munich tourist spot

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Munich, the capital of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany, lies on the River Isar on the fringes of the Bavarian Alps. It began as a monastery, growing into a settlement when the Duke of Bavaria allowed the monks to establish a market at the crossing of the route from Salzburg and the river.

You can still follow the lines of Munich's medieval walls in a ring of curving streets and see three of its impressive old city gates. The focal point of Munich's historic inner city is the large, open square, the Marienplatz , where visitors and locals pause to watch the animated clock play out its legend two or three times daily.

Munich is a fun-loving city, known for its seasonal festivals and rich cultural calendar, so along with visiting the beautiful churches and outstanding museums and palaces, you should spend some time enjoying life with the locals at a festival, a colorful market, or over a slice of one of Munich's famous cakes in a konditorei.

Munich residents also enjoy their many public parks and gardens, in particular, the lovely 900-acre English Garden (Englischer Garten). Spend at least a few days exploring the city, planning your time with the help of this handy list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Munich

1. Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus

2. walk or bike in the englischer garten (english garden), 3. nymphenburg palace and gardens, 4. munich residenz, 5. the olympic park, 6. bmw museum, 7. bmw welt, 8. viktualienmarkt, 9. tierpark hellabrunn (hellabrunn zoo), 10. shop at christmas markets (christkindlmarkts), 11. art museums in the kunstareal district, 12. peterskirche (st. peter's church), 13. hofgarten, 14. deutsches museum, 15. asamkirche (asam church), 16. frauenkirche, 17. michaelskirche (st. michael's church), 18. cuvilliés theater, 19. the theatine church of st. cajetan, where to stay in munich for sightseeing, recommended day trip tours from munich, munich, germany - climate chart.

Marienplatz has been Munich's central square since the city's foundation; the site of medieval jousting tournaments; and until 1807, where markets were held. In addition to the massive Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) that fills one entire side of the square, you'll find the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) forming a gate at the far end.

In the large open square are the Mariensäule , a tall column to the Virgin Mary erected in 1638, and the Fischbrunnen , a newer fountain that includes bronze figures rescued from an earlier 19th-century fountain. Popular with shoppers for its stores, boutiques, and restaurants, Marienplatz is the focus of festivals and scene of a large Christmas Market , one of several in the city. During the Fasching carnival, the Narren-Lindwurm (dragon) dances over the square.

Daily at 11am and noon, and at 5pm from March through October, everyone stops to watch the famous Glockenspiel on the front of the Neues Rathaus, as its mechanical figures dine, joust, and dance. It's one of the city's best-loved traditions, and something you shouldn't miss. Take some time to appreciate the intricate stonework on the Neo-Gothic façade.

It's hard to remember that this building dates only from the late 19th century, completed in 1892. You can ride the elevator to the middle gallery of the building's 85-meter tower for views over the city. The Tourist Information Center is in the Rathaus, and in the back of the building is a restaurant serving traditional Bavarian dishes.

Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München

Munich's English Garden is not only the largest city park in Germany - it covers an area of 910 acres - it's also one of the most beautiful. Naturally arranged groups of trees and plants offer ever-changing vistas, and nine kilometers of winding streams and an artificial lake complete the impression of a natural landscape.

Designed in 1785 as a military garden, the English Garden attracts walkers, joggers, and cyclists to its 78 kilometers of pathways and bridle paths. It's also a pleasant place to sunbathe and picnic, and you can stop for a snack or drink at the Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower), a 25-meter-tall pagoda.

In 1972, a Japanese garden was created on an island at the southern end of the garden to house an authentic teahouse, a gift in honor of the 1772 Olympics. The park also contains the Bavarian National Museum, with its fine collection of medieval German sculptures and tapestries, and the Bavarian State Archaeological Collection , which displays local prehistoric artifacts.

A curiosity in the park is the Eisbachwelle , a wave created by the emergence of the Eisbach river from its underground course. Crowds gather to watch surfers' stunts; except for experienced surfers, it's a spectator sport and not for beginners.

The large Baroque palace of Nymphenburg, in the northwest outskirts of the city, was originally the summer residence of the Wittelsbach Electors in the 17th century. Extending more than 600 meters from wing to wing, this vast palace is surrounded on each side by the Nymphenburg Canal, which splits as it passes around the main buildings before reuniting again in a fountain-adorned pool in front of the main façade.

Your first stop should be the Central Pavilion , a cube-shaped palace in the style of an Italian villa, completed in 1674 and home to the lavishly decorated three-story Stone Hall (Steinerner Saal) and a number of private chambers with fine furnishings and artwork. In the Palace Chapel, notice the expressive ceiling painting illustrating the life of Mary Magdalene. Beside the palace in the former Court Stables, the Marstallmuseum displays a collection of beautiful state coaches.

In the magnificent 17th-century gardens of Nymphenburg Park stands the Amalienburg , a palatial hunting lodge known for its famous Hall of Mirrors. Elsewhere in the gardens are a maze with the Heckentheater (Hedge Theater); marble statues of Greek gods; a large fountain; and a number of hothouses, including the Palm House, which has Germany's first hot-water heating system.

Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München

Official site: www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/englisch/palace/index.htm

For centuries the seat of the dukes, electors, and kings of Bavaria, the Munich Residenz is one of Europe's most spectacular palaces. Laid out around seven large courts, the vast Residenz complex comprises three main sections: the Königsbau , fronting onto Max-Joseph-Platz; the Alte Residenz , facing Residenzstrasse; and the Festsaalbau (Banqueting Hall), overlooking the Hofgarten .

The earliest section of this huge complex was the magnificent Antiquarium, built in 1579 and now part of the outstanding Residenz Museum . The Alte Residenz, a masterpiece of the late Renaissance and testimony to the growing power of Bavaria, followed soon after, and the final components - the Neoclassical Königsbau, the Festsaalbau, and the Court Church - were completed in 1848.

Today, the Residenz houses a number of monuments and museums, including the Residenz Museum, the Treasury, the Court Church of All Saints (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), and Cuvilliés-Theater. Be sure to explore the palace grounds, too, with its many wonderful old courtyards and arcades.

Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 München

Official site: www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/index.htm

Home to the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich's spectacular Olympic Park covers an area of some 2.7 million square meters on the Oberwiesenfeld, a former training ground for the Royal Bavarian army. Now a major recreational center, this huge facility hosts a variety of major concerts and events, including the summer Tollwood Festival (the winter Tollwood is held at Theresienhöhe, home of the Oktoberfest).

A number of family activities have been added since the Olympics, so you'll find plenty of things to do here. These include a stadium roof climb, ziplining, and behind-the-scenes tours showcasing the facility's splendid architecture and design. The Olympic Tower , a 290-meter-high television tower built in 1968 that was renamed in honor of the games, has viewing platforms in the Aussichtskorb offering breathtaking views over the city.

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich

Official site: http://www.olympiapark.de/en/olympiapark-munich/

Next to BMW's soaring headquarters and factories at the Olympic Park is a round contemporary building with a metal shell, housing BMW's museum. Here, car fans will find examples of nearly all the models the company has made, including sports cars, racing models, and motorcycles.

You can see current models and learn about the technology of modern automobile construction, as well as get glimpses of future propulsion technologies and designs the company is exploring. Those who think cars are just for getting from point A to point B might want to skip this one, but for fans of things automotive, it's a must.

Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München

Official site: https://www.bmw-welt.com/en.html

Not to be confused with the BMW Museum (above), although it's on the same huge manufacturing complex near the Olympic Park, BMW Welt is a gigantic showroom. Here, you can see every vehicle the company makes, sit inside them, and learn what the future cars and motorcycles may look like.

Whereas the BMW Museum is more about past models and history, the Welt is all about now, with an exhibition area and a three-dimensional media façade with immersive visions of the future of mobility. Interactive exhibits consider sustainability and offer insights into the design process. You can take tours of the BMW Group Plant to see the production process.

Opened in 2007, the BMW Welt is the most visited tourist attraction in Bavaria. The building's futuristic steel-and-glass architecture is part of the allure, plus the fact that admission is free.

Address: Am Olympiapark, München

In 1807, when the farmers market outgrew Marienplatz, it was moved to the nearby square, where it thrived and expanded, until today it covers 22,000 square meters and includes a butchers' hall, bakery, fish hall, and flower market in addition to its fruit and vegetable vendors.

It's not just a place for locals to buy items for the night's dinner. Fresh breads and pastries, wheels of cheese, and cured meats are good picnic makings, and tables and benches provide a place for shoppers and visitors to sit while they eat sizzling sausages, hot pretzels, and other foods prepared in mobile kitchens.

Above the market stands a colorful maypole , with traditionally dressed figures representing the various crafts and trades that were practiced in this part of town.

Spread across 89 acres, Hellabrunn Zoo is consistently ranked among the best zoos in Europe. Laid out in 1911, it was the first zoo in the world to have animals grouped according to where they came from.

Today, more than 19,000 animals from 757 species are held in open enclosures meant to replicate the conditions of the wild, with animals that normally share habitats kept together wherever possible.

Popular features include the Elephant House (now a listed building), the enormous 5,000-square-meter free-flight aviary, the Polarium, and ape houses. Located adjacent to the Isar River in a designated conservation area, the zoo has many delightful footpaths, playgrounds, and picnic spots.

Address: Tierparkstrasse 30, 81543 München

From the last week in November until December 24 , the parks and squares of Munich turn into a colorful, sparkling Christmas extravaganza of colored lights, evergreen boughs, and holiday music. Colorful frosted gingerbread hearts decorate little cabins filled with candies, cookies, wooden toys, Christmas tree ornaments, and holiday baubles, as well as local handcrafts in all mediums.

The largest market is in Marienplatz , where local chorales serenade shoppers with Christmas music. Two blocks away, at the Rindermarkt, the market is filled with figures and accessories for crèche scenes. Miniature shepherds, wisemen, angels, animals, and the holy family are in every imaginable media: delicate Alpine woodcarvings from nearby Oberammergau, ceramic, terra-cotta pottery, wax, and plastic.

One of the most charming is the Christmas village inside the courtyard of the Residenz, where a children's theater and bakers turning out hot treats add to the appeal. Not far away, an entire square turns into a Medieval Marketplace, where artisans and craftspeople dressed in costumes of the Middle Ages demonstrate and sell authentic period goods.

Wherever you go, you will find traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread) from Nuremberg - sold at Munich's first Christmas markets in the 1600s and still favorites today.

Read More: Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Germany

Königsplatz was laid out in Neoclassical style in 1862, and in the art district around it, you'll find one of the finest groups of art museums anywhere in Europe. First are the three Pinakothek art galleries: the Old Picture Gallery (Alte Pinakothek), with its fine collections of Dutch, Flemish, Italian, French, German, Spanish, and medieval paintings; the New Picture Gallery (Neue Pinakothek), with its displays of art ranging from Rococo to Art Nouveau; and the State Gallery of Modern Art (Pinakothek der Moderne), which includes works by Picasso and Warhol.

Other museums of note are the Glyptothek and the State Antiquities Collection (Staatliche Antikensammlung), with their large compilations of ancient sculptures and antiquities.

The latest addition to this treasury of art is Lenbachhaus , an Italianate villa that was the home and studio of artist Franz von Lenbach. The villa and its new extension house the world's foremost collection of works by the Blue Rider movement, a group of Expressionist painters led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc.

Address: Königsplatz 1, 80333 München

Known affectionately as Old Peter, St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) is Munich's oldest parish church and stands on Petersberg, a small hill originally settled by monks. Built in Gothic style in 1386, the church was altered with the addition of a Baroque choir with three apses in 1636, while the tower was given a lantern dome in place of its earlier Gothic spires.

Interior highlights include the font by Hans Krumper, the red marble monuments by Erasmus Grasser, and the 15th-century Schrenk Altar with its sculptures of the Crucifixion and the Last Judgment. Also of note is the 20-meter-tall 18th-century high altar with its figures of the Four Fathers of the Church and St. Peter.

The panel-paintings on the choir walls by Jan Polack are also worth seeing, as is the highly regarded Altar of the Virgin of Mercy (Mariahilf-Altar) from 1756. Finally, the 299-step tower - famous for its eight clock faces matched by eight bells - reaches a height of 91 meters and offers panoramic views as far as the Alps for those with the stamina to climb the 306 steps.

Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München

In the center of Munich, just off Odeonsplatz, the Hofgarten (Court Garden) was built between 1613 and 1617 , adjoining the Residenz and for the sole use of the court. It remained a private preserve for more than 160 years, opening to the public in 1780.

Since then this peaceful sanctuary with its intersecting paths, fountains, beds of bright flowers, and shaded arcades have been a favorite place for locals and visitors to stroll and relax. The focal point is the central pavilion, featuring eight arches, with paths radiating from each one to form beds for lawns and flowers. Fountains mark the points where the paths intersect.

Modeled on Italian Renaissance gardens when it was designed, the Hofgarten became more like the then-popular landscape gardens during the 19 th century. After its destruction in World War II, it was rebuilt to more resemble the original.

The Deutsches Museum is the world's largest museum of technology, and its 17,000 artifacts illustrate exhibits that range from the polished wood and brass of early astronomical instruments to the latest science on global warming. The museum is a constant time travel between early tech and high tech, as you follow the development of each scientific and technical discipline from its beginnings to the present.

The extensive collections relating to transport are astonishing, covering trains, aircraft, shipping, cars, even bicycles. You can see a replica of the Red Baron's biplane from the First World War, examine a Venetian gondola up close, and look inside a 19th-century wooden fishing boat. There's always something happening, from dramatic demonstrations of electricity to concerts showing how musical instruments work.

Kids' Kingdom is filled with clever hands-on activities designed for children ages three through eight, exploring light, music, ships, computers, water, sound, astronomy, and more. It is Germany's most popular museum and a favorite place to visit for families.

Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München

Official site: www.deutsches-museum.de/en

The beautiful Rococo Asam Church, dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, was completed in 1746 by brothers Cosmas and Egid Asam and is richly decorated with stucco figures, frescoes, and oil paintings. While its exterior is impressive enough, particularly the large doorway flanked by massive columns and crowned by a figure of St. John kneeling in prayer, it's the interior that's most memorable.

Highlights include a wrought-iron grille from 1776 that separates the stucco figures of the saints from the long nave with its galleries. On the projecting cornice under the ceiling is a magnificent fresco depicting the life of St. John. The most notable feature of the interior, though, is the high altar, enclosed by four twisted columns and on which sits a glass shrine containing a wax figure of the church's patron saint.

Address: Sendlinger Straße 32, 80331 München

Munich's huge brick Frauenkirche - the Cathedral Church of Our Lady - was completed in 1488, a Late Gothic church that owes its impact to its great size. Massive twin 100-meter-tall towers, with their characteristic Renaissance domes, tower over a high building 109 meters long by 40 meters wide.

Highlights inside the cathedral include the 1622 Tomb of the Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian in black marble with bronze figures, a 1620 altarpiece of the Assumption by Peter Candid, and the Baroque red marble font in the Baptistery with its early 14th-century Sorrowing Christ.

A popular curiosity is the strange footprint in the floor of the porch, said to have been left by the devil after he came to inspect the church. So delighted was he that the windows seemed to have been forgotten (the row of columns hides them when the church is viewed from the entrance), he stamped his foot, leaving the footprint that can still be seen today.

The twin towers of Frauenkirche are a good landmark for orientation, visible from all over the city. You can climb to the top for views across the city to the Bavarian Alps.

Address: Frauenplatz 12, 80331 München

• Read More: Exploring Munich's Frauenkirche (The Cathedral of Our Lady)

The largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, St. Michael's was completed in 1597, with a high barrel-vaulted roof in the nave. The pattern of the triumphal arch at the entrance to the choir is continued in the arches of the transepts, side chapels, and galleries. The three-story-high altar has an altarpiece, St. Michael Fighting the Devil , from 1587.

The four bronze reliefs dating from 1595 were intended for the tomb of Duke William V, while in the side chapels are some fine paintings and a precious reliquary of Saints Cosmas and Damian from around 1400.

The church's historical importance is in the Royal Crypt (Fürstengruft) underneath the choir, where 41 members of the House of Wittelsbach - among them Duke Wilhelm V, the church's patron; Elector Maximilian I; and King Ludwig II - are buried.

Address: Neuhauser Straße 6, 80333 München

On the east side of the Residenz in Munich, the Cuvilliés Theater was built in 1755 and is the finest example of a Rococo theater with tiered boxes in Germany. The magnificent carved woodwork of the auditorium, with its four tiers of boxes, including one built especially for the electors, was safely stored away during WWII, thus allowing its reconstruction in 1958.

Architecturally stunning, the rare elegance and rich hues of its intimate Rococo interior makes it a truly unique setting for operas such as Mozart's Idomeneo, which premiered here in 1781, and which, along with many other Late Baroque period operas, is still performed on occasion. You can visit the theater separately or on a combined ticket with the Residenz and its museums.

Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80539 München

Official site: http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/cuv/

The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan (Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan), a basilica built in the style of the Italian High Baroque, was completed in 1690, with a stunning façade, twin towers, a massive 71-meter-high dome, and richly decorated interior. Exterior highlights include numerous marble statues of saints and the lantern with a lion weathervane atop the dome.

The interior, dominated by the tall round-headed arches of the barrel vaulting and the dome over the crossing, is washed in white, with rich stucco ornamentation. Other interior highlights include the high altar, with its picture of The Virgin Enthroned with Angels from 1646 by Caspar de Crayer (a pupil of Rubens), and the Altar of the Virgin, with a painting of the Holy Kinship from 1676. In the Ducal Burial Vault, you'll see the tombs of members of the House of Wittelsbach, long-time rulers of Bavaria.

Address: Salvatorplatz 2a, 80333 München

All that remains of the medieval walls that once enclosed Munich's Altstadt (old town) are the impressive gates at Karlstor, Sendlinger Tor, and Isartor, but the broad, curving streets that replaced them still define the historic center. It's here that you'll find most tourist attractions, with Marienplatz at its center. Major museums lie just outside the compact center. Most of these highly rated hotels in Munich are an easy walk from Marienplatz:

Luxury Hotels :

• Near the Isartor and 10 minutes from Marienplatz, Hotel Torbraeu has nicely furnished rooms in a historic building.
• In the heart of the old city overlooking Viktualienmarkt, near the daily food and flower market, Louis Hotel offers spacious, stylish rooms and a sauna/fitness area.
• A pool and sauna are added benefits at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munchen , set amid high-end shops on the uber-fashionable Maximilianstrasse, a five-minute walk from Marienplatz.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Locations simply don't get any better than Platzl Hotel , next to the Residenz palace and museums and a few steps from Marienplatz and shopping streets. Breakfast is included, and the beautifully furnished rooms have thoughtful amenities. Two blocks from the Residenz palace and museums and close to Marienplatz,
• Maximilian Munich is on a quiet street, with some rooms overlooking a garden courtyard.
• The hospitable Hotel Mirabell offers well-furnished rooms in a neighborhood beside the main train station, just off Karlsplatz and the entrance to the old town.

Budget Hotels:

• Family-friendly Hotel Biederstein is opposite the English Garden in the lively Schwabing neighborhood; a buffet breakfast is included.
• Breakfast is included at Jedermann Hotel , a 15-minute walk from the old town but on a tram line to its center.
• Near Sendlinger Tor and the Rococo-style Asamkirche and a ten-minute walk from Marienplatz, Acanthushotel has small, comfortable rooms.
• Contemporary guest rooms at Schwan Locke are large, some with kitchenettes. The hotel is close to the main train station and within walking distance of Karlsplatz and Marienplatz.
• Just two hours by train from Munich is the beautiful city of Salzburg; birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the film The Sound of Music. If you have time to add this city to your itinerary, the Salzburg Small Group Day Tour from Munich is a hassle free, comfortable, and fun way to see Salzburg in a day. This tour includes a scenic rail journey, a walking tour of Salzburg, and free time to wander the historic streets on your own.

Castle Tours:

• To see some of Germany's beautiful castles, there are a couple of options: The Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich takes you on a full-day tour to the Bavarian Mountains to see the Neuschwanstein Castle, used as a model for Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and the Linderhof hunting lodge castle. The slightly shorter Neuschwanstein Castle Small Group Day Tour includes just one castle. Note that both of these tours exclude entrance fees to the castles.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site :

• The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Small Group Tour from Munich is a five-hour trip with a professional guide to this memorial site, set on the grounds of the former concentration camp. The tour includes round-trip transportation and a guide.

More on Germany

Attractions in Munich

The city centre offers some of Munich's most famous attractions, such as the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Marienplatz and Altes Rathaus (main square and Old Town Hall), the Allianz Arena (football stadium), BMW Welt and Olympiapark (Olympic Park) in the north of the city, and the Kunstareal (museum area) with its world-famous museums – to name but a few. Magnificent buildings and architectural highlights are every bit as awe-inspiring as the many animals in the city zoo. If you feel like a walk, you can stroll through the Nymphenburger Schlosspark (palace park) or the Englischer Garten and watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave. If you book a guided tour, a certified guide will accompany you to Munich's most beautiful attractions.

Landmark par excellence

With its distinctive towers, the Frauenkirche is the city's most famous landmark.

The heart of Munich

There's always something going on in this world-famous square, whether it's the Christmas market, the Glockenspiel, or another of FC Bayern's championship celebrations.

FC Bayern's favourite balcony

The Neues Rathaus is the home of politics and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they've won the championships.

Frauenkirche: Visit of the South Tower

Book a visit to the observation deck of Munich's Frauenkirche and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

Seats at the Oktoberfest table

Book a unique experience at the Wiesn time and enjoy the Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich in a relaxed way with our Wiesn package.

Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Romantic Road: Rothenburg and Harburg

Hop on and be whisked away by one of the world's most beautiful stretches of street: the Romantic Road to Rothenburg and Harburg.

Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof

Immerse yourself in the world of the fairytale king!

Visit of the Law Library: Juristische Bibliothek

Impressive architecture and unique ambience: discover the Law Library in the New Town Hall.

Pedicab tour through the old town and nature

Enjoy this special tour and pedicap ride past all the famous sights of Munich's old town and into the Englischer Garten.

Oktoberfest Tour

Take the time to discover "the Wiesn" as it lives and breathes on a guided tour of the festival grounds.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

City trip incl. Munich Card and Tower Ascent

We look forward to seeing you again in Munich. Our tip: the exclusive travel package with Munich Card and Tower Ascent.

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Hop-On Hop-Off city bus tours Gray Line

The hop-on hop-off city bus tours of Gray Line will let you collect unforgettable impressions of Munich.

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Private guided tour through Munich's Old Town

Exclusive and safe: Discover the most beautiful sights and corners of Munich's city centre with your official personal guide.

Berchtesgaden area and Eagle's Nest

The day trip takes you along the Alpine Road to Berchtesgaden area with its dreamlike scenery.

Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Rental bike 1 day

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Free Public transport

Reduced or included!

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Enjoy world-class football

In the Allianz Arena you can enjoy first-class football and the FC Bayern Museum.

The key to success in 1972

The Olympiapark in the north of Munich is a great example of the successful reuse of an Olympic venue. And there is still a lot to do here in terms of sports and culture.

Masterpiece of modern architecture

A real car heaven behind the futuristic facade: BMW's very own experience and delivery centre has been known to deliver up to 34,000 horsepower in one day.

More than just a city park

A green oasis right in the middle of Munich: the English Garden is one of the world's largest inner city parks.

Right in the city centre: the Eisbach wave

The Eisbachwelle is one of Munich's top attractions – for some from a sporting point of view, for others from a tourist point of view.

A jewel of the Baroque

Nymphenburg Palace served as a summer residence for the Electors and Kings of Bavaria in the 18th century.  Today it is one of the largest castles in Germany.

World-renowned museums

18 museums and exhibition houses, over 40 galleries, six universities and numerous cultural institutions: the Kunstareal!

Deutsches Museum

Founded more than 100 years ago, the Deutsches Museum now houses one of the most important natural science and technology collections.

Magnificent buildings – ancient art

King Ludwig I commissioned the construction of Königsplatz, which was modelled after the Acropolis in Athens.

Bavarian centre of power

Between 1508 and 1918, Bavaria's rulers governed the fates of their subjects from the Residenz.

Florence sends its regards

Anyone familiar with the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence may not believe their eyes – the Feldherrnhalle looks almost identical to its Italian role model.

Italian Grandezza

With its yellow facade and ornate interior, the Theatinerkirche at Odeonsplatz is one of the most beautiful churches in Munich. The white interior is wonderfully cool and forms a surprising contrast.

simply delicious!

The Viktualienmarkt is a place for gourmets who will find everything their hearts desire.

The original comes from Munich

“In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus – oans, zwoa, g’suffa…” That is the opening line of the 1935 song that made the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl famous all over the world.

The city's noble address

The Maximilianstrasse is Munich's most expensive avenue: almost all international luxury labels of the fashion and jewellery industry are represented here. A tour.

Animal adventures

An exciting day out for children and adults alike: a visit to Tierpark Hellabrunn, the world’s first “geozoo”.

Schleißheim instead of Nymphenburg

It’s not always about the Frauenkirche, Englischer Garten or Nymphenburg Palace. Here are ten alternative attractions that are real hidden gems.

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24 Essential Things to Do in Munich, Germany ( + Day Trips)

Munich may be famous for its beer gardens, beer halls and annual Oktoberfest, but these beer-fueled attractions aren’t the only reasons to plan a visit to this cosmopolitan city. Art and culture lovers will be satisfied with the city’s variety of

• All Things To Do

Marienplatz Marienplatz free

The Marienplatz square, accessible by a U-Bahn station of the same name, is considered the heart of Munich, and has been since the city was founded in 1158. In medieval times, it hosted markets and jousting tournaments. Today, busy Marienplatz is a must-visit for its two town halls, and is also a great spot to stop for coffee and watch the world go by. For Munich day trippers, it’s the perfect starting point for a tour of the city’s main central attractions, as well as the square’s surrounding pedestrianized area, home to foodie paradise, the Viktualienmarkt , and countless restaurants, cafes and shops. At Christmastime, Marienplatz fills with vendors selling festive food, mulled wine and holiday gifts at the popular Christkindlmarkt.

Recent travelers say spending some time in this city square is a must-do, noting the distinctly Bavarian feel. Past visitors also recommended timing your visit for the daily glockenspiel shows at the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) , which take place at 11 a.m. and noon. The square is free to visit 24/7, though individual businesses operate their own hours.

English Garden (Englischer Garten) English Garden (Englischer Garten) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you need a break from the crowds, hop on the U-Bahn to the Westpark to enjoy fewer tourists, more locals and in spring, some 20,000 roses. The Westpark is also home to Chinese and Japanese gardens and a Nepalese pagoda. – Christie Dietz

This large public park, which stretches from the city center to the northeastern city limits, is one of Munich's must-dos. Named for the informal English style of rolling hills and open landscaping, the Englischer Garten contains four popular beer gardens, jogging and biking paths, several kiosks for buying drinks and snacks, a boating lake, and monuments, including a Greek temple, a Japanese tea house and the Chinese Tower, or Chinesischer Turm. Head to the tower for one of the city’s largest beer gardens and several seasonal events throughout the year, such as a Christmas market and a traditional Bavarian dance event. One of the park’s biggest draws is the Eisbach wave (Eisbachwelle) at the garden entrance, a human-made standing wave that allows surfers to try their hand at river surfing almost all year.

Munich Residence (Residenz München) Munich Residence (Residenz München)

What originated in the late 1300s as a small, moated Gothic castle was transformed over the centuries by the Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty to become the largest city palace in Germany. From 1508 to 1918, the Munich Residence (Residenz Munich) was the residence and seat of government of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings. Today, it’s an impressive mix of Renaissance, Baroque, rococo and neoclassicism styles – and what many travelers describe as a must-see when visiting Munich.

Inside, you can explore more than 150 ornately decorated rooms filled with tapestries, paintings, sculptures, clocks and furniture. Highlights include King Ludwig I’s neoclassical royal apartment and the treasury, which comprises 10 halls displaying a magnificent collection of exhibits, such as crowns, goblets, swords, jewelry and tableware. The Court Church of All Saints (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), the Rococo Cuvilliés Theater (Cuvilliés-Theater) and Hercules Hall (Herkulessaal) are today all used as performance venues. The palace is surrounded by the Court Garden (Hofgarden), a beautiful park filled with courtyards, fountains, statues, pavilions and water features.

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Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Head to the palace late in the day to enjoy fewer crowds and a peaceful sunset in the beautiful gardens. – Christie Dietz

Located in the northwestern district of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) was built as a gift for the wife of Elector Ferdinand Maria, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, on the birth of their long-awaited son. Designed by Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also designed Munich’s Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche), the Baroque-style palace was completed in the 1670s. Over the centuries, it was extended and embellished with Rococo and Neoclassical elements.

Viktualienmarkt Viktualienmarkt free

The Viktualienmarkt, located off the Marienplatz U-Bahn and S-Bahn stops, began as a farmers market in 1807. Today, the 100 or so permanent stands offer everything from freshly baked bread to sausages and honey to fresh flowers. There are also several fountains featuring statues of local comedians, actors and singers, and a towering maypole decorated with emblems depicting various aspects of Munich life. You can also enjoy a locally brewed beer in the shade of the chestnut trees at the Viktualienmarkt beer garden.

Travelers say this market is perfect for an afternoon stroll, noting visitors should stop to buy and sample some of the goods available (especially the pretzels and white sausages), and finish their day with a cold drink at the beer garden.

Old Town (Altstadt) Old Town (Altstadt) free

Located in the heart of Munich, the city’s Old Town ( Altstadt ) is a hive of activity that’s as popular with tourists as it is with locals and packed with sights and attractions.

The Marienplatz is at the center of the Old Town, a former market square named, along with the victory column – St. Mary’s Column ( Mariensäule ) – in its center, after Bavarian’s patron saint, Mary. Travelers love both the sights and the atmosphere here and are impressed by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall ( Neues Rathaus ), famous for its glockenspiel and the location of both the Lord Mayor’s office and Tourist Information. During Advent, there are several Christmas markets in the Old Town, but the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is the most traditional, dating back to the 14th century.

Asam Church (Asamkirche) Asam Church (Asamkirche) free

Munich is full of hidden gems, and the Asam Church (Asamkirche) is no exception. Nestled between stores and cafes on the city's popular shopping street Sendlinger Straße, this 18th-century church, which is officially called St.-Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche, is an unexpected masterpiece. 

Previous visitors said they were intrigued by the building's unique exterior while strolling by, so they decided to peek inside. What they found was a tiny church with enormous detail. 

Glockenspiel in the New City Hall (Rathaus-Glockenspiel) Glockenspiel in the New City Hall (Rathaus-Glockenspiel) free

In the tower of the New City Hall ( Neues Rathaus ) on Marienplatz is Munich’s world-famous glockenspiel. With its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures, the large solar-powered mechanical clock first sounded in 1908 and reenacts scenes from two famous 16th-century Munich stories twice a day; from March to October, there’s an additional reenactment at 5 p.m. The glockenspiel has a repertoire of 22 pieces of music, mostly folk songs, that are played on rotation, with four reserved especially for Advent. The only time the glockenspiel is silent is on Good Friday.

The first of its two scenes depicts a moment from a jousting tournament that took place on Marienplatz in 1568 during two weeks of celebrations held in honor of the wedding of the local Duke Wilhelm V to Renate of Lorraine: A Bavarian knight triumphs over his French opponent by thrusting him off his horse with his lance. The second scene illustrates the dance of Munich’s barrel makers ( Münchner Schäffler ), who are celebrating being allowed to venture out onto the streets again for the first time after a severe plague epidemic in 1517 and began dancing to entertain the city’s plague-ravaged residents. In a third performance every evening between March and October, a night watchman comes out to blow his horn and a guardian angel stretches a protective hand over the Munich Child ( Münchner Kindl) , the symbol on the city’s coat of arms.

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Pinakothek Museums Pinakothek Museums

Amongst the outstanding collection of museums in Munich’s art district – Kunstareal – are the three Pinakothek museums. All are within walking distance of one another and are part of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Picture Collection), along with several other museums.

The Alte Pinakothek – translated as the “Old Picture Gallery” – is regarded by experts as one of Europe’s most significant art museums. With walls lined with works from Titian, Rembrandt and Rubens, the museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of 14th- to 18th-century paintings. Visitors appreciated the incredible collection of masterpieces and the audio guide, which can be accessed via your smartphone – so remember to bring headphones!

Deutsches Museum Deutsches Museum

A science and technology museum like no other (according to travelers), the Deutsches Museum brims with exhibits on everything from robotics and aviation to bridges and musical instruments. Sprawling across more than 200,000 square feet of space, the museum reopened in 2022 after a yearslong renovation. Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore 19 new and redesigned exhibits. There’s also Kids’ Kingdom ( Kinderreich ), a section geared toward 3- to 8-year-olds that houses interactive exhibits, including a marble run, a hall of mirrors and a giant guitar that kids can crawl inside and actually play. Beyond the exhibits, the museum also boasts a rooftop restaurant and a gift shop.

There are also two other branches of the Deutsches Museum (accessible via additional admission fees). In the west of the city, the affiliated Center for Transportation ( Verkehrszentrum) offers three exhibition halls filled with transport-related exhibits, including vintage cars and locomotives. Meanwhile, Flugwerft Schleissheim is all about aviation, and it’s located about 13 miles north in Oberschleißheim.

Olympiapark Olympiapark free

Originally constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich's Olympiapark is now a popular tourist attraction. It houses a massive recreation center complete with skating rinks, an indoor pool, mini golf courses, tennis courts and, of course, the 77,337-seat Olympic Stadium. The stadium hosts concerts and other large-ticketed events throughout the year, but many visitors come to the park to explore the plethora of activities in and around the stadium.

The park sprawls across more than 200 acres, meaning you likely won’t see it all during one visit. If you’re limited on time, opt for a 20-minute tram tour of the grounds for 7 euros (around $7.60). Some visitors preferred this comfortable sightseeing method, but others said they wished the tram tour passed more interesting sights. For a 360-degree view of the park, city and the nearby Alps, climb up the grassy mound known as Olympic Hill (Olympiaberg). It’s one of the highest elevations in the city and a popular picnic spot in the summer. During warm weather, you can also rent rowboats and pedal boats to take out onto the park’s lake.

Augustiner-Keller Augustiner-Keller free

Augustiner-Keller, one of few remaining traditional beer gardens left in the city center, is Munich’s oldest brewery, and the last remaining one that’s owned privately. It was first mentioned in 1812 on the Munich city map as a beer storage facility, and was acquired by the owner of the Augustiner brewery in 1862.

The beer garden took its current form in 1896 and has changed very little since. Today it has some 5,000 seats and is very popular in summer, in part thanks to the shade of its 100 or so chestnut trees. You can sample traditional Bavarian food here, such as sausages or roast pork, opt for lighter international dishes and salads, or if you want to cut costs, do as the locals do and bring a picnic. In winter, the historic brewery building has a network of cozy rooms and larger beer halls to drink and dine in.

Odeonsplatz Odeonsplatz free

Despite its location in the heart of Bavaria, Munich has been called "Italy's most northerly city" because of its architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Its Italian influence is most apparent in Odeonsplatz – a historic square near the city center designed by a king who had an affinity for the Mediterranean country.  

The Field Marshals' Hall (Feldherrnhalle) – a three-arch monument built in the 1840s – stands at the south end of the Odeonsplatz square and is almost identical to  Florence 's Loggia dei Lanzi. Deeply embedded in pre-World War II history, the monument is perhaps best known as the site of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup by the Nazi Party following which Hitler was arrested. Nowadays, the Feldherrnhalle's steps provide an ideal spot for Munich residents and visitors to lounge. 

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St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) free

St. Peter's Church  (Peterskirche) is Munich's oldest place of worship. Its stunning white and gold interior is filled with treasures, but its tower – fondly known as Old Peter (Alter Peter) by locals – is the real draw. Adorned with eight clocks and eight bells, the tower stands at nearly 200 feet tall. From its viewing platform, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of Munich, including City Hall (Rathaus) and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Dear Lady) .

Recent travelers were impressed by the church's glittering altar, not to mention the gold, jewel-bedecked, glass-enclosed skeleton of St. Munditia, a revered Christian martyr. Reviewers also said the view at the top of the tower is a must-see and worth the effort.

Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche) Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche) free

Officially called the Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady (Zu Unserer Lieben Frau) , this Munich landmark is also known locally as Munich Cathedral (Münchner Dom) and the Frauenkirche. The Gothic-period cathedral is a unique part of the city skyline, thanks to its two dome-topped towers. The dual towers stand at around 323 feet, though one is slightly higher than the other – and no one knows why! Thanks to a law passed in 2004, no buildings within Munich’s city limits are allowed to be constructed taller than the towers.

The main part of the church and two towers were constructed in the late 1400s, built with red bricks in order to save money as there were no local stone quarries. The domed tower roofs were added in 1525. The cathedral was severely damaged by bombing during World War II, and although the initial restoration was simpler than the original design, more ornate embellishments were added later.

Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)

Neuschwanstein Castle ( Schloss Neuschwanstein ) famously served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built on a rock ledge over the Pöllat Gorge on the site of two smaller castles, the medieval-style Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1868. Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, and just a two-hour train ride south of Munich.

Even if you’re not interested in touring the inside of the castle, travelers say it’s still worth the trip for the views of the exterior and surrounding area. You can admire the photogenic setting on one of the many wooded trails, or from Marienbrücke, a bridge suspended over a waterfall that offers spectacular photo-ops of the castle and Bavarian Alps.

Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum) Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum)

The Bavarian National Museum ( Bayerisches Nationalmuseum ) is one of Germany’s largest museums and one of Europe’s largest art and cultural history museums.

Founded in 1855 by King Maximilian II, it was dedicated to the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the culture and history of the people they ruled. The museum was originally situated between what is today Karlsplatz and Marienplatz , but its collection quickly outgrew its space. In 1900, the museum was moved to a historic building complex on Prinzregentenstraße, close to the River Isar. Much of the museum required reconstruction following severe damage during World War II.

The Hirschgarten The Hirschgarten free

Located in the Nymphenburg district in Munich’s west, the approximately 100-acre Hirschgarten park was created in 1780 by Elector Carl Theodor as a hunting ground for the nobility. Though it’s no longer used for hunting, the park does shelter a wild animal enclosure, which is home to fallow deer and wild sheep that visitors can feed (just pay attention to the signage listing what the animals are allowed to eat). The Hirschgarten park also houses several playgrounds, including a water playground for hot summer days, a small skate park, barbeque areas and various walking trails.

The Königlicher Hirschgarten restaurant and beer garden , which dates back to 1791, is also situated in the park. With seating for more than 8,000 people, it’s the largest traditional beer garden in the world. Stop by for some hearty fare, such as white sausages with sweet mustard, käsepätzle (egg noodles with cheese and onions), or a large platter of bread, cold cuts and cheeses. Recent travelers say the beer garden has a great ambiance, excellent service and a fantastic location, and that the park is a peaceful place to escape the packed downtown area.

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St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) free

Situated in Munich’s pedestrian zone halfway between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche) is considered to be the first Renaissance church built north of the Alps. According to past travelers, it is a must-see in Munich.

The Jesuit church was built in two stages. Commissioned by Duke Herzog Wilhelm V and modeled on the Jesuits’ mother church in Rome, its foundation stone was laid in 1583, but a vaulting system was used that turned out to be unstable and in 1590, the church’s tower collapsed and destroyed the choir, which had just been completed. In a second stage of construction, the plans for the (now towerless) church were expanded to incorporate a new choir and transept, resulting in the impressively proportioned building that still stands today.

Cuvilliés Theatre (Cuvilliés-Theater) Cuvilliés Theatre (Cuvilliés-Theater)

Named after its Belgian-born architect François de Cuvilliés, the plush Cuvilliés Theatre ( Cuvilliés-Theater ), originally called the Residence Theatre ( Residenztheater ), was built in rococo style in the mid-18th century as a theater for Elector Maximilian Joseph III and used for grand opera performances for members of the royal court.

The building was destroyed toward the end of World War II, and the theater was rebuilt in one of the wings of the Munich Residence (Residenz München) . The theater’s ornately carved wooden box paneling had been dismantled and security stored during the war and could be reused in its meticulous reconstruction and decoration in magnificent red and gold. It reopened under its new name, the Cuvilliés Theatre, in 1958. It’s also known as the Old Residence Theatre ( Altes Residenztheater ) to distinguish it from the New Residence Theatre ( Neues Residenztheater ), which was built on the Cuvilliés Theater’s original site.

NS-Dokumentationszentrum NS-Dokumentationszentrum free

The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism (NS-Dokumentationszentrum), abbreviated to “nsdoku,” explores the history of National Socialism and the longstanding effects of the Nazi dictatorship.

The museum is located on Königsplatz on the site of the Brown House ( Braunes Haus) , the former headquarters of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – the Nazi Party – which was almost destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. More than any other city, Munich is most closely associated with the rise of National Socialism, and between 1933 and 1945, the area surrounding the nsdoku became a primary location for the Nazi Party and home to many of its administrative offices.

Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) free

Bordered by the Munich Residence (Residenz München) , the Bavarian State Chancellery ( Bayerische Staatskanzlei ) and Odeonsplatz , the Munich Court Garden ( Hofgarten ) is an enjoyable place to stroll around as part of a visit to the palace, but with its plentiful benches, also makes a great spot to take a break from sightseeing and shopping.

Plans for the garden date back to 1613, when various new buildings and extensions of the palace were being constructed. It was designed in the style of formal Italian Renaissance gardens, but was redesigned several times according to changing fashions, and needed rebuilding after it was destroyed during World War II.

Bavarian State Opera House (Bayerische Staatsoper) Bavarian State Opera House (Bayerische Staatsoper)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If your Munich visit coincides with the opera’s annual summer festival and you’d like to attend a free live broadcast from the National Theatre/open-air concert at Max-Joseph-Platz, do as the locals and bring a picnic and something to sit on. – Christie Dietz

The Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper) is one of the world’s most acclaimed opera houses. Its history goes back some 350 years and today, it has its own orchestra, the Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsorchester), and ballet company, the Bavarian State Ballet (Bayerische Staatsballett).

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BMW World (BMW Welt) and the BMW Museum BMW World (BMW Welt) and the BMW Museum

On the east side of the Olympiapark , situated a few minutes’ walk from each other in a complex shared with BMW’s corporate headquarters and main plant, the BMW Museum and BMW Welt (which translates as “BMW World”) are dedicated to one of Germany’s most famous exports.

Housed in a strikingly modern building, the BMW Museum documents the brand’s 100-year history through temporary and permanent exhibitions that feature collections of cars, motorcycles and engines, as well as displays highlighting BMW’s technological advances and achievements from its inception to today. Directly opposite, the futuristic-looking BMW Welt is home to the newest BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as exhibitions showcasing BMW’s latest innovations. Many travelers said it the site was worth visiting, if not for the cars then for the building's contemporary architecture.

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Must-see attractions in Munich

Schloss Nymphenburg

This commanding palace and its lavish gardens sprawl around 5km northwest of the Altstadt. Begun in 1664 as a villa for Electress Adelaide of Savoy, the…

Residenzmuseum

Home to Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 until WWI, the Residenz is Munich's number-one attraction. The amazing treasures, as well as all the…

Alte Pinakothek

Munich's main repository of Old European Masters is crammed with all the major players who decorated canvases between the 14th and 18th centuries. This…

Englischer Garten

The sprawling English Garden is among Europe's biggest city parks – it even rivals London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park for size – and is a…

Pinakothek der Moderne

Germany's largest modern-art museum unites four significant collections under a single roof: 20th-century art, applied design from the 19th century to…

Bayerisches Nationalmuseum

Picture the classic 19th-century museum, a palatial neoclassical edifice overflowing with exotic treasure and thought-provoking works of art, a repository…

Deutsches Museum

If you’re one of those people for whom science is an unfathomable turn-off, a visit to the Deutsches Museum might just show you that physics and…

Next to the Olympiapark, the glass-and-steel, double-cone tornado spiralling down from a dark cloud the size of an aircraft carrier holds BMW Welt, truly…

Museum Brandhorst

A big, bold and aptly abstract building, clad entirely in vividly multihued ceramic tubes, the Brandhorst jostled its way into the Munich Kunstareal in a…

Though pocket sized, the late-baroque Asamkirche, built in 1746, is as rich and epic as a giant's treasure chest. Its creators, the brothers Cosmas Damian…

Cuvilliés-Theater

Commissioned by Maximilian III in the mid-18th century, François Cuvilliés fashioned one of Europe's finest rococo theatres. Famous for hosting the…

The Kunstareal is the compact Maxvorstadt area, roughly defined by Türkenstrasse, Schellingstrasse, Luisenstrasse and Karlstrasse, which is packed with…

Münchner Stadtmuseum

Installed for the city's 850th birthday (2008), the Münchner Stadtmuseum's Typisch München (Typically Munich) exhibition – taking up the whole of a…

Olympiapark

The area to the north of the city where soldiers once paraded and the world's first Zeppelin landed in 1909 found a new role in the 1960s as the…

Königsplatz

Nothing less than the Acropolis in Athens provided the inspiration for Leo von Klenze's imposing Königsplatz, commissioned by Ludwig I and anchored by a…

Marienplatz

The epicentral heart and soul of the Altstadt, Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and packs a lot of personality into a compact frame. It's anchored…

Neue Pinakothek

The Neue Pinakothek harbours a well-respected collection of 19th- and early-20th-century paintings and sculpture, from rococo to Jugendstil (art nouveau)…

Munich Residenz

Generations of Bavarian rulers expanded a medieval fortress into this vast and palatial compound that served as their primary residence and seat of…

Allianz Arena

Sporting and architecture fans alike should take a side trip to the northern suburb of Fröttmaning to see the ultraslick €340-million Allianz Arena,…

This silver, bowl-shaped museum comprises seven themed 'houses' that examine the development of BMW's product line and include sections on motorcycles and…

DenkStätte Weisse Rose

This memorial exhibit to the Weisse Rose (White Rose; a nonviolent resistance group led by Munich University students Hans and Sophie Scholl to oppose the…

Feldherrnhalle

Corking up Odeonsplatz' southern side is Friedrich von Gärnter's Feldherrnhalle, modelled on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The structure pays homage…

Frauenkirche

The landmark Frauenkirche, built between 1468 and 1488, is Munich's spiritual heart and the Mt Everest among its churches. No other building in the…

Alter Botanischer Garten

The Old Botanical Garden is a pleasant place to soothe soles and souls after an Altstadt shopping spree or to see out a long wait for a train away from…

Bavaria Filmstadt

Movie magic is the draw of the Bavaria Filmstadt, a theme park built around Bavaria Film, one of Germany's oldest studios, founded in 1919. The top…

Lenbachhaus

With its fabulous wing added by noted architect Norman Foster, this glorious gallery is the go-to place to admire the vibrant canvases of Wassily…

Michaelskirche

It stands quiet and dignified amid the retail frenzy out on Kaufingerstrasse, but to fans of Ludwig II, the Michaelskirche is the ultimate place of…

Deutsches Museum – Verkehrszentrum

An ode to the Bavarian obsession with getting around, the Transport Museum explores the ingenious ways humans have devised to transport things and each…

Jüdisches Museum

Coming to terms with its Nazi past has not historically been a priority in Munich, which is why the opening of the Jewish Museum in 2007 was hailed as a…

Schatzkammer der Residenz

The Residenzmuseum entrance also leads to the Schatzkammer der Residenz, a veritable banker's bonus worth of jewel-encrusted bling of yesteryear, from…

Viktualienmarkt

Fresh fruit and vegetables, piles of artisanal cheeses, tubs of exotic olives, hams and jams, chanterelles and truffles – Viktualienmarkt is a feast of…

Antikensammlungen

This old-school museum is an engaging showcase of exquisite Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. The collection of Greek vases, each artistically…

If you're a fan of classical art or simply enjoy the sight of naked guys without noses (or other pertinent body parts), make a beeline for the Glyptothek…

NS Dokuzentrum

The mission of the NS Dokuzentrum, located right at the heart of what was once Nazi central in Munich, is to educate locals and visitors alike about the…

Ost-West Friedenskirche

Built illegally after WWII by a Russian hermit called Father Timofey, the delightfully rural Russian Orthodox East-West Peace Church was to have been…

Bier & Oktoberfestmuseum

Head to this popular museum to learn all about Bavarian suds and the world's most famous booze-up. The four floors heave with old brewing vats, historic…

Museum Villa Stuck

Around the turn of the 20th century, Franz von Stuck was a leading light on Munich's art scene, and his residence is one of the finest Jugendstil homes…

Altes Rathaus

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany)

Bavaria’s capital is a cocktail of beloved sights, opulent Baroque churches and museums of the highest order. Munich’s Kunstareal is a cluster of art museums with so many masterpieces it’s difficult to know where to begin. A week would never be enough to see all of them, and these invaluable collections were assembled by the Wittelsbach monarchs who ruled Bavaria up to the 20th century.

Their palaces in the city are two of the many glorious monuments to take in, and you’ll catch sight of Alps from the top of the Rathaus and St Peter’s Church. Munich is also the city of some world-famous German exports like BMW, FC Bayern and the incomparable Oktoberfest, more than two weeks of beer-fuelled merrymaking every Autumn.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Munich :

1. Alte Pinakothek

Dating to 1836, the Alte Pinakothek is one of the world’s oldest art galleries.

The museum’s Neo-Renaissance design would be a model for galleries that sprouted in Brussels, Rome and St Petersburg.

It was all ordered by King Ludwig I to house the Wittelsbach dynasty’s exceptional collection, started by Duke Wilhelm IV back in the 1500s.

The upshot is 800 German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Italian and Spanish paintings from the 1200s to the 1800s, of superlative quality.

The masters who take the spotlight are Peter Paul Rubens, Albrecht Dürer and van Dyck, all represented by multiple paintings.

And on your way, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Hans Baldung Grien, Hieronymous Bosch and Rembrandt are just a few of the many prestigious names you’ll encounter.

2. Munich Residenz

What began as a 14th-century castle for the Wittelsbach monarchs on the northern edge of the city burgeoned over the course of several hundred years into a sublime palace complex of ten courtyards and 130 rooms.

Successive dukes, emperors, princes and kings all made grand statements in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles.

Given the size of the palace and the richness of its art, the Munich Residenz is a sight to do in several visits if you can.

But a few musts to tick off are the Italian Renaissance Grotto Courtyard, the lavishly adorned Antiquarium banquet hall and the gilded mouldings in the Baroque Ancestral Gallery.

3. Neues Rathaus

A postcard favourite, Munich’s town hall on Marienplatz is a Gothic Revival wonder, a monument worthy of the city.

The facade is festooned with pinnacles, niches with little trefoil arches and statues of the first four Bavarian kings on the bay of the tower.

Munich’s population doubled in less than 20 years between 1880 and 1900, and the Neues Rathaus, which was originally completed in 1874 had to be expanded barely 20 years after it was finished.

That facade is 100 metres long and the building was extended to 400 rooms, and you can go in to scale the 85-metre where you can see to the Alps on cloudless days.

Since 1908 the Glockenspiel has chimed each day at 11:00 and 12:00, and then 17:00 (from March to October), with automatons acting out episodes from the 1600s.

4. Englischer Garten

Scanning a map of the city, you’ll be struck by the size of the Englischer Garten.

Created in the 18th century, the park begins on the left bank of the Isar in the north behind the Residenz and just seems to go on and on.

At 370 hectares this expanse of lawns, tree groves, pasture, waterways and a lake is one of the world’s largest urban parks, bigger than New York’s Central Park.

There are some neat little sights to take in, like a Japanese teahouse added for the Olympics in 1972 and the Chinese Tower based on Kew Gardens’ pagoda and first erected in 1790. But something you may not have expected to come across is surfing: Yes, the man-made Eisbach River has a strong current, forming a static wave that experienced boarders ride for up to a minute at a time.

5. Neue Pinakothek

King Ludwig I also had an eye for the contemporary art of the 19th century and amassed many invaluable pieces from the period.

Some 400 paintings from the 1800s are on show in the Neue Pinakothek, and they tick off all of the influential movements from the century.

There are German Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Karl Friedrich Schinkel, French Realists such as Delacroix and Courbet, and Impressionist Art by Degas, Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin and Renoir.

After that you can go slow and study each movement in detail, or scoot across periods to the other masterpieces by Goya, Rodin, Klimt, Munch and Turner.

6. Marienplatz

In any season, Marienplatz in front of the Neues Rathaus will be brimming with locals and tourists out shopping, sightseeing or just watching the city go by.

The square has been at the centre of the city since the 12th century and is named for a Marian column that was raised here in the 17th century.

The monument is from 1638 and celebrates the withdrawal of Swedish troops from Munich during the 30 Years’ War.

The golden statue at the top is older, sculpted in 1590 and showing Mary on a crescent moon as the Queen of Heaven.

This was the first Marian column north of the Alps, and the forerunner for a host of similar monuments in Bavaria and Central Europe.

Come in December, when the Christmas market is in full swing.

7. St Peter’s Church

Munich’s oldest church was first built at the end of the 1100s but destroyed by fire in 1347. The reconstruction was in the Gothic style and down the years there have been many extensions, leaving the St Peter’s with Renaissance and Baroque elements.

That fusion of styles applies to the art, as 15th-century Gothic paintings by Jan Polack sit below a marvellous Late Baroque ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Go in for a closer look at the high altar, which has a figure of St Peter sculpted by Erasmus Grasser at the turn of the 16th century.

St Peter’s church rests atop the hillock, Petersbergl and it’s worthwhile tackling the tower’s 299 steps to spend a few minutes pointing out Munich’s landmarks with the help of a telescope.

8. Deutsches Museum

Like the Alte Pinakothek the Deutsches Museum could easily keep you occupied for an entire day.

The museum sits on an island in the Isar (the Museumsinsel) and maps the development of Science and Technology in Germany.

What will keep you engrossed is the sheer variety of fields dealt with in these galleries, from nanotechnology to reproduction, aerospace and astronomy to hydraulic engineering.

If you only have a couple of hours to spare you’ll need to plan ahead and focus on one or two things.

Every field has well-presented and fully interactive exhibits, inviting kids to push buttons, crank wheels and pull levers.

And while younger minds are catered for and there’s even a fun kids’ zone, the museum never shies away from the complicated details.

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

Although it’s known locally as the “Dritte” (third), after the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, Munich’s modern art museum is just as essential.

As with its neighbours in the Kunstreal, the galleries are comprehensive and stocked with art by the most celebrated names of the last 100 years.

The best bit is the Expressionism exhibition from both the Brücke and Blaue Reiter groups, and artists like Kirchner, Kandinsky, Klee, Franz Marc and Emil Nolde will be familiar to all.

In rest of the Modernism galleries you’ll come across Francis Bacon, Braque, Otto Dix, Picasso, Magritte, Max Ernst and Joan Miró.

And then bringing you from the 1960s to the present day are the contemporary galleries abounding with art by Sigmar Polke, Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Lucio Fontana among others.

And beyond all this there are exhibitions for applied art/industrial design, photography, drawings and architecture.

10. Lenbachhaus

At the dawn of the 20th century Munich had a vibrant and influential art scene, when the Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider) group shook up the old academies.

Many leading Expressionists were members, including Kandinsky, Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter and August Macke, and the Lenbachaus brims with their paintings.

There’s also great deal of contemporary art by the likes of Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol and Jenny Holzer.

The museum’s roll-call of Munich-based artists goes back to the Gothic painter Jan Polack and including the portrait painter Georg Desmarées, the landscape artists Carl Anton Joseph Rottmann and the Biedermeier luminary Carl Spitzweg.

The Lenbachhaus is named for the portrait painter Franz von Lenbach who commissioned the building in the 1880s.

In 2013 a new wing was added, clad with copper and aluminium tubes.

11. Asam Church

An easy walk from the Sendlinger Tor at the southern tip of old Munich is an extravagant Late Baroque church wedged in a confined space between neighbouring buildings.

The Asam Church is named after its mid-18th-century designers, the brothers Asam, one a painter and the other a sculptor.

An interesting thing about the church is that it was a private chapel, unattached to any religious order.

This, along with the narrow space, gave the brothers freedom to break a few Baroque rules for layout and interior decoration.

The church faces west for instance, and the crucifix opposite the pulpit is hung unusually low.

These quirks and the skill of the radiant ceiling frescos and workmanship in the stuccowork lining the nave add up to one of the foremost buildings in the German Late Baroque style.

12. Frauenkirche

Although there are prettier churches in Munich, none possess the 15th-century Frauenkirche’s sense of scale.

Its pair of towers, crowned with onion domes are a Munich landmark, and no new building is permitted to exceed their 109-metre height.

The church’s design is famously discreet, with few window openings and unadorned walls that inspire awe.

The Frauenkirche suffered in the war, but there’s still a lot of restored or original art to seek out inside.

The choir stalls from the start of the 16th century are sculpted with busts of prophets and apostles, and some of the stained glass windows are from the medieval church that stood on the site before this one.

There’s also a tomb monument to Louis IV the 14th-century Holy Roman Emperor, and see a shoe-shaped impression at the entrance, supposedly left by the devil!

13. Theatine Church

At Odeonplatz you’ll be greeted by the splendid yellow facade of the 17th-century Theatine Church.

This monument was designed by Italian architects in the Baroque style and took cues from Rome’s Sant’Andrea della Valle.

Give yourself time to marvel at the painted facade, rich with niches, reliefs, Doric columns and Ionic pilasters.

It’s all the product of a holy vow given by Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, if she could give birth to a crown prince for the Elector Ferdinand Maria.

Through the doors, keep an eye out for the altar with images of the evangelists from 1722, the black wooden pulpit dating to 1688 and the crypt, resting place of several members of the Wittelsbach family.

14. Bavarian National Museum

Inaugurated by King Maximilian II in 1855, the Bavarian Museum is another cultural attraction that needs a lot of time.

In store here are more than 40 rooms of decorative items, dating from antiquity to Art Nouveau at the start of the 20th century.

There’s faience, weapons, armour, porcelain, oil paintings, musical instruments, furniture, clocks, costumes tableware and a whole lot more besides.

The high points are the Bollert Collection, a trove of Late Gothic and Renaissance and sculpture from religious buildings around Bavaria, and the set of Rococo Nymphenburg porcelain figures by the Swiss modeller Franz Anton Buselli.

The Historicist museum building also deserves a mention as it was purpose-built to complement the collections at the end of the 1890s.

15. BMW Museum

Karl Schwanzer, the man who designed the famous BMW Headquarters also drew up the plans for the futuristic museum building in front, often described as the “salad bowl”. The building was completed in 1973 and its galleries are on a Guggenheim-esque spiral.

The showrooms are air, spacious and effortlessly cool, as you go on a journey through the brand’s technological development.

There are vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, turbines, engines as well as outlandish concept vehicles from the last two decades, all accompanied with information via multimedia.

Did you know Elvis Presley owned a BMW? Well he did and it’s on show here.

16. BMW Welt

After learning about BMW’s past you can be brought up to date with the present at the stylish exhibition hall next door.

BMW Welt is free to enter and the best explanation is that it’s the world’s most spectacular car dealership showroom.

People come to pick up their new BMWs, which is a spectacle in its own right as their car is lifted up to them by elevator into a glass hall.

You can take a close look at all of the BMW models currently on the market, get behind the wheel and even book a test drive.

If one steals your heart you can order it here for delivery to most parts of the world, or shop for BMW souvenirs and accessories at the shop.

17. Glyptothek

Our final museum in the Kunstareal would be a priority in almost any other city, which testifies to the volume of art and history in this quarter.

The Glyptothek is a Neoclassical temple ordered by King Ludwig I as a repository for his Greek and Roman sculpture collection.

The building was completed in 1830, making it the oldest museum in Munich.

There’s more than 1,000 years of sculpture within, spanning the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Periods as well as the Roman Empire.

The Hellenistic Barnerini Faun is one to look out for, depicting a life-sized faun and sculpted around the turn of the 2nd Century BC. From Roman times there’s an assortment of busts of emperors like Emperor Augustus, Nero, Caligula and Traian, and the statesmen Sulla and Gaius Marius.

18. Olympiapark

While many former Olympic venues around the world tend to be forgotten, Munich’s 1972 Olympic Park is still a popular day out.

The park is a massive activity centre where you can ride a zip-line over the iconic stadium, take part in watersports on the lake and ski on the hill in winter.

There are also fairground amusements in summer, and no lack of places to grab a snack or meal.

The park has also witnessed some historic events, one grim, like the Munich massacre of 11 Israeli team members in 1972, and you can still visit Building 31 where the Israeli team was staying.

On a lighter note the Olympic stadium was also the scene of one of the most memorable World Cup finals in 1974, when Beckenbauer’s Germany came from behind to defeat Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands 2-1.

19. Allianz Arena

Even if you only have a passing interest in football, a visit to the home of FC Bayern has to be on the agenda.

That’s not just because they’re Germany’s top team and have a special place in the nation’s culture, but they also moved into an awesome new home just over a decade ago.

The 66,000-seater stadium is clad with 2,874 luminous panels, which light up with the club’s colours on match-days.

The Allianz Arena’s hour-long tour is an all-access experience, guiding you in to the dressing rooms, player’s tunnel, mixed zone where post-match interviews are given and the press conference room.

After that you can spend some time in the museum acquainting yourself with Bayern’s greatest players like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Lothar Matthäus, and reliving the club’s five Champions League/European Cup victories.

Recommended tour : FC Bayern München Football and Allianz Arena Tour

20. Munich National Theatre

The Neoclassical National Theatre on Max-Joseph-Platz is one of Europe’s top opera houses and the home venue of the Bavarian State Ballet, Bavarian State Orchestra and the Bavarian State Opera.

The current design and its majestic portico is from 1825, and although the building was devastated in the war it was rebuilt to the architect Karl von Fischer’s 19th-century plans in the 1960s.

Opera fans who aren’t able to get tickets could still arrange a German language tour to see the stunning multi-storey backstage area, and find out more about the people who have graced this building: A number of Richard Wagner’s operas debuted at the National Theatre, like Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Das Rhengold and Die Walküre.

21. Müller’sches Volksbad

If a swimming pool sounds a bit anticlimactic, the Müller’sches Volksbad on the right bank of the Isar is anything but a disappointment, especially if you have a taste for Art Nouveau design.

The pool is also the closest thing to a secret, in-the-know experience on our list.

There’s no equivalent in Germany, and every step of the banal activity of going for a swim and sauna session is made exciting by Carl Hochede’s Classical motifs, patterned stucco flourishes on the ceilings, whimsical lamp holders and wrought iron banisters.

22. Hofbräuhaus

If you’re up for a beer, a carefree atmosphere and helping of traditional Bavarian fare a beer hall or Wirtshaus would be just the ticket.

There are dozens to choose from around Munich and with a little research you’ll find an authentic one near you.

And even though you won’t find many locals in the Hofbräuhaus, it’s still one of those things you have to do in Munich.

It’s an annexe of the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus brewery, which was located here from 1589 until 1897 when it relocated to the suburbs.

One of the many eminent regulars at the beer hall was Mozart, who lived just around the corner in the 18th century.

On the wall you’ll notice beer steins belonging to regulars, which are kept under lock and key.

Order a litre glass of lager, malty dark beer or Weißbier to go with a Wienerschnitzel or Weißwurst.

Tip : Included in the Munich Third Reich Tour

23. Viktualienmarkt

The city’s food market was relocated here in 1807 when it grew too big for Marienplatz.

First and foremost is Viktualienmarkt is somewhere for people to do their grocery shopping, made up of 140 indoor and outdoor stalls and shops selling fresh fruit and vegetables, sausage, cheese and fancier specialty foods like olive oil, wine and tea.

But that is only half the story, as there’s a big biergarten in the centre of the marketplace, and one of Munich’s favourites.

If you’re peckish there’s a tantalising choice of food stalls or you could pick up a schnitzel or wurst from the biergarten’s own self-service restaurant.

Suggested tour : Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich

24. Hellabrunn Zoo

In 40 hectares on the meadow-covered right bank of the Isar in the south of the city, Hellabrunn Zoo rarely ranks outside the top five in Europe.

Established in 1911, it was one of the first in world to adopt moats and ditches as barriers instead of cages, but also introduced the concept of the Geo-Zoo, where animals are located according to their geographical regions.

If you’re concerned about the zoo’s humane credentials, it takes part in breeding programs for endangered species like silvery and drill baboons, as well as elephants, Arctic foxes and gorillas.

Alpacas, polar bears, South American sea lions and giraffes are a few of the 760-odd species.

And little ones can come and feed pygmy goats and Damara goats at two separate petting zoos.

25. Oktoberfest

Some of the figures associated with the world’s biggest beer festival are mind-blowing.

We’re talking seven million visitors and more than 7.5 million litres of beer consumed.

The 16-18-day festival begins on the third Saturday of September and goes back to 1810, when Prince Ludwig married Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

In 1896 the city’s breweries built gigantic beer tents for the celebration, and since then beer-drinking has been the main activity! There are 14 tents permanently set up at Theresienwiese in the west of the city, holding up to 8,500 revellers each.

Despite the capacity these tents fill up fast, so get there early in the day if you want a seat.

Also have a ball at the amusements and funfair rides, and be sure to soak up that alcohol with pretzels, bratwurst and schnitzel.

Book online : Munich: Oktoberfest

Suggested day trips from Munich :

• Day Trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles
• Dachau Concentration Camp Half-Day Tour from Munich
• Salzburg Day Trip from Munich by Train
• Romantic Road and Rothenburg from Munich

25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany):

• Alte Pinakothek
• Munich Residenz
• Neues Rathaus
• Englischer Garten
• Neue Pinakothek
• Marienplatz
• St Peter's Church
• Deutsches Museum
• Pinakothek der Moderne
• Lenbachhaus
• Asam Church
• Frauenkirche
• Theatine Church
• Bavarian National Museum
• Olympiapark
• Allianz Arena
• Munich National Theatre
• Müller'sches Volksbad
• Hofbräuhaus
• Viktualienmarkt
• Hellabrunn Zoo
• Oktoberfest

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Top Museums in Munich

Munich's English Garden

Complete Guide to Oktoberfest

Top Restaurants in Munich

Best Beer Halls

Top Beer Gardens

Guide to Munich's Hofbräuhaus

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Munich International Airport Guide

Best Munich Hotels

Public Transportation

Day Trips From Munich

Top Things to Do

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

From Lush Gardens to Beer

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Munich is quintessential Germany . Where Berlin and Frankfurt may disappoint you with their modern style, Munich is the land of lederhosen , weighty pork dishes , traditional biergartens , and the biggest beer festival in the world . It doesn't hurt that this cosmopolitan city also has no shortage of architecture and culture—some museums are considered even better than those in Berlin! No trip to Munich is complete without visiting these 23 attractions and sights. Luckily, many of them are in the center of Munich's Old Town and you can easily walk from one landmark to the next.

Listen to the Clock in Marienplatz

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Munich's Marienplatz (Marien Square) is the central square in the heart of Munich.

It's home to the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its highly decorated façade and the traditional Ratskeller (Town Hall cellar) restaurant. The Tourist Information Center is also nearby and makes a great pit stop for advice and brochures.

For most visitors, the  Glockenspiel within the Rathaus tower captures most of the attention. From March through October, this famous clock chimes every day at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. When its 43 bells ring out, more than 30 figures make merry, fight, and dance! Finally, a golden bird chirps three times to end the show. If you miss these show times, you have one more chance at 9 p.m. to watch an angel and a night watchman appear.

If you're visiting the city at Christmas time, don't miss the largest Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in the entire city.

Drink a Beer at the Biggest Folk Festival in the World

For many people, Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. There is so much more to the city, but that doesn't mean you should skip the world's greatest beer fest .

A tradition since 1810, more than 6.3 million visitors pour into the city every fall. On opening day, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel beer tent with the exclamation " O'zapft is! " (It is tapped!) . For the next two weeks, more than 7.5 million liters of beer will be consumed.

Practice Your "Prost!" Year-Round

TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja 

No matter what time of year you visit , the best beer halls in Munich are still happily serving.

True Munich beer halls brew their own beer and present it in the atmosphere it was meant to be drunk, typically alongside platters of meat by tracht -clad (traditional clothing) servers with boisterous oompah music.

Even though it's touristy, don't miss the world-famous Hofbrauhaus . It's Bavarian hospitality at its best in a fabled environment.

Find the Devil's Footstep

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Along with the Rathaus, the twin towers of the Frauenkirche define Munich's skyline. It is the city's largest church with room for 20,000 pious visitors and it dates back to the 15th century. 

When you enter the church, you'll immediately see the Teufelstritt, a mysterious footprint called the "Devil's Footstep." Legend says this black mark was where the devil stamped his foot. It also miraculously survived World War II, despite severe damage to the rest of the cathedral.

For a more heavenly perspective, climb the steps of the cathedral’s towers for an unparalleled view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps.

Get Nude in the English Garden

Munich's English Garden ( Englischer Garten ) is the largest park in the city and the designated hang-out on any sunny day.

Attractions within the park are numerous. You can rent a paddle boat, stroll along the wooded paths, or visit one of its traditional beer gardens . But if you really want to relax, you can let it all hang out on its grassy lawn—and yes, we mean go nude.

Moments from the civility of Marienplatz , the meadow of Schönfeldwiese welcomes everyone to from retirees to college students. Feel free to join in, but refrain from taking pictures.

Try Surfing at the Eisbach Canal

Even though it's hundreds of miles from the ocean, Munich's visitors walking the perimeter of the Englischer Garten come across the Eisbach canal and are surprised to find surfers there.

Munich is the birthplace of the unusual sport of river surfing. Intrepid surfers suit up throughout the year to take on the fierce waves erupting from the bridge and see how long they can hold on. 

Drink Your Beer Outside

Munich's beer gardens are among the country's best. At most, long wooden picnic tables stretch out below century-old chestnut trees and waitresses loaded down with steins breeze between the tables.  Munich is home to almost 200 beer gardens including the largest in the world, Hirschgarten , which seats a whopping 8,000 people.

Live Like a King at the Residence Palace

TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja

Once the home of royalty, the Residence Palace of Munich is open to the public. It is free to walk the grounds , but curious visitors should really step inside.

Construction began in 1385 on what was to become the largest city palace in Germany. Today, the place is home to one of the best European museums of interior decoration, 10 courtyards, and 130 rooms of regal antiques, artwork, porcelain, and tapestries. Don't miss the Antiquarium (Hall of Antiquities), which dates back to 1568. It is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps and features an incredible ceiling of alternating gold and paintings.

Shop the Farmers' Market

Viktualienmarkt is Munich's daily outdoor farmers' market. Its 140 booths offer the best in seasonal specialties from spargel   (that's asparagus, by the way)   to strawberries.

The Viktualienmarkt began in the early 19th century and attracts Müncheners , tourists, and even local chefs. There is a butchers' hall, bakery, fish market, and flower area. If you can't wait to eat, some of Germany's best sausages , and bretzeln (pretzels) are cooked up fresh.

Above the market is the maibaum (maypole), decorated with figures from their various trades.

Look at New, Old, and Modern Art

TripSavvy / Faye Strassle

Munich's three Pinakothek museums cover the range of great art throughout the ages.

The Alte Pinakothek (Old Picture Gallery) is one of the oldest art galleries in the world. It holds more than 700 European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the end of the Rococo period. 

The Pinakothek der Moderne is the largest museum for modern art in Germany with photography and video from greats like Picasso and Warhol.

Reflect at Dachau Concentration Camp

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

The concentration camp of Dachau was one of the first concentration camps in Nazi Germany, where it served as a model for all the camps to follow. 

Visitors follow the "path of the prisoner," walking the same way prisoners were forced to travel after their arrival in the camp. The original prisoner baths, barracks, courtyards, and the crematorium are all available to visit in horrifying detail.

Feel the Olympic Spirit

The Olympic Stadium in Munich was built for the 1972 Olympic Games and is still a wonder of technology.

The design of the acrylic glass roof is modeled on the Alps, and on a clear day you can actually see the mountains. Access is only available during the summer and through a guided tour . Panels describe the momentous moments of the Games, as well as life of the stadium afterwards.

Discover the World's Largest Museum of Technology

The Deutsches Museum (German Museum) is one of the oldest and largest science and technology museums in the world. There are 17,000 artifacts taking visitors from early developments like the first automobile to the laboratory bench where the atom was first split.

Interactive exhibits entertain the children and enough trains, planes, and automobiles to keep everyone's imagination moving. Some exhibits are closed for renovations until 2020.

Jump in a Lake

Just a short ride on public transport from the city, Starnberger See drops you back into nature. There are views of the Alps—including the Zugspitze —as well as six castles, but most people can't stop looking at the stunning azure hue of the lake. If you're ready to get wet, Starnberger See is the ideal location for swimming, boating, or sunbathing.

Be One with the Animals at the World's First Geo-Zoo

Tierpark Hellabrunn is more of a nature preserve than a zoo, with almost 20,000 animals spread out over 89 acres. Since its inception in 1911 as the first geo-zoo, their focus has been providing a quality experience for the animals and visitors. 

Tierpark Hellabrunn consistently ranks among the best zoos in Europe, thanks to thoughtful and beautiful exhibits like the historically listed Elephant House, crowd-pleasers like the petting zoo, picnic spots, and pony and camel rides for children during summer.

Summer Like Royalty at Nymphenburg

GettyImages / Franz Marc Frei  LOOK-foto

The summer residence of the Wittelsbach Electors, this large Baroque palace from the 17th century is known as Schloss Nymphenburg "Castle of the Nymphs" or simply Nymphenburg.

It has a massive span of 600 meters from wing to wing and is bordered on both sides by the Nymphenburg Canal. Water features abound, offering a cooling spray in summer and a natural ice-skating rink in winter. Multiple garden pavilions dot the grounds, with Amalienburg, the palace hunting lodge, famous for its Hall of Mirrors and European rococo design.

The Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall) in the Central Pavilion dates back to 1674. Styled like an Italian villa, its private chambers cover three floors of the central pavilion which are lavishly decorated. The Palace Chapel is elaborately illustrated with the life of Mary Magdalene. 

Take a Ride on the Real Falkor

 TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja 

If you are traveling with little movie buffs , take them to the Bavaria Filmstadt (Bavaria Film Studios), Munich’s answer to Hollywood.

This is Europe’s largest film making center with a storied history of great films. Beloved props include Falkor, the dragon from " The Neverending Story " ( Die unendliche Geschichte in German ).  Drama-loving adults can step into Das Boot (The Boat).

For a bit of live action, there are regular stunt shows of fights, fires, and falls. Guided tours of the studio are available in English.

Sunbathe Along the Isar River

The Isar River's fast-running section known as the Eisbach shoots through the Englischer Garten and provides the rapid waters for surfing, but elsewhere it runs much more calmly.

The river has undergone a mass renovation in Munich and is now to go-to spot for lazy summer days. Rafting, swimming, fishing, picnicking, grilling, or simply sunbathing (with or without clothes) on its rocky shores are a mainstay of sunny days.

Study Immigration at Germany's Jewish Museum

Located next to Munich's largest synagogue, the Jewish Museum is an eye-catcher. All glass and stone and fronted by a menorah, the museum is unusual in that it studies the immigration. It also covers the history of Munich’s Jewish community, festivals and rites of passage.

The nearby community center offers a school, auditorium and a kosher restaurant.

Admire the Historic Odeonsplatz

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

This central square is easily identified as the entrance to the Residence Palace, Theatinerkirche , and the regal lions that guard the steps to the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall).

Ludwigstraße and Briennerstraße lead off from the square, and  Odeonsplatz has traditionally been an important site for parades and events. The annual parade to Oktoberfest follows this route. And under the Nazi regime, a statue honoring fallen soldiers was here and required a salute by all those that passed by. The monument was demolished, but there is still a plaque in the pavement and on the wall of the Residenz.

Worship at St. Peter's Church

Peterskirche or St. Peter's Church is Munich's oldest parish church. Rebuilt after a fire and dedicated in 1368, it was established by monks.

It stands apart from the city on a hill appropriately named Petersberg. Inside, red marble monuments by Erasmus Grasser and golden statues grace the sides while paintings adorn the cieling. Climb the 299-steps up the tower with its eight clock faces and eight bells.

Feel the Speed at BMW Welt

Stuttgart may be "car city," but Müncheners also love their cars. BMW's stunning headquarters and factories (BMW Welt) are located next to Olympic Park. A modern twisting design of glass, the museum showcases nearly every model the company has ever made. Sports cars, racing models, and motorcycles all look as if they could speed away at any minute. If you want a BMW to come home with you, there's even a distribution center!

Day Trip to the Most Famous Castle in Germany

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Few people staying in Munich for more than a few days can resist the allure of Germany's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein .

Just two hours from the city, this fairy-tale castle was the basis for the modern castles of Disney. Hidden away above Füssen and framed by the Alps, it receives more than six million visitors a year.

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Sights and sightseeing in Munich

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Exhibitions, opening hours, tips for families

Discover Munich's museums

Classic tourist attractions and hidden gems

A sustainable visit

Suggestions for your stay

Under your own steam

Ski touring

Nymphenburg Palace

Check out the summer residence of Bavarian monarchs

Viktualienmarkt

What the unique market in the center of the city has to offer

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The New Town Hall is one of the most distinctive features of Munich's skyline

Hellabrunn Zoo

Home to more than 750 exotic and native species

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Frauenkirche

Impressive interior with works of art spanning five centuries

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The Old Court (Alter Hof) is located in the middle of Munich's old town

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The exhibitions are currently closed

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Why a visit to the palace is definitely worthwile

New Schleißheim Palace

Home of the State Gallery of European Baroque Painting and more

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Check out the famous "fairytale castle" of Ludwig II

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The Nativity scene collection

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Münchner Kindl

Free museums in Munich

Here you get free entry and discounts

Deutsches Museum

One of the most popular museums for science and technology in the world

NS Documentation Center

Learn more about the NS dictatorship in a current and global context

Church of St. Peter

The tower of St. Peter offers some of the best views of the city

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Theatiner Church at Odeonsplatz

A major influence on the Southern German baroque architecture

Isar, parks and gardens.

Discover the perfect place in Munich to relax

Flaucher (river bank) in Munich

The so-called "Isar Riviera" is a popular meeting place for barbecues

English Garden

The 900-acre park is best known for its beer gardens and sunbathers

Olympiapark

This park has great landscape, sport facilities, lakes and concert venues

Illuminated artworks and a laid-back waterfront café await

A paradise of relaxation - it borders the Odeonsplatz to the east

Botanical Garden in Nymphenburg

Take a tour through flowers and greenhouses

Maximiliansanlagen

A green park next to the river Isar

Old Botanical Garden

A quiet park in the center of Munich

Neuhauser Straße

Famous and popular: Neuhauser Straße and Kaufingerstraße

Sendlinger Tor

The old city gate with remains of a medieval city wall

The old city gate - home to the Valentin Karlstadt Museum

Münchner Freiheit

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Gärtnerplatz

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Marienplatz

Discover Munich's central square in the middle of the old town

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A city tour by tram

Streetcar 19 passes many sights and is ideal for a short city tour

MGV: official and independent Tourist Guides of Munich

The Olympic Tower

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Chinesischer Turm

Perhaps the most renowned spot in the Englischer Garten

The platforms from the Olympic Tower offer an unsurpassable view

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From the old town panorama to the romanticism of a railway bridge

Roof terraces and rooftop bars

A drink with a view of the city’s rooftops and skyline

Angel of Peace (Friedensengel)

Great view of the city and a golden sea of colours

Theresienwiese: Home to the Oktoberfest

What you need to know about Munich’s most famous “Wiese”

Fröttmaning hill

Here you have a great view of Munich and the Alps

37 Of The Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 8, 2024

If you haven’t been to Munich you are missing out! The capital city of Bavaria is filled with history and beer halls, green spaces, and plenty of museums. Whether you are visiting Munich for its famed Oktoberfest or simply enjoying its beer gardens and upbeat energy, you are going to love your time in Munich. These are the best things to do in Munich, Germany that you cannot miss!

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Munich

Munich is the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria, located in the southeastern part of the country. With a population of over 1.5 million people, it is the third-largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. Munich got its name from the monks who founded it. München means monk in German, hence the name Munich.

If you are planning a road trip through Bavaria or simply traveling around to see the best cities in Germany, you are going to love Munich. We are highlighting the best places to visit in Munich that you simply cannot miss! You may also like: The Essential Guide to Germany’s Romantic Road

With its long history dating back to the middle ages to its modern achievements being a hub of innovation and technology, Munich blends the old and new with ease. The city is home to many international corporations, including BMW and Siemens, and is home to many world-class universities and research institutions.

Do you want easy access to all the top places to visit in Munich? Booking the hop-on-hop-off-bus lets you choose from a 1 or 2 day ticket to see the top attractions in Munich. The bus stops at attractions in the city center, Old Town, English Garden, and outside including Nymphenburg Palace and Olympic Park.

1. Marvel at Marienplatz

One of the first places you must visit in Munich is Marienplatz. It’s the heart of the city and the meeting point for most tours. Marienplatz got its name from the Marian column that was erected to celebrate the withdrawal of Swedish troops after the 30 Years’ War. You can see the golden statue of Mary at the top of the altar. It also houses the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus).

This is the place to be in the evening in search of shopping and cafes, but we suggest visiting in the morning when the crowds are at their least.

The best way get acquainted with a city is to take a walking tour, this highly rated Munich city walking tour starts in Marianplaz where you’ll see the old and new town halls before walking to see the city center highlights such as Frauenkirche and the Munich Residenz. You’ll then make your way to see some of Munich’s famous beer halls and the English Garden. You can book your tour in advance with easy cancellation (full refund) within 24 hours of activity.

2. Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

Neues Rathaus is a stand out of the square with its imposing Neo-Gothic facade standing front and center. Completed in 1905, it replaced the old city hall as the headquarters for local government when Munich’s population boomed during the final decades of the 1800s. Visitors can go inside to climb to the top of the observation tower for a panoramic view of the city.

The New Town Hall features a clock tower that stands at 85 meters tall. It serves as the seat of the Munich city council and the mayor’s office, and it houses various administrative offices. The building also includes a large ceremonial hall that is often used for public events and concerts.

This Old Town Guided Walking Tour takes you to the top attractions in Munich’s city center. You’ll see Neue Rathaus, Marienplatz and Frauenkirche plus, you walk along Maximilianstraße to the Residenz and you’ll end up at Viktualienmarkt to enjoy a coffee or wine with the new friends that you made.

3. The Glockenspiel

One of the most notable features of the New Town Hall is its Glockenspiel, which is a mechanical clock that plays music and features moving figures. The Glockenspiel chimes twice daily at 11 am and at 12 pm, and from March to October additionally at 5 pm . Every day at 9 pm the night watchman blows his horn while the angel blesses the Münchner Kindl.

Located in the tower of Neues Rathaus, the Glockenspiel is a set of 43 bells and 32 figures. The figurines tell stories from Munich’s history including the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and the dance of the barrel makers who helped keep spirits alive during the plague.

While the New City Hall may be the largest building in Marienplatz, the most famous attraction in Marienplatz (and perhaps all of Munich) is certainly the Glockenspiel.

4. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall, or Altes Rathaus can also be found in the area and is worth checking out. Dating back to 1310 and is considered one of the most important landmarks in the city. It has undergone many renovations over the centuries landing at its current neo-gothic style in 1864.

Unique features of the building include the pass-throughs on the ground floor that were created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to allow for traffic.

It was originally used as a meeting place for the city council and served as the center of political power in Munich for many years until 1874.

5. Christmas Markets

If you travel to Munich in December, you’ll experience the Christmas Markets of Marienplatz. It’s difficult to top the Christmas markets of Germany and Munich has some of the best. Marienplatz is the largest and most famous market to visit in Munich but there are Christmas markets throughout the city.

Others include Tollwood Winter Festival in the Theresienwiese area of Munich, Christmas Market at the Munich Residenz, the Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower and the Schwabing Christmas Market.

These markets are filled with vendors selling everything from mulled wine, to hand made toys, Bavarian gifts and crafts and Bavarian food and drink. Read: Christmas Markets and European River Cruise Tips

6. English Garden – Englischer Garten

It is easy to get out to nature in Munich. Just on the edge of town is the English Garden (Englischer Garten) which is the largest garden in continental Europe. You can easily spend a day relaxing in the sun and taking in the scene. It was modeled after an English Garden to perfection.

Everything is handmade to create a sense of calm with manmade ponds, rivers, waterfalls, and hand-planted trees to recreate the royal English gardens. You can do everything from cycling the paved paths to playing football, and slacklining, and you can even sunbathe in the nude. Yes, Englischer Garten is a clothing-optional park.

7. Watch River Surfing on the Eisbach River

One of the coolest things to do in Munich is to make your way to the Eisbach River near the English Garden to watch river surfers. River surfing is very popular in Munich but be warned, do not attempt it if you don’t have experience. During the day you’ll see expert surfers riding the waves in downtown Munich.

The surfers have been doing this since 1972, but it only became legal in 2010 after Munich passed the Common Sense Law. The Ice River was formed by diverting the main river to clean up all rivers in the park.

Willy Wonka

If you are a movie buff then you will want to check out some movie locations in Munich. The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was filmed in Munich and there are several locations to visit in Munich where the famous movie was filmed. throughout the city where you can see film locations.

We stopped at several locations including the gates where Charlie is peering into the factory imagining the amazing thigns going on inside at München Gaswerk. Check out Reelstreets for locations and you can do your own self guided tour.

8. Hop on a Bike with Radius Tours

If you want to enjoy many of the best places to visit in Munich is a short time, a bicycle tour is the way to go. We took a cycling tour with Radius Tours and saw all of the highlights in a short half day trip. (ask for Tim!) Cycling is an excellent way to see the city of Munich as this city is very bike friendly.

It is easy to get around, the city center has a small downtown core and you can see a lot in a short amount. You can book your tour with them here.

Munich has great cycling trails, and bike paths so don’t have to worry about traffic. You can rent bikes for about $30 USD to take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour with Radius Tour. We really loved the insight and information we got from our guided tour.

9. Royal Residenz

The Royal Residenz is one of Europe’s great residences and one of the largest museums in Bavaria. The Munich Residenz is a massive palace that houses 10 inner plazas filled with history.

The Residenz served as the seat of government and royal residence from 1508 to 1918. Spanning the centuries, this magnificent palace showcases rooms filled with art and furniture from the Renaissance through Baroque, and Neoclassicism.

One of the coolest things to do in Munich is to book a concert at Munich Residenz. Every Thursday and Saturday, members of the Munich Philharmonic play at the Munich Residenz. This is an iconic location where in the Hofkapelle where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once played. Get your tickets in advance here.

10. shop on Maximillianstrasse

While exploring the Royal Residenz, make sure to take a stroll along the most expensive street in all of Germany. Maximillianstrasse has all of the high-end shopping, luxury boutiques, galleries, and designers. You’ll find Gucci, Chanel, Fendi..all the usual expensive brands.

It is here that you’ll also find the historic Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München. If you are looking for a luxury stay in Munich, this is the place!

11. Müller’sches Volksbad (Müllersches Public Baths)

If river surfing is a bit much but you still want to get wet, check out the Müller’sches Volksbad swimming pool. The Art Nouveau design is worth seeing alone but this public swimming pool also has a sauna, steam baths, and massage. It’s a great way to relax those travel-weary muscles in Munich’s oldest public pool which dates back to 1901.

12. Odeonsplatz

Another square that you must see in Munich is Odeonsplatz. King Ludwig I modeled the square after the squares of Italy. The Roman-inspired neoclassical buildings make you feel as if you are in a little slice of Rome.

In the square, you’ll see Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshalls’ Hall), a monument dedicated to the Bavarian army by Ludwig I Residence on one side, and Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church) dedicated to the birth of Prince Max Emanuel in 1662.

13. Memorial Alley

When visiting Odeonsplatz, be sure to talk a walk around the corner in search of the Golden cobblestones. This unassuming monument pays tribute to those who defied the Third Reich. This alley is located in front of what was at the time the headquarters of the Third Reich and people were required to give the Nazi salute when walking by.

People avoided walking in front of the building by taking a shortcut through this alleyway and when the Reich caught on to what was happening, they killed those who dared to defy Hitler. This memorial pays tribute to those who paid the ultimate price.

14. Documentation Centre

It is not the most uplifting of things to do in Munich, but we feel that it is important. The Documentation Centre is a museum and memorial of remembrance that documents and addresses the crimes of the Nazi dictatorship.

We must learn from the past and the people of Munich and Germany do not shy away from the past and instead learn from it. The Centre sits on the Former nazi headquarters that were either demolished or left empty.

15. Hoffbrauhaus

One of Munich’s top draws is definitely its beer halls and Hofbraeuhaus Beer Hall is its most famous. It may be touristy and it may be busy, but if you have one beer in Munich, you must go to Hofbraeuhaus.

Hofbraeuhaus is one of the most famous taverns in the world, and no trip to Munich would be complete without going inside to feel its energy and fun! Enjoy Bavarian entertainment, pretzels, and a massive pint of Bavarian beer.

This Munich Beer and Food Tour takes you to Hofbraeuhaus Beer Hall and other Bavarian Beer halls to immerse in beer culture and Bavarian bar snacks. The tour also includes Alte Hackerhaus”, where we enjoy our bavarian traditional dinner. Beer and Oktoberfest Museum Experience Munich’s nightlife with a local guide. Book it here, easy refund within 24 hours of experience.

The standard-size beer is served in a 1-liter mug! This 500-year-old tavern was founded in 1589 by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria, and sits in the heart of Munich.

It has been a gathering place for centuries and it feels as if you have stepped back in time to a wild Bavarian party. Servers are dressed in traditional Bavarian Lederhosen, and Bavarian bands are playing as crowds sit in lines along the wooden tables.

16. Oktoberfest

Speaking of beer, Munich is famed for its beer celebrations. If you are lucky enough to visit in September, you can take part in Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. Oktoberfest was started by King Ludwik I in 1810. He was the first king of Bavaria and as a gift to his wife, he invited the people of Bavaria to come and celebrate.

They had horse races, dancing, performances, and celebrations. Oh, and beer. Lots of beer. The tradition continued and Oktoberfest was born. It has grown into an 18-day festival attracting 6 million visitors a year.

17. Oktoberfest Museum

If you want to learn more about Oktoberfest (and not visiting during the festival) you can check out the Oktoberfest Museum located in Munich’s oldest townhouse at #2 Sterneckerstrasse.

The museum features exhibits and displays that highlight the history of Oktoberfest, including its origins, traditions, and evolution over the years. Visitors can learn about the history of beer-making in Bavaria, as well as the unique culture and customs that have developed around the festival.

The museum also features an extensive collection of memorabilia and artifacts related to Oktoberfest, including old beer steins, posters, and other historical objects. Visitors can see how the festival has changed over the years, from its early days as a small local celebration to the massive international event it is today.

18. Beer Gardens

If you are not in Munich during Oktoberfest, never fear, beer is still a large part of the culture. Two of the world’s largest beer gardens are located in Munich. The beer garden was born in Munich out of necessity. Beer was originally brewed underground to keep the casks warm.

White gravel was then placed above the tunnels to reflect the sun and Chesnut trees were planted to create shade. Their low root system was suitable to not destroy the underground storage as the roots wouldn’t penetrate too deeply. Back in the day, the only things served were beer, pretzels, and radishes. Today, you can bring your own food as long as you purchase a beer.

19. Chinese Tower (Chinesischen Turm)

Chinesischen Turm (The Chinese Tower) is the second-largest beer garden located in the English Gardens. This is a great place to stop for a pint as you sit under the shade of its chestnut trees. Modeled after a Chinese pagoda, this is a really cool place to go for a pint.

If you are wondering what the largest beer garden in the world is, it is Hirschgarten also located in Munich. Hirschgarten is the largest beer garden in Munich with 8000+ seats and it is popular with the locals.

20. Frauenkirch

You can’t miss seeing Frauenkirche – the Cathedral Church of Our Lady. Its high spires tower over Munich’s Old Town. These towers actually survived regular bombings of WWII and still stand today thanks to the fact that no highrises can be built around it. Visitors can climb up to the top of the towers for a bird’s eye view of Munich.

When you do go inside, be sure to keep an eye out for The Devil’s footprint. It was believed that the devil stomped his foot at the entrance after becoming annoyed with yet another building that was made in God’s name.

21. Viktualienmarkt

Even Munich’s farmers market has a beer garden. Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s main food market with more than 100 vendors selling fruit and vegetables, a butchers’ hall, a fish hall, and flower shops. When the market grew too big in Marienplatz, King Maximilian I moved the market in 1807. It has expanded and grown over the centuries and is Munich’s favorite shopping and gathering place.

22. Asam Church

While Frauenkirch may be the largest and most imposing church in Munich, Asam Church is the most interesting church to visit in Munich. The Rococo Asam Church was designed by the famous Asam Brothers in 1746. They were a painter and a sculptor who modeled it in the Baroque style.

Its ornate facade attracts visitors, but once inside is when you truly see the work of art. Its ornate gold finishings and paintings make it one of the must-see things in Munich.

23. St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Munich housing the oldest bells in Munich in its clocktowers. Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, St. Peter’s Church dates back to the 12th century.

The church has a distinct Baroque style and features beautiful frescoes, ornate altars, and intricate stucco work. Inside the church, visitors can see the ornate high altar, which dates back to the 18th century and features a stunning sculpture of St. Peter.

Take a walk along its outside to see the old graves on the walls and make sure to walk up to the top of its 56-meter-high viewing platform for views of Marienplatz (Munich’s Central Square) and City Hall (New Rathaus) plus Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and panoramic vistas of Old Munich.

The tower of St. Peter’s Church is accessible via a narrow spiral staircase and is definitely worth the climb for the panoramic views. St. Peter’s Church has one of the best views of Munich and offers that iconic scene that is you know from so many guide books.

St. Peter’s Church is still an active place of worship and holds daily services for the local community. Visitors are welcome to attend these services or to simply explore the church and its beautiful architecture and artwork. The church also offers guided tours, which provide visitors with more information about its history and significance.

• Opening Hours:  7.30 AM – 7.00 PM

24. Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera)

The Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) is one of the world’s leading opera companies and is located in Munich, Germany. The company was founded in 1653 and is located in the National Theatre.

If you are looking for things to do in Munich at night, the company performs a wide range of operas from the classic repertoire, as well as contemporary works and new productions. The Bayerische Staatsoper also hosts ballet performances and concerts throughout the year.

Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich offers guided tours of its facilities, including the National Theatre, where the opera company is based. The tours provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the theater, including the stage, the orchestra pit, the costume and makeup rooms, and other areas not normally accessible to the public. The tours are available in several languages and are led by knowledgeable guides who can answer questions and provide insight into the world of opera.

25. Olympic Park

Located outside of town, Olympic Park is not to be missed when visiting Munich. Munich was host to the 1972 Olympics and this beautiful park is an amazing way to spend the afternoon. There are parks, waterways, lakes, and the Olympic stadium.

We drove out to Olympic Park, but the hop on hop off bus goes here and you can take the The U-Bahn (subway) line U3 runs directly to the Olympic Park, with stops at Olympiazentrum and Olympiapark.

There are many things to do in Olympic Park and here are a few of our choices.

26. Olympia Tower

A highlight for us was going up Olympia Tower. It has one of the most beautiful views in Munich with a 360-degree vista of Munich and the Alps. It is the highest viewpoint in all of Munich and when you are up there, you’ll not only see views but there is a museum that showcases the acts that have performed at Olympic Stadium over the years, a restaurant.

27. BMW Museum – The BMW Welt

While you are out at Olympic Park be sure to stop in at the BMW Museum. Located at the BMW factory and headquarters, the BMW Welt is not only a museum, it is an architectural wonder. There are 125 makes and models of BMW automobiles and motorcycles spanning the massive complex.

28. Michael Jackon’s Memorial

If you are looking for something quirky to see in Munich, check out the Michael Jackson Memorial. Michael Jackson frequented Munich and in front of his favorite hotel the five-star hotel Bayerischer Hof.

There is a makeshift memorial to Jackson on the Orlando de Lace monument. His statue has been taken over by Michael Jackson memorabilia left by adoring fans. Address: Promenadepl. 2-6, 80333 München

29. Museums in Munich

One could spend weeks exploring all of Munich’s museums and art galleries. In fact, there are 126 museums in Munich. There are art museums, history museums, modern museums, and science. Munich museums that are not to be missed are Alte Pinakothek (Old Picture Gallery), the Neue Pinakothek (New Picture Gallery), The Pinakothek der Moderne (Modern Art Museum), the Museum Brandhorst and the Sammlung Schack.

30. Oldest Museum in Munich

The Glyptothek is the oldest museum in Munich and is worth checking out. We mentioned King Ludwig’s love for Italy above and this museum houses his collection of classical Greek and Roman sculptures. It dates back to 1830.

31. Bavarian National Museum

No trip to Munich would be complete without a visit to the Bavarian National Museum. Founded by King Maximilian II in 1855 it is one of the most important museums in Bavaria showcasing its cultural history and art and artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.

32. Deutsches Museum

Choosing museums to see in Munich can be overwhelming with so many of them, but the Deutsches Museum is a cool place to visit in Museum to take a walk through time. This Museum of technology is the world’s largest museum of science and technology taking you from early innovations to the high-tech world of today. One cool thing to see in Deutsches Museum is a replica of the Red Baron’s plane from WWI.

Hot Tip: Every Sunday, some museums cost €1: Museums include the Alte Pinakothek, the  Pinakothek der Moderne or the Brandhorst Museum, the Bavarian National Museum, and the Museum of Man and Nature and many more. Check the official website to see what museums offer €1 entry.

33. Alte Pinakothek (Old Picture Gallery)

The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest and most important art galleries in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the end of the Rococo period, with a focus on German, Flemish, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish artists.

It was founded in 1836 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, who was a great lover and patron of the arts. The museum’s collection includes masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history, such as Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Some of the most famous paintings in the collection include Dürer’s “Four Apostles,” Rubens’ “The Last Judgment,” and Caravaggio’s “The Crowning with Thorns.”

34. Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

Nymphenburg Palace is a beautiful sprawling palace that was used as the main summer residence for the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach. Places of note to see are The Hall of Mirrors, Grand Hall, Carriage House, and the Royal Hunting Lodge.

Schloss Nymphenburg is located 30 minutes outside the city center and you can get there by tram. Or Nymphenburg Palaces is a stop on the hop on hop off bus that makes it easy to get around the city to see the top places to visit in Munich at your own pace. You can then book a guided tou r to see inside Nymphenburg Palace complex as you learn about the history of the cancel.

Best Day Trips from Munich

When visiting Munich, you must not forget to explore Bavaria. This is one of the best places in Germany for outdoor adventures, beautiful fairytale castles , and fascinating history. While you need weeks to really explore it, some of the best day trips from Munich are just a short drive away.

35. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is the epitome of the fairytale castles one comes to expect from Europe. In fact, Walt Disney modeled Cinderella’s castle after Neuschwanstein Castle. Located just 90 minutes from Munich, this is the castle is not to be missed.

This full day tour from Munich takes you from Munich to see two of Bavaria’s most famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. You’ll also enjoy lunch in the town of Hohenschwangau and travel to Oberammergau.

36. Linderhof Palace

Set within the rolling Bavarian countryside Linderhof Palace is one of three separate country palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II. The palace contains sculptures and statues, a fountain that reaches 25 meters high from pressure alone and gardens. This is a beautiful palace modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France.

This full day tour is recommended and takes Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. two of Bavaria’s most famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. You’ll also enjoy lunch in the town of Hohenschwangau and travel to Oberammergau.

37. Dachau Memorial Site

The Dachau Concentration Camp is a somber memorial to those who died during the Nazi Regime. It was the first concentration camp built by Nazi Germany and serves as a reminder of the atrocities that were committed by the regime. This is a historic site that is to be respected when visiting to honor those who suffered greatly during World War II.

You can book a guided tour to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a place of memory and of education. The guides are trained to convey often difficult and disturbing material to you with sensitivity, with dignity, with respect for the victims,

38. Salzburg

Want to pop into Austria? Make sure to visit the city of Salzburg if you have the time. We always love adding a country to our list when traveling and this is an easy day trip from Munich. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and is significantly known for its Baroque architecture. In fact, because of this, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And these are the best things to do in Munich Germany. Munich is one of Germany’s most exciting cities. It took us several visits to Germany before visiting Munich and we wish we did it sooner. It has easily turned shot to the top of our list of the best cities in Europe to visit in your lifetime.

Getting Around Munich

It is easy to get around Munich with public transport. Their public transit system goes everywhere, really economical. You can easily interchange from one mode of transportation to another with a valid ticket. Note: make sure to validate your ticket before getting on the train

• The U-Bahn (underground railway) is fast and efficient avoiding traffic and congestion.
• Straßenbahn ( tram) – This is an excellent mode of transportation in Munich with many stops.
• S-Bahn (aboveground railway) – similar to the U-Bahn but it runs above ground.

Walking – Downtown Munich is a very walkable city and you can see a lot of the top attractions in Munich by foot.

Cycling – Cycling is definitely our favourite way to get around Munich when the weather is nice. With 1,200 kilometers of cycling trails, Munich is definitely a bike-friendly city.

For exploring Bavaria , we rented a car and this really was the best way to get around this beautiful section of Germany. See CarRentals.com for price comparisons

Where to Stay in Munich

We stayed at the  Hilton Garden Inn  at Munich City West. It is close to the metro and is just two stops from the main square in the city center. But there are many great places to stay in Munich to make the most of your time in the city that are closer to the top Munich attractions.

Altstadt – This is Munich’s historic center and is a great choice for visitors who want to be close to the city’s main attractions, such as Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and the Hofbräuhaus. Hotels in this area can be a bit more expensive, but the convenience is worth it for many travelers.

The Mandarin Oriental – The Mandarin Oriental is the premiere luxury hotel in Munich Altstadt. It’s 5-minute walk from Marienplatz Square and near Maximilianstraße. Convenient location with 5 star luxury.

Maxvorstadt – This trendy neighborhood is home to many of Munich’s best museums, galleries, and universities. It’s a great choice for culture vultures who want to be close to the action and experience the city’s vibrant art scene.

Rocco Fort the Charles Hotel – This luxury hotel is 5-star luxury with an indoor pool, spa and sauna. It’s located near the Old Botanical Garden.

Schwabing – This bohemian neighborhood is known for its laid-back vibe, colorful street art, and charming cafes and bars. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to experience Munich’s more offbeat side.

Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor – We love an Andaz Hotel and this 5-star hotel is located between the Olympic Stadium and the English Garden making it the perfect location for outdoor lovers. It features a rooftop bar, spa and pool.

Haidhausen – This historic neighborhood is located just across the river from the Altstadt and is known for its picturesque streets and charming architecture. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to experience Munich’s quieter side while still being close to the city center.

MOMA1890 – Beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the artist district Haidhausen.

And there you have it, the best places to visit in Germany. From exploring the city’s famous landmarks like the Marienplatz and Frauenkirche to enjoying a cold beer at one of its traditional Bavarian beer gardens, there are endless opportunities to explore and discover in Munich. With so many things to do in Munich, the city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Germany.

Plan Your Next Trip to Germany With These Resources

• 20 of The Best Things to do in Bavaria
• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany
• Top 16 Fun Facts About Germany That You Probably Didn’t Know
• The Best Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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4 thoughts on “37 Of The Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany”

We just got back from our trip to Germany and Austria. I wanted to thank you for pointing out the Documentation Centre. It really made an impact on us. I think we would have missed it if I hadn’t read this article. Keep sharing your adventures!

Nice content! Thank you for sharing the post.

Great tips, Munich is beautiful!

Great read! Thank you for posting this! I’ve been to Munich a couple of times growing up (twice with my family, and once with a couple of friends when I was 14) – but we’ve always just used the city as a starting base to visit the day trip areas listed.

I didn’t realize that there were so many other great places within the city to explore! I’ll definitely be adding this to my bucket list of things to do the next time I visit Munich!

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The 9 best attractions in Munich

Keep the biergartens for the evenings and fill your days in Munich with these amazing attractions

The best attractions in Munich represent everything that makes this city such a thrilling visit, from its outstanding art museums to delicious food markets. Munich is famous for its beer gardens and for good reasons, but the best things to do here will offer you plenty of distractions to keep you out of the booze tents – for a while at least. 

When you come to Munich, you often come for the infamous beer scene, but leave with memories of the  glistening mountain spas, musing over the vast and unique collections of Brandhorst alongside other noteworthy  museums ,  and meandering through the sublime gardens. So, if it's the best of the best you're after – the cream of the crop, the top table – you've come to the right place because we've rounded up our favourite Munich attractions.

RECOMMENDED: 📍Check out the  best museums in Munich 🏨 Book a stay at one of the best hotels in Munich

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best attractions in Munich

1.  viktualienmarkt.

• Public spaces

Best for foodies

Kick off at Munich’s most famous food market, as excellent for people-watching as it is for fine regional produce. Relax with a drink at one of the numerous stands – no shame in a Radler (beer and lemonade) if you need to take it easy – and set about sampling the array of fresh regional produce, with specialities including bread, speck and Schweinshaxe (ham hock), the love-it-or-hate-it Weißwurst , as well as locally foraged mushrooms. If you’re in town in late November or December, the Viktualienmarkt hosts an annual Christmas market, Alpenwahn, complete with carols, homemade cards and gifts, and generous cupfuls of  Glühwein (mulled wine).

2.  Haus der Kunst

• Art and design

Best for noteworthy   exhibitions

An enormous and imposing sight nestled alongside the picturesque Englischer Garten, Haus der Kunst is one of Munich’s many spectacular art galleries (we’re talking 100 plus). This interdisciplinary space aims to represent all that’s good, exciting and cutting-edge in the world of contemporary art. But this neoclassical building comes with a troubled backstory, too – it was built in 1937 to house Nazi-approved art. Of course, this is no longer the case, but as you wander around you’ll find the Kunst regularly acknowledges, contemplates and engages with its propagandist heritage. When you’re done, head over to the adjoining Goldene Bar to slurp on vibrant cocktails (try the Goldene Bartini – a mouthwatering mix of gin, Lillet Blanc and lemon) in a blindingly sleek, shiny setting.

Time Out tip: Don't miss 'Glamour and History. 40 years of P1', exploring Munich's disco scene throughout the decades. On until February 2025

3.  Siegestor

• Monuments and memorials

Best for architecture

Like a smaller Brandenburg Gate, the triple-arched Siegestor stands as a monument to victory and a reminder to peace. King Ludwig I commissioned it in the 1850s based on the ancient Roman Arch of Constantine, however, it sustained so much damage during the Second World War that much of it had to be restored over a 30-year period, including the quadriga of Bavaria and her four lions. To see it in the flesh, venture down tot he point where Ludwigstrasse and Leopoldstrasse meet. The ornate frontage is a visual wonder, but the blank back is a powerful statement about the things war takes away, accompanied by the words: ‘Dem Sieg geweiht, von Krieg zersört, zum Frieden mahnend’ (‘Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, urging peace’).

4.  Museum Brandhorst

Best for contemporary art collections

The Brandhorst Museum in the north-eastern corner of Munich’s Kunstareal art district is impossible to miss. With its striped 23-shade exterior, this dazzling addition to Munich’s art scene displays around 200 modern works from the collection of Anette Brandhorst and her husband Udo Fritz-Hermann. Big hitters include Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter, Bruce Nauman, Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. The polygonal room above the foyer was designed expressly for Twombly’s ‘Lepanto’, a breathtaking 12-canvas sequence depicting a fiery 16th-century sea battle between the Ottomans and the so-called ‘Holy League’ of European forces. The Brandhorst collection also boasts one of the most comprehensive holdings of Picasso-illustrated books.

5.  Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism

Best for history buffs

Compared with other German cities, Munich has taken a long time to confront its Nazi history, perhaps precisely because of its particular importance, and responsibility, in the ascent of Hitler’s genocidal regime. It was in Munich, the ‘Capital of the Movement’, that the rise of the National Socialist movement first began, that Hitler enacted his attempted putsch of 1923, and where he later found influential and prosperous patrons. It’s here, too, that Goebbels called for a nationwide pogrom against the Jewish population. An intentionally stark and striking white building, the Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism sits on the former site of the Brown House, the party headquarters, and sets out to interrogate the association between Munich and the Nazi regime in unflinching detail. 

6.  Wellness Hotel Kranzbach

Best for digital detoxing

The scenic landscapes around Munich are just as seductive as the ever-popular city centre. To escape for an action-packed weekend of hiking, skiing and Alpine spa-ing, journey across to Kranzbach, an idyllic spot only an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Munich. At the foot of Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, the area is densely surrounded by protected meadows and fragrant pine forests. The Wellness Hotel itself is a magnificent stone building dating to 1915, offset with an opulent interior courtesy of design aficionado and ‘Elle Decoration’ founding editor Isle Crawford. Whether you’re looking to bust some yoga stretches, detox with the aid of Ayurvedic treatments, or simply soak up mountain views from within the fluffiest of robes, you’ll find restorative bliss – and an effortless way to turn  your city break into a break from the city.

7.  Die Pinakotheken: Alte and Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne

Best for fine and contemporary art

Across the square from the Brandhorst Museum, Munich’s Pinakothek trio (the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne) span European art history from the Middle Ages to the present day in blockbuster style. Albrecht Dürer’s Self-Portrait with Fur-Trimmed Robe (Alte Pinakothek), with its Christ-like gaze and textural richness, is the star of the show, but there are abundant treasures here, not least the Pinakothek der Moderne’s line-up from the Blaue Reiter, Munich’s home-grown Expressionist movement.

8.  Englischer Garten

• Parks and gardens

Best for  people watching and sunbathing

When strolling the rolling hills of Englischer Garten, you'd be forgiven for double checking you're not in Britain. Landscaped in the eighteenth century for Prince Charles Theodore, this verdant land spans almost 1,000 acres and is among the world's largest inner-city public parks (bigger than Hyde and Central Parks). With space like that, you can imagine just how much it has to offer. Most people come to picnic, jog, dog walk and sunbathe (often naked), but there's also a number of biergartens to visit. Plus, for extreme sports lovers, there's Eisbachwelle – a man-made wave that runs continously all year round for surfers who don't mind being oggled while they ride the waves. There's also Monopteros, a fake Greek temple atop a hill that was built in the nineteenth century for King Ludwig I, and (after a short trek) provides the perfect spot to watch the sun going down.

9.  Kunstfoyer der Bayerischen Versicherungskammer

Best for radical art

In an unprepossessing building by the Maximiliansbrücke, the Kunstfoyer VKB keeps a much lower profile than the museums of the Kunstareal enclave but is well worth checking out if you’re into your video art or photography. With a focus on socially and politically minded artists, plus the interaction of still and moving pictures, previous Kunstfoyer shows have included Gordon Parks, Margaret Bourke-White, Sebastião Salgado and the fantastical set designs of Ken Adam (think iconic Bond and Kubrick). There are striking views on to the impressive Maximilaneum, one of Munich’s most prominent buildings, and likely the most palatial student residence ever.

There’s more to this city than just beer...

The 12 best bars in munich.

With the world’s biggest beer festival, beer cellars galore and the best beer gardens on the planet, Munich has an enviable reputation for… well, yes, that drink we call beer. There is, however, so much more to the city’s bar scene than that.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

30 Must-See Attractions in Munich

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning to make Munich your new home, there’s plenty to see and do in Germany’s third biggest city. This green city is known for its beautiful parks, many museums, and beautiful palaces. To make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of attractions you can’t leave Munich without seeing, from the best museums to stunning city views.

Marienplatz.

This square has been the heart of the city since 1158 when it was used for markets and even tournaments. Today, it’s best known for the Christmas markets , which start three weeks before Christmas. Marienplatz is dominated by the Neues Rathaus, which covers 9,159 m² (3.5 sq mi) and has over 400 rooms. It was designed by Georg Hauberrisser, who won a competition to design the city’s new town hall. One of its most famous features is the elaborate Glockenspiel cuckoo clock with a carousel of figures dancing at 11am, noon, and 5pm.

Theatinerkirche

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Next to the Feldherrnhalle are the distinctive towers of the yellow Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church) standing at 66m (216.5ft) tall. This 17th-century Catholic church was built by a Bavarian nobleman to give thanks for the birth of a long-awaited heir to the throne. Its Italian architect, Agostino Barelli, brought a touch of the Mediterranean to Munich with its High Baroque style. Step past the yellow Rococo exterior into its incredibly beautiful, ornate interior, stare up at the dome 71 metres (233 feet) above, and admire the stucco and sculptures.

Eisbachwelle

Hofbräuhaus

Bar, Restaurant, German

Glyptothek Museum

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Memorial, Park

Bavaria Statue

St peter's church.

A famous Munich landmark, St Peter’s Church ( Peterskirche ) towers above the city on a hill between Rindermarkt and Marienplatz, making it the perfect spot for an incredible view . From 56 metres (183.7 feet) up, look right down onto the rooftops of Aldstadt and Frauenkirche, the symbol of Munich. On a clear day, visitors can see over 100 kilometres (62 miles) into the distance, all the way to the Alps! Such a great view takes some legwork; there’s a winding spiral staircase with 306 steps to the top.

Nymphenburg Palace

Memorial, Park, Building

Frauenkirche

Cathedral, Church

Viktualienmarkt

Natural Feature

Allianz Arena

Haus der Kunst

Art Gallery, Museum

Over the last few decades, the museum – founded during the Third Reich as the House of German Art – has developed into a truly global art institution. According to Dander, the thriving contemporary art exhibitions by artists from all around the globe, and site-specific installations in its middle hall – impressive both in size and ambition – make Haus der Kunst a must-see. She also recommends grabbing a drink at the museum’s Goldene Bar, whose innovative creations have won them several international bar prizes in recent years.

Deutsches Museum

This park in the southwest of the city, about 10 minutes on the U-Bahn from Marienplatz, is often overlooked by tourists, yet it has so much to offer. As well as a BBQ area by the lake, it has a Japanese garden, a Thai temple and even an outdoor cinema in summer. Many families and friends bring picnics or have a BBQ, but there’s also a beer garden and a tiny wooden hut selling spit-roasted fish ( steckerlfisch ) for those who don’t fancy cleaning the BBQ!

NS-Dokumentationzentrum

This museum is a reminder of a past that Munich all too often tries to sweep under the rug. More than a collection of Nazi documents, its focuses on the history of antisemitism and racism, and the many different forms they can take. Its blank white walls and hushed, library-like atmosphere mirror the seriousness of its content. The exhibits are almost entirely text based, so reading stools are even provided for relief – make sure to take one as you’re bound to spend more time here than intended.

Müllersches Volksbad

A swimming pool might not sound like much of a destination, but this beautiful Art Nouveau building on the banks of the Isar shouldn’t be missed. Müllersches Volksbad Volksbad has been a public pool since it opened in 1901, and taking a dip today still costs only €5.50 (£4.64/$5.89). Inside is also a Roman steam bath and a Finnish-style sauna with colourful lighting. You’ll need to make like a Münchener, though, and leave the bathing suit at the door – saunas are an important part of German culture, and in most saunas, swimwear is actually banned.

State Collection of Egyptian Art

Despite covering over 5,000 years with its collection, this museum prides itself on presenting its ancient relics in an easily digestible way – quality over quantity. The building itself is worth seeing; set below ground with bare concrete walls, large halls, and custom neon lights, it manages to be modern and interesting yet match its contents perfectly. Good German-speakers can also attend one of their regular lectures on ancient Egyptian culture.

The Botanical Gardens

Right next door to Nymphenburg Palace are Munich’s Botanical Gardens , covering over 50 acres. The greenhouse complex is home to everything from palm trees to terrapins inside its beautifully tropical environment – keep an eye out for the lawn-mowing robot. There’s also a café in the centre of the gardens serving full meals, alcoholic drinks, and excellent ice cream. Open almost everyday until early evening, the gardens are strangely good for a rainy day , and at only €5.50 a ticket for adults, visiting is a bargain.

The Monopteros, Englisch Garten

While the garden is better known for river surfing and naked sunbathing than it is for its views, there’s also a Grecian-style bandstand called the Monopteros, hidden in this sprawling 900-acre park. Munich is a pretty flat city, so King Ludwig I decided a Greek temple was just what his Englisch Garten needed, and the hill was constructed 15 metres (49 feet) high from bricks then covered with earth. Today, it offers views back down to central Munich including the distinctive onion domes of Frauenkirche.

Luitpoldpark

Though this park is best known as the place to go tobogganing in Munich in winter, it also offers great views of the city from its hill, made from World War II rubble. On a clear day, even the Alps are visible. Rather than a traditional beer garden, Luitpoldpark has a Mexican cantina at its centre. Ready to work off those spicy tacos? Join one of the free “Fit im Park” sessions run by the city, or just get lost in the hedge maze.

Asam Church

Tucked in between the buildings on Sendlingerstrasse is one of the most important late baroque buildings in southern Germany . This tiny chapel measures just 22 by 8 metres (72 by 26 feet), but it’s full of ornate marble work and statues. It was built from 1733 to 1746 by the Asam brothers as their personal chapel, hoping to secure their salvation in building it – they could even see the altar from their house next door. The interior of the church conveys their goal quite clearly: the lightest part of the church is the top, symbolising the salvation of heaven, while the pews representing the earth are mostly in darkness.

Museum Brandhorst

Museum Brandhorst only opened its doors in 2009 but has already become an established part of the Munich art museum trail . Rather than packing the hyper-modern building full of exhibits, the museum has wide-open galleries and vast white walls. Its permanent exhibitions include works by modern art icons such as Damien Hirst, Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol (including his Marilyn portrait). Make the most of €1 entry on Sundays and avoid Mondays when the Brandhorst is closed.

Lake Starnberg

If you have more than a couple of days in the city, make like a Münchner and spend the afternoon relaxing by a lake. Just 36 minutes on the S-Bahn from Marienplatz will take you to Lake Starnberg – Germany’s fifth largest freshwater lake . Only 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the center, it feels like another world. Starnberg even gets a mention in T. S. Elliot’s poem The Waste Land. If you’re not inspired to pen a poem, stroll around the lakeside, stop for a beer and admire the view. In summer you can also rent boats, pedalos, or even take a dip.

Bellevue di Monaco

A cultural and community centre, Bellevue di Monaco is run as a social cooperative by locals and refugees; every member has an equal share and vote in the way the organisation operates. Stop by Bellevue di Monaco to taste one of the dishes on their menu, which changes daily and includes options such as moussaka, tagine and mezze plates. As well as providing housing for young refugees who’ve aged out of the youth care system, the centre, which opened in 2018, offers recurring events to the public including poetry and rap workshops, open art studios, boxing classes, concerts, language courses, migration counselling and film screenings. Check the centre’s online calendar to see what’s coming up. Recommended by Valeriya Safronova.

The parabolic slide at The Technical University of Munich

Located in the maths department of The Technical University of Munich, the parabolic slide is a work of art, a way for students to get around and a fun attraction for visitors. The slide extends from the fourth floor of the building’s atrium down to the ground and is in the shape of a parabola, which looks like a wide U. Anyone is welcome to zip down, and many have, including a former prime minister of Bavaria. Though technically located in Garching, the maths department’s building is easy to get to on the U-bahn, or the underground, from Munich. Recommended by Valeriya Safronova.

Alte Utting

Once a pleasure boat that sailed around the Ammersee – a lake in Bavaria – the Alte Utting was decommissioned several years ago after a six-decade run. A group of friends decided to buy the boat; they cut it in half, shut down the autobahn, and brought it to Munich, where it has become a combination of a bar, food market and events space. Alte Utting’s decks are a great place to watch the sunset, and its indoor areas are a welcoming place to warm up in the colder months. Nearby, the same group of friends runs a popular club in a previously abandoned lot, called Bahnwärter Thiel . Here, you can party inside of a subway car or the main building, or come during daylight and early evening hours for flea markets, dance lessons and exhibitions. Recommended by Valeriya Safronova.

The Long Night of Music

The aptly named ‘ Die Lange Nacht de Musik ’ – long night of music – sees the city of Munich turned into a huge network of concert venues . From cultural embassies to cosy wine bars, you can see many different types of artists perform at over 100 venues with just one ticket. The best bit is that the organisers have partnered with the city’s transport networks to provide four different routes around the city to shuttle music lovers from venue to venue, all included in your €20 ticket.

Frühlingsfest

If you’re not in Munich for Oktoberfest, no problem – April is the time for Frühlingsfest , also affectionately known as ‘little Wiesn’, the little Oktoberfest. Like its big brother, there are plenty of rides and two large beer tents selling the special ‘festbier’. A maß will set you back €12.60, a slight price increase on recent years. If you like vintage vehicles, make sure to check out the collection of vintage cars, buses, and tractors at the Oldtimertreffen. It’s a great excuse to dust off your dirndl and start enjoying the weather.

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3 days in Munich, Germany – an itinerary for first time visitors

What to see in munich in 3 days – the top tourist attractions and highlights in one compact itinerary.

Munich is a truly amazing city and should be part of any road trip through Germany. The city has a visible history of more than 1,000 years and is the perfect mix between old traditions and new technology . There are just so many things to do in Bavaria’s capital you could easily spend a whole month here. Since most tourists don’t have that much time, 3 days in Munich is perfect to see all the top highlights and maybe a secret insider tip along the way.

I have been living in Munich ( München or Minga is how the locals call it) for the past 20 years and spend most of my time exploring my beautiful hometown. So, I know exactly what you should see, which places are overrated, and where you’ll find some hidden gems . I want you to have the best possible experience and not rely on a travel guide written by a blogger who merely spent 24 hours in a city to shoot some pictures (But talking about pictures, make sure to check out my list of the best photo spots in Munich ).

Munich is a very walkable city, but you’ll be using public transport quite a bit as well. Especially for day three, where you should consider getting the MunichCard ( buy it here ) for free public transport and discounts on entrance fees. There are also some amazing guided walking tours you should be aware of, but you can easily organize everything yourself as well if you don’t like groups or try to be frugal.

Definitely also check out my guide on how many days you need for Munich . 3 days is quite ideal, but it’s not the only option you got.

Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through GetYourGuide & booking.com links in this post

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

On your first day in Munich, you will be covering all the top tourist attractions in the old town. It’s basically what you would see if you were only staying one day in Munich . Most of the attractions are within easy walking distance, so depending on the location of your hotel, you might not even need a day ticket for public transport! If you do, then the Munich Card would make sense, as you will have to pay a couple of entrance fees.

The Morning:

• 8:30 am:  Start at Odeonsplatz and visit the amazing  Theatiner Church
• 9:00 am:  Walk towards the  Munich Residenz Palace   (do the short tour but buy the ticket for the amazing treasury vault to see afterward).
• 11:50 am:  Head towards the central square ( Marienplatz ),  enjoy the Glockenspiel  at noon & then climb Alter Peter  for the best views of the city (or do it after lunch depending on how fast or slow you are).
• Noon : It’s time for lunch . Check out the  Viktualienmarkt  and buy some snacks. It’s a good location to sit down in the beer garden to enjoy a stein of local beer (or maybe two). In winter, the beer garden is closed, so rather go to the Ratskeller below the Old Town Hall.

The Afternoon:

• 1:30 pm:  Walk down the pedestrian area toward the Church of Our Lady
• 2:30 pm:  From here, walk or take the subway from Marienplatz to marvel at  Königsplatz where the Art Quarter starts.
• 3:00 pm:  The Alte Pinakothek  is probably the most famous museum in Munich, but if you don’t like Old Masters (Da Vinci, Raphael, etc), pick the Neue Pinakothek for modern art and some amazing architecture. Here is a list of the 20 best museums in Munich , for some further alternatives.
• 5:00 pm:  Take bus #100 towards Ostbahnhof and get out at Haus der Kunst. From here it’s only 100 meters to the famous  Eisbachwelle  – a surfing spot right in the middle of the city .
• 5:30 pm:  Time to take a walk through the adjacent Englische Garten . Walk past the Monopteros temple and check out the lively beer garden at the  Chinese Tower ( note : in winter the beer garden is closed and it would be too dark anyways; In December there is a lovely Christmas market here, though).
• 7:00 pm:  Head towards  Hofbräuhaus . There’s usually live music, excellent traditional food, and of course Bavarian beer. Stay as long as you like. You could also eat your fill at the Chinese Tower and skip this depending on the weather.

Alternative with guided walking tour:

If you decide to book a guided walking tour because you love to learn a bit more about Munich while you explore the old town, then you have to reorganize this itinerary. In this case, start at the Residenz Palace as soon as it opens (you’ll only have 90 minutes tho!), then head to the meeting point of your walking tour. In the afternoon, do the Alte Pinakothek and then head to Englische Garten.

Most guided tours start around 10:45 am because the first show of the Munich Glockenspiel will be at 11 am. If you want to start at different times, you’d have to book a private tour ( like this one ).

Also, in summer a lot of locals also enjoy swimming in the River Isar, which could be a lovely option for a particularly hot day.

Day 2: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

There are more than 20 amazing day trips from Munich . I really urge you to consider staying a day or two longer and use Germany’s third-largest city as a home base to explore fantastic UNESCO World Heritage sites in the vicinity . The most popular (and probably also the most rewarding) day trip is from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle.

You will need a full day to see it . There are some offers for half-day trips, but considering it takes 2 hours to get there, I feel it’s a bit of an eyewash. Besides, there is another castle right next to Schloss Neuschwanstein called Hohenschwangau, so you’ll have plenty of time to fill that day with excellent sights.

I really recommend booking a guided tour by bus to see the “Sleeping Beauty Castle”? Why? Well, first of all, it’s the easiest and fastest way to get there. But most importantly, the official bus tours also visit Schloss Linderhof , another amazing fairy tale castle.

It is impossible to see both castles using public transport. Which means you have to rent a car or book a tour. The tour has the bonus of being more relaxed, more comfortable and the guides will add some historical depth to your day trip.

Recommended tours:

• The most popular bus tour to Neuschwanstein castle (I tested it again recently and it’s still very well organized & good)
• This is the luxury version of the same tour company (mainly bigger seats and free snacks and drinks)
• If you want to see the UNESCO World Heritage site “Church of the Wies” instead of Linderhof Castle, then book this combination tour with Neuschwanstein castle

Here is a more detailed guide on how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich .

Day 3: The North of Munich

There are 5 castles and palaces in Munich: The Residenz (which you visited on day 1), Alter Hof (which will be part of every walking tour), Schloss Schleissheim, Blutenburg, and Nymphenburg Palace. The latter was the summer residence of the Bavarian Kings and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich. If you are staying 3 days in Munich, then absolutely make sure to visit one of them, they are worth it!

The morning: BMW World & Museum

Subway line U3 will get you straight to the Olympiazentrum. In summer 1972, the Olympic Games took place in Munich and this park was built to host them. 30 years later it is still in use and counts as one of the prime examples in the world of how such a mega event can change a city for good. If you want, take your time and stroll through the park a bit, it’s quite lovely.

Right next to the subway station, you will find the outstanding BMW Welt , which is one of the best addresses for car lovers on this planet . The architecture is quite fascinating as well, so photographers will love this place as well.

If you walk across the street (right below the impressive bridge) you’ll find the BMW plant and right next to it the BMW museum . Here, you can explore more than 100 years of car history. It’s quite great and one of many attractions that make Munich so special compared to Berlin , Frankfurt, or other big cities in Germany.

If you want, you can use the remainder of the morning to walk towards the Olympic Tower. Buy a ticket for the elevator to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of Munich. There is a restaurant at the top, so you could even stay here for lunch!

The afternoon: Nymphenburg Palace & Bavarian National Museum

Bus 180 will get you to Nymphenburg Palace . You will have to walk the last 500 meters, but that’s because Nymphenburg is surrounded by a park and there are no bus stations right in front of it.

First, do a tour of the castle itself. It’s quite beautiful inside, especially the mighty Steinerner Saal ( Stone Hall ) which is probably the most luxurious and extravagant hall in Munich. You’ll also see the apartment where King Ludwig II was born (the monarch who built Neuschwanstein Castle).

After that, it’s time to explore the fantastic park of Nymphenburg. It’s actually even more beautiful than the Englische Garten in the city center. Apart from many artificial lakes and channels, you’ll also find 4 smaller palaces hidden away in the forest : Amalienburg, Badenburg, Pagodenburg, and Magdalenenklause. If you bought a ticket, you can go inside (it’s worth it!).

From here, you have a couple of different options: You could either decide to explore the rest of Nymphenburg. There is a fantastic botanical garden right next to it (there’s a connecting gate in the north right behind the Magdalenenklause).

There is also an outstanding carriage museum , a museum dedicated to the world-famous Nymphenburg porcelain, and a natural history museum for kids.

Instead, you could also, head back to the city and explore the Bavarian National Museum . It will close at 5 pm, so you would have to leave Nymphenburg no later than 3 pm. This Bayerische Nationalmuseum is my personal favorite museum in Munich and it’s nothing short of outstanding. It’s an art & design collection with a strong focus on Bavarian artwork from the last 1,000 years.

Seeing all of Nymphenburg, the BMW World & museum, the Olympic Tower, and the Bavarian National Museum in one day will be a very tight itinerary. So, decide for yourself where you might want to walk through a little faster. If you skip the tower or the National Museum, things will be easily doable, though.

• 8:30 am: head towards BMW World
• 10:00 am: Explore the BMW Museum
• 11:00 am: Time to walk towards the Olympic Tower and enjoy a lovely view + lunch
• 0:30 pm: Take the bus to Nymphenburg and explore the palace & park
• 3:00 pm: Take the tram 17 to the city center and change to bus 100 at Hauptbahnhof to the Bavarian National Museum

alternative ways to play your Munich 3-day itinerary

If you have the time, it’s easy to spend 5 days in Munich – there are just so many places to visit in my hometown. Munich is so much more worth visiting than almost every other town in Germany. I tried to incorporate the top tourist attractions most visitors would love to see into one 3-day itinerary. That being said, there are plenty of alternatives.

If you don’t want to see a different castle each day, you could use the other half of the third day to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp . It’s a very popular half-day trip and one that will let you explore the darkest chapters of the Third Reich and the Nazi regime.

Recommended tour: Dachau Memorial Half-Day trip .

Related Blog post: Visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

If you are more a technical guy or girl, then you could also visit the Deutsche Museum instead. It’s the biggest and most visited technical museum in the world and could easily occupy you for a day, though you can see most of it in 4-5 hours.

All in all, there are 60 museums in Munich . This means you have endless options to adjust your personal Munich 3-day itinerary. Here’s the list of the 20 most popular museums .

What to do in Munich at night

Munich has quite an active nightlife and there are many clubs in the city. If you like bars, then the Glockenbachviertel, especially Müllerstraße will be your first address. For clubs, Sonnenstraße until Maximilliansplatz will be your best bet. Most clubs are rather posh and expensive though (like the rest of Munich).

You should also know, that Munich is home to one of the top 10 opera houses in the world . If you are interested, you could try to score tickets for one of their evening performances. Here is the website of the Bayerische Staatsoper . There are also some outstanding theaters (like Residenztheater, Gärtnerplatztheater, Kammerspiele, and Deutsches Theater) but you’ll probably have to understand German to make the most of it. The opera has subtitles.

In summer, beer gardens are favored by the locals, but there are also quite a lot of beer halls. I already mentioned Hofbräuhaus, but the Augustinerkeller or the Löwenbräukeller are excellent alternatives.

There are also nightwatchman torch tours through Munich. This could be a very special way to end your day in Bavaria’s capital. Book it here .

And just in case you were worrying, Munich is safe at night ! Perfectly so!

Where to stay in Munich

Munich is an expensive city, especially when it comes to hotels. I recommend staying in the immediate city center so you can experience the nightlife, but be prepared to pay a premium for that opportunity. Staying near Marienplatz also makes exploring the city easier and reaching your bus/train for a day trip. Nothing is worse than wasting half of your time on public transport just because you wanted to save 20 euros on accommodation.

Here are my tips for hotels with good value for your money:

Luxury hotels in Munich’s city center:

• Bayerische Hof
• Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
• Rocco Forte The Charles

Mid-price options

• Motel One Sendlinger Tor
• NH Collection München

budget hotels in the city center

• King’s Hotel CityStay
• Arthotel Munich

Best time to visit Munich

After all these options and alternatives to spend your 3 days in Munich, you are probably wondering about the best time to visit. Well, generally speaking, summer is the best time to visit Munich . This means June, July, August, and September. Long days and warm temperatures make it excellent to experience the Bavarian culture. It’s also the most crowded time.

In recent years, summers have also been incredibly hot. Since very few places are air-conditioned it can be a bit too sweltering. All other months, especially March, April, October, and November usually have a high chance of mixed weather with overcast skies and rain. Still, the many museums will be just as pretty then, big promise

Oktoberfest in the last two weeks of September is a very popular, but also incredibly expensive, time to visit Munich. If you don’t mind the crowds and the premium, then I’m sure you will have the time of your life drinking beer from a 1-liter steins at biggest folk festival in the world.

In December, the whole city turns into one big Christmas market . I am not even joking, because there 25 (!!) different ones throughout Munich you can visit.

January and February are usually the least crowded months of the year. When it snows, Munich may be cold, but it will also transform everything into a winter wonderland (if you are lucky – otherwise you end up with grey mush lining the streets).

Last but not least, the weekends are always very busy as a lot of local tourists come shopping in Munich. Most public museums are closed on Mondays , so that is definitely something to consider before you visit.

If you want to learn more, check out this post here where I talk a bit more in detail about the best time to visit Munich .

Phew, this was my guide to planning your itinerary for 3 days in Munich. I tried to provide you with all the important information, but feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

3 thoughts on “3 days in Munich, Germany – an itinerary for first time visitors”

Thanks very, very much for putting this together. I’m going to print it and give a copy to each of my family members for my trip. It’s going to really help me in my planning stage.

Thanks again.

Thank you for this great compilation of ideas. 🙂

One thing to note: I don’t think the Opera House is open in August. I saw “theater holiday.” Bummer.

No, the Opera house is typically closed in AUgust until mid-September. But then again, I never said it was open. There are also some days during the week where there is no performance. But yeah, thanks for pointing it out. I’m sure others will find it helpful!

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Home » Europe » Germany » Munich

15 BEST Places to Visit in Munich (2024)

The capital of German Bavaria, Munich is a lively city with a modern and forward-thinking attitude combined with a historic appearance. It is known for its splendid architecture, especially the charming Old Town that has been reconstructed to appear almost exactly as it did at the end of the nineteenth century. It is also one of the most cultural cities in all of Germany and hosts the yearly Oktoberfest beer festival, which draws large crowds from all over the world. There are definitely plenty of reasons to travel to Munich.

Munich is a large and sprawling city. As Germany’s third-biggest city, it can take a long time to figure out your Munich itinerary—there is simply so much to see and do and the distances are large.

There’s no need to lose tons of time planning your trip, though. We’ve created this awesome list of the best places to visit in Munich to help you out. Your travel planning will be a breeze and you won’t need to miss any of the hotspots in Munich, even if time is limited.

Warning: some of the best places in Munich are certain to surprise you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Munich:

These are the best places to visit in munich, faq on the best places to visit in munich, more awesome best places to visit in munich.

Schwabing is one of the most eclectic and coolest places to stay in Munich. It is Munich’s artistic quarter as well as its wealthiest and most desirable district. This contrast is what makes Schwabing quite unique.

• Enjoy pints in the sun at Aumeister, one of Munich’s best beer gardens that’s located at the north end of Englischer Garden.
• Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the lawns of the stunning Englischer Garten.
• Rent a bike and cruise along the trails that weave throughout this gorgeous neighbourhood.

We’ve got one more travel tip for you before we start: make sure to figure out where you want to stay in Munich . Choosing the area wisely will guarantee a great trip! A bit of research is essential. Now let’s get to it…

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#1 – Marienplatz – A great place to see in Munich if you love architecture

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• Historic area
• Olde-worlde vibe and appearance
• Gorgeous architecture
• See one of the quirkiest attractions in Munich

Why it’s awesome: Located in the Old Town, or Altstadt, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Munich, Marienplatz was a market in the late 1150s. The whole Old Town area is a historical monument on the Bavarian historical monument list. While lots of the historic buildings were destroyed during World War Two, the area has been rebuilt in keeping with its former appearance.

Fairytale-like buildings line the medieval-style streets and it is home to many of the most famous places in Munich. The appearance is very different to many other cities around Germany and visitors can spend several hours simply wandering around and admiring the pretty sights. Marienplatz is definitely an Old Town highlight.

What to do there: Stand in Marienplatz and marvel at the stunning and impressive Neues Rathaus (New City Hall). The Munich must see is a neo-Gothic treasure and you can take the elevator up the tower for splendid city views. Don’t miss watching the delightful Glockenspiel in action with its charming dancing and jousting figures. See the Altes Rathaus (the Old Town Hall) at the other side of the elegant square and gaze up at the Mariensäule column, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In the heart of the square, you can admire the handsome Fischbrunnen, which is surrounded by old bronze figures. Afterwards, discover the many gems of the Old Town, noting the remains of the old city walls and three of the original city gates: Karlstor, Isartor, and Sendlinger Tor. If you visit in December, you’ll definitely want to add this stop to your Munich itinerary , and you can browse in the jolly Christmas Market that breathes even more life into the picturesque square.

#2 – Englischer Garten – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Munich

• Expansive public park
• Dazzling lake
• Interesting structures
• Various leisure and relation options

Why it’s awesome: A huge public park in the heart of the city, the Englischer Garten is a gorgeous spot to enjoy time outdoors when visiting Munich. Created in the late 1780s, it is spread across 910 acres (370 hectares) and is one of the biggest urban parks in the world. It features sweeping lawns, tree-shaded pathways, a lake, meadowlands, and various structures and statues. It’s a top place to visit in Munich with kids and can also be a great place for a romantic afternoon. There’s no admission fee.

What to do there: Get away from the crowded city streets and spend a few hours exploring the Englischer Garten. Sunbathe on the grass, sit on a bench, stroll around the lake, go boating on the water, walk along wooded pathways, and wander through the wildlife-rich meadows. If you want an all-over tan check out the Schönfeldwiese; the grassy field is known for nude sunbathers. Have a go at one of the most surprising activities in the park—surfing on the Eisbach River!

See the 18th-century Chinese Tower, visit the 1838 Greek-style temple, and relax in the Japanese tea house. If you fancy something a bit stronger there are also several beer gardens throughout the park and you’ll also find a number of restaurants where you can keep hunger at bay.

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#3 – Au-Haidhausen – A great place to visit in Munich at night

• Wide choice of places to eat
• Diverse bars
• Exciting nightclubs
• Interesting buildings

Why it’s awesome: Au-Haidhausen is one of the most famous nightlife neighbourhoods in Munich. Once an area of cheap accommodations for tradespeople, the riverside area also featured a number of breweries. Over the years many bars and clubs have sprung up, and there are cute side streets where a strong sense of history still prevails. It’s a multicultural area with a youthful vibe.

What to do there: Take a walk through the narrow lanes and admire the charming buildings and visit the French Quarter with its lovely buildings and streets named after places where battles occurred during the German-French War. Get dressed up and head to Au-Haidhausen in the evening for a fun night of partying. You can start your night with a tasty meal in one of the many restaurants before hopping between energetic bars. End your night dancing in one of the numerous discos and nightclubs.

#4 – Volkssternwarte München – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Munich!

• Lesser-visited attraction
• Historic planetarium
• Fascinating displays
• Gaze at the skies

Why it’s awesome: Volkssternwarte München is among the cool but unknown attractions in Munich . Hidden away, the lesser-visited observatory and planetarium see few visitors—meaning that those who do visit can enjoy an unhurried air. It’s an especially great place for fans of astronomy when visiting Munich. Demonstrations are conducted in German on most days, though English talks are held too on certain days of the week. There are several large telescopes from throughout the ages as well as exhibits and displays related to the skies.

What to do there: Discover the fascinating meteor collection and be awed by the astronomical photos on display and see the impressive collection of telescopes, some of which are several decades old. Join a daily tour and cast your gaze skywards as you peer through telescopes to study the stars and planets. The planetarium is old school, operated manually and built in the 1950s. The equipment offers terrific views of the skies and you can observe planets, the Milky Way, and more, with day and night views available.

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#5 – Frauenkirche – One of the most religious places to see in Munich

• Symbol of Munich
• Eye-catching building
• Religious air
• Amazing views

Why it’s awesome: One of the major points of interest in Munich, the huge Frauenkirche is a striking symbol on the city skyline. The red-brick Gothic beauty dates back to the 15th century, standing on the site of an older, and smaller, church. The soaring dome-topped towers can be seen from far and wide, towering over the landscapes at almost 100 metres (325 feet) tall.

Although fairly simple in its exterior design, the church is still statuesque and impressive. The insides are also quite remarkable and it houses the tombs of several eminent people from the city’s past. There are also some unusual features. It remains an active place of worship today.

What to do there: Admire the building from the outside before entering through the large doors to be wowed by the size of the hall, complete with splendid pillars and elegant arches. There are many religious statues and carvings to see too, including wooden busts of saints, apostles, and prophets and a huge statue of St Christopher.

Pay your respects in the small chapels, gaze upon the beautiful stained glass window behind the altar, and see the bronze reliefs of Mother Theresa, Kaspar Stanggassinger (a revered German priest), and Rupert Mayer (a German priest known for his opposition against the Nazis). Climb to the top of one of the towers for soaring city views. Don’t miss seeing the footprint embedded in a tile, now known as the Devil’s Footstep.

#6 – Olympiapark – A perfect place to visit in Munich if you are on a budget!

• Sporting history
• Great views
• Observation tower
• Free summer concerts

Why it’s awesome: Olympiapark is among the most famous landmarks in Munich and is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to visit and hangout. There’s no fee to enjoy the park either, making it a great choice for budget travellers who want to enjoy being outdoors and mingle with locals. Built for the Summer Olympics in 1972, it was put to good use after the world-famous sporting event and is used today for various social, cultural, sporting, and leisure activities.

What to do there: See the buildings that were used for the Olympic Games, including the main stadium, Olympic Hall, and small hall. There are various sporting facilities throughout the site (additional fees apply), including a swimming pool and an ice rink. One of the most popular things to do in the Olympic Area is to go up the Olympiaturm. Standing at 290 metres (951 feet) tall, there are two viewing platforms from where you can enjoy splendid vistas.

There’s also a revolving restaurant if you wish to stay for longer and soak up the views over a meal. Alternatively, climb the hill in the park for more sweeping views. In the summer there are often free concerts on top of the hill too. Relax alongside the sparkling lake and enjoy nature and fresh air.

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#7 – Deutsches Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Munich

• Fascinating science and technology museum
• Many exhibits
• Great for people of all ages
• Learn lots of fun things

Why it’s awesome: The gigantic Deutsches Museum is one of the biggest science and technology museums across the globe, with more than 25,000 items on displays. Open since 1903, it’s a Munich must-do for anyone with a curious mind. The main museum building is located on an island in the River Isar, and there’s a further location in the city centre. There are exhibits related to astronomy, machines, aerospace, agriculture, electronics, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, hydraulics, glass, mining, and more.

What to do there: Learn tons of new things as you view the huge array of exhibits in the popular Deutsches Museum. See how humans have made massive leaps and bounds over the years when it comes to technological developments and feel impressed as you see inventions, tools, and machinery. From robots and space probes to windmills and ships, there are so many things to inspire your interest. Furthermore, there are hidden underground mines to explore too. It’s a fabulous Munich attraction for old and young alike.

#8 – Königlicher Hirschgarten – Cool place to see in Munich with friends!

• Delicious cuisine
• Relaxed ambience
• Gigantic beer garden

Why it’s awesome: The fun Königlicher Hirschgarten has one of the biggest beer gardens in the world. There are indoor dining areas too, where visitors can savour an assortment of delectable Bavarian dishes along with specialities from other parts of the country too. The establishment has a long history, having originally been used as a hunting lodge. The restaurant dates back to the late 1700s and was a popular place for important societal functions and special events. Serving lunch and dinner, patrons are also free to visit the Königlicher Hirschgarten for just a drink in the lovely outdoor setting.

What to do there: Take a seat in one of the restaurant’s six classy dining rooms, each decorated and furnished to a high standard for both comfort and visual appeal. Peruse the menu and order tempting dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce. Alternatively, dine and drink outdoors in the expansive beer garden—it can seat almost 8,000 people! If you plan to spend an afternoon or evening drinking you can also take your own favourite snacks along with you to enjoy with tasty brews from brewhouses like Herzogliches Brauhaus Tegernsee, Schloßbrauerei Kaltenberg, Tegernseer Ducal Brewery, and King Ludwig. You can also catch all the happening sporting action on the big-screen TVs and see the deer in the adjacent deer park.

#9 – Viktualienmarkt – A must-see for foodies!

• Historic marketplace
• Huge selection of food and drink
• Beer garden
• Sample Bavarian cuisine

Why it’s awesome: Open each day and located in the heart of the city, Viktualienmarkt is the oldest farmers’ market in Munich. Trade has been taking place here since the early 1800s. It has expanded lots since its early days when it mainly focused on fresh produce, and today sells meats, pastries, cheeses, sweets, fish, snacks, ready-to-eat dishes, fruit juices, and much more too. There are also a number of stalls that sell fresh-cut flowers and plants as well as sit-down restaurants. The market is one of the best places to eat in Munich for an authentic local experience, the vibe is lively, and there are many great photo opportunities.

What to do there: Make sure you’re hungry when you explore Munich’s vibrant Viktualienmarkt as there are many things that are sure to catch your eye and appeal to your taste buds. Sample a range of delicious Bavarian items; whether you grab something to go from one of the stalls, sit down for a more formal meal in a restaurant, or take your purchases to enjoy over a mug of beer in the beer garden, you’re sure to be more than satisfied. Immerse yourself in local life and take plenty of cool pictures to brighten up your Instagram feed. Don’t miss seeing the central maypole adorned with figures that display local crafts and trades and the lovely fountains throughout the market.

#10 – Bavaria Film Studios – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Munich

• Cool 4D cinema
• Learn more about producing films and shows
• Go behind the scenes
• Interesting displays

Why it’s awesome: One of the coolest attractions in Munich for families and groups of fun-loving friends, the large Bavaria Film Studios has been in operation for almost a century, producing movies and popular TV shows. The complex has large indoor studios and various sets. Tours take people behind the scenes to learn more about the production process and see various items from the big screen. There’s also a 4D cinema where you can throw yourself right into the action.

What to do there: Join a 90-minute tour to step into the world of movies and TV. Your backstage tour will include studios, sets, props, outfits, and furnishings, post-production studios, and workshops. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you lots of stories about productions made onsite, anecdotes, and the history of the studios. Engage your senses in the exciting 4D cinema and take part in various interactive activities.

#11 – Neuhausen-Nymphenburg – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Munich

• Lesser-visited part of the city
• Food and drink
• Relaxing neighbourhood
• Palace and gardens

Why it’s awesome: Neuhausen-Nymphenburg is one of the most laid-back neighbourhoods in Munich. It sees relatively few tourists when compared with other parts of the city, yet there is plenty to please those who do make the trip. There are plenty of places to shop, including charming small boutiques with unique finds and one-off items, and a wealth of places to eat and drink. From quaint cafes to high-class restaurants and lively bars, there’s something to suit most moods. The area also has good sightseeing opportunities too.

What to do there: Stroll through the pleasant and relaxing neighbourhoods, being sure to stop at the attractive districts of Gern and Neuwittelsbach with their elegant villas. Visit the Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, a former summer residence that’s now one of the architectural hotspots in Munich. The gardens are colourful, peaceful, and pretty. The botanical gardens are also lovely and a great place to go with that special someone for a romantic afternoon. Looking for a spiritual experience? Why not visit BuddhaHaus, a Buddhist meditation centre? There are beer gardens, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs to enjoy throughout the day and night too.

#12 – Tierpark Hellabrunn – Awesome place to visit in Munich with kids!

• Family-friendly attractions
• Many animals
• Petting zoo
• Conservation programs

Why it’s awesome: Located on the banks of the River Isar, Tierpark Hellabrunn is a large zoo that spans some 99 acres (40 hectares) and houses animals from around the world. It’s a favourite destination for families with kids when they travel to Munich and has been rated as one of the best zoos in Europe. It first opened in 1911 and was among the world’s first geo-zoos, where animals from the same parts of the world are kept together.

Many of the animals roam semi-freely, with moats rather than cages to stop them from escaping. Enclosures try to replicate, as much as possible, the natural habitats of different creatures. The zoo is actively involved in conservation programs, educational activities, and breeding efforts.

What to do there: Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the large zoo and observe more than 750 fascinating species. Some of the creatures housed in the zoo are rare or endangered, and you can learn more about how the zoo tries to breed certain animals to ensure survival and growth of different species. Call by Hellabrunn’s Species Conservation Centre for more information. Diverse animals that call the zoo home include elephants, tigers, gorillas, giraffes, monkeys, alligators, zebras, penguins, polar bears, kangaroos, and wolves.

Aviaries contain interesting avian species and there are watery displays of aquatic animals. You can watch various creatures being fed, including fearsome piranhas, and attend talks to learn more about your favourite animals. The petting zoo is often popular with younger members of the family, and you’ll find a good choice of places to eat, drink, and pick up souvenirs.

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#13 – Munich Residenz – One of the most amazing places in Munich!

• Huge palace
• Stunning architecture
• Beautiful art-filled interiors
• Fascinating museum

Why it’s awesome: One of the most breath-taking and spell-binding landmarks in Munich, the Residenz is an old royal palace. It’s Germany’s biggest city palace. The large architectural marvel has around 130 rooms and ten beautiful courtyards. The earliest palace buildings were constructed in the 1380s, with many additions made over subsequent years. There are three main sections to the palace: the Old Residence, the Festsaalbau, and the Königsbau. Other features include a church, a concert venue, royal stables, and a theatre. The grounds are stunning and inside there is a terrific museum that includes several unusual items.

What to do there: Explore the huge complex, with its various buildings, fortifications, and splendour. You’ll likely note several architectural and artistic designs, including Baroque, Renaissance, Neoclassicism, and Rococo. The interior details are sure to dazzle, with lashings of gold, colourful walls, an abundance of art, opulent chandeliers, and myriad treasures. Walkthrough the splendid Antiquarium, a former grand banqueting hall filled with marble busts. Peek inside former private quarters, see where royalty used to entertain their guests, and look inside formal rooms. Admire the huge collection of antiques and antiquities, and don’t miss visiting the reliquary room.

One of the most unusual things to do in Berlin, the room contains various human remains, including what is said to be the skull of John the Baptist! Marvel at the many jewels in the Treasury; spread over ten halls there are crowns, goblets, gold, royal symbols, swords, and lots of other precious regalia. After enjoying the many interior charms, take a walk around the gorgeous gardens and courtyards.

#14 – Asam Church – One of the more unique places to visit in Munich!

• Interesting back story
• Feast for the eyes
• Spiritual ambience

Why it’s awesome: Built in the mid-1700s, the Asam Church is a gleaming Munich must-see. While the exterior it elegant, it gives away little clue as to the richness and opulence that is hidden inside. Nestled between homes along the bustling Sendlingerstraße, the place of worship was created by two devout brothers seeking a closer connection with the divine. Originally intended to be used as a personal chapel, the creative brothers adorned every interior surface with stunning statues and paintings.

The church may be small but the excellent use of space and lighting makes it appear much larger than it actually is. It also contains a number of confessional areas. There’s no charge to look inside the church. Although visitors can’t walk around, it’s easy to admire the beauty through the railings.

What to do there: Notice the significance of light in the chapel: the seating area is darker, representing earthly suffering, the middle section is brighter, created in honour of the Emperor, and the upper section is positively radiant, the bright lighting symbolising God and heaven. Feast your eyes on artistic and religious splendour, including a marvellous ceiling fresco, statues that represent the trinity, the ornate altar, many allegorical scenes, angels, stunning reliefs, and more. It’s difficult to know where to look first when admiring the colourful and detailed interiors.

#15 – Alte Pinakothek – A great place to visit in Munich if you are alone/traveling solo

• Elegant building
• Rich collection of art
• See works by Masters
• World-renowned collection

Why it’s awesome: Open since the 1830s and established to house the rich collection of art owned by royalty, the Alte Pinakothek is among the world’s oldest art galleries. When built, it was also one of the largest. The Neo-Renaissance building houses many grand works of art, including those by well-known masters. The collection itself is older than the building, having been started in the 1500s. Works include those commissioned by royalty, pieces taken from places of worship, and items obtained from elsewhere.

What to do there: Marvel at striking art from throughout the ages. Take time to view the extensive collection of paintings by early masters, with German, Flemish, Dutch, Spanish, French, and Italian among the artists represented. Indeed, the collection is seen as being one of the most important across the globe for historic European art. Feast your eyes on work by leading names like Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and Peter Paul Rubens.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Munich

Is Munich worth visiting?

As the capital of Bavaria, it is 100% worth a visit. There’s a ton of things to see and do there.

What is Munich famous for?

It is famous for its number of breweries and the world-famous annual Oktoberfest celebration.

What places should I see for a day in Munich?

No trip to Munich would be complete without seeing Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Deutsches Museum.

What is a free place to visit in Munich?

If you want to see Munich’s fabulous architecture, make sure to head over to Marienplatz and wonder the streets.

There are many marvellous places to visit in Munich, with something to appeal to most interests. Spend a fun-filled day at the nearby Allgäu Skyline Park, home to rollercoasters, water rides, and other attractions. Admire Munich’s many glorious churches , including the Theatine Church of St. Cajetan, St. Peter’s Church, and Michaelskirche. Pay homage to the local automotive industry at the BMW Museum, and soak up different artistic genres at art museums like the Lenbachhaus, the State Gallery of Modern Art, the Neue Pinakothek, and the Glyptothek. Watch a performance at the National Theatre, and take day trips to nearby places like the moving Dachau Concentration Camp, Nuremburg, Herrenchiemsee, and the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle.

Armed with this list of the best places to visit in Munich, you’re sure to have a memorable time in one of Germany’s most enchanting cities.

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20 Top Tourist Attractions in Munich

By Carl Austin · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Munich is a glorious city that shrugs off the coldness and sternness of buildings that are so prevalent elsewhere in Germany. Sure, it has a few of these buildings, but in the old city visitors will find attractive historic buildings and monuments. Munich has a good public transportation system (bus and subway) that makes it convenient to move around the city.

Munich makes a good base for day trips to outlying areas, such as the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau or scenic Salzburg , but there is plenty to keep visitors in the city too. Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in Munich :

Map of Munich

20. Hofgarten

Located between the famed Residenz and the Englischer Garten is the Hofgarten, a beautiful garden built at the beginning of the 17th century in the style of an Italian Renaissance garden. The Hofgarten is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and it is the perfect spot for a stroll.

Check out the gazebo in the center of the garden, or just admire the beautifully manicured gardens. Many visitors grab some food and enjoy a picnic in the Hofgarten, and there are plenty of benches throughout the area where you can sit, rest and enjoy the view.

19. Pinakothek der Moderne

There are three major art museums in Munich that combine to create what is known as the Kunstareal in the area of Maxvorstadt. The newest is the Pinakothek der Moderne. This is where you’ll find the best contemporary art in the city, and arguably even in all of Europe.

The building that houses the collection is a strikingly modern structure built in the International Style. The Pinakothek der Moderne is divided into four sections, each of which is devoted to either art, architecture, design or works on paper.

Some of the most noteworthy artists whose works are on display include Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.

18. Olympiapark

The 1972 Olympic Games were held in Munich, and many of the venues created for the event are located in what is now known as the Olympiapark. Munich is recognized globally for its success in turning the Olympic venues into spaces that continue to be used and generate income for the city.

If you’re visiting Munich, you might watch a concert or attend a festival in the Olympic Stadium. At the Olympic Lake, you can rent a boat and paddle around. If you want to soak in the views of the Olympiapark, grab a meal at the revolving restaurant at the top of the Olympic Tower.

17. St. Peter’s Church

Peterskirche, or St. Peter’s Church, is a Catholic church located in Munich’s city center, or Altstadt. St. Peter’s Church was started in the 12th century and is the city’s oldest church, although fires and lighting strikes have damaged part of the structure over the centuries.

The Romanesque-style church hosts services several times each day, and it’s well worth attending one to admire the interior of the building. You can also climb Alte Peter, a tower accessible via more than 300 steps. The climb is worth the effort, however, because you’ll get a stunning view over Munich from the top.

16. Allianz Arena Stadium

Sports fans who’ve ever wondered if football (soccer) is popular in Munich need only visit Allianz Arena Stadium, which seats more than 75,000 spectators who want to see one of the city’s two teams take the field.

The stadium replaced the city’s Olympic stadium beginning with the 2005-2006 season. The stadium, which hosted the World Cup finals in 2006, is known for its panels that change colors, depending on which team is playing and the type of match, i.e., local or national, being played.

15. New Pinakothek

The second art museum in the Kunstareal is the New Pinakothek. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of impressionist and expressionist art dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection is housed in a relatively new postmodern building that was constructed in 1981.

The New Pinakothek is the place to go if you’re drawn to works by painters such as Francisco de Goya, John Constable, Eugène Delacroix or Claude Monet. There are also several interesting sculptures on display like the Crouching Woman by Auguste Rodin.

14. Eisbach Wave

The Eisbach Wave is one of the more unexpected attractions located in the heart of Munich. It’s part of the Eisbach River, a man-made body of water that is just over a mile long. The Eisbach River flows through the Englischer Garten.

At one point in the river, there is a standing wave that is just three feet high. It is here that city dwellers have the chance to go surfing or even kayaking right in the heart of Munich.

It is common to see visitors standing next to the Eisbach Wave and watching surfers try to maintain their balance on the wave for as long as possible.

13. Odeonsplatz

If you’re planning to spend any time in the Altstadt, then you’ll want to visit the Odeonsplatz. This central plaza is a major landmark in the city, and it is packed with interesting and historically significant attractions.

Both Ludwigstraße and Briennerstraße, two major thoroughfares through Munich, begin at the Odeonsplatz. The plaza is also home to the Theatinerkirche, a beautiful Italian-Baroque church, and the Field Marshals’ Hall, also known as the Feldherrnhalle.

The highlight of the Odeonsplatz is the Residenz, a palace that is now open to the public and home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and family portraits.

12. Asam Church

Asamkirche was built in the middle of the 18th century by brothers Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam. Egid Quirin was the architect and sculptor, and Cosmas Damian painted the frescoes.

Built in the late Baroque style, this beautiful church was intended to be a private place of worship for the brothers. Due to public unrest, however, it was opened to the residents of the city.

The Asam Church can be toured, and make sure you look up to admire the stunning works of art on the ceiling. If you’re in Munich over the holiday season, the Christmas Eve service at Asam Church is a memorable experience, since the church looks especially beautiful in candlelight.

11. Neues Rathaus

If you’re a fan of architecture, then don’t miss a chance to see the Neues Rathaus in Munich. The New City Hall was built in the neo-Gothic style, and it is a major attraction in the Marienplatz. The building is enormous and boasts six courtyards, a beautiful spiral staircase and plenty of stained glass windows.

Many people come to see the Neues Rathaus just for its clock, which has 43 bells and goes off three times each day. Carved figures emerge from the Glockenspiel and revolve around the clock in time with the bells, and it’s well worth seeing for yourself in person.

10. Viktualienmarkt

Next to the Marienplatz in the city center of Munich is the Viktualienmarkt, a large outdoor market with generations of history. Many of the vendors at the market have a family history at the Viktualienmarkt, making it a longstanding tradition to shop there.

Many locals head to the market on the way to or from work and pick up fresh produce. You can also find some homemade baked goods, premade soups, nuts and herbs for sale.

It’s a popular place for foodies, because many of the items for sale are upscale, gourmet or otherwise exotic ingredients. You’ll also find a few restaurants and a biergarten where you can stay for a drink or two.

9. Alte Pinakothek

The third of the Kunstareal art museums in Munich is the Alte Pinakothek. This is one of the oldest art galleries in the world, and it is a must-see destination for classical art fans.

When it was ordered built in 1826 by King Ludwig I, the Old Pinakothek was the largest museum in the world; its neo-renaissance exterior soon became the model for museums located throughout Europe. The works of art displayed in the Arte Pinakothek come from the 14th through the 18th centuries.

The most celebrated works come from the Old Masters, including artists like Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals and Leonardo da Vinci. There is a heavy emphasis on German painters, so look for works by Albrecht Dürer and Matthias Grünewald, among many others.

8. Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is a world class science and technology museum that appeals to visitors of all ages, even those who profess not to be interested in such subject matter. Visitors can take free guided tours (conducted only in German though) through the museum’s 50 exhibit areas, view demonstrations on subjects ranging from electricity to musical instruments, and participate in a wide variety of hands-on activities.

The museum has a huge collection of more than 100,000 science- and technology-related objects from the Stone Age to today. The museum is family friendly, with 1,000 activities for kids 3-8 offered in Kids Kingdom.

7. Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz was home to Bavarian rulers, the Wittelsbachs, for centuries before it was opened to the public in 1920. Its art collections and various architectural styles became symbols of the royal family’s power. The residence sustained heavy damage in World War II, but has since been restored as much as possible.

Today, it is considered one of the finest palace museums in Europe. The Wittelsbachs collected fine art and objects for centuries, so visitors will be able to see outstanding collections of porcelain, paintings, silver objects, rare furniture, chandeliers and sculptures.

6. BMW Welt & Museum

BMW is known for its fast cars and motorcycles; what better place to learn more about them than BMW Welt and the BMW museum. BMW Welt is a place to see and gain knowledge of the company’s latest product offerings.

BMW Welt also sells auxiliary accessories and parts for their vehicles, and hosts exhibitions of their latest models. It’s located near Olympic Park; park ticket holders can get a discount on BMW Welt admission.

The nearby BMW Museum has exhibits tracing the history of these famous two- and four-wheeled vehicles. Many old cars and motorcycles are on display along a spiral ramp that curls along the inside of the bowl-shaped building.

5. Nymphenburg Palace

The Nymphenburg Palace celebrates the birth of an heir to the Bavarian throne, ordered built by the parents of Maximillian II Emanuel in 1664. The palace served as the summer residence of Bavarian rulers.

When he inherited the throne, Max Emanuel significantly enlarged the palace. Today this baroque palace is one of Munich’s more popular tourist attractions, even though sections are closed to the public since it also serves as the home for the current Duke of Bavaria.

Original baroque ceilings, some with frescoes, survive to this day, as do King Ludwig I’s Galleries of Beauties that portray 36 beautiful Munich women.

4. Munich Frauenkirche

The Munich Frauenkirche is another famous Munich landmark that towers over the rest of the city. It dates back to the 15th century when it was built in an astounding 20 years’ time, though completion of some features was postponed due to lack of money.

The Munich Frauenkirche serves as the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Munich and is home to the archbishop. The Gothic cathedral is capable of holding 20,000 worshipers. The cathedral was damaged during World War II, but has been restored It is famous for its bells and as the final resting place for the Dukes of Bavaria.

3. Hofbrauhaus

Munich residents do love their beer, celebrating it annually at Oktoberfest. Travelers who won’t be here then can still sip the suds at the Hofbrauhaus, one of the oldest breweries in town.

The Hofbrauhaus dates back to 1589 when it was founded by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, when it served as the official brewery for Munich’s royalty. Even back then, the beer had an international reputation, with Swedish invaders agreeing not to sack Munich in exchange for 600,000 barrels of beer.

The brewery and the beer hall are among the most popular tourist attraction in Munich today.

2. Englischer Garten

The size of New York City’s Central Park pales in comparison to Munich’s Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks. The park, which stretches from the city center to northeast Munich, was established in 1789, but has been enlarged over the centuries.

It takes its name from the traditional English gardens that were popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It was built by soldiers during times of peace to teach them agricultural skills. The garden contains a Japanese teahouse, a meadow where nude sunbathing is permitted and an artificial wave used by surfboarders.

1. Marienplatz

Marienplatz is the most famous square in Munich, drawing thousands of tourists every day who come to see the New Town Hall that dates back to 1874. The city hall was built in the Gothic Revival style, and features most of the Wittelsbach rulers on the main façade while statues of four Bavarian kings are on a lower level.

This highly ornate building is a tourist magnet in itself, but what really draws the tourists to Marienplatz is the thrice-daily performance of the Glockenspiel. The famous Ratskeller restaurant is in the basement.

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