Top Things to Do in Munich, Germany
Beautiful squares, festivals, palaces, epic day trips, and a whole lot of beer. The heart of Bavaria certainly has a lot going for it. Here’s the top things to do in Munich, Germany.
Being both the capital and most populated city of Bavaria, you aren’t really wrong in saying that Munich is the heart of Bavaria. Well known for the world-famous Oktoberfest, along with its beautiful architecture, beer halls and traditional German charm.
Munich is the 3rd largest city in Germany, and its residents enjoy a high standard of living. The city is filled with art, architecture and impressive squares, huge beer halls and excellent food. Not to mention the beautiful areas surrounding Munich that are perfect for a day trip.
I stayed in Munich almost a week when I visited in July 2019, and I still didn’t want to leave. After exploring everything the city had to offer, taking several day trips and eating (and drinking) our way through Munich’s incredible beer hall and restaurant scene, it’s safe to say I had fallen in love with the city.
I’m determined to make it back to the city sometime soon – I want to visit in October for Oktoberfest (who doesn’t?) and also in December for the Christmas markets. With that being said, I wouldn’t hesitate to head back in the summer if the opportunity came up. So, with that being said, I recommend spending a little longer in Munich if you can, to truly explore all that it has to offer!
13 top things to do in Munich.
Holfbrahaus
The Holfbrahaus is one of the most popular beer halls in Germany, if not the world. Well and truly the heart of Munich, The Holfbrahaus attracts locals and visitors from all over the world every day, and you simply can’t miss visiting when in Munich.
Well, an array of different rooms and beer halls, The Holfbrahaus features traditional German musical performances daily. Ordering a litre of the local beer or lager is a must, and this is also a great place to try a traditional German meal while you absorb the atmosphere.
You’ll notice beer steins lining the walls under lock and key, each belonging to regulars. Grab a pretzel from one of the girls dressed in traditional Octoberfest outfits, and even visit the gift shop for all of your souvenir needs.
Open 365 days a year, from 9am through till midnight.
Marienplatz
Munich’s central square in the heart of the Old Town, Marienplatz is always brimming with activity. The square dates back to the 12thcentury, and is filled with things to see and do. Neues Rathaus (the ‘new’ town hall) dominates the square, with its impressive and elaborate statues and arches.
Neues Rathaus also house the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, where vistors flock daily to see the show at 11am and noon, where the Glockenspiel chimes and life size figurines perform historical events. You can also see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), which has been rebuilt since it was destroyed in the war.
Located at the heart of Munich, Marienplatz is the gateway to some of the best shopping, eating and drinking in the city. Leave plenty of time to explore, people watch, shop in the nearby shopping streets, and stop for a meal and a drink in one of the outdoor establishments.
If you are in Munich in December, Marienplatz is where the Christmas Markets are held.
Karsplatz- Stachus
Another one of Munich’s most popular squares, Karsplatz- Stachus is the start of one of Munich’s most popular shopping districts. You’ll see Karlstor Gate, one of the 3 remaining parts of Munich’s city walls, several historical buildings and a large fountain.
There’s lots of spots to eat and drink, and it’s the gateway to one of the best pedestrian only shopping streets that Munich has to offer.
Asam Church
A Baroque church tucked away in the heart of Munich, Asam church was built by the Asam brothers between 1733 and 1746. It’s almost hidden, integrated in to a row of houses and hardly where you would expect to find one of Germany’s most important baroque buildings.
It’s insides are part of what makes the church so impressive, and visitors can enter the lobby area of the building for free. The main body of the church is only open for services.
Nymphenburg Palace
A gorgeous Baroque palace which sits in Munich’s western district, Nymphenburg Palace is one of the premier royal palaces of Europe and is made even more impressive by its gardens. The front of palace spans 632 metres, and the palace is made up of residential buildings, galleries and numerous ballrooms and event settings.
You can opt to enter the palace for 8 euros with an audio guide, or just admire the beauty of the palace from the outside.
Open daily from 9am-6pm April through October, and 10am-4pm October through March.
Maz-Joseph Platz
Yet another popular and beautiful square in Munich, Maz-Joseph Platz is home to Munich’s opera house, Residenz Palace and theatre, as well as a range of beautifully designed houses, all which surround a memorial statue of King Max I Joseph, who was the first king of Bavaria.
You are surrounded by impressive architecture in the square, and it’s the perfect spot to start exploring, or stop for a coffee while admiring your surrounds.
Englischer Garten
Englischer Garten is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The green haven in the middle of the city is filled with things to do and places to relax. You can visit the Japanese tea house and tower, have a beer in the huge beer garden in the park that seats up to 7000, and even go surfing on a static wave in the man-made lake.
Alte Pinakothek
Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest art galleries in the world, and dates right back to 1836. You’ll find works from Albrecht Durer and van Dyck, as well as da Vinci and Bosch.
Olympia Park
Munich was home to the 1972 Summer Olympics, and the famous Olympia Park has not since been forgotten. It places host to a range of events during the year, and there’s lots of you can do on any given day. There’s water sports on the lake in the summer, and skiing in the winter, and you can even zip line. There’s also lots of spots to grab a bite to eat, or just relax in the sun.
BMW Museum
The BMW is a fan favourite for travellers heading to Munich. Situated in front of the BMW headquarters, the museum is shaped like a huge bowl, filled with spacious showrooms that take you through the history of BMW, along with a range of vintage cars, motorcycles and aircraft.
Viktualienmarkt
Munich’s food market has over 140 stalls where you can pick up lots of local fresh food, as well as plants, flowers, treats and wine. There’s lots of food stalls where you can pick up a schnitzel or sausage, and you can also pay a visit to the huge biergarten in the middle of the market.
Local events
There’s always something happening in Munich, so it’s worth checking if there’s any events on while you will be in the city. Of course, Octoberfest is the most notable, where the city comes alive even more so than usual. There’s also the Christmas Markets in December, and in summer you’ll find a bunch of events such as Tollwood Festival, which is held in July each year at Olympia Park and features loads of local food and drink vendors, market stalls and live music.
Day trips from Munich
While you are in Munich, you should definitely make time to take some of the amazing day trips near Munich. Dachau Concentration Camp is a half or full day trip from Munich, and you can also head to the Eagles Nest, Neuschwanstein Castle, or Rothenburg. Read my in-depth guide to the best day trips from Munich for more information.
Things to Know Before You Go to Munich
Getting there and away
Munich is home to the second busiest international airport in Germany, after Frankfurt. If you are flying internationally, you can opt to land here and take the airport train line into the city, which is quick and affordable.
If you are coming from elsewhere in Germany, the DB train line is an excellent way to get around, with fast trains running between all major systems in Germany.
Getting around
Getting around Munich is easy as anything, thanks to it’s excellent transport system. Along with the train system, there’s also a tram system in Munich that is easy to use and stops by at most of the popular tourist spots. For longer journeys outside the city, the trains are the way to go!
You’ll also find you can walk between some of the major sightseeing spots, and staying central will help with this. Hop on hop off buses are also a great way to see the city in a small amount of time!
Money Matters
The official currency in Germany is the Euro. Card is widely accepted across Munich, particularly in larger establishments. It’s always recommended to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases, markets and tipping. ATM’s are readily available in Munich.
Travel planning resources
Planning a trip? Here’s some of my favourite travel planning and booking resources:
- Booking.com: My favourite for booking hotels and hostels!
- Skyscanner: My go to for flights – Skyscanner searches for all the best deals!
- Trip Advisor: If you like reviews like me, then Trip Advisor is your go to!
- Get your Guide: The best place to book day tours and tickets.
- Tour Radar: If group tours are more your thing, find the best ones on Tour Radar.
- Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance, you never know when you might need it! I recommend Travelex Insurance.
Happy travelling,
