What are things to do in Munich? When talking about Germany, many people may first think of Berlin or Hamburg, which are the most famous tourist cities. And Munich, as the capital of Bavaria, has its own unique charm and heritage. The heavy ancient buildings are integrated with the modern lifestyle. You will never get bored walking in the ancient city. You can go shopping casually, and even the second-hand shops have great taste and details. There are many flavors of food and drink, and even simple dishes can be made into something fancy. Munich attractions are as wonderful as those of any other cities.
In this blog, we will discuss the best things to do in Munich. Whether you take a short trip in Munich, Germany, or study and work in Munich for a relatively longer time, the list may be helpful.
15 Best Things to Do in Munich
Following are some popular and widely recommended things to see and do in Munich, Germany. You can add them to your To-do List if interested.
1. 🕰 Enjoy Glockenspiel on Marienplatz - the Heart of Munich
Marienplatz is the core of Munich. So one of the best things to do in Munich is go to Marienplatz. The clock tower performance at the Old Town Hall next to it is worth seeing. As the bells ring, the dancing of retro puppets takes you through a century of European history. In the center of the square stands the Marian Column, and the golden statue of the Virgin Mary on top symbolizes the patron saint of the city.
The most eye-catching building in Marienplatz is the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). There are carillon performances every day, and mechanical puppets recreate the historical scenes of Bavaria in the 16th century. There are also many historic buildings and modern shops and restaurants around the square, making it an ideal place for shopping and tasting authentic Bavarian cuisine.
🎄 PS: It’s absolutely one of the best things to do in December since the Christmas market on Marienplatz is amazing! You must try some mulled wine. Pro tip: if you return the glass you can get a euro or two back.
📍 Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany (U-Bahn station of the same name)
🎫 Entry: Free
⏰ Opening Time: 24/7 daily
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours
2. ⛪️ St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) - the Best Viewing Platforms for Munich
What are free things to do in Munich? Visiting churches can be one of the options. Located in the center of Munich, the Peterskirche combines Gothic and Renaissance styles and has become a landmark building in the city. If you want to see the whole picture of Munich, don’t miss the excellent viewing point of the St. Peter’s Church tower.
It takes 306 steps to climb to the top of the tower, but don’t give up! The whole city of Munich is in full view. The Alps in the distance are looming at the end of the field of vision, the sun shines on every corner of the city, and the red brick buildings and blue sky and white clouds complement each other.
📍 Address: Peterspl. 1, 80331 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: Tour in the church: Free. To the viewing platform: €5 for adults, €2 for youths ages 6 to 18.
⏰ Opening Time: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: Less than 1 hour
3.🍻 Drink and Dine at Hofbräuhaus - Experience the " Beer Culture"
If you’re searching for cool things to do in Munch, hold up a heavy beer mug and drink it all, with white foam hanging from the corners of your mouth and smiling slightly – this is definitely the coolest!
Munich is a world-renowned beer capital and the venue for the Oktoberfest. So – how can you say you’ve been to Munich if you don’t drink a liter of beer before leaving??? After more than four centuries of vicissitudes, the Hofbräuhaus has become a shining pearl among Munich’s beer houses.
When you step into it, you will be instantly surrounded by a warm and cheerful atmosphere. The live band is playing cheerful traditional Bavarian music. The guests can’t help but dance, applaud and cheer to the melody. There are about 1,000 seats on the three floors, and it will be very lively from noon on. Invite your friends to have a drink!
📍 Address: Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: €20-€30 per person (tips are extra)
⏰ Opening Time: 11 a.m. to 12: p.m. daily
4. 🚗 BMW Museum - One of the Representatives of German industry
When it comes to places to visit in Munich, the BMW Museum must be at the top list. As the ultimate representative of the German industry, it showcases BMW’s classic and future designs, and there are many interactive experiences. You can even place an order and pick up the car directly! Next to it is the BMW headquarters.
As one of Munich’s landmarks, the BMW Four-Cylinder Building stands in front of the gate, while the museum itself is hidden in the bowl-shaped building next to it. The BMW Welt (free) opposite is a huge city exhibition hall that integrates interactive experience, new car delivery, motorcycles, Mini and Rolls-Royce showrooms.
📍 Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: €10 for adults
⏰ Opening Time: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am.-6 p.m.
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: From 2 hours
5. 🔬 Deutsches Museum - Largest Science & Technology Museum
Set aside enough time, bring your brain that craves knowledge, and start an adventure to explore the unknown at the Deutsches Museum! This is totally one of the top things to do in Munich since you’ll deeply understand the meaning of “Technology Feast”.
The museum focuses on aerospace, but also covers trains, bridges, cities, medical health, agriculture, etc. It is a paradise for science and technology enthusiasts. If you want to study and think while visiting, you probably won’t be able to finish the tour in two days. Even if you are not interested in technology, you will be attracted by the beauty and regularity of these industrial shapes. Each one expresses a history and a prospect, which is suitable for friends of all ages, both adults and children.
📍 Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: €18 for adults, €8 for children aged 6-17, free for children under 5, €31 for family (2 adults 1 child)
⏰ Opening Time: 9 am.-5 p.m. daily
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: From 2 hours
6. 🌳 English Garden (Englischer Garten) - Unfettered Natural Space
If you want free things to do in Munich, relaxing in the Englischer Garten must be on your list. It is one of the largest urban parks in the world, larger than New York’s Central Park. You can even see people surfing on the Eisbachwelle, which is suitable for cycling or picnicking.
Looking for fun things to do in Munich over the summer? Then you must find a sunny day in autumn to visit the English Garden!! The water surface is shimmering, and the leaves are starting to change color. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Bring your dog and friends to lie on the lawn, chatting and eating snacks. How wonderful!
🎫 Entry: Free
⏰ Opening Time: 24/7 daily
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours
7. 🏰 Schloss Nymphenburg - Timeless Baroque Palace
Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque palace and the summer residence of the Wittelsbach family, the ruling family of Bavaria. The palace was built in 1664 by Elector Ferdinand Maria to celebrate the birth of his son Maximilian II. After several expansions, it has become the large-scale building complex it is today. The name of Nymphenburg Palace means “Fairy City”. It is surrounded by vast gardens and canals, combining French and English garden styles. The palace has exquisite decorative art and a large number of precious historical relics. If you don’t know what to see in Munich, Germany, you cen’t miss the palace.
The most worthwhile places to visit in Nymphenburg Palace include:
- The main building of the palace, which features a luxurious banquet hall, Baroque ceiling frescoes, and the living quarters of the royal family.
- The Porcelain Museum – displays the famous Nymphenburg porcelain
- The Carriage Museum – a collection of carriages, cars and sleighs from Bavaria’s history
📍 Address: Schloß Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: Main Palace €8, Museum €6, Garden Palace €5, All-inclusive ticket €15, free for children under 18
⏰ Opening Time: March 28 – October 15, 09:00 am – 6:00 pm; October 16 – March 27, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, some rooms are closed
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: From 2 hours
8. 🦢 Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) - The Snowy Fairy Tale World
Question: What is there to see and do in Munich? The answer may vary for different people. But there is one destination that is definitely certain and unified: Neuschwanstein Castle! It is said that this is the inspiration for the Disney castle. This beautiful and dreamy place must be on the list of top things to do in Munich.
It is a Romantic-style castle built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Known for its white exterior walls and towering towers, it is called the “Fairytale Castle”. It is close to the Alps and there are many hiking and cycling routes around it. For example, Lake Forggensee is a good place for boating and swimming in summer. Tourists usually choose to stay in Fussen, a beautiful town at the foot of the Alps.
📍 Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
🎫 Entry: €18 for adults, free for children under 17
⏰ Opening Time: 9: 00/10:00 am – 4:00/6:00 pm, depending on seasons
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: half day to full day
9. 🥨 Explore the Viktualienmarkt - Harvest, Color, and Happiness
As one of the unique things to do in Munich, the Viktualienmarkt has a long long history. In the early 19th century, the current Marienplatz in the center of Munich was originally a farmers’ market. Because the area was too small, the king at that time ordered the expansion of the market area. The nearest area was opened up as a new farmers’ market, and the prototype of the Viktualienmarkt was formed. It gradually developed into the largest open-air market in Munich, with more than 100 stalls and shops, providing flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, etc., as well as many restaurants. Autumn is the harvest season, and the market is colorful.
As the most famous local food market, the Viktualienmarkt has more than 100 stalls. Here you can find traditional Bavarian snacks such as sausages and bagels, and taste freshly brewed beer. It is a good place to experience local life.
📍 Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: Free
⏰ Opening Time: Monday-Saturday 8:00 am-8:00 pm
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours
10. 🚵♀️ Picnic in the Olympiapark - Kiss the Green
In the Olympic Park, you can lie down on the largest lawn in Munich. Climb up the Olympic Hill to overlook the whole city and watch the beautiful sunset. The park covers over 200 acres, so it’s almost impossible to see it all in one visit. If you have limited time, you can take a 20-minute cable car ride for €7. Since it is one of the highest places in Munich, it is not hot in summer, so you can invite friends to have a picnic here. Or go boating in the lake in the park. Another perfect destination for free things to do in Munich.
📍 Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: Free
⏰ Opening Time: 24/7 daily
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: From 2 hours
11. 🛕 Munich Residenz (Münchner Residenz) - Experience Royal Life in Munich
This is another hot attraction in Munich. Locals say that you must visit the Munich Residenz if you want to understand Munich quickly. Munich Residenz is the former palace of the Bavarian monarchs, located in the center of Munich, Germany. The museum of the Munich Residenz houses furniture, paintings, carpets, sculptures, and treasures from the 16th to the 19th century, reflecting the highest level of interior art in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classical styles.
📍 Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
🎫 Entry: From €10
⏰ Opening Time: 9:00 am-6:00 pm from April 1 to October 19, 10:00 am-5:00 pm from October 20 to March of the following year
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: From 3 hours
12. 🛶 Königssee (Lake) + Ramsau - Magic Forest in Autumn
Germany in autumn is a colorful world, with surprises in every corner. Königssee and Ramsau are absolutely the best things to do in Munich over the summer.
💧 The water of Lake Königssee is crystal clear, and the red maple leaves on the lakeside echo the lake, which is soooo beautiful. Strolling along the path covered with fallen leaves, feeling the coolness of the lake and the fresh air, it is refreshing and satisfies all your fantasies about autumn in Bavaria.
🌲 The Magic Forest, a place full of mystery, is a famous tourist destination in Germany. In the Magic Forest in autumn, the leaves change color, and the whole red color comes into view, as if it were cast by magic, which is amazing. You can stroll in the forest and feel the beauty of autumn
📍 Address: 83471 Schönau am Königssee, Germany
🎫 Entry: Boat trip: €25 round trip
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day
13. ⚽ Allianz Arena - Home of Bayern Munich
This is definitely the most crazy place in Munich! Allianz Arena in Munich is a fortress made of steel and passion. Feel the surging tide of football culture and immerse yourself in this world-renowned sports coordinate, where glory and dreams intertwine.
The Allianz Arena is a great place to visit in Munich at any time of year. If you are lucky enough to visit on a match night, this majestic work of architecture will bring you a completely different experience. At that time, the lights of the stadium will complement the darkening night, and the entire stadium will be shrouded in red, like a spaceship descending from the sky, taking the audience’s breath away.
📍 Address: Werner-Heisenberg-Allee 25, 80939 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: FC Bayern Museum + Arena Tour €25
⏰ Opening Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: From 2 hours
14. 🏫 Munich New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) - Witness of History
The Munich New Town Hall was built in the 19th century. It is a tall and majestic brown-black Gothic building. The niches between its front windows are decorated with statues of Bavarian kings, saints, and mythological heroes. It took 40 years to build from 1867.
In fact, the New Town Hall has two parts, the old and the new, which can be distinguished by the staggered steps inside. The focus of the visit is the large and small parliament halls and the Law Library. The old town hall next to it was used before 1874. In the past, it was the entrance to Munich. The neo-Gothic style seen now is the result of post-war reconstruction. There is a large ballroom inside that was rebuilt based on that year, and the rest of the part is used as a toy museum. The city’s official website has a guided tour of the town hall, and you can visit the old and new town halls in about 2 hours
📍 Address: Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: €3 for adults
⏰ Opening Time: Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 a.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
15. 🕌 Frauenkirche - There Are Devil's Footprints
The Frauenkirche has two Byzantine-style towers and is the largest church in Munich. It is said that the architect promised the devil that he would build him a windowless church. After the church was built, the architect brought the devil in. From the doorway, there was no window (in fact, the tall stone pillars just blocked every window). When the devil came in, he saw the dazzling light coming in from the windows on both sides, and stamped his feet in anger, leaving the devil’s footprints at the door. 👣
The South Tower is open to the public, from where one can overlook the entire city of Munich and the Alps in the distance. There are a large number of works by masters of art from the 14th to 18th centuries inside the church, and a large number of stained glass windows in the nave.
📍 Address: Frauenplatz 1, 80331 München, Germany
🎫 Entry: Free
⏰ Opening Time: Open daily, hours vary according to season
⌛️ Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
What are Things to Do in Munich? - Plan Your Travel
When planning your short trip to Munich, it’s recommended that you spend 2-3 days in the city:
Day 1 🏛: City walk in the Old Town (Altstadt) + Deutsches Museum
Day 2 🚘: BMW Museum + English Garden + Nymphenburg Palace
Day 3 🦢: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip
If you’re studying in Munich, then you can enjoy much more time to discover the best things to do in Munich. When choosing Munich housing, uhomes.com can be your reliable assistant to book student accommodation in Munich, including student flats, studio apartments, houses for rent in Munich, etc. 470+ verified properties are for your choice.
Conclusion
There are so many things to do in Munich. In addition to Berlin, Munich is also a treasure city with rich tourism resources and historical traces. Majestic churches, sacred palaces, foaming beer, dreamy castles, and bustling markets can all bring a strong sense of happiness and satisfaction to tourists or locals. Munich’s romance and splendor are integrated into every brick and tile of the city. The heart of Bavaria is still beating vigorously after years of washing. Even when you want to find fun things to do in Munich over the summer, options are still various. Every season has a different color and style, which together make up the scenery of the city of Munich.
FAQ
What is Munich best known for?
Munich is known for many things, the most famous of which may be the Oktoberfest and the soccer team FC Bayern Munich. In addition, Neuschwanstein Castle and many solemn churches also attract many tourists.
Is 2 days in Munich enough?
If you are only going to Munich for a short trip, two days are enough for you to visit the most representative and famous tourist attractions. This is a very suitable time!
Is Munich, Germany worth visiting?
YES! Yes, Munich, Germany is definitely worth a visit. Especially if you are interested in German culture, beautiful architecture, excellent beer, and the world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations. However, some people may find it too traditional or “local” compared to other German cities like Berlin or Hamburg, depending on their preferences.
Is Munich a walkable city?
Yes, Munich is considered one of the most walkable cities in the world. There are many car-free zones and pedestrianized shopping areas. Historic buildings and modern amenities also make it a great place to walk.
What is the best month to visit Munich?
The best months to visit Munich are generally considered to be April or May in the spring. The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer months, and the city is full of flowers, perfect for outdoor activities. Alternatively, September or early October are also good options to experience the city before the Oktoberfest crowds arrive. If you want to experience this internationally famous fest, just come during the Oktoberfest.
