27 Things To Do In Munich Germany
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What makes Munich worth visiting?
Is it the historic landmarks, lively beer gardens, or the easy access to stunning Bavarian landscapes?
The truth is, it’s all of that and more.
Munich is a city that truly leaves an impression. Whether you’re here for the iconic landmarks, local food, or unique experiences, there’s so much to see and do.
I’m Vrushali, a passionate traveler and travel writer. When I visited Munich, I wanted to experience everything.
I explored its landmarks, tasted its famous Bavarian dishes, and wandered through neighborhoods full of character.
I quickly realized that Munich is more than just Oktoberfest.
It’s a city where history, culture, and everyday life blend seamlessly.
In this guide, I’ve put together 27 things to do in Munich, covering everything from must-visit sights to hidden gems.
No matter your travel style, you’ll find something here to make your trip unforgettable.
Let’s get started!
27 Ultimate things to do in Munich, Germany.
Top Landmarks & Historical Sites in Munich
1. Marienplatz & The Glockenspiel
📍 Location: Marienplatz 8, City Centre | 🎟️ Cost: Free | ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Morning
Marienplatz is the heart of old Munich and a must-see for its splendid architecture. The place is always bustling with tourists from around the world.
For the best experience, take the elevator to the top of the New Town Hall, where you’ll get a stunning view of the entire town on a clear day.
Back on the ground, the Glockenspiel plays at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM (summer only). For 15 minutes, its figures dance, knights joust, and bells chime, telling stories from Munich’s past.
It might feel a bit overhyped after watching, but if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s worth the wait.
With its lively atmosphere, street performers, and charming cafés, Marienplatz is a stop you simply can’t skip.
Read more Munich articles here:
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2. Nymphenburg Palace
📍 Location: 20 min from the city center | 🎟️ Cost: €8 (palace), €12 (all areas)
The Nymphenburg Palace is the most underrated part of Munich’s travel scene.
It was the summer residence of Bavarian royalty and offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Bavaria’s royal past.
You’ll find lavish halls, detailed frescoes, and rooms that reflect true royal splendor.
While many tourists head to Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg’s interiors have a level of lavishness that Neuschwanstein Castle simply lacks.
3. Residenz München
📍 Location: City Center | 🎟️ Cost: €9 | ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Morning
The Munich Residenz is the biggest palace in the city and is more opulent than you can imagine.
The sheer extravagance of the Residenz makes it easy to imagine the lifestyle of Bavarian kings and queens who once called it home.
There are two ways to explore this place. Set aside up to 4 hours for a deeper dive into the details.
Take the shorter tour, which takes about an hour, when you have just a day to spend in Munich.
4. St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter)
📍 Location: Near Marienplatz | 🎟️ Cost: €5 (tower climb)
Alter Peter or Old Peter is Munich’s oldest church and is free to enter, but for a fee of €5, you can climb 299 steps to the top of its tower.
The climb is long and tiring, so you can skip it if that’s not your thing.
Don’t expect an unobstructed view, but this is the only spot where you’ll get a panoramic look at the city since there are no other tall structures around.
5. Asam Church
📍 Location: Sendlinger Str. | 🎟️ Cost: Free
Asam Church is one of a kind. It’s small and was actually built as a private chapel, so it feels different from other churches in Munich.
Inside, it’s packed with gold decorations, detailed paintings, and sculptures everywhere.
It’s best to go during the day since it gets pretty dark inside. It’s a quick visit, and if you’re nearby, it’s absolutely worth stepping in for a look!
6. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
📍 Location: 25 min by train | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
I walked out of Dachau feeling hollow, and I’m certain anyone who visits will feel the same.
It’s gut-wrenching and deeply disturbing, a place that shocks you beyond belief.
As the first Nazi concentration camp, it’s a brutal reminder of humanity’s darkest chapter.
Walking through the barracks and gas chambers is sickening—you’re standing where unimaginable cruelty took place.
The museum explains the history well, but nothing prepares you for the emotional weight of being there.
It’s not an easy visit, but it’s important, and it will stay with you. Certainly skip it when traveling with kids.
Museums & Cultural Experiences
7. Deutsches Museum
📍 Location: Museumsinsel | 🎟️ Cost: €15
The Deutsches Museum is a must-visit for science and tech enthusiasts. It’s huge, with countless exhibits covering everything from history to cutting-edge innovations.
The museum is highly interactive, making complex topics easy to understand through hands-on displays, games, and videos.
If you’re short on time, use a map or the museum’s app to navigate efficiently.
There’s also a special section for kids, designed to keep them engaged with fun, educational activities.
8. Alte Pinakothek
📍 Location: Kunstareal | 🎟️ Cost: €9 (€1 on Sundays)
Art has never really been my thing, so I didn’t spend much time at the Alte Pinakothek.
But even I was surprised by how vast the collection is—much larger than I expected. It showcases masterpieces by great artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Leonardo da Vinci.
While the Wi-Fi is limited and the audio guide isn’t the best, the art speaks for itself.
I heard plenty of people raving about the incredible works, and honestly, even if you’re not an art expert, standing face-to-face with these masterpieces is an experience you won’t forget.
9. Neue Pinakothek
📍 Location: Kunstareal | 🎟️ Cost: €7 (€1 on Sundays)
Just across the street from the Alte Pinakothek is Neue Pinakothek. This art museum showcases Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including the works of legends like Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne.
The gallery feels more personal than most, almost like stepping into an artist’s private collection. It’s not too big, so you can easily see everything in about an hour.
10. BMW Museum & BMW Welt
📍 Location: Near Olympiapark | 🎟️ Cost: €10 (museum), BMW Welt is free
Everyone knows Germany is the ultimate destination for car lovers, which is why the BMW Museum in Munich is a must-visit.
It’s packed with everything from classic BMWs to futuristic models, plus interactive exhibits that showcase the brand’s journey.
Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Unlike the full factory tour or the detailed BMW Museum, this is a quick and exciting way to experience BMW’s innovation without spending hours.
11. NS-Dokumentationszentrum
📍 Location: Maxvorstadt | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
The NS-Dokumentationszentrum is where Munich openly acknowledges its past.
As the city where the Nazi movement began, this museum provides a detailed, unbiased look at the events that shaped the 20th century.
The exhibits use historical documents, survivor testimonies, and well-researched displays to present the facts without distortion.
Entry to the exhibition is free, making it an accessible and important stop for anyone wanting to understand this part of history.
Parks & Outdoor Activities in Munich
12. English Garden (Englischer Garten)
📍 Location: City Center | 🎟️ Cost: Free
The English Garden is one of the biggest city parks in the world, even larger than Central Park in New York.
It’s a popular spot where locals picnic, jog, and relax by the water.
Sipping beer in this park on a pleasant afternoon was one of the most relaxing things I did on this vacation.
One of the most unexpected sights here? Surfers riding a wave on the Eisbach River—right in the middle of the city, but more on that later.
The park is huge, so use a map to navigate.
13. Eisbachwelle
📍 Location: Entrance of the English Garden | 🎟️ Cost: Free
Eisbachwelle is a man-made wave on the Eisbach River, located at the southern edge of the English Garden in Munich.
It’s one of the world’s most unique urban surfing spots, with skilled surfers riding the powerful, one-meter-high wave year-round, no matter the weather.
The wave is fast and challenging, making it ideal for experienced surfers, but it’s just as exciting to watch.
Seeing people surf right in the middle of the city, just minutes from historic landmarks, is a one-of-a-kind experience.
It’s a quick, free stop and best visited during the day when more surfers are in action.
14. Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz
📍 Location: City Center | 🎟️ Cost: Free
Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz are right next to each other, making it easy to visit both in one go.
Hofgarten (court garden) is a beautiful and peaceful park where you can take a relaxed stroll or just sit and unwind.
There’s a small pavilion in the middle that’s a great spot for photos, especially with the garden paths leading up to it.
Just outside the garden, you’ll find Odeonsplatz, a lively square surrounded by impressive buildings.
It’s a nice place to people-watch, snap some photos, and soak in the vibe of the city.
15. Olympiapark
📍 Location: North Munich | 🎟️ Cost: Free (some attractions require tickets)
I’m usually not a big fan of towers and panoramic views—they often feel impersonal and not really worth the time. But the Olympic Tower was an exception.
For one, there’s no exhausting climb like the one at Alter Peter. Here, a lift takes you straight to the top. And once you’re up there, the view is incredible.
You get a full panorama of Munich, and on a clear day, you can even see the Alps in the distance.
If you’re going to visit one tower in the city, this is the one to pick.
16. Hellabrunn Zoo (Tierpark Hellabrunn)
📍 Location: South Munich | 🎟️ Cost: €18
In my unpopular opinion, animals shouldn’t be kept in captivity, which is why I don’t include zoos in my itinerary and didn’t visit the Hellabrunn Zoo.
However, to help you find the best things to do in Munich, I’m adding it here.
Unlike traditional zoos, Hellabrunn Zoo is designed to mimic natural environments, making it feel more like an animal sanctuary than an exhibit.
Strolling through, you’ll encounter polar bears swimming, giraffes towering above the crowds, and playful penguins diving into crystal-clear waters.
An experience that kids will surely love.
Food, Beer & Markets in Munich
17. Hofbräuhaus
📍 Location: City Center | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
Loved by both locals and tourists, Hofbräuhaus is a beer hall you’ve got to visit to really get a feel for Munich’s culture.
At first, it might seem like just another pub, but with its long communal tables, lively Bavarian music, and the sound of beer steins clinking everywhere, it’s a vibe in itself.
No matter which month you visit Munich, this is the place to catch the Oktoberfest vibe.
18. Viktualienmarkt
📍 Location: Near Marienplatz | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
If you’re a foodie who loves trying local cuisine while traveling, Viktualienmarkt is the place to be in Munich.
This vibrant open-air market has over 140 stalls offering everything from fresh pretzels and Bavarian sausages to local cheeses and exotic fruits.
You can sample local delicacies, grab a drink at the beer garden under shady chestnut trees, and even pick up some souvenirs as you stroll through.
Just remember, it’s closed on Sundays.
19. Augustiner Bräustuben
📍 Location: Landsberger Str. 19, 80339 München, Germany | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
Augustiner Bräustuben offers an authentic Bavarian beer hall experience with a relaxed atmosphere.
While it is popular among locals, it also attracts tourists seeking genuine Bavarian culture.
As a vegetarian, you’ll find satisfying options like fresh pretzels, potato salad, and hearty dumplings.
Even if beer isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting to enjoy the lively ambiance and a traditional Bavarian cuisine.
It’s a great spot to experience Munich’s beer hall culture without the overwhelming tourist crowds found more famous establishments.
20. Eat a Weisswurst Breakfast
📍 Location: Various beer halls | 🎟️ Cost: €8–€12
A Munich tradition that might surprise first-time visitors—breakfast beer and white sausages.
Weisswurst, a soft, delicate white sausage, is served in a steaming bowl of water alongside fresh pretzels and sweet mustard.
Locals say it should only be eaten before noon, so grab a seat at a traditional beer hall and start your day the Bavarian way.
21. Café Frischhut (Schmalznudel Heaven!)
📍 Location: Viktualienmarkt area | 🎟️ Cost: Pastries from €3
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Café Frischhut is a must.
This tiny, no-frills bakery has been frying up Munich’s best Schmalznudel (Bavarian-style donuts) for decades.
Served hot and crispy, straight from the fryer, they’re golden, airy, and impossible to eat just one.
Day Trips & Seasonal Activities from Munich
22. Neuschwanstein Castle
📍 Location: Schwangau, 2 hours from Munich | 🎟️ Cost: €15
Built by the famously eccentric King Ludwig II—often called the ‘mad king’—the castle is known more for inspiring the Disney logo than for what it actually offers.
Getting there is a hassle.You’ll need to take a train, then a bus, and finally a walk to reach it.
The guided tours are at fixed times, so you have to plan carefully.
And once inside, it’s underwhelming; the palace is incomplete and far from the opulent fairytale image people expect.
If you’re curious just for the view, it’s better to head to one of the lookout points nearby where you can see the castle from afar—that’s where you’ll feel the Disney nostalgia.
I went with friends, which made the long journey bearable, but if you’re traveling solo, I’d say skip it.
23. Starnberger See
📍 Location: 30 km from Munich | 🎟️ Cost: Free
Lake trips are one of Germany’s unique offerings, and Bavaria is packed with stunning lakes.
I stayed closer to Starnberger See than to Munich, so I chose to visit this one.
Just a short 30-minute train ride from the city, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
It’s where locals spend their weekends with family, having BBQs, swimming, sailing, or just relaxing by the water.
But if you’re planning to visit just one lake, I’d recommend heading to Zugspitze instead. The views there are absolutely next level, with the Alps creating a breathtaking backdrop.
24. Zugspitze – Germany’s Highest Peak
📍 Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 90 min from Munich | 🎟️ Cost: €63 (round-trip cable car)
Zugspitze is a must-visit when you’re in Munich. I mean, where else can you see four countries from one spot?
At 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), it’s Germany’s highest mountain, offering panoramic views of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
You can easily get to the top by cable car or cogwheel train, so the journey’s as fun as the destination.
In winter, it’s great for skiing or just enjoying the snow, and in summer, the cool alpine air and glacier views make it the perfect escape from the city.
25. Oktoberfest
📍 Location: Theresienwiese | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
Oktoberfest is Munich’s biggest event and the world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Held from late September to early October, it’s a mix of huge beer tents, traditional Bavarian outfits, carnival rides, and classic German food.
If you’re planning to go, arrive early to grab a seat in the tents, especially on weekends.
Reservations aren’t required but can help secure a spot. You don’t have to drink beer to enjoy the festival—there’s plenty of food, music, and entertainment for everyone.
Just remember to bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for crowds and high-energy fun!
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Weekdays before 2 PM for fewer crowds
⭐ Tip: Book a beer tent reservation months in advance!
26. Christmas Markets
📍 Location: Marienplatz & various locations | 🎟️ Cost: Free entry
From late November to Christmas Eve, Munich turns into a winter wonderland.
Experiencing Munich’s Christmas markets is like stepping into a winter wonderland filled with festive charm, twinkling lights, and the comforting scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts.
The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz immerses you in centuries-old traditions, while the Kripperlmarkt showcases beautifully hand-carved nativity figures that capture the spirit of the season.
For a more artistic vibe, the Schwabinger Christmas Market offers unique, handcrafted gifts and live performances, creating a cozy, creative atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Christmas Village in the Residenz courtyard, where the magical setting makes holiday shopping feel truly special.
If there’s one thing that makes Munich truly magical in winter, it’s the enchanting Christmas markets, so do not miss it.
27. Salzburg, Austria
📍 Location: Salzburg, Austria | 🚆 Train Cost: €25–€40 (one way) | 🎟️ Sound of Music Tour: ~€50 per person
A short 1.5-hour train ride from Munich takes you across the border to Austria, making Salzburg an easy way to visit another country in a day.
This charming city offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning alpine views.
Explore the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, wander through the picturesque Old Town, and visit Mozart’s birthplace.
While you’re there, the Sound of Music tour is a nostalgic treat, taking you through iconic film locations and letting you relive childhood memories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Munich
1. What is the best time to visit Munich?
The best time to visit Munich is:
- Spring (April–June): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and blooming parks.
- Autumn (September–October): Oktoberfest season! Expect large crowds and higher prices.
- Winter (November–December): Christmas market magic and fewer tourists after New Year’s.
- For fewer crowds and the best overall experience, late spring or early autumn is ideal!
2. How many days do you need in Munich?
- 2 days: Cover major landmarks like Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and a beer garden visit.
- 3–4 days: Include museums, day trips like Neuschwanstein Castle, and more cultural experiences.
- 5+ days: Explore Munich deeply and take multiple day trips to places like Salzburg or the Bavarian Alps.
3. What is the best way to get around Munich?
Munich has an excellent public transport system (MVV):
- U-Bahn & S-Bahn (Subway & Suburban trains): Fastest way around the city.
- Trams & Buses: Great for short distances.
- Walking & Biking: The city center is very pedestrian-friendly!
- Day Ticket (€8.80) or Group Ticket (€17.10 for up to 5 people): Best value for unlimited travel.
4. Is Munich expensive to visit?
Munich is one of Germany’s pricier cities, but you can still visit on a budget:
- Budget travelers (€50–€80/day): Stay in hostels, eat at bakeries or beer gardens, use public transport.
- Mid-range (€100–€200/day): Enjoy traditional restaurants, visit attractions, and stay in 3-star hotels.
- Luxury (€250+/day): Stay in high-end hotels, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, and enjoy private tours.
