Munich is St. Michael’s Church: an art gallery, an architectural masterpiece, and a place of worship all in one!

Built in the late 16th century, Michaelskirche was modeled after the Church of the Gesù in Rome. It’s best known for having the second largest vaulted roof (after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome).

If you look between the two entrances, you’ll see St. Michael, the Archangel, slaying a dragon-like creature, which was meant to symbolize Catholicism triumphing over Protestantism in the Counter Reformation era.

And hey, if you’re craving a little company, why not visit the “Mad” King Ludwig II in the crypt ?

4) Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)

• Opening Hours : Monday to Saturday 8 am-8 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-8 pm.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 3 minutes
• Website : https://www.muenchner-dom.de/

Next, head over to Frauenkirche, one of the most popular landmarks in Munich.

The original plan for Frauenkirche was a grand church of the likes of Stephansdom in Vienna. But budgetary constraints unraveled these plans into the plain red-brick construction that it is today.

In the end, this lack of funding is what shaped the church into the remarkable mix of styles that makes it so unique. By the time the towers were finally finished, the Renaissance era had started. Thus, domes were installed instead of the intended Gothic pointed towers.

These towers are an iconic part of the Munich skyline , jutting out far past any other building. The residents of Munich are deeply passionate about their city’s “mother church”; in 2004, they even voted to prohibit building anything taller than 98.57 meters — the height of Frauenkirche.

Inside, Frauenkirche has a remarkable capacity of 20,000 people. The decorations are simple, but there are still tons to admire, including:

• Gothic pillars
• Original stained-glass windows
• 14th-18th century artwork
• A 16th-century automaton clock
• The tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV

The Legend of the Devil’s Footprint

By the entrance, you’ll also notice a black mark resembling a footprint . Legend says the master builder Jörg von Halsbach struck a deal with the devil to ensure they had enough money for the church’s construction. In exchange, he promised to not build any windows, meaning the church could not be consecrated.

Stepping inside the completed church, the devil could not see the windows at first, as they were hidden from view by the columns and buttresses. But when he realized he’d been duped, he stomped his foot in anger and turned into the wind to try to blow the church down. If you stand outside the church, you can still feel the devil’s vain efforts!

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5) Marienplatz

• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/marienplatz.html

Next up on your Munich walking tour is Marienplatz, a plaza that will provide you with a short break from the stunning Munich churches and aerial city views!

This popular square dates back to the city’s founding in 1158 . It used to be a calm intersection where monks decided to settle, giving the city its name (“monks” in German).

The area soon became the city’s marketplace, then called “Schrannenplatz” (“grain plaza”). In 1854, the market outgrew the plaza and moved to Blumenstraße. The plaza was then renamed to Marienplatz after the Virgin Mary, for helping the city overcome a cholera epidemic.

The center of the plaza is marked by Mariensaule , the Virgin Mary column. It was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation of Munich. Its base depicts the city’s triumph over famine (the dragon), war (the lion), the plague (the basilisk), and heresy (the snake).

Events and Things to Do in Marienplatz

• June : Stadtgründungsfest, celebrating Munich’s birthday.
• December : a Christmas Market with 150 stalls.
• Year-round : Countless stores and restaurants — needless to say, it’s one of the best things to do in Munich on Sunday!

The Munich Marienplatz is where many of the free tours in Munich and walking tours in Munich start, so you’ll see lots of tourist groups here. The plaza itself has many interesting landmarks, which we are about to see!

6) Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

• Opening Hours : 10 am-7 pm Monday to Saturday, 10 am-5 pm on Sundays.
• Cost : 10 euros for tours, or 4 euros to access the tower.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 0 minutes
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/new-town-hall-neues-rathaus.html

To reach the next stop on your free walking tour of Munich, just turn around and look for the Neues Rathaus right at Marienplatz! Although it’s only one building, it has plenty to offer, including some fun things to do with kids in Munich.

It was built in the late 19th century when the old town hall was no longer able to accommodate the government. And this new one sure takes care of the space issue — 12 buildings had to be demolished to make room for it! It also holds 400 rooms and takes up over 9000 square meters of space.

Surprisingly, Neues Rathaus Munich survived WWII, so the carvings you see are original. Don’t miss the “Glockenspiel,” a storytelling music box on the exterior of the tower. It is still manually operated and uses 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures to perform two historical events, including:

• A 1568 tournament celebrating the marriage of Duke Wilheim V to Renata of Lothringen.
• “Schäfflertanz”, or Coopers’ Dance : After the plague epidemic, the barrel makers were supposedly the first to go out into the streets, where they danced to give courage and joy to the fearful citizens.

The show lasts about 15 minutes. It’s performed daily at 11 am and 12 pm, so make sure you’re there for the show!

Before you turn away, look all the way up to the top of the tower and wave hello to “the Munich child”, aka “ Münchner Kind .” This symbolic representation of Munich has had a prolific advertising career, as it’s been featured in Munich commercials for virtually everything under the sun.

The New Town Hall also offers several other things to do, including

• A 90-minute tour.
• A tourist office on the ground floor.
• An 85-meter-tall tower with a great view of the old town of Munich.
• Marienhof, a small garden at the back.
• The Ratskeller restaurant in the basement.

7) Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

• Opening Hours : 10 am-5:30 pm daily (for the Toy Museum).
• Cost : 6 euros for the Toy Museum.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop: 1 minute
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/altes-rathaus.html

Now that we’ve admired the New Town Hall, it’s time to check out the Old Town Hall! Walk over to the eastern end of Marienplatz to find Altes Rathaus, Neues Rathaus’ predecessor.

The building goes back as far as 1310 . But it has been damaged and rebuilt so many times that it has practically worn every architectural style since its founding. Its most recent restoration after WWII has brought it full circle to its original Gothic design . And with its plain façade, the Old Town Hall look more modern than the ornate New Town Hall Munich!

Altes Rathaus has a dark side as well. It was the location of the hate-filled speech by Joseph Goebbels that inspired Kristallnacht, “ the night of the broken glass” in 1938 . This is considered to be the start of the Holocaust.

Other things you can see at Altes Rathaus:

• A historic toy museum located on over 4 floors of the tower (it’s one of the best things to do in Munich with kids!).
• A ballroom on the second floor with an impressive ornate wooden ceiling.
• A Juliet Capulet statue on the side of the building, gifted to Munich by Verona in the 1970s.

8) Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)

• Opening Hours : 9 am-6 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Cost : Free for the church, 3 euros for the tower.
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/church-of-st-peter.html

Next on your Munich free walking tour is Peterskirche, the city’s oldest Catholic church dating back to the 12th century. Like many Munich landmarks, it has been reconstructed many times due to fires and wars. The inside reflects its many reincarnations with elements of the Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo styles .

The most notable aspect of Peterskirche Munich is the second chapel, as it holds the skeleton of Saint Munditia , lavishly decorated with a crown, precious stones, and luxurious clothing. You’ll also see many beautiful works of art, though most of them are restorations.

And if you haven’t had enough bird-eye views of the city yet, you can climb the 300 stairs up the tower. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps!

At the top, you’ll also find another peculiarity: no fewer than 8 clocks. The Munich-based comic Karl Valentin offered a whimsical reason as to why: “Well, of course, it’s so eight people can check the time at once!”

9) Asamkirche (Asam Church)

• Opening Hours : 9 am-6 pm
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 6 minutes
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/asam-church.html

Compared to the gargantuan buildings you’ve seen so far, the 22-by-8-meter Asamkirche in München might seem ludicrously tiny. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in decoration.

Through the opulent wooden door, you enter a space filled with such an excessive amount of stucco and ornamentation, it’s downright overwhelming. There’s barely an inch left undecorated.

The church is divided into three vertical levels:

• The rather gloomy lower area, where visitors sit, symbolizes worldly suffering.
• The middle level, reserved for the Emperor, is decorated in white and blue.
• The top, dedicated to God, is brightly lit.

Naturally, the space gets brighter the closer to heaven it goes. The ceiling also has a lavish fresco portraying the drowning of Saint Nepomuk, to whom the church is dedicated.

10) Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market)

• Opening Hours : Usually 8 am-8 pm Monday to Saturday, but it depends on the stall.
• Cost : Depends on what you buy.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 7 minutes
• Website : https://www.viktualienmarkt-muenchen.de/

Remember how Marienplatz used to be a marketplace? Well, Viktualienplatz is where it moved.

Viktualienmarkt, from the late Latin word for food, stretches over 22,000 square meters. About 150 stalls offer everything your fridge and pantry could desire, from vegetables to fish, through spices and pastries, and even kitchen accessories and other trinkets. Every Munich food guide will recommend visiting this famous market!

Halls and pavilions were added as even Viktualienmarkt Munich started lacking in space for its eager shoppers. At the center, you’ll find an authentic Bavarian Maypole displaying aspects of life in Munich.

If you need to rest your feet a little, you can relax in the beer garden . Then walk around to find the fountains with statues commemorating folk singers and comedians.

11) Hofbräuhaus München

• Opening Hours : 9 am-12 am daily.
• Cost : Depends on what you order.
• Website : https://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/hofbraeuhaus.html

Today, we associate Germany with tall glasses of beer, but 500 years ago, Bavaria was far from being a beer nation. At the time, beer was imported from Northern Germany, and boy, was it expensive! Like any beer lover, the rulers wanted more beer for less money, and commissioned their own brewery in 1589: the Hofbräuhaus München

It was initially reserved for royals , and they were only allowed to brew stout and white beer. The beer hall was then added in 1897 and eventually opened to the public.

You can take a look at the glass cellar or sit down for a refreshing drink — perhaps in the very same spot where Mozart or the Empress Elisabeth of Austria once sat! Adolf Hitler presented his “25-Point Program” in this very bar as well.

You can unwind here until as late as midnight — the Hofbräuhaus is hands down one of the best things to do in Munich at night!

If you’re also thinking of visiting Seville, Spain, click here to read my self-guided walking tour of Seville!

Got More Time to Explore Munich?

If you have time leftover after your Munich walking tour, consider adding these things to do in Munich, located close to where your tour left off:

• National Theater
• Theatine Church
• Munich Residenz

And obviously, if you’re visiting Munich in mid-September to October, you have to check out Oktoberfest! The largest beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest is a 17- to 18-day festival where you can drink tons of beer, enjoy some rides and carnival games, and wear Trachten, the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest .

Finally, if you’re wondering what else to do in Munich, here are the top attractions not yet mentioned:

• English Garden
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Alte Pinakothek
• Neuschwanstein Castle (one of the best day trips from Munich!)

And That’s It for our Free Walking Tour of Munich!

And so we have come to the end of your free walking tour of Munich. If you have 2 days in Munich or even just 1 day in Munich, this walking tour will help you make the very best of your time. Happy exploring!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip around Europe? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Around Europe
• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• My 5-Week Europe Itinerary
• The Minimalist Europe Fall Packing List for Women
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Europe
• Click here for more posts on Germany
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour

Home » Europe » Germany » Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Dec. 13th, 2023 · Updated Jun. 10th, 2024

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Follow this free self-guided walking tour of Munich to explore all the top sights in the atmospheric centre of this grand Bavarian city.

Page Contents:

This walk starts from Karlsplatz , just a few minutes walk from Munich Central Station towards the centre of town. If you’re coming from the airport, you can take an S-Bahn (slow train) or the Lufthansa Express Bus * to the centre of Munich.

Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Munich Walking Tour

• Many museums cost only €1 on Sundays, and many are also closed on Mondays. Most museums can be booked online in advance, which is worth doing on summer weekends. The museums all have English as well as German information.
• In summer, book lunch and dinner in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Check out other walks on our Germany Hiking Page .

Top Things to Do in Munich

On this self-guided walking tour you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Munich. Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Munich, though you could spend twice that time if you want to visit several of the large museums. Munich, with great train connections, also makes a good base for exploring the rest of Bavaria. This is a self-guided walking tour of Munich, if you prefer there’s a great guided walking tour *.

• Neuhauser Straße
• Marienplatz
• Frauenkirche
• Residenz Palace
• Odeonsplatz
• English Garden
• St. Peter’s Church
• Viktualienmarkt
• St. Jakobs Platz
• Museum Quarter

Munich Walking Tour Route

This walking tour starts from Karlsplatz , a semi-circular square surrounded by fancy buildings.

1. Neuhauser Straße

Leave Karlsplatz along Neuhauser Straße, the main street lined by shops, that leads to Marienplatz. You’ll first walk through the impressive Karlstor , a medieval tower dating back to the 14th century. As you head along the street you’ll pass two churches, Bürgersaalkirche and Michaelskirche, on your left. Neither look like typical churches, so you’ll need to keep a lookout so as not to miss them.

The first church is the Bürgersaalkirche (closed Sundays), which has a pinky-orange baroque front with white columns. Inside you’ll find an impressive ceiling, several worthwhile wooden sculptures, and a small, free museum displaying church treasures.

Shortly after the Bürgersaalkirche, you’ll see the Augustiner Stammhaus on your right. This is a famous beer hall serving traditional Bavarian dishes in a rather fancy building with a lovely courtyard.

Michaelskirche

Key Information: Free entry to the church, €2 to see the crypt. Closed on Sundays.

Michaelskirche * also has a very distinctive front – white with pink cavities housing statues of the Wittelsbach dynasty (the family that included the Fairytale King Ludwig II). It doesn’t really look like a church at all. You can see the tombs of several Wittelsbach members, including King Ludwig II, in the crypt.

Directions: Continue along Neuhauser Straße and you’ll soon reach the large, busy square of Marienplatz.

2. Marienplatz

Marienplatz is Munich’s main square and it’s always bustling with locals and tourists. It’s the centre of Munich old town and also the centre of the pedestrianised shopping district. There’s a nice fountain in the centre, and a very impressive Gothic town hall (Neues Rathaus) on the northern side. There are also many (slightly overpriced) cafes and restaurants surrounding the square.

Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus (Town Hall) is an incredibly impressive 19th building and also the location of the main Tourist Information Centre . There’s also a famous clock, or Glockenspiel on the Rathaus with a set of figures that revolve and enact a play on certain hours – 11am, noon and 5pm. If you want to know what’s going on – it’s a joust between a Bavarian and a French knight and the display lasts roughly 10 minutes.

Directions: Walk through the courtyard in the centre of the town hall and leave via the left exit. Continue to the obvious church in front of you.

3. Frauenkirche

Key Information: Free entry.

The Frauenkirche * is a 15th-century cathedral famous for its domed towers, and its outline is a symbol of Munich. The name Frauenkirche means ‘Woman’s Church’ and it’s dedicated to the hard work of the women who helped to reconstruct the city after the Second World War. The interior is fairly plain, but the stained glass windows are worth taking a look at and there’s also a small crypt to discover.

Directions: Head back towards the town hall and turn left on the pedestrianised street just before it to reach another square.

4. Odeonsplatz

The Odeonsplatz is an elegant square that often hosts events. You’ll see the Feldherrnhalle (General’s Hall) commemorating Bavarian military leaders and a yellow church on your left.

Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan

The Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan * is a big yellow church with a rococo facade and two yellow towers. The interior is rather stunning, with great carvings and paintings. The church was built in the 17th century in an Italian Baroque style, and it was inspired by a church in Rome.

Directions: Take the first left to reach Wittelsbacherplatz , a square surrounded by elegant palaces. Return back to Odeonsplatz and across the other side into the Hofgarten . Cross over the other side and under the road into the English Garden.

5. English Garden

The English Garden * is one of the largest urban parks in the world. You can walk through the garden for as long as you want – it extends over 5 km northward from where you enter. Some of the highlights include the Monopteros (Greek Pavillion on top of a hill) and the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm). This tower also has a Biergarten just next to it, a great place to relax any time of the day.

Not to miss at the southern end of the park is the Eisbach Surfing Wave *. This is an artificial continuous wave and you can spend a while here watching the locals practice their surfing techniques come rain or shine!

The Haus der Kunst (House of Art) is a grand museum next to the surfing wave. It hosts temporary art exhibits, so check the website for what’s on if you’re interested.

Directions: Cross over the road at the Haus der Kunst and walk along the road by the Bavarian State Chancellery – a fancy building with columns and a lot of glass. Just after this building turn right and then left. At the T-junction turn right and you’ll soon be at the courtyard outside the Residenz Palace.

6. Residenz Palace

Key Information: Open daily 9am-6pm in summer, 10am-5pm in winter. There are separate tickets for the Residence Museum (€9), the Treasury (€9) and Cuvilliés Theatre (€5), or you can visit all three for €17. With your ticket, you get a free audio guide.

The Residenz Palace ( Website , TripAdvisor Reviews *) is a huge former royal palace with opulent rooms, courtyards, and gardens. The rulers of Bavaria governed and lived here from around 1500 up to the First World War. Today the palace is split into three areas: the Residence Museum, the Treasury and Cuvilliés Theatre, each with its own ticket or visited together with a combination ticket. If you don’t plan to spend a long time here, the Residence Museum is the one to visit.

The Residence Museum covers the main area of the palace, and you can walk through room after highly decorated room. The audioguide describes every single room and it would take many hours to listen to every entry, so skip the ones you aren’t interested in.

The Treasury , as the name suggests, shows off some of the treasures that the owners of the Residence acquired. There’s a lot of bling and again it’s quite large. You can see sculptures, crowns and much more, often made of gold and covered in jewels.

The Cuvilliés Theatre is a very over-decorated theatre full of intricate carvings with gold everywhere. It’s very impressive, but doesn’t take long to see and is perhaps not worth the entry fee unless you get the combined ticket.

Directions: Leave the square along the Residenzstraße and take the first left along a small street to reach a little square.

The famous Hofbräuhaus is on this square, one of Munich’s oldest beer halls. It’s an iconic place to try traditional Bavarian food and beer but can be very busy in summer months.

Directions: Continue through the square then take a right and a left, heading towards the tall church.

7. St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter)

Key Information: The church and tower are open every day, from 12:00 am to 4:30 pm. Entry to the church is free but climbing the tower costs €5/3 per adult/concession.

St. Peter’s Church * is the oldest church in Munich, dating from the 11th century. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated with an amazing painted ceiling, and don’t miss the golden Baroque high altar with its figure of St. Peter.

Although the inside of the church is worth seeing, most people visit the church to climb the tower. There are panoramic views of the city from the top if you’re up for a bit of exercise and are okay with narrow stairs. There are a few places to rest on the way up, and from the top of the tower, you get perhaps the best view of Munich. You can see the front of the Rathaus, many rooftops and church spires, and if it’s clear, you may even be able to see the Alps in the distance.

Directions: Head into the large market, on the opposite side of the church to Marienplatz.

8. Viktualienmarkt

Munich: Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour The Viktualienmarkt is a bustling food market, the largest and most famous marketplace in the city. Here you can sample Bavarian specialties and enjoy a beer at one of the beer gardens while watching the world go by. There are many small vendors selling all kinds of fresh produce and ready-to-eat food, as well as a few selling souvenirs. Take a tour of the market * to find the best stalls!

Directions: Leave the market on the opposite side and then turn right to walk through the pedestrianised square.

9. St. Jakobs Platz

There are two museums in St. Jakobs Platz, which is a pleasant square containing several cafes.

Munich City Museum

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets are €6/3 for adults/concessions, and children are free.

The Munich City Museum , or Münchner Stadtmuseum, is a large museum that covers everything to do with Munich, including the rise of Hitler. The captions are in German but there’s an English audioguide to some sections.

Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum and adjacent modern synagogue are in the middle of an open square near the Viktualienmarkt. Exhibits cover the history of Jewish people in Munich. It’s quite a small museum, mainly showing photographs with adjacent text (in German and English).

Directions: Head across St. Jakobs Platz and across the road on the other side. Continue up the small street until you reach a much larger pedestrianised street. Turn left and the church is on your right.

10. Asamkirche

The Asamkirche is an 18th-century baroque chapel. It’s quite small, but the interior is intricately decorated in a rococo style. Although the inside is striking, it’s easy to miss when walking past! Make sure to look out for the columns and vertical yellow stripes, and the entrance is in the middle. It’s one of the most impressive churches in Munich.

Directions: Continue walking along the street until you reach Sendlinger Tor , an impressive restored gate from the 14th century. There’s both a tram and a metro (U-Bahn) stop here so you can whizz around Munich. To reach the Museum Quarter , take the tram to Pinakotheken, an 8-minute journey.

11. Museum Quarter

The Museum Quarter contains many museums, but there are also several worthwhile museums outside of this area ( see below ). The most noteworthy museums in the Museum Quarter are:

• Alte Pinakothek – Old European paintings
• Neue Pinakothek – Paintings from the 18th century onwards
• Pinakothek der Moderne – Contemporary and modern art
• Museum of Egyptian Art – Egyptian artefacts
• NS-Dokumentationszentrum – Munich in the World Wars
• Königsplatz – Greek and Roman antiquities

Alte Pinakothek

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (until 8 pm Tue & Wed). Tickets cost €9/6 or €1 on Sundays, children under 18 are always free.

The Alte Pinakothek ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is one of the best art museums in Munich and one of the most renowned art museums in the world. In particular, it’s known for its extensive collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period (14th-18th centuries). There are works by renowned artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and many others.

The museum was founded in 1836 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria to house the Bavarian royal family’s extensive art collection, which had been accumulated over several centuries. The building itself is also a work of art, with a neoclassical façade and a majestic entrance.

Neue Pinakothek

Key Information: Currently undergoing a major renovation, scheduled to reopen only in 2029.

The Neue Pinakothek displays works of art from after the 18th century, continuing on from the Alte Pinakothek. There are great paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and many more famous artists here, all in a lovely building. While the museum is closed, some of the best pieces are being displayed in the Alte Pinakothek.

Pinakothek der Moderne

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with late night opening hours until 8 PM on Thursdays. Tickets are €10, or €1 on Sundays, children are always free.

The Pinakothek der Moderne is a large museum housing contemporary art. The exhibits are very diverse and most are interesting, with sections on everything from industrial design to robotics to famous Picasso paintings. The architecture of the building itself is also interesting.

Munich Museum of Egyptian Art

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with late night opening hours until 8 PM on Tuesdays. Tickets are €7, or €1 on Sundays, children are always free.

The Munich Museum of Egyptian Art has a great collection of Egyptian artefacts and is a real hidden gem in Munich. The museum building itself has an architecturally impressive design, and the layout of the exhibits is also very well thought out. The exhibits cover the time from 5000 years ago all the way to several hundred years ago, not stopping with the Ancient Egyptians like most Egyptian museums. The entrance can be hard to find – it’s the small dark space at the bottom of the wide concrete steps.

NS-Dokumentationszentrum Munich

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM. Free entry.

The NS-Dokumentationszentrum Munich tells the story of Munich during the First and Second World Wars. The exhibits are well laid out, and there’s lots to read as well as watch so you could easily spend a few hours here.

Königsplatz

Königsplatz is a square that looks quite out of place, surrounded by Ancient Greek-style buildings and with a triumphal arch. On the north side is the Glyptothek , a museum of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. While on the south side is the State Collections of Antiquities .

Other Museums in Munich

Apart from those in the Museum Quarter, there are several other notable museums in Munich, listed below.

Deutsches Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tickets cost €15/8 for adults/children, with discounts for families. There’s a restaurant, a cafe and kiosks in the museum for refreshments. Buy tickets online on summer weekends. All captions are in both English and German.

The Deutsches Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is one of the world’s largest science museums. You could spend almost an entire day here if you want to see everything, or if you have just a few hours, plan to focus on just a couple of exhibitions. The exhibits include historic aircraft, music, health, robots, mining, bridges and a lot more. It’s a great museum for kids, and there’s an entire children’s zone downstairs where they can be kept amused for hours.

Olympia Park

Olympia Park is a large park to the northwest of the city centre, developed to hold the 1972 Olympics. Today you can visit the Olympic Stadium (€3.50), and even tour the rooftop and bungee jump off the roof. There’s also a tall tower, the Olympiaturm, which you can go up to admire the views. Alternatively, there are a couple of hills within the park that you can walk up for similar views. If it’s a clear day you can see the Alps!

BMW Welt & Museum

Key Information: BMW Welt (BMW World) is free, but you have to get tickets to the BMW Museum (€10). BMW Welt is open from 7:30am to midnight Mon-Sat, and from 9am on Sundays. The BMW Museum is open Tue-Sun 10am to 6pm.

At the BMW complex ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) are BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. BMW Welt is free to look around and displays shiny new cars as well as older models and motorbikes. BMW owns Mini and Royles Royce amongst others, so you’ll also see lots of these brands here. It’s quite fun to visit, even if you don’t really care about cars.

You have to pay for the BMW Museum, which is across the covered bridge from BMW Welt. The museum is more about the technical development of cars and motorbikes, as well as the history of BMW. Tours of the museum in both English and German take place regularly.

What to do in the evening in Munich

There are several great ways to spend an evening in Munich, from traditional breweries to concerts and evening walking tours:

• Sample Bavarian food and beer *
• Go to a concert at the Munich Residenz *
• Tour the old town with a nightwatchman *

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

For more walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page .

Related Posts

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Introduction

Karl's Square (Karlsplatz)

St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche)

German Hunting Museum (Deutsches Jagd- und Fischereimuseum)

Asam Church (Asamkirche)

Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum)

Viktualien Market (Viktualienmarkt)

St. Peter's Church

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

Marienplatz (Mary's Square) and the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

The Fish Fountain (Fischbrunnen)

Church of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche)

Dodger's Ally (Drückebergergasse)

Field Marshall's Hall (Feldherrnhalle)

Max Joseph Square

Old Court (Alterhof)

Court Brewery (Hofbräuhaus)

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Munich

Munich Highlights Tour

Start from Introduction, Munich

Duration 135-140 min

Available offline

Discover a preview of the tour!

Listen to the first 30 seconds

Discover the heart of Munich on this captivating tour. Begin at Karlsplatz, an old-city gateway, while strolling through the old city, learning about some of the best sites. Wander then through the nearby Viktualienmarkt, a bustling marketplace offering a taste of local life and cuisine. Carry on to the Marienplatz, Munich's central square, and eventually end at the Hofbräuhaus, Munich's famous beer hall, where you can enjoy traditional Bavarian beer and music in a lively atmosphere.

Discover the heart of Munich on this captivating tour. Begin at Karlsplatz, an old-city gateway, while strolling through the old city, learning about some of the best sites. Wander then through the nearby Viktualienmarkt, a bustling marketplace offering a taste of local life and cuisine. Carry on to the Marienplatz, Munich's central square, and eventually end at the Hofbräuhaus, Munich's famous beer hall, where you can enjoy traditional Bavarian beer and music in a lively atmosphere. ... see all

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Highlights ✨

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Free Walking Tours Munich

This post lists the best free walking tours you can take in Munich, Germany, a city known for its beer gardens and festivals.

Free Tours By Foot has provided more than 1 million tours since our inception, so you can trust us to lead you in the right direction when it comes to free walking tours in Munich.

We also include a self-guided and an audio tour.

• Overview and Schedule
• City Centre Walking Tours
• Oktoberfest Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Walking Tours
• Free Tours with Turbo Pass
• Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE

Below is a calendar of some of the great free walking tours available in Munch, the capital city of Bavaria.

Click on the entry below to expand the listing for more details.

The tours listed below are run through us. More tours are available in the following sections.

Searching Availability...

Here is a calendar with more of the best free walking tours in Munich.

These walking tour companies run their guided walks on a pay-what-you-like basis, which means there is no upfront fee to join a tour.

At the end of the tour, they’ll ask you to pay what you think the experience was worth or what you could afford. Most tourists who enjoy their outings will tip their guides €10-€15, but that's up to you!

However, although these companies often get very good reviews, their affordability and popularity mean that, during the busy season, these walks are generally at capacity.

While a free walking tour of Munich is often led by entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides, the tour group is usually large enough to prevent you from interacting with your guide like you could in a small group.  

So, for travelers who want to take tours with fewer people, we recommend paid small-group tours .

If you decide to take a paid small-group tour, you might be able to see even more popular sites such as the Viktualienmarkt, the English Garden, and other sites that sometimes are not included on free outings.

That said, if you want to become more familiar with the main squares of the city and learn a basic overview of its history, a free walking tour could be just the way to go!

Check out our free tours in  dozens of other cities , including:

TIP : If you want to cover more ground, you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour through the city!

These tours come with audio guides in up to nine different languages (English, Spanish, German, and French included), and make stops at the most popular points of interest in Munich. 

FREE TOURS WITH THE MUNICH TURBOPASS

If you’re considering buying an attraction discount pass, the all-inclusive Munich TurboPass includes a 1.5-hour walking tour through Old Town as well as several other walking tours.

The travel card option gives either a free ticket or a 20% discount!

This tour’s normal price is €15 per adult and €13 per teen, young adult, or senior over 65. 

This walk runs at least once a day, every day of the year except for December 25! It is the perfect overview of Old Town. 

CITY CENTRE WALKING TOURS

Here is a list of companies that provide pay-what-you-like walking tours in the city.

In addition to learning about historical figures such as King Ludwig II, these outings also provide a look at what life was like in Munich during the middle ages.

You can usually expect to visit some of the following historic locations on these outings:

• Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
• Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall)
• Hofbräuhaus
• Glockenspiel
• Marienplatz
• State Opera
• Odeonsplatz

If you want to see or learn about any of these locations, or even just find out where they are, consider taking one of the following free walking tours in Munich!

Explora Munich

This company also offers a pay-what-you-want walking tour of Munich, this one specifically focusing on the Old Town sector of the city.

You can expect to see a lot of the most notable sites in the city centre, including several historic locations over the course of this 2.5-hour tour.

This tour is offered daily at 10:45 am in both English and Spanish. There is also a second Spanish tour every day at 11:45 am.

Click here to book this tour .

This is another company offering a tour of Old Town Munich, this time covering some of the darker aspects of Bavarian history.

Visitors can expect to learn about the third reich history of Munich, including tales of Adolf Hitler and the Beer Hall Putsch. You'll also see notable sites such as the Old Town Hall and Mariensplatz.

This outing is available from Tuesday - Saturday at 10:45 am, on Wednesday and Friday at 15:00 (2 pm), and at 11:00 am on Saturday. The tour will last for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Book this tour or learn more .

Sandemans New Europe Munich

The free tour of Munich with Sandemans is a 2.5-hour walking overview of this beautiful German city starting at Marienplatz and ending close by.

Your local guide will make sure to show you all the must-see points of attraction, including the Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche, and the Hofbrauhaus. 

The walks begin at 10:45 am and 14:00 (2:00 pm) every day in both English and Spanish. 

You can also take paid tours and day trips covering specific topics and attractions.

Oktoberfest in Munich Tours

If you're curious about the tradition of Oktoberfest that takes place every October, there are actually free tours covering this side of Bavarian culture.

While drinks and food aren't included, you will learn about the history of this event and how it became an international sensation.

You can expect to visit landmars such as the following:

• Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
• St. Peter Kirche
• Frauenkirche

This outing is 2 hours long and it's available in English on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday at 15:30 (3:30 pm) and on Saturdays at 10:00 am.

Book your tickets or learn more .

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Self-guided walking tours are perfect for when you prefer to explore the city at your own pace or if you cannot find the right option for your schedule.

Either way, here are some written guides to Munich that will allow you to be your own guide. 

Rick Steves Audio Tour

Rick Steves is well-known for his many, many city guides and tours.

Luckily, his team offers one audio city walk for Munich , which is downloadable and comes with a downloadable map as well.

The audio guide runs for just over one hour and features 20 stops. 

Free Tours By Foot

Even if you don't have the earbuds for an audio tour, you can still use our self-guided walking tour of Munich as long as you have a smartphone.

This outing closely follows a similar path to the Rick Steves audio tour, but it's a bit shorter in length.

That said, we provide a lot of interesting details about each of the stops included, as well as directions to help you find your way to every location.

Best of all, just like our name says, it's entirely free to use this self-guided tour !

CityTourCard Munich

If you prefer to make your own route and are planning on purchasing public transportation tickets already, you can buy the CityTourCard for Munich which comes with a map and pocket guide to the city as well as discounts for certain card partners.

Haunted Munich Self-Guided Game

Discover the spookier side of Munich as you explore the city at your own pace and learn about some of the most haunted locations and stories as you attempt to solve a mystery.

This is an interesting alternative to a traditional tour, and although it's not free, at just €10 for up to 4 people, it costs about as much as you might tip for a pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

Download or learn more about this game .

And much, much more

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DIY Haidhausen Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Walk Through One of Munich’s Prettiest Neighbourhoods

May 9, 2020

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For a touch of French flair and small village quaintness in Munich, look no further than the elegant borough of Haidhausen, a vibrant slice of München filled with beautiful squares, picturesque streets, and an idyllic village feel.

Tucked away between Munich’s Maximilianeum, Gasteig and Ostbahnhof, this borough is filled with hidden gems, photogenic hotspots, and a fascinating history that dates even further back than the center of Munich itself.

So, why don’t you head over and explore it? In this post, we’ll be sharing an easy DIY Haidhausen walking tour for you to follow. Enjoy!

PS: Be sure to scroll to the end for a walkable Google Maps route.

A Brief History of Haidhausen

Believe it or not, the history of Haidhausen actually extends farther back than Munich’s city centre, with first mentions of a place called “Haidhusir” (houses on the moor) traced all the way back to the year 808.

Back in the day, Haidhausen was strategically positioned along the Salt Road, and was home to plenty of fertile soil that was ideal for brick making. In fact, Haidhausen bricks can be found today all throughout the city and on prominent landmarks such as the Frauenkirche ( source ). Over time, Haidhausen became first and foremost a place for workers and newcomers to Munich who couldn’t afford to live in the city.

And while Haidhausen officially became part of Munich in 1854, its less than glittery rep as a labourer’s neighbourhood remained. As the clutches of industrialization took over Ostbahnhof and countless factories began to swallow the area, Haidhausen remained a neighbourhood for the working class.

However, as factories were demolished, buildings were rebuilt, and streets were beautified, Haidhausen’s gritty reputation gave way to a new image. Today, the charm of Haidhausen has made it one of the loveliest and most appealing boroughs in Munich… and the perfect place for a scenic DIY walking tour, which conveniently brings us to…

Our Self-Guided Haidhausen Walking Tour

With photo stops, this DIY walking tour of Munich’s Haidhausen quarter should last about an hour. We’ll begin at the Maximilianeum and end at the Gasteig, but you can of course just read through the info below and craft your own route. Better yet, just walk around, explore it yourself, and treat our tour points as a little scavenger hunt.

Lastly, we should mention that we designed this in a way that the stop brings you to scenic spots that can be appreciated from the outside, which means this self-guided tour can be done even on Sundays or holidays when everything is closed. We’ll of course mention fun food spots or shops that might be nearby, but these are optional. The focus here is on Haidhausen’s unique architecture and history, with plenty of stories and fun facts that you might have never known about!

Stop #1: Maximilianeum

We’ll begin our tour in front of one of Munich’s most imposing structures: the hilltop Maximilianeum, known best for its role as home to Bavaria’s parliament.

And although that’s what the building is best known for, it’s important to note that the Maximilianeum didn’t actually become parliament HQ until 1949. Its original function was actually far more altruistic. Bavarian King Maximilian II commissioned the building in 1857 so that it could be a venue for historical and artistic education. Specifically, he envisioned it as a foundation for developing the talents of Bavaria’s most gifted students, regardless of their social status or family fortune.

And while Maximilian II unfortunately passed away before he could see his vision come to life, the Maximilianeum honours his vision even today through a foundation that provides scholarships to graduating students of secondary school. Scholarship recipients (of which there have been over 800 throughout the years) receive free room and board inside the Maximilianeum itself, meaning yes – they officially have the swankiest dorm rooms in the entire city… along with generous perks like three meals a day, epic exchange programs and an annual Spring Break trip!

Odds are you won’t qualify for a scholarship yourself, BUT you can still sample this swanky lifestyle for a day by enjoying a Sunday brunch at the Maximilianeum, which opens its doors on weekends to guests.

Click here to learn more about the Maximilianeum and its prestigious scholarship program

Stop #2: Eduard von Grützner Villa

After drooling a few puddles and imagining life inside the Maximilianeum, we’ll continue our walk towards Haidhausen’s main square, Wienerplatz.

But first – a detour! Let’s go sneak a peek at one of Munich’s most enchanting little hidden gems.

Following our route, you’ll veer off into a little green space to get a good view of the Eduard von Grützner Villa, conveniently located on Grütznerstrasse 1.

Who was Eduard von Grützner? Well, he was a German painter who was renowned for his genre paintings (i.e. paintings of everyday life and people), particularly of monks. Supposedly, he was an artist beloved by Hitler himself, who was once quoted as saying Grützner’s paintings would one day be worth more than Rembrandt’s. Grützner had the villa built in 1883 with a design by renowned architect Leonhard Romeis. Today, it sits prettily as an enchanted fairytale castle in the middle of the city, with a magical tower trailing with ivy. Definitely a worthy detour!

Stop #3: Wienerplatz

Surrounded by cute fairytale houses, a leafy beer garden, and plenty of charming boutiques and eateries, Wienerplatz is by far one of the most atmospheric squares in Munich.

And before you get the wrong idea about its name, this square gets its name from a nearby road that was the go-to route to Vienna (Wien, in German) back in the day. So… pull your mind out of that gutter!

There are many noteworthy sights in and around Wienerplatz, so be sure to walk around and explore properly before moving on with our tour! Of particular interest is the Hofbräukeller, a beautiful restaurant and beer garden right on the square. For almost a century, Hofbräu’s brewery and beer production took place right here, before they outgrew the facilities in the late 1980s.

Following our map, you should also take a little detour down to see the old hostel houses along An der Kreppe, an example of the working-class homes that once defined the borough.

Lastly, if you’re visiting during the day (apart from Sundays or holidays), be sure to check out the square’s permanent market too. It’s the smallest of Munich’s four permanent open-air markets, and has been running for over 100 years.

Stop #4: St Johannes Kirche

From Wienerplatz, continue your walk down Steinstrasse, a pretty street filled with gorgeous shops and restaurants. Take a right at Rue des Halles, Munich’s oldest French restaurant, which is hopelessly photogenic and also a total dream during springtime when its facade is covered in wisteria.

You’ll soon be at our next stop, St Johannes Kirche. While the church you see today only began construction in 1913 (in fact, it was consecrated in the middle of the 1st World War in 1916!), there was actually an “emergency” church erected on this site decades prior, due to the sharp rise in the neighbourhood’s Protestant population.

Today, this church (and Presyingplatz in front of it) makes up one of the most serene and peaceful little corners of Haidhausen.

Stop #5: St Johann Baptist & Johannisplatz

From one church to another, continue your walk and turn onto Preysingstrasse, which you’ll follow back to St Johann Baptist.

Built in the mid-19th century, this distinctive red terracotta church is actually one of the tallest churches in the entire city, with an imposing 90-meter tower that provides strategic shade for the ample activity space below. Visit on a nice day, and you’re bound to spot plenty of families here enjoying the sun.

Continue your walk until you end up on Kirchenstrasse, where (again in Spring), you’ll witness a giant wall of stunning wisteria. If it’s not the right time of year though, no worries – it’s a beautiful view no matter what!

Stop #6: Alte Haidhauser Kirche

Continue along Kirchenstrasse (a really lovely street) and you’ll eventually reach the Alte Haidhauser Kirche, which is, as suggested by the name, the oldest church in Haidhausen. How old is it exactly? Written records trace a church at this location all the way back to the 14th century, and it is said that Romanesque elements remain from this period even today (at the base of the tower).

Stop #7: Bordeauxplatz

Continue your scenic walk through Haidhausen towards Bordeauxplatz, a beautifully manicured square that will show you precisely why this area is known as Munich’s French quarter.

Flanked by Wilhelminian townhouses, lush lime tree tunnels, and colourful flower beds, Bordeauxplatz is an impossibly idyllic place to rest and better yet, people watch. Keep an eye out for the animal sculptures here around the fountain which include a boar and a ram. This oasis of calm is only a short walk away from Munich’s bustling Ostbahnhof (East Train Station), but you’d definitely never think it.

NOTE: While many of the streets in this area are named after French cities where Germany won battles in the Franco-Prussian War (e.g. Metz, Wörth, Gravelotte, etc.), Bordeauxplatz is so named because of Bordeaux’s status as one of Munich’s “twin cities” since 1964.

Stop #8: Kreichbaumhof

We’ll continue our tour towards one of the most picturesque little parts of Haidhausen: the Kreichbaumhof.

The Kreichbaumhof is a true sight to behold – an aged wooden alpine chalet in the heart of the city! Once upon a time, this building acted as a hostel where newcomers to Munich could rest their weary eyes without breaking the bank. While the building fell into disrepair in the 70s, parts of it were stored, and the structure was rebuilt in the late 80s. Today, it serves as a bookable event space and also the offices of the DAV Landesverband Bayern and the JDAV Bezirksverband München (the German Alpine Society and its youth branch).

Stop #9: Üblacker-Häusl

Just across the street, you’ll find another former hostel house, the Üblacker-Häusl. Today, it houses one of Munich’s smallest museums on the ground floor, with a display that shows two rooms of a typical labourer family’s home, along with an apartment on the upper floor.

Stop #10: Weißenburger Platz

Following our route, you’ll continue down two of the most adorable streets in Haidhausen: Preysingstrasse (which is also beautifully lined with wisteria in Spring) and Milchstrasse (literally Milk Street, which is impossibly charming in itself).

Soon, you’ll hit another scenic Haidhausen square: Weißenburger Platz, the very heart of Munich’s French quarter.

This square is named after the French city of Weissenburg (these days known as Wissembourg), where the Germans won a battle against the French during the Franco-Prussian war. In fact, following the German victory of this war, city planners decided to incorporate French street layouts into the area, hence why this square has streets radiating out of it in a star formation, much like the roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The focal point of this lovely square is the Glaspalastbrunnen (Glass Palace Fountain), so-named because it was originally displayed in the Glass Palace of Munich’s Botanical Garden. It was then moved to Orleansplatz for several years before finding its current home here at Weißenburgplatz.

PS: Be sure to come here at Christmas time for one of the most charming little Christmas markets in Munich.

Stop #11: Gasteig

We’re now at the last stop of our tour: the Gasteig, a vast cultural center that hosts some of the city’s most prominent cultural events, including the Munich Filmfest, the Munich Biennale and performances from the Munich Philharmonic.

Besides being a renowned venue for arts and culture however, this is also the perfect place to end our tour because of its historical significance.

In fact, you are standing close to where history could have been changed forever.

While no longer in existence, between the Gasteig and the nearby Hilton is where the Bürgerbräukeller once stood, a large beer hall that opened in 1885 and was demolished almost a century later in 1979.

This name should sound familiar for two reasons. Firstly, this is the beer hall from the infamous Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup d’état led by Hitler and the Nazi party that took place in 1923 – the very event that led to Hitler’s arrest and jail sentence during which he wrote Mein Kampf.

Second, it was in this beer hall that a chance to alter history was just minutes away. In November 1939, Georg Elser planted a bomb inside the hall, set to detonate while Hitler was giving a speech. His plan failed only because Hitler cut his speech short and left before the bomb was detonated… escaping the assassination attempt by a mere 13 minutes.

Our Haidhausen Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

We hope you enjoyed this Haidhausen walking guide! For the full route from our walk, just follow this Google map below. Our walking route is lined in blue, and all the different stops mentioned above are in yellow. Have fun, and be sure to tag us on Instagram @boredinmunich so we can see where you go!

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Make The Most Of A Layover in Munich, Germany

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

When I first traveled through Europe in 2000, I passed through Munich, Germany three times…yet, I never left the train station. That European trip was a spontaneous one and a few missteps had us slightly zigzagging through countries. Munich wasn’t on our original itinerary, so we had done little research on the city.

When we arrived at the Munich train station, we had no map, no guidebook and no idea how close we were to the city center. My one and only memory of our layover in Munich is that a train station vendor refused to sell us sausages. Instead, our layover in Munich was spent – without sausage or beer – simply waiting for the next train.

Best Things To Do in Munich on a Layover

Fast-forward many years later (and numerous times since) and I was faced with another layover in Munich. Kris and I were traveling from the United States to Bohinj, Slovenia and our most practical option was a red-eye flight from Philadelphia to Munich, then a train to Lake Bled and a bus to Bohinj . This time, however, I was prepared to make the most of our layover in Munich – complete with top sights, sausage on a roll and a stein of German beer!

At first, we had considered just spending a few hours in the Munich Old City between our arriving flight and departing train, but the more we researched Munich, the more we wanted to see of Munich. In the end, we booked a hotel room, extending our layover in Munich to 26 hours, giving us ample time to see the sights.

However, it is possible to see the Munich highlights with less time, so we’ve outlined two self-guided walking tours in Munich – a 4-6 hour walk and a 2-3 hour walk – for travelers who are passing through Munich and want to see more than the inside of the airport or train station. 

Our Guide To Top Munich Sights

The city center of Munich is compact, making it easy to see many sights in a short amount of time. Munich was founded in 1158 and in 1175 the small city, with Marienplatz at the center, was fortified with protective walls.

By 1330, Munich had outgrew the fortifications. The walls were expanded and eight city gates were built, three of which still stand today. Munich was further strengthened in the early 1600s, but by the 18 th century, the walls were seen as useless and destroyed.

The main sights of Munich remain in a centralized area that was once confined by those city walls. Historic churches, squares and lanes, beautiful buildings and Munich beer gardens are all within the Old City center. Throughout history, both fire and war destroyed many of Munich’s buildings so that today there is a mix of style and more than a few replicas.

Our Tour For A Layover in Munich

Make the most of your Munich layover with this 4-6 Hour Self-Guided Walking Tour. The Munich walk takes in the highlights of the city! 

#1 Karlsplatz, Munich

Karlsplatz, a square that emerged when the city walls were torn down and named for the man who ordered the destruction, is on the western edge of the Munich city center. On the east end of the square is Karlstor Gate, which was used as an entrance into the fortified Munich town until the 18 th century.

Walk through the arched Karlstor Gate onto the pedestrian promenade, Neuhauserstrasse, to…

#2 Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)

The pink façade of Burgersaalkirche is hard to miss and resembles a government building more than a church. That’s because it was built in 1709 as a ‘citizen’s hall’ and not consecrated as a church until 1778.

On the ground floor is the crypt of Pater Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit priest who was known for his resistance against the Nazis. On the second floor is the glittering church, beautifully decorated with frescoes.

Continue walking east to…

#3 Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)

The 400-year-old Michaelskirche, originally built as part of the Jesuit College, is known for two things: first, for being the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps and, second, for having the second largest barrel-vaulted roof after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Inside the expansive church is a crypt containing royal tombs, including that of “Mad” Kind Ludwig II.

Retrace your steps on Neuhauserstrasse a short distance to Eisenmannstrasse and walk south to…

#4 Damenstiftskirch (St. Anna’s Church)

Damenstiftskirche was built in 1733. The interior was designed by the Asam brothers two years later. While the church façade is quite plan, the interior is in the late Baroque style, which was the style in which the Asam brothers excelled.

What exists today is a replica, as only the outer walls of the church remained after World War II. The church is often referred to as St. Anna’s for the convent next door, which is now a girls’ school.

Continue walking south to…

#5 Allerheiligenkirche am Kreuz (Church of All Saints)

Allerheiligenkirche was built in 1478 of simple red brick, including the bell tower. The interior was embellished in the Baroque style in 1620. It was the first Munich church with a cemetery for the St. Peter parish.

Across the street from the church is the entrance to…

#6 Asamhof Passage Munich

Strolling down Asamhof Passage makes the busy city seem miles away. Outdoor cafes draped in flowers line the shaded alley, making it a perfect spot for a coffee or tea.

Continue through the passage to Sendlinger Street. Turn right (southwest) and walk to…

#7 Asamkirche (Asam Church)

Asamkirche, known officially as St. Johann Nepomuk Church, is one of Munich’s most interesting churches. The small space measures just 72 feet long and 26 feet wide. It was built between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers as a private chapel.

As such, they had full control over the design, covering nearly every inch of the small church in the Baroque style.

From the church, continue walking (or just look) further down the road to…

#8 Sendlinger Tor (Sendlinger Gate)

Built as part of Munich’s second city wall, Sendlinger Tor was erected in 1318. The towers on either side were added in 1420, creating 3 separate arches. They were replaced in 1906 with a single arch, which suffered only slight damage in World War II. Even part of the original Munich city wall remains on Sendlinger Tor.

Retrace your steps on Sendlinger Street heading northeast to Dultstrasse. Turn right (south) and continue across the street into Sankt-Jakobs-Platz. Pass by the museums (or stop in if you have time) curving to the left. At Sebastianspl, turn right onto the narrow alley and walk to Pralat-Zistl-Strasse. Turn left and follow it to…

#9 Viktualienmarkt (Victual’s Market)

The sight was first used as an outdoor market in 1807 when Marienplatz could no longer accommodate the size of the market. Today, there are 140 stalls selling unique and traditional products at Viktualienmarkt.

A blue and white striped Maypole stands in the center near the expansive beer garden. The shaded outdoor space is a fine place to stop for a sausage on a roll and a Bavarian beer.

Walk northeast through the center of the market on Viktualienmarkt Street to…

#10 Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church Munich)

Heiliggeistkirche was built in the late 1300s for the order of the Hospice of the Holy Ghost, but was remodeled in the 1700s. The choir buttresses and north wall of the nave are the only remaining portions of the original church. Inside are several works of art.

From the front of the church (the opposite end from the bell tower) facing the street, turn left on Viktualienmarkt. Walk along the brick-arched shops (which will be on your right) to Peterspl. Turn right and walk to…

#11 Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church Munich)

In the 11 th century, long before Munich was a city, a church stood where Peterskirche is today, on the only ‘hill’ in the area. Peterskirche is the oldest parish church in Munich, although destruction, re-building and expansions of the actual church have occurred. In the 17 th century, the 300-foot-tall spire was added.

The Peterskirche bell tower – which has 306 steps – can be climbed for 5 Euro and provides spectacular views over the Munich. Inside the church are several altars (including one of a blinged-out skeleton of St. Munditia; find it in the second altar on the left) and many paintings.

Find Rindermarkt Street near the door of the church (and entrance to the tower). Turn left and walk to…

#12 Rindermarkt (Cattle Market Munich)

Not much of a market today, Rindermarkt was once where cows were sold. The only remnants of such is the cow fountain and perhaps a few stalls selling local products. The tower to the south, Lowenturm, is a Munich water tower that dates to the 15 th century. Ruffinihaus, a group of homes at Rindermarkt #10, date to the early 1900s and are exquisitely decorated.

Leave the square on the north side on Furstenfelderstrasse. Walk a short distance to the glass doors on your right that lead to Kaufingertor Passage and walk through to Kaufingerstrasse. Cross the pedestrian street and continue on the alley, Mazaristrasse, to…

#13 Frauenkirche (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady, Munich)

Frauenkirche, also called Munchner Dom (Munich Cathedral), has a capacity of 20,000 and is an easy-to-spot landmark in the city. The Cathedral, made of brick in the Gothic style, was built within 20 years, starting in 1468. The onion-domed towers rise 325 feet into the skyline; the originally planned Gothic spires were too expensive to complete, so the more affordable domes were used instead and not finished until 1525. The church suffered damage during World War II, but the towers never fell.

Walk to the east end of the church to Filserbraugasse Street and find…

#14 Andechser am Dom

Andechser am Dom, a small restaurant with a beer garden, serves beer from the Andechs Monastery Brewery. Beer was first made at the monastery in 1455 by seven Benedictine monks. While the brewery, still run by monks, is a distance from Munich’s city center, the restaurant offers the opportunity to taste the monks’ brew.

Continue down Filserbraugasse to Weinstrasse. Turn right (south) to…

#15 Marienplatz (Mary’s Square Munich)

The city center of Munich since 1158, Marienplatz has been used for tournaments, as an outdoor marketplace and today as a gathering place. It’s also the site of the Munich Christmas Market during the month of December. In the center is Mariensaule, Mary’s Column, which was placed in Marienplatz as a celebration of the end of Swedish occupation in 1638. The gold statue of Mary at the top dates to 1590.

On the north side of Marienplatz is the…

#16 Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel (New Town Hall and Carillon)

The 400-room Nues Rathaus is home to Munich’s city government. The building was constructed between 1867 and 1908. The exterior is intricately decorated in the Gothic Revival style and extends 328 feet along Marienplatz.

The Munich Glockenspiel, a storytelling music box on the tower, plays three times a day: 15-minute shows at 11am and 12noon – also at 5pm in the summer. The 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures spin around to tell the story of a Duke’s marriage in 1546, complete with a jousting tournament, and the story of Schafflertanz – the Coopers’ Dance – which is said to have begun in 1517 during the plague. The dancing was to give hope to the citizens of Munich.

On the east end of Marienplatz is the…

#17 Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

On the east end of Marienplatz is Altes Rathaus, where the local government met until 1874 when the New Town Hall was opened. The building dates back to the 1300s, but was redesigned in the 1400s in the Gothic style. The two tunnels that run through it were created in 1877 and 1934. The tower marks the former Talburg Gate, one of the original entrances to Munich through the city walls.

At the base of Altes Rathaus (before going through the tunnel), turn left (north) on Burgstrasse. Walk to…

#18 Alter Hof Palace (Old Court)

The Alter Hof Palace in the center of Munich was once the residence of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV and dates back to the 12 th century. The five-winged palace had to be completely reconstructed after World War II. Now it’s a popular gathering spot on warm summer days in Munich.

Walk through the palace courtyard to Pfisterstrasse. Turn right (east) and walk to Sparkassenstrasse. Go right (south) and walk to Munzstrasse. Turn left (east) to…

#19 Hofbräuhaus Munich

The origins of the Hofbrauhaus date to 1589 when plans for the brewery were first established by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, as a place to make brown ale for the royal household. Today, the beer hall – which was built in 1897 – is a place of gathering for locals and tourists from around the world.

Live bands play traditional German folk songs. Wooden picnic tables are shared with new-best-friends, enormous pretzels are sold by staff in traditional Bavarian dress and waiters effortlessly carry multiple liters of Hofbräuhaus beer to thirsty patrons. Prost!

Short On Time in Munich for a Layover?

Have even less time in Munich? Follow our footsteps in this 2-3 hour Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour. 

Even with extremely limited time, it is possible to see many of the best sights in Munich. This quick Munich walking tour could be done in less than an hour without stopping at all, but at least two hours are needed to see the inside of churches, climb the Munich bell tower and have a beer at the Hofbräuhaus.

Karlsplatz (Karl’s Square)

Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)

Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)

Continue walking east to Augustinestrasse. Turn left (north) and walk to…

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)

Walk to the east end of the church to Filserbraugasse. Walk east to Weinstrasse. Turn right (south) and walk to…

Marienplatz (Mary’s Square)

Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel (New Town Hall and Carillon)

Exit Marienplatz to the south (opposite New Town Hall) on Rindermarkt and walk to…

Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)

Leave the church to the south on Peterspl. Turn left (east) on Viktualienmarkt. Curve around to the north to the large intersection and on the left is…

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Continue walking north (the name of the street changes to Sparkassenstrasse) to Munzstrasse. Turn right (east) and walk to…

Hofbräuhaus

Prost(still)!

Tips To Make The Most Of Your Layover in Munich

• The times indicated for the Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours is the time needed to see the sights starting at Karlsplatz and ending at Hofbrauhaus. Factor in extra time to get to and from the train station or airport.
• If making the trip into Munich from the airport, trains depart about every 15 minutes and take about 50 minutes to get to Munich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
• Luggage lockers are available at the Munich Hauptbahnhof to store your bags for the day.
• From the Munich Hauptbahnhof, it’s a short walk – or one stop on either the U-bahn or S-bahn – to Karlsplatz, where both of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours begin.
• If staying for a night, there are many Munich hotel options in the city center. We stayed at Buddy Hotel . It was a 5-minute walk to Karlsplatz, clean, has free wifi , early check-in and free pretzels and rolls in the lobby. The rooms were extremely small, yet efficient.
• Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes . I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia , New Balance and Reef . Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk .
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Europe . Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera ).
• If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Munich, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Munich Walking Tour Map

CLICK HERE for a printable, text route and map of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours.

Visiting other cities in Germany? Read more of our detailed guides to Berlin , Frankfurt , Dusseldorf , Freiburg  and Dresden !

Start planning your trip to Germany ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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2 Days in Munich: Perfect Itinerary & Best Things To Do

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Thinking about visiting Munich on your Germany vacation? This guide will help you plan the perfect trip!

Planning a visit to Munich, Germany for the first time can be a daunting but ultimately rewarding experience if you’ve never been there before. This guide is here to help!

From historic plazas to world-renowned beer halls, the Bavarian capital offers plenty of places to experience Munich’s rich culture and unique activities for every kind of traveler.

I’ve visited Munich many times and have never run out of things to do and places to explore. In fact, the more I visit, the more I find to do!

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If you’re planning a short visit and want to see as many sites as possible, this article will help you plan a Munich itinerary that will make the most out of your stay, whether you’re visiting for 2 days or even more!

• 1 When to Visit Munich
• 2 Getting to Munich
• 3 Where to Stay in Munich
• 4 Best Way to Get Around Munich
• 5 Best Guided Tours in Munich
• 6 2 Days In Munich Itinerary Ideas
• 7 What to Do & See in Munich in 2 Days
• 8 Old Town (Altstadt)
• 9 If You Have 3 Days in Munich
• 10 Best Day Trips from Munich

When to Visit Munich

There’s really no “best time” to visit Munich because it’s a wonderful city to visit any time of year. I’ve spent time there in the summer, fall, and late winter/early spring and have never been disappointed!

That said, each season can bring something totally different to your experience depending on what you’re looking for.

During summer , you’ll enjoy sunny blue skies and outdoor festivals, beer gardens, or picnics in the parks. But prepare yourself for crowded streets and the heat since there’s not as much air-conditioning in Germany.

If it’s Oktoberfest you’re after, visiting during the fall is the best option. The event begins mid- or late-September and lasts until early October, so you can expect accommodation and airfare costs to be at their peak during this time period. For the weather, September is usually still warm but it gets a bit colder towards October. 

Visiting during winter can be a great way to make the most out of the off-season prices, especially if you’re comfortable with snow and cold temperatures. The air is filled with festivities brought by the Christmas markets and events around the city. You can also plan a day trip and venture outside the city for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

If you come during spring , you’ll be welcomed with trees and flowers blooming as well as outdoor markets and activities kicking into gear. But the weather can be unpredictable – a couple of days can bring light breezes and warmth but other days can be gloomy, rainy or even snowy.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Getting to Munich

Munich is one of the biggest cities in Germany, so it’s very well connected and easy to get to.

You can fly in via Munich Airport, which welcomes flights daily from all over the world. Depending on where you’re flying from, you might be able to find a direct flight from abroad into Munich (I’ve flown directly into Munich from the US east coast).

To get into Munich’s city-center from the airport you can take the S-bahn (cheap and takes 45-60 minutes), a taxi or arrange an airport transfer ahead of time.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Germany, buying a train ticket to Munich’s central train station, (the main train station is called München Hauptbahnhof in German) is one of the easiest and best ways to get to the city.

Taking the bus is another option, and you’ll arrive at the bus station located right next to the train station.

If you’re traveling to Munich from another city in Germany or country in Europe, I recommend looking at both flights and train tickets. Flying within Europe and in Germany is easy but often it’s quicker, easier, and more relaxing to take the train.

Where to Stay in Munich

The first thing you should consider when planning your trip is where to stay. If you’re planning to be in Munich for 2 full days, plan to spend 3 nights in Munich. You can get away with 2 nights if you can arrive early in the morning and/or leave in the late afternoon or evening.

Luckily, Munich offers countless of options for accommodation. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose between luxury hotel rooms, serviced apartments, or boutique B&Bs.

I’ve stayed in both apartments and hotels in Munich. I enjoyed my stay at Hotel Am Viktualenmarkt a few years ago. It’s close to the old town but on a quiet street. The staff were friendly, the beds were comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious!

For more information on how to decide where to stay in Munich, check out our guide of the best hotels in Munich .

Best Way to Get Around Munich

There are a variety of ways to explore Munich. If you’re looking to see as many of the city’s best sights, I recommend booking a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour ticket here.

This is a great option that allows you to comfortably navigate each tourist attraction at your own pace or simply get a quick and easy tour of the city. You can choose from 3 routes, each taking an hour and covering 16 stops around the city, all for the price of one ticket!

We’ve started doing these tours because they’re a great way to quickly get an overview of a city before zeroing in on specific sights, and they enable you to see a lot in a short amount of time (if you ride the entire route without getting off), which is perfect when you’re only in a city for a couple days.

Besides taxis and rental cars, the city also has a robust and effective public transportation network. You can get everywhere you want to go on the U-bahn (underground train), the S-bahn (aboveground city railway), trams, and buses.

You can also get around the downtown area and city by foot, since it’s very walkable. When I stay in a downtown hotel I mostly walk around Munich. When I stay in an AirBnB away from downtown I buy day passes and use public transit.

Best Guided Tours in Munich

Guided tours are an excellent resource that travelers often overlook!

I sure did, and for many years I was determined to do everything on my own.

Then I started adding in guided tours and guided day trips and have enjoyed and appreciated what they’ve added to my vacation – time to actually be in the moment and enjoy my travels!

There are so many reasons and benefits for taking a guided tour.

First of all, tours take out the stress of planning the perfect itinerary, finding the best prices for tickets, and arranging transportation. These are all taken care of, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy!

Second, if you’re not staying in place for a long time, a local tour guide covers all the city highlights in the most time effective way – and you can ask questions and get to know a place in more depth.

It can be difficult to meet locals on a vacation, and taking a guided tour is one way to easily connect with interesting, knowledge, and fun locals.

Lastly, a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference if you don’t speak the country’s language. They can also give you insights into the local culture and show you hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise find by yourself.

If you’re only in the city for a day or two and are looking for an exciting twist to the typical walking tour, then book this Segway tour to zoom through the streets of Munich from a unique perspective. I’ve listed a few more guided tours below, so keep reading!

2 Days In Munich Itinerary Ideas

What you see while in Munich depends on several factors – your interests, whether you like sight-seeing at a fast or relaxed pace, whether you prefer to eat every meal in a sit-down restaurant or on the go, where your lodging is located, etc.

That said, here are a few ideas for how you could plan your 2-day Munich itinerary:

Itinerary #1: Self-Guided Munich Day 1: Visit the Old Town sites, Viktuellenmarkt (great for lunch), Munich Residenz or an art museum, and then spend the evening taking a stroll through the English Garden and having a beer at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden.

Day 2: Visit Nymphenburg Palace in the morning, hit up 1 or 2 museums in the afternoon, and then take a Bavarian beer and food tour in the evening.

Itinerary #2: Pack in As Much As Possible Day 1: Ride the Hop On Hop Off bus in the morning to get an overview of the city, enjoy a quick lunch at the Viktuellenmarkt then take a 3-hour segway tou r. After dinner enjoy a walk through the English Garden.

Day 2: Spend half of the day visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and the rest of the day visiting either the BMW museum or taking a Munich food tour or a 3rd Reich tour . Spend the evening enjoying dinner and a stroll through the Old Town.

Itinerary #3: Guided Tours & A Day Trip

Day 1: Spend the morning seeing the Old Town and taking a gourmet food tour of Viktuellenmarkt . In the afternoon, go on a guided bike tour of the city. Enjoy dinner and beer in the evening.

Day 2: Take a day trip to from Munich to Neuschwanstein , Linderhof and Neuschwanstein , the Romantic Road or Salzburg, Austria .

What to Do & See in Munich in 2 Days

Below are the top sights in Munich. You likely won’t be able to fit all of them in a 2-day visit but this guide gives you an idea of the best things to add to your itinerary. I’ve also listed a few of the best options for day trips.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is characterized by its historic buildings and streets lined with cathedrals, boutiques, and food stalls. There are many must-sees throughout Old Town such as the city center plaza called Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche cathedral and Staatliches Hofbräuhaus (Royal Brewery). Don’t miss out any of these famous landmarks and take this guided walking tour to learn about the city’s history.

New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus )

Located in the heart of the city in Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus is an iconic feature of Munich’s skyline. Though it mainly operates as a city hall for government employees, the building also attracts tourists because of its panoramic views and famous balcony where football team FC Bayern celebrates wins.

You also can’t miss out on the Glockenspiel’s daily chime at noon and dancing figures!

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus )

Another one of Munich’s famous town halls is Altes Rathaus. Located in the eastern end of Marienplatz, this town hall’s history dates back to 1310. It has undergone many renovations and served the state in different capacities but is now used for celebrations, memorials or award ceremonies. It is also home to the Toy Museum (Munich Spielzeugmuseum).

Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)

This quirky, fun museum is a popular destination for families and kids. But if you’re feeling nostalgic you can also visit to admire the old-fashioned interiors or see how toys have developed over the years, from wooden toys to tin toys, to Barbies and steam engine trains.

St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)

Another historic symbol of Munich is the St. Peter’s Church, the city’s oldest remaining Catholic church located right by Marienplatz and Viktuellenmarkt . Dating all the way back to the 12 th century, the church is known for its Gothic architecture and ceiling frescos. Climbing the church tower’s 306 steps is worth it to get a stunning view of Old Town Munich.

Victulas Market (Viktuellenmarkt)

Just walking distance from Marienplatz, you’ll find Viktuellenmarkt, a food market with over 140 stalls selling fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, sausages, and so much more. Aside from these food staples, you can also try out exotic fruit or buy artisanal goods to gift as souvenirs. If you’re looking to learn about the market’s history and get a taste of Bavarian cuisine, book the ultimate food lover’s gourmet tour here .

Munich Residenz ( Residenz München)

At the center of Munich, you’ll find Munich Residenz, the biggest city palace in Germany. This magnificent palace complex is made up of lush gardens, lavish rooms, and courtyards that are open to the public through museum visits.

Some highlights here are the Cuvilliés Theatre, the Hercules Hall, and the Treasury. Because of the palace’s sheer size and its rich history, this would be the perfect place to book a guided tour to make the most out of your visit.

Cuvilles Theater (Old Residence Theater)

The Cuvillies Theater is one of Munich’s most important cultural venues. Located inside the Munich Residenz, this rococo theater is made up of four floors with 14 boxes each, all decorated in red walls and gold ornaments. Here you can watch classical concerts featuring resident soloists, members of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio. If you don’t have time for a show, you can simply visit through a guided tour.

English Garden (Englischer Garten )

Spanning over 21 acres, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of the largest parks in the world, famously bigger than New York’s Central Park. The park is filled with cultural landmarks like the Chinese Tower, a Japanese tea house, and Monopteros, a Greek temple offering a panoramic view of the city. This is also a great place to visit if you have free time to enjoy recreational activities like cycling, rowing and even surfing!

Chinese Tower Beer Garden ( Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm )

The Chinese Tower Beer Garden is an essential stop in the English Garden. As one of the biggest beer gardens in the city, it has almost 7,000 seats which brings both locals and tourists together. It’s directly connected to a restaurant where you can enjoy Bavarian cuisine. On certain days, you can also catch live music performances by a brass band.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is an impressive institution with exhibits featuring over 50 different fields of science and technology. If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the best things you can do in the city. Each area is highly interactive, from the planetarium to a reproduction of a cave, and even an underground mining complex. You can easily spend a full day worth of fun here!

Alte Pinakothek

Munich is home to some of the best museums in the world, many of them located in the Kunstareal (Art District) area. Each museum features different time periods and art movements. Alte Pinakothek shows the development of art from the middle ages to the 18 th century. Among the 700+ artworks on display, you’ll see works from masters like Albrecht Dürer, Sandro Botticelli, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Pinakothek der Moderne

Another great museum in the art district is the Pinakothek der Moderne, which is comprised of 4 major museums. Each is dedicated to a different specialization: modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and works on paper (graphic art). This comprehensive museum covers all the bases of modern art. A must-visit for anyone interested in the arts.

Neue Pinakothek

Neue Pinakothek is one of the most renowned museums of European art, featuring 18 th to 19 th century art from different movements such as Art Nouveau and Impressionism. In here you can admire works from the great pioneers of modern art like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Paul Cézanne.

Unfortunately, it has been closed down since December 2018 for renovations. You can get to all other museums easily by taking the tram line 27 and stopping at the Pinakothekstation.

Museum Brandhorst

The Museum Brandhorst is a museum for contemporary art located in the art district area. The vibrant and colorful exterior gives you an idea of the kind of art exhibited inside which features Pop Art, expressive painting and Cubism. The museum attracts visitors from all over the world as it is houses the Andy Warhol largest collection in Europe. Other famous works you can find here are by artists Cy Twombly and Pablo Picasso.

Beer Halls & Beer Gardens

You can’t leave the city without immersing yourself in Munich’s beer and food culture. One of the best ways to experience this is a night at a beer hall, tasting different beer and trying traditional Bavarian food.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options in the city but if you’re looking for the complete package, then book this tour for a one of a kind evening at a traditional beer-hall . It includes personalized recommendations by a local, an exclusive tour of the Oktoberfest Museum, and of course, a beer sampling session and a platter of Bavarian delicacies.

Munich Christmas Markets (Münchener Weihnachtsmarkt / Christkindlmarkt)

Like many German cities, Munich is no stranger to Christmas markets. The oldest and most authentic one is Munich Christmas Market, located in Marienplatz besides Neues Rathaus. Festive stalls line up the plaza selling handicrafts, hot chestnuts and almonds, and mulled wine. Traditional Bavarian music is performed throughout advent on the town hall balcony, complete with choirs and live musicians.

Since there are many markets scattered throughout the city, there is a Christmas market for every kind of traveler. For fun activities with kids like a treasure hunt and horse carriage rides, then Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower is the one for you. Another one worth visiting is the Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz. This market is modeled after an Alpine village and showcases more artisanal creations and gourmet food.

Olympic Park (Olympiapark)

Built for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, the Olympic Park is still a popular destination that attracts both locals and tourists. More than a park, it is also where sporting, social and cultural events are held. If you’re a sports fan, you can visit the state-of-the art fitness facilities, swimming pools, and skating rink.

Other relaxing alternatives include dining at the park’s revolving restaurant, checking out an outdoor performance, or simply strolling along the Olympic lake. Though it’s located in the North of Munich, it is a quick 10-minute walk away from the Olympiazentrum U-bahn station.

BMW World (BMW Welt)

BMW Welt is Bavaria’s most visited tourist attraction maybe because there is nothing else like it elsewhere in the world. Located next to the Olympic Park, BMW Welt is the home for all brands under the BMW Group which actually includes BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.

This futuristic building contains an exhibition center, an event venue, a museum, and delivery center. You can learn about the brand’s history through the BMW Museum’s guided tours, admire the latest models in the showroom, or even watch exciting stunts by professional motorcyclists!

Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

Nymphenburg Palace and the beautiful gardens it occupies is one of the city’s most vibrant spots. Inside, you can get a glimpse into the palace’s history through its ornate furnishings and ballrooms. There are also several museums inside specializing in areas like natural history, porcelain, and royal carriages.

The sprawling gardens are also filled with pavilions and smaller palaces. Some worth mentioning are Amalienburg with its mirrored halls and Badenburg, a sauna and bathing hall. The palace is easily reached by bus or tram at the station called “Schloss Nymphenburg.”

Dachau Concentration Camp (KZ Gedenkstätte Dachau)

If you’re looking for an important educational tour, check out this half-day trip to the Dachau Memorial Site . Led by professionally trained guides, this tour is sensitive to the historical context of the former concentration camp. The tour covers the entire area including the museum exhibition, the original remaining structures, and the cinema that screens informative documentaries in English.

If You Have 3 Days in Munich

If you are staying in Munich for 3 days or even more, then you’ll certainly have a better chance of hitting as many of the spots listed above. Since a couple of the sites are close to each other, you’ll be able to see several attractions in one go.

You also have the opportunity to dive even deeper into the city’s history. If you are interested in learning about one of the darkest moments in both Munich and the world, then book this 2-hour walking tour that traces the rise of the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Sports is also a big part of Munich’s history. If you are a big football fan, book this Bayern-München Football Stadium Tour to visit the team’s official museum and training grounds, and explore the grand Allianz Arena.

B est Day Trips from Munich

If you have more time and are looking to explore new sights beyond the city, you can take a day trip to any of Munich’s surrounding areas.

One of your travel options is to book full-day tours, which removes the stress of planning since transportation is usually taken care of. But you can also visit any of these cities and sites by renting a car or via public transportation, like trains or buses.

Linderhof & Neuschwanstein Castles

Bavaria is home to some of the most beautiful castles in Central Europe. One of them is Linderhof, located 1.5 hour away from Munich. Though it’s the smallest of King Ludwig II’s castles, it’s the only completed one and still just as stunning.

After Linderhof you can make your way to Neuschwanstein, Germany’s top tourist destination. This iconic castle is straight out of a fairytale and is known worldwide as the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s castle. For more information on how to get from Munich to Linderhof and then Neuschwanstein, check out this full-day tour complete with transportation here .  

Romantic Road

If you’re interested in experiencing medieval Germany, then go on this tour that takes you down the Romantic Road . The journey starts with Harburg Castle, one of the oldest castles in Southern Germany and takes you all the way to Rothenburg, a charming restored medieval town.

Salzburg, Austria

You can also make the most out of your stay in Munich and venture out to a whole other country by booking a day trip to Salzburg here .

From Munich you can cross the Austrian border into Salzburg via a 2-hour train ride. Salzburg, celebrated by many as Mozart’s hometown and the setting of “The Sound of Music”, is visited by millions of tourists per year.

This place is perfect for a day trip – it’s a well-preserved charming town unlike any in Europe and it’s small enough where you can visit most if not all of the most famous landmarks in a day.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Germany > Munich > English Garden Walking Tour

Top 10 Munich Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Munich

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• English Garden Walking Tour
• Oktoberfest
• Dachau Memorial
• More Sights
• Overview & Dates
• Top 25 Oktoberfest Tips
• Best Beer Tents
• How To Dress
• Most Popular Songs
• Table Reservations
• Beer and Wine Tips
• History Of Oktoberfest
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Tourist Tips
• Suggested Itineraries for Munich
• Transportation Tips
• Historical Overview

English Garden Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location :  English Garden ( Englischer Garten ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Museum and sight costs below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided )  Start :  Hofgarden ( Odeonplatz Subway Stop ) End :  Victory Gate ( Universität Subway Stop ) Walking Distance :  2.3 miles ( +2 miles for upper park stops ) Time :  90 Minutes for Walk ( Full tour 4+ hours with all stops ) Fun Scale :  9.5 out of 10

Overview of the English Garden:

Established in 1789 by Elector Karl, the English Garden was formed out of the large Schönfeld Meadow and Royal deer hunting grounds to become one of the best urban parks in the world.  Munich’s massive green space is not only one of the biggest in Europe, but it is more than  twice the size  of both New York City’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park.

On Summer days there can be over 100,000 people in English Garden, but the park is so vast it never seems crowded.  While you may be tempted to skip this English Garden walking tour if cramped for time, it is too unique to miss and serves as an excellent stop to both rest and recharge your batteries.  Did we mention the park has a beer garden and naked people?

1. Royal Court Garden ( Hofgarten ):

About The Hofgarten :  Originally laid out between 1613-17 on the North side of the Residenz Palace, the Hofgarten was a private garden  for members of the Wittelsbach Royal Court.  At the time the Royal Court Garden was outside of Munich’s moat and the outer wall, but was quickly protected by a double wall and moat built in 1618 to protect the city during the 30 Years War.  It is said that the new fortifications around the city took a workforce of over 40,000 people 13 years to complete.  To get an idea of what we are talking about, these new fortifications with starred ramparts can be seen around the Hofgarten HERE in a drawing from 1740.  The Hofgarten was opened to the general public in 1780 as the 1st public park in Munich.   With Hofgarten open to the public, the Royal Family then used a private park on East side of the Residenz Palace near their horse stables called Lustgarten which had been laid out in 1550, but later ruined in WW2.

While the open spaces and beer garden are nice, the main draw to the flower lined Hofgarten park is the  8 portal pavilion in the center.  Built in 1615 in honor of Diana, the Greek Goddess of Hunting , the green domed pavilion is a little plain, but a great place to people watch.  The large building on the East side of the Hofgarten that looks like a green house is actually Bayerische Staatskanzlei  which is home to office of Bavaria’s Governor and is still the state’s government seat.  Also located adjacent to the Hofgarten is the Munich War Memorial . The most striking inscription is the one covering the 22000 dead, 11000 missing Munich soldiers and 6600 citizens from WWII.   360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .   Photos : ( Garden in 1740 ).

2. Prince Karl’s Palace :

About Prince Karl’s Palace : This columned mansion was built in 1806 for Abbé Pierre de Salabert, the former teacher of King Maximilian I Joseph.  Salabert only got to live here for a year before he died and King Maximilian took it over.  Later when the King died in 1825, the home was willed to his son King Ludwig who quickly gave it to his brother Prince Karl.  Unlike his brothers Ludwig ( King of Bavaria ) and Otto ( King of Greece ) who became rulers, Karl dedicated his life to service in the military.  Karl became a successful commander and served until the age of 71 when he died in battle during the Austro-Prussian War.  After Karl’s death, the home served as the diplomatic outpost for Austria-Hungary for almost 50 years before becoming home to each new Bavarian Prime Minister in 1924.  Palace Website : ( HERE ).

3. House of Art ( Haus der Kunst ):

About The House Of Art : The House of Art which opened in 1937, was one of the first major building projects of the Nazi party.  It house some of Germany’s best art as well as new acquired master pieces.  As horrible as a person as Hitler was, he had a keen eye for the arts and actually had tried getting into art school before getting into politics.  Today the museum doesn’t have any permanent exhibits, but often has some worthwhile temporary ones.  If the current exhibits don’t interest you, don’t worry as Munich’s best art museums are very close to the English Garden which we will touch on below.  Hours : Daily 10am-8pm; on Thursday until 10pm.  Cost : 12€ for all exhibits or you can also pick and choose for less.   Museum Website : ( HERE ).

4. Eisbach River Surfing :

About The River Surfing : There aren’t many places in the world where you can find World-Class river surfing , but right in the middle of the English Garden is one of them.  Although the Eisbach River is fairly tame, a water pumping mechanism creates great surfing waves as it pushes the water over a slab of concrete.  With the water being pumped at a rate of 20 tons a second the waves are powerful and consistent.  There are almost always groups of surfers going surfs up even though skull and cross bone warning signs dramatically say you will die.  In peak season there will be in upwards of 100 surfers a day.  Wetsuits are a must in the chilly water which makes sense as the name Eisbach literally means Ice Stream .  The waters rarely get above 60 degrees even in the middle of Summer.  The danger doesn’t stop die-hards and experts from showing off their stuff and as a tourist you’ll be happy for the show they put on.

5. Bavarian National Museum :

About The Museum : Just the building itself at the Bavarian National Museum is amazing, let alone the works of art.  The original museum started by King Maximilian II of Bavaria in 1855 before getting its current grand building in 1900.  Even the outside of the museum is awesome as parts resemble Renaissance castles and inside is a sea of marble.  The focus of the museum is on the declarative arts of Bavaria from folklore items to historical pieces.  The historical wing is filled with carved wood items, textiles, armor, ivory and gold works, plus tapestries from ancients times through the late Middle Ages.  While the folklore section has some great Christmas pieces, the best hidden gem of the museum is the Bollert Collection of sculptures.  Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; Thursdays until 8pm, Closed Mondays.  Cost : €7; to add on the Bollert Collection it’s €1.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

6. Sammlung Schack Gallery :

About The Gallery : King Maximilian II invited poet and literary historian Count Adolf Friedrich von Schack to Munich in 1856 to work on his staff promoting the art.  Schack, who was also a collector, started opening up his personal painting collection to the public in 1865 which officially started his gallery.  Schack later willed his collection to the Royal family and when he dies in 1894 it became part of the collection of Wilhelm II.  The amazing collection had some of the best paintings from the era of Romanticism ( late-1700 to mid-1800s ) and Wilhelm II knew it needed to be in a proper gallery.  Finally in 1909 a new building was finished which is now the current home of the Sammlung Schack Gallery.  Hours : Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; every 1st and 3rd Wednesday they stay open until 10pm; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.  Cost : 4€; only 1€ on Sundays; they have a great combo ticket for 12€ which also includes all 3 Pinakothek Museums during the same day.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

7. Nude Sunbathers :

About The Sunbathing : As a huge culture shock to the Americans, it is legal to be nude in the the English Garden and sun bathers by the masses take advantage of this freedom.  Most people enjoying this amazing park do it with clothes on, but be prepared to see quite a few baring it all even if it’s far from peak sunbathing hours.  It is not uncommon for nudist parents to bring their entire family to the park while in the buff.  The first time we saw it we felt like immature teenager gawking at the naked people, but the next time we strolled through it seemed perfectly normal somehow.

8. Monopteros Pavilion :

About Monopteros : One of the best subtle elements of the English Garden walking tour is the small hilltop acropolis called the Monopteros.  Not only does it create a great backdrop, but the views from the hill it sits on are unmatched as you can see the tops of all of Munich’s historic buildings.  Upon closer inspection, the underside of the acropolis is also very beautiful from a number of angles.  The Monopteros is a popular photo stop for couples of all ages and should be a stop for you too.

9. Chinese Tower Beer Garden ( Chinesischer Turm ):

About The Beer Garden : This large famous beer garden, complete with its ionic Chinese Tower, is the perfect place to get a huge glass of beer and an authentic lunch in your belly.  The food lines are cafeteria-style and the community seating encourages friendly socializing. People who find German beers halls a bit claustrophobic will love the open air park setting and 6,000 seats that the Chinese Tower Beer Garden has to offer.  Hours : Daily 9am-Late.   360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .  Beer Garden Website : ( HERE ).

10. Victory Gate ( Siegestor ):

About Siegestor : Built by King Ludwig I in 1852, this massive Northern gateway into the city was dedicated to the great Bavarian victory of 1815 .  Capping the gateway is Lady Bavaria and 4 lions, which is the animal symbol of Munich’s royal family the Wittelsbachs.  While not as big as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Siegestor is almost an exact copy of the Arch of Constantine in Rome .  It was heavily damaged in WW2, but resorted with the added inscription of “ Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, reminding of peace ” in German.

11. Fine Arts Academy :

About The Fine Arts Academy : The Fine Arts Academy was started in 1808 making it one of Germany’s oldest art schools.  The main building was opened in 1887 and we really like its long French palace look.  Even cooler is the neighboring new building from 2005 which is a mash-up of modern glass and steel.  There isn’t much to do here as a tourist, but the outside of the buildings are impressive.  If the new building is open take a peek inside the impressive glass and steel beam lobby.

12. Saint Ludwig’s Church :

About Saint Ludwig’s Church : Construction stated on the twin tower church of Saint Ludwig in 1829 and they made sure to do it right.  The 232 foot tall towers and surrounding series of archways may be impressive, but it is the Church’s interior that is the main draw.  As you enter the Saint Ludwig’s you’ll be amazing by the colorful frescoes lining almost every inch of the walls and ceiling.  At 38 feet wide by 63 feet tall, the fresco above the alter is said to be the 2nd largest altar fresco of the world.  Adding to the beauty of St Ludwig’s are the exposed bright red bricks and the blue ceiling panels above the door that even have gold accents.  On an interesting note, you may notice that the layout of the church makes a perfect cross shape.   360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .  Church Website : ( HERE ).

The Upper English Garden:

To add the Upper English Garden ( stops 13-17 ), continue North from the Chinese Beer Garden working your way around to the Münchner Freiheit metro stop.  This longer route adds 2 miles to your walk but you can still pop out of the subway at the Universität Station to see the Victory Gate on your way to Old Town.

13. Seehaus Restaurant & Paddle Boats : Sitting on the shore of the English Garden’s Kleinhesseloher Lake, the Seehaus Restaurant is a hidden gem of gourmet food.  Try to get a seat in the Bavarian Stueberl to get the feel of old Bavaria.  During some times of the day indoor seating may require a reservation, but the lakeside beer garden is also available.  Right next to the beer garden if a decent beach and a spot to rent paddle boats.  We really like paddling around Lake Kleinhesseloher and its group of small islands.  Hours : 10am-1am.  Restaurant Website : ( HERE ).

14. Hirschau Beer Garden : If you are looking for a more laid back place to eat or grab a drink the Hirschau Beer Garden is for you.  This cozy beer garden, opened in 1840, is a favorite among locals and we love the authentic feel you get from not having many tourists around.  Tourists are still welcome with open arms to both the restaurant and 1,800 person beer garden so make sure to stop by.  After visiting Hirschau, consider popping over to the Tivoli Kraftwerk Museum along the river if you aren’t too tired as it is a wonderful old water wheel power plant from 1895.  Restaurant Hours : Daily 11am-11:30pm.  Beer Garden Hours : Daily in good weather from 11am-11:30pm; opens at 10am on weekends.  Beer Garden Website : ( HERE ).

15. Trausaal Mandlstraße Mansions : The area on both sides of the Upper English Garden once held the finest mansions in all of Munich.  Before WW2 this neighborhood, known as Schwabing, was a self governing town separate from Munich.  Bombings in the war ruined some houses and many more got tore down after being vacant fr years.  Along Trausaal Mandlstraße, especially the Southern end of the road, is a small glimpse into what the former mansion neighborhood once was like.

16. Schwabing Seidlvilla Manor : One of our favorite homes in the neighborhood is the Schwabing Seidlvilla Manor.  When the owner of the famous Spaten Brewery died, he left his widow Franziska all of the family wealth, which of course she used to build this mansion for herself and her 2nd husband in 1904.  At the time the Schwabing neighborhood was actually considered the countryside if you can believe it.  The architect, Emmanuel von Seidl, was already famous for designing many stately homes and even the Augustinian Brauhuas in the heart of Old Town.  Franziska loved it so much she name her home after him calling is the Seidvilla.  When she died the home sat vacant for a long time until the City of Munich finally bought it.  Today it hosts more than 2,500 public events a year and is usually open.

Office Hours : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10am-Noon; Wednesday 3-5pm.  Event Times : Programs and events vary but the 2nd Tuesday of every month they host Jazz, and each Sunday they have a coffee and art program.  Visiting : During office hours is the best time to sneak a peek unless there is a public event going on.  Manor Website : ( HERE ).

17. Schloss Suresnes : This is one of our favorite homes in Munich.  It was built in 1718 for Elector Max Emanuel, the noble cabinet secretary of Versailles when he spent time exiled in Munich. The home is now run by the Catholic Academy of Bavaria as a conference venue and cannot be toured, but it is still pretty cool given its age.

Other Sights Near The English Garden:

18. Old Town Walking Tour : The historic core of Munich known as Old Town should be the main focus of your time in town.  Most of the best sites are tucked into this compact, largely pedestrian only, city center.  Although it was heavily bombed in WW2 there is still a ton of history plus a new found mix of new and old that adds to Munich’s flavor.  Follow our Old Town Free Walking Tour to get the most out of your time and make sure you track down all the hidden attractions that most tourists miss.

19. Angel of Peace Statue ( Friedensengel ): One of our favorite monuments in Munich is the Angel of Peace which opened in 1899.  Built as a reminder of the 25 peaceful years after the Franco-German war of 1870, the golden angel looks on toward Munich from the top of a 125 foot tall column.  Originally the angel was made out of bronze, but after it started tipping off the column in 1981 the City gave it a golden makeover.  Today the 20 foot tall angel is actually a version of Nike, Goddess of Victory, and is stretching out a olive branch as a symbol of peace.  As you climb up the twin stair case to the large viewing platform overlooking town, make sure to inspect the beautiful altar at the base of the column.

20. Villa Stuck Museum : What a beautiful mansion from 1898.  It remained a private home until it was turned into a museum in 1992 featuring the works of painter Franz Stuck who was a head of his time in the early 1900’s.  You can tour numerous areas with the artists paintings as well as a bunch o historic period rooms of the mansion.   Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 11am-6pm; open late until 10pm on Fridays; Closed on Mondays. Cost : 9€ for the entire house or just 4€ for the historic rooms.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

21. Pinakothek Museums : The powerful Wittelsbach Royal Family ruled Bavaria from the 1100’s through 1918 and during their reign also produced 2 Holy Roman Emperors, a German King, a King of Greece, King of Rome, and Kings of Scandinavia.  As you can imagine with such vast influence the Wittelsbachs  accumulated a trove of wealth and art.  In the early 1800’s King Ludwig I had a huge art complex built to hold the Royal family’s vast painting collection.  When the Pinakothek building opened in 1836 it became the largest museum in the World .  One of the huge galleries was built just to house Rubens’s “Last Judgment” from 1617 which was one of the largest canvasses ever painted.

Known today as the Alte Pinakothek , the Wittelsbach’s first major museum build now focuses on the Old Master painters.  Two other World-class museums were later added to the Pinakothek including the Neue Pinakothek in 1981 which covers the painters of the 1800’s and the Pinakothek Moderne which covers modern art from the early 1900 as well as post-1960 contemporary art.  Alte Hours : Daily 10am-6pm; open until 8pm on Tuesdays.  Neue Hours : Daily 10am-6pm; open until 8pm on Wednesdays.  Moderne Hours : Daily 10am-6pm; open until 8pm on Thursdays.  Museum Cost : Each museum is from 5-10€ each; they have a great combo ticket for 12€ which also includes all 3 Pinakothek Museums during the same day plus the Sammlung Gallery.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

22. Königsplatz Square Museums : The large Königsplatz Square was originally laid out in the early 1800’s by Kind Ludwig I to be a Roman Forum-like complex.  Building started in 1816 with the large Glyptothek Museum done in the Ionic style to house the Wittelsbach Royal Family’s Greek and Roman sculptures.  Building went really slow as the Glyptothek Museum didn’t open until 1930, just 6 years before Ludwig’s painting museum opened at Pinakothek.  The 2nd major building in the Square, called the Propylaea Gate , was also supposed to start being built in 1816 but just couldn’t get off the ground.  Finally in 1848 King Ludwig I paid for the gate out of his own pocket in honor of his son Otto who was the King of Greece.  The gate, modeled after the entrance to the ancient Athenian Acropolis, was built in the Doric style and took 14 years to slowly build.  At the same time as the Propylaea Gate, the Corinthian style columns of the State Museum of Antiques was started to house the royal family’s antiques.  In 1887 a huge mansion was built on the West side of the square by Franz von Lenbach which was later turned into the Städtische Galerieafter his death.  Even if you don’t go inside, check out the amazing garden courtyard from the road.

While the full Roman Forum vision the King Ludwig had was never realized, the buildings and museums around Königsplatz Square are still impressive.  The Square gained even more historical context when the Nazi Party made their headquarters, called the Brown House, right next to it in the 1930’s.  In 1935 they even added 2 large Greek Temples to enshrine the remains of 16 members killed in a beer hall raid.  In the height of the Third Reich, mass rallies were commonly held in the square.  After WW2 the rallies platforms and Nazi-made Greek temples were all tore down.  Museum Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; Glyptohek open until 8pm on Thursdays; Antiques open until 8pm on Wednesdays.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

23. Bavarian Parliament ( Maximilianeum ): Home of the Bavarian Parliament, Maximilianeum is a great example of renaissance architecture. While there isn’t a ton to see inside Maximilianeum, the atmosphere at neighboring Wienerplatz and it’s beer garden Hofbrau Keller make it worth the trip.  Wienerpatz is a cute square located just Southeast of Maximilianeum which has a quaint old-world feel, complete with it’s own Maypole. A favorite backdrop for photos on the square fits the square, the May Pole, and the towering St Johns church all in one picture.  360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .  Photos : ( Wienerplatz ).  Building Website : ( HERE ).

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.