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- June 22, 2024
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10 Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany
Munich is nothing short of amazing! In a city steeped in history, culture, and a hearty love for life, there is no shortage of things to do in Bavaria’s capital. From stunning architecture to world-renowned beer, Munich has something for every kind of traveler. Of course, there’s only so much you can fit into your visit, so here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany.
1. Marienplatz
Start your exploration of Munich at its central square, Marienplatz. Marienplatz, the vibrant heart of Munich, has been central to the city’s history and culture since its establishment in the 12th century. The square was originally built as the city’s main marketplace and quickly became the focal point for trade, which made Munich a hub in Bavaria.
Today, this pedestrian-only area is surrounded by beautiful buildings like the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall, with its famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel. A few times a day (11AM, 12PM, and 5PM), the clock tower chimes and the figures on the Glockenspiel reenact scenes from Munich’s history. It was a little underwhelming, but it’s fun to see it due to the history behind it.
Walking around the square, you’ll also see street performers entertaining crowds, which was really fun! While we were there, a music group played traditional Bavarian music, which made us happy and gave us a real German welcome. Restaurants, cafes, and shops also line the streets, offering a variety of traditional Bavarian cuisine and souvenirs to take home.
Marienplatz also hosts many events throughout the year including concerts, markets, and festivals such as the iconic Oktoberfest! The square transforms into a large Christmas market during Christmas time, with many festive decorations. We haven’t been here in the winter, but we can only imagine how magical it must feel here during this time!
2. Frauenkirche
But, hold on a second, Marienplatz is more than just a bustling marketplace! It’s also home to some of Munich’s most iconic landmarks! We already mentioned the Old and New Town Hall, but the Frauenkirche, with its recognizable twin towers, stands tall in the background! This church, also known as the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, has a rich history and is a must-visit for any tourist in Munich. Built in the late 15th century, it suffered significant damage during World War II, but restoration efforts have preserved its stunning architecture and interior. You can also climb the towers to enjoy a beautiful view of the city!
3. Mariensäule
Also within Marienplatz, you will see the Mariensäule, or Mary’s Column, which was erected in the 17th century to celebrate the end of the Swedish invasion from the Thirty Years’ War. On top of the column, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary stands tall, with her arms outstretched and a crown on her head. It is considered one of the most important religious monuments in Munich and is often decorated with flowers and candles by locals as a sign of devotion. The locals here look at Mariensäule for protection and guidance, making it a significant part of the city’s culture and history!
4. Hofbräuhaus
A short walk from Marienplatz, you can visit Hofbräuhaus, one of the world’s most famous beer halls! Duke Wilhelm V commissioned the brewery’s construction, and Hofbräuhaus has been serving delicious brews since 1589. The atmosphere is crazy and you’ll find people dancing on tables, singing along to traditional Bavarian music, and enjoying giant pretzels and sausages!
They actually just built a Hofbräuhaus near us in Buffalo recently, so they’re expanding their reach! It’s a very cool place, and its architecture and size make it one of the coolest restaurants/breweries we’ve ever been to. Prost!
5. Englischer Garten
If you want a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, you can do so at one of the world’s largest urban parks – Englischer Garten (English Garden). The northern part of the park is quiet if you’re looking to relax. If you’re looking for another beer hall, the most popular one in the area is Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower). Chinese Tower is a 25-meter tall pagoda, surrounded by a beer garden that can hold up to 7000 people! There’s also good Bavarian food here that you can enjoy while listening to live music.
6. Nymphenburg Palace
It’s funny to call Nymphenburg Palace an underrated stop, but it really is! When we were originally searching for things to do in Munich, Nymphenburg Palace was very much an afterthought in the blogs we read. Well, we’re here to tell you that, aside from Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace was one of our favorite places to visit in Munich! Built in 1664, this beautiful palace was once the summer residence of Bavarian rulers.
Just the pure size and beauty of the exterior are worth a visit, but you can also take a tour of the inside. Inside, you’ll find very lavishly decorated rooms, which show off the wealth and power of the Bavarian rulers. A few of the most popular spots within the Palace are The Great Hall, The Gallery of Beauties, The Queen’s Apartment, and the Porcelain Museum.
Above all else, our favorite part was just walking the Palace grounds and taking in the stunning gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Swans were swimming in the fountain and it was such a beautiful and peaceful setting. All we can say is don’t leave a visit to Nymphenburg Palace off your Munich itinerary!
7. Olympiapark Munich
Another one of the best places to visit in Munich is the Olympiapark, which was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics! Olympiapark is a giant park with plenty of recreational activities, including a lake for swimming and paddle boating, bike trails, and even a concert venue. It’s also home to the iconic Olympic Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city. The Olympic Tower, built specifically for the Olympics, stands at a whopping 955 feet tall! It’s definitely worth a visit for the views alone.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a roof tour on top of the stadium! They also have a rope slide across the Olympic Stadium for any adrenaline seeker. Alternatively, you can simply take a stadium tour. What we enjoyed most at Olympiapark was strolling through the park and taking in all the sights. We were there for a few hours, and at the very end, a major storm swept in! It was quite a shock, but it’s a funny memory we look back on fondly!
8. BMW Museum
Located right next to Olympiapark is the BMW Museum, a must-visit for car enthusiasts. The museum showcases the rich history of BMW and their innovations over the years. It’s a fantastic place to see some rare and iconic cars up close, including vintage models.
Even if cars aren’t your main interest, the architecture of the museum is worth a visit. You can just take a walk to it and snap a cool photo of this unique museum! Architect Karl Schwanzer designed the museum and it’s pretty hard to wrap your head around the engineering and design that went into it.
Overall, visiting the Olympiapark and the BMW Museum offers a great blend of modern and historical Munich. Whether you’re into sports, cars, or just want to enjoy some beautiful views, this destination is definitely not to be missed.
9. Allianz Arena
A big part of Munich culture is their love for soccer (or football if you’re not from America)! The Allianz Arena is the home stadium for both of Munich’s major football teams, FC Bayern and TSV 1860 München. TSV 1860 is lesser known, but FC Bayer Munich is one of the most famous football teams in the world! Something cool about this stadium is how modern it is and the exterior can change colors based on which team is playing!
If you can’t catch a game, The Allianz Arena offers tours where you can see behind-the-scenes areas such as the press conference room and players’ locker rooms. You can also visit the FC Bayern Museum to learn about the history of the team. If you happen to catch a game at this stadium, be prepared for an exciting and energetic atmosphere! Besides sports events, the Allianz Arena also hosts concerts and other entertainment events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.
10. Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is the most popular museum in Germany, and it’s a must-see if you’re into science and technology! Located on an island in the Isar River, this massive museum covers over 50 different fields, from aerospace and energy to transportation and beyond.
One of the coolest things about the Deutsches Museum is its interactive and hands-on exhibits. You can actually touch and play with a lot of the displays, making it super fun for families with kids. Whether you’re experimenting with electricity or exploring the basics of physics, there’s plenty to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
For those who love history, the museum offers a fascinating look at how technology has evolved. You can check out early machinery, and old medical instruments, and see how ancient engineering worked. Plus, there are sections dedicated to modern advancements, showing off the latest in tech and innovation.
The aerospace and transportation exhibits are main highlights, featuring real aircrafts and vehicles from different eras. You can even step inside some of them to get a feel for what it would have been like to travel in the past.
Overall, the Deutsches Museum is a blend of education and fun. Whether you’re curious about the history of technology or excited by the latest scientific discoveries, there’s something for everyone. It’s a top spot in Munich and definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
Day Trips from Munich
Something we LOVED about Munich was its fantastic day trip opportunities! Below are a few of the many day trip opportunities:
1. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace
Our first-day trip treated us to the charm of some of the world’s most beautiful castles! Starting with Linderhof Palace, we were blown away by its stunning architecture and gardens. Linderhof Palace was the only palace completed during King Ludwig II’s lifetime and served as his personal retreat. Next, we visited Neuschwanstein Castle, known as the real-life inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. It’s no wonder why this castle is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Germany because it is breathtaking! The exterior felt magical and the views we got of the Bavarian Alps within the castle were epic! When you visit Munich, you must take this day trip by Viator!
2. Salzburg, Austria
One of our favorite day trips that we have ever done in Europe was our day trip from Munich to Salzburg, Austria! Only a 1.5-hour train ride, this day trip was the perfect length and allowed us to see another country while still having Munich as our home base. Salzburg is a charming city, known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the beloved film, The Sound of Music. We walked around the old town, visited Mozart’s birthplace, ate at the World’s Oldest Restaurant, and explored the beautiful Mirabell Palace gardens! Another highlight was taking a funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, where we got stunning views of the city below! This day trip was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Munich and we can’t recommend taking this day trip by Viator enough!
If you want to learn all about the ins and outs of this day trip, check out our blog “One Day in Salzburg: What to See & Do”.
3. Dachau Concentration Camp
We didn’t take this day trip, but it is another popular option from Munich. Dachau Concentration Camp was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis and served as a model for all later camps. This day trip is a sad and important one, providing visitors with a glimpse into the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust. It’s an emotional experience but also an incredibly educational one.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Munich
In Munich, the best places to stay are in the city center or near the main train station. This will give you easy access to all of the top sights and attractions as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping. Some popular neighborhoods for tourists include Marienplatz, Schwabing, and Haidhausen.
However, if you want a more unique and local experience, consider staying in the trendy neighborhoods of Glockenbachviertel or Maxvorstadt. These areas are known for their hip cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Accommodations in Munich
In Munich, you can find a variety of accommodations to fit any budget. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone.
For a luxurious stay, you can stay at the renowned Hotel Bayerischer Hof or the elegant Mandarin Oriental. For mid-range options, check out hotels like Platzl Hotel, Hotel Am Markt, and Mercure Hotel Muenchen City Center.
For budget and solo travelers, hostels are a great option and often have a fun social atmosphere. Some highly rated hostels in Munich include Wombats City Hostel Munich, Euro Youth Hotel Munich, The Tent Munich, and The 4You Hostel.
Another option that we always highly recommend in Europe is Airbnbs. Airbnbs here will typically save you money, but also give you more personal space! If you’re looking to ball on a budget when traveling, get an Airbnb with a kitchen and cook your meals instead of eating out each meal!
No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book your accommodations at least 2-3 months in advance as hotels can fill up quickly during peak tourist season!
Restaurants in Munich
Munich’s culinary scene is a treat for every taste bud. From traditional Bavarian dishes to international dishes, the city offers a large array of food options. Below are a few great authentic German restaurants:
1. Hofbräuhaus München
As we said earlier in this blog, Hofbräuhaus in Munich is a historic and iconic beer hall, renowned worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional Bavarian charm, and, of course, beer. This is one of the most famous German restaurants and is really hard to get in. We tried our best to eat in here, but it was PACKED! If you want to try this restaurant out, you better make a reservation! Thankfully, we were able to get inside to look around and feel the incredible vibes within that included communal wooden tables and lively music from the in-house band.
2. Ayinger am Platzl
Now this is a restaurant we were able to try, and we really enjoyed it! The main meal you will want to try here in Germany is schnitzel. Schnitzel is a classic German dish that is thin, breaded fried meat cutlets. Enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and classic sides like potato salad! We also highly recommend trying the cheese platter, which has so many interesting and yummy flavors! I (Maddy) also had the best lemonade EVER at this restaurant, which was mixed and freshly made.
3. Glockenspiel am Münchner Rathaus
Getting Around Munich
One of our favorite things about Munich was its public transportation, which was easily the best public transportation system we’ve experienced in Europe. The city is served by a network of trams, buses, and underground trains (U-bahn). We just loved how there were above-ground trams that took us everywhere. They were also so clean and modern! You can purchase single tickets or day passes, or for longer stays you may want to consider getting the Munich City Tour Card which offers discounts on transportation and attractions.
Transportation may seem small in importance when planning your trip, but trust us, it can make a huge difference. The last thing you want is to waste precious time trying to figure out how to get from one place to another or spending extra money on taxis. It was quick, efficient, and easy to understand if you plugged your destinations into Apple Maps!
When to Visit Munich
The best time to visit Munich is during the spring and summer months, from May to October. This period brings the city to life with festivals and events, including the famous Oktoberfest celebration! Keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds, longer lines, and higher prices.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April and November. While the weather may be cooler, you can still enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city without the peak-season hustle.
Munich’s Christmas markets also offer a magical experience and are worth considering if you enjoy festive atmospheres. The city dazzles with holiday decorations and lights, and there are numerous events and activities to partake in. Just be sure to dress warmly, as winter temperatures can drop below freezing.
FAQs about visiting Munich
1. What are the must-sees of Munich?
The top attractions in Munich include Marienplatz, the famous square in the city center where you can see the Glockenspiel, Englischer Garten, Olympiapark Munich, a tour of Nymphenburg Palace, and the Deutsches Technology Museum.
2. Besides what is listed, what are some other popular things to do in Munich?
The other top attractions of Munich include the Alte Pinakothek Art Museum, Neue Pinakothek Art Museum, Pinakothek der Moderne, and Skyline Theme Park (1 hour drive).
3. How do I get around Munich?
The public transportation system in Munich is efficient and easy to use. You can purchase single tickets or day passes at any station, which will give you access to buses, trains, and trams. If you prefer to explore on foot or by bike, there are also plenty of options for rentals.
4. Best things to do in Munich for families with kids?
Some popular activities for families with kids in Munich include visiting the Tierpark Hellabrunn Zoo, exploring the interactive exhibits at the Deutsches Museum, and visiting Skyline Park. Families can also enjoy a day at one of Munich’s many parks, such as the English Garden or Olympiapark, with playgrounds and open spaces to play in.
5. Can I do a day trip to Berlin?
A day trip to Berlin would be difficult, but it is possible. It’s about a 4 hour train ride, so if you’re willing to leave early and get back late, then it’s certainly possible. A weekend in Berlin would be the better choice.
Final Thoughts about Best Things to Do in Munich
Overall, we loved Munich, and it really took us by surprise! We enjoyed so many things here, and the atmosphere is just amazing. Not only are there plenty of historical attractions, but the city also offers a great mix of outdoor activities, delicious food, and family-friendly options. We highly recommend adding Munich to your travel bucket list and spending a few days here. Munich is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Germany, so what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure in Munich now, and as always, safe travels!
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