What are the best things to do in Munich? In this article, you can read all about the best Munich attractions!
Why should you visit Munich?
Munich is one of those cities that you can visit all year round. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy yourself in a large park and drink beers in one of the many beer gardens. In the colder months, there are many interesting museums and castles to visit. There’s something to do in every season and you can always enjoy the typical Bavarian dishes in a Brauhaus. In short: a city trip to Munich is a good idea at any time of the year.
The best things to do in Munich
What to do in Munich during a city break?
Have a beer in the Hofbräuhaus
Munich is the city of Oktoberfest and beer. It is, therefore, a must when you are in Munich to at least drink a beer in a bräuhaus. In the city you will find countless breweries, of which the Hofbräuhaus is the most famous. Cheers!
Visit the gorgeous Nymphenburg Palace
Before I visited Munich, I had no idea that there would be so many castles in (and in the vicinity of) Munich. I visited the impressive Nymphenburg Palace, which used to be a ‘summer cottage’ of the princes and kings of Bavaria. It’s huge and really beautiful!
Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche is a large Gothic church in the center of Munich. The church is best known for the Teufelstritt, a footstep of the devil.
Check out the Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is the main square in Munich and really a sight to see. The most striking building is the Neue Rathaus, where you can take an interesting guided tour. In the winter, you’ll also find a large Christmas market on Marienplatz.
Visit the English Garden NO
The Englischen Garten is a huge city park north of the old town. A wonderful place to relax during hot days or just to go for a walk. The most remarkable building in the garden is the Chinese tower, which also houses a beer garden.
Drink Glühwein on the street
Yes, it’s time for another delicious drink! In lots of places, you can drink mulled wine in a fun kitschy mug on the street (even in winter!). And while you’re at it, order currywurst. It’s a great combo!
Alte Pinakothek
The Alte Pinakothek is a museum that has been around since 1836. At the time, this was the largest museum building in the world. In the museum, you will mainly find paintings by European painters from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. For example, there are works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Peter Paul Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci.
By the way, you can visit two other pinakotheques in Munich:
- De Neue Pinakothek: in this museum you will find the continuation of the Alte Pinakothek, namely works from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
- Pinakothek der Moderne: as you might expect this is the museum of modern art.
Check out the crown jewels in the Münchner Residenz
Another beautiful palace in Munich is the Residenz, which used to be the official palace of the kings and princes of Bavaria. It’s an amazing place to visit and definitely one of the best things to do in Munich. This palace is gigantic, it has no fewer than 130 different rooms. There is a treasury full of gold crowns and jewelry that were worn by the monarchs. An absolute highlight is the Antiquarium, a huge corridor full of statues and paintings in which you have the impression that you have ended up in a movie.
Peterskirche
Do you enjoy a good view? Then you have to climb the 91-meter high tower of the Peterskirche. This is the oldest church in Munich but was unfortunately destroyed during the bombing raids in World War II. The church has since been rebuilt and offers one of the best views of Munich.
Enjoy a performance at the Nationaltheater
The Nationaltheater is the main theater building in Munich and home to the Bavarian State Orchestra, the Bavarian State Opera, and the Bavarian State Ballet. So you are always in the right place for a great night out during a city trip to Munich! Even if you are not so culture-minded, the Nationaltheater is a beautiful building to see.
Get a taste of Bayern
Besides the aforementioned Hofbrauhaus, there are many places where you can completely immerse yourself in the Bavarian food and drink culture. Do you want to learn more about it? During this 3-hour tour, you will visit the Oktoberfest Museum and taste some typical Bavarian dishes with – of course – some German beers. How about that for a fun night out in Munich!
Interesting day trips from Munich
Munich is in a beautiful location in southeastern Germany and is a good base from which to discover other beautiful places in that region.
Visit Dachau
Dachau Concentration Camp is not far from Munich and is easily accessible by train. Visiting this horrific place is undoubtedly very impressive. You can hardly imagine what terrible events took place there, but when you are there you just feel how awful it must have been.
Tip: You can visit Dachau on your own, but it is even more impressive with a professional guide who can tell you all about the history.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps the most fairytale-like castle in all of Europe. The location in the mountains and the panoramic view makes it a picture to see.
Tip: Book a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.
Salzburg, Austria
Munich is located near the border of Austria and close to the border, there is another incredibly beautiful city to discover: Salzburg. This is the city of Mozart and the Sound of Music and is full of beautiful castles. A lovely place to wander around for a day.
Tip: Don’t feel like figuring out how to get to Salzburg yourself? On this tour, you will travel to Salzburg by train (which is a beautiful ride!), get a guided tour, and a handy map of the Old Town.
Practical information
How to get to Munich and what are the best places to stay?
How to get to Munich?
- By train: Munich is located quite central in Europe and it’s very good accessible by train. Check the Rail Europe website for a timetable and prices.
- By bus: You can reach Munich from several destinations in Europe by Flixbus. Flixbus is a well-known bus company that focuses on long-distance bus travel. When you book early, tickets can be really cheap.
- By plane: Munich has an international airport. Check Skyscanner to find the cheapest tickets.
Where to stay in Munich?
What are the best places to stay in Munich? Here are some tips:
- € Jugend- und Familienhotel Augustin – Modernly furnished and perfect for groups and families. About 2 kilometers from the center (half an hour’s walk or a short metro ride).
- €€ Lizz Hotel Munich – Very nicely decorated 3* hotel within walking distance of the Aldstadt.
- €€€ DO & CO Hotel München – Beautiful 5* hotel with fitness center in the middle of the Altstadt.
Would you like to see all the options yourself? Check Booking.com for an overview of all available accommodations.
Munich CityTourCard
Like many major cities, Munich also has a special CityTourCard. With this card, you can use public transport for free and you get discounts at many museums, attractions, and restaurants.
Want to read more about Munich or Germany?
These travel guides are packed with tips:
Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest
In addition, you can also read a few things about traveling in Germany on this website. For example, also read these articles:
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