The capital city of Bavaria Munich is a must-see when in Europe and it’s not just about the famous Oktoberfest!
There are many amazing things to do in Munich Germany from baroque churches to thriving markets and art galleries or museums.
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Munich is the third largest city in Germany and the feel here is very different from Berlin or the Rhine Valley. The old city was once upon a time surrounded by medieval walls. Today, three of the huge old city gates remain and mark the outline of the city centre.
You could easily spend a week here exploring this vibrant city and this list will help you plan your stay here with the best things to do in Munich.
1. Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the main square and the true heart of the city. Platz means square in German and it has been named after the Virgin Mary (Marienplatz = Mary’s Square) whose statue you can see on top of the column in the centre of the square.
During medieval times the square used to host the main market here, today the only time you’ll find markets here is during Christmas time. The Christmas markets are one of the best things to do in Munich in December, so if you visit during that time you will get to see the square in a very different way.
Munich’s top 2 attractions are located here at Marienplatz: The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its famous Glockenspiel and the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus).
2. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
You might look at the very ornate Neo-gothic facade of the New Town Hall and consider it very old yet, the Old Town Hall is actually at the end of the square – a simpler greyer-looking building.
The New Town Hall building dates only from the late 19th century, completed in 1892. That facade is 100 metres long and the building was extended to 400 rooms. It was needed as the population of Munich increased rapidly at the end of the 19th century and the decision was made to build a new much bigger town hall.
You can ride the elevator to the middle gallery of the building’s 85-metre tower for views over the city as well.
Daily at 11 am and noon every day, and at 5 pm from March to October, everyone stops to watch the famous Glockenspiel. The Glockenspiel is one of the best-loved traditions of the city and one of the things to do in Munich at a set time so do try to plan your other visits around it.
What is the Glockenspiel?
The Glockenspiel is a musical instrument with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures and it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century:
The top half of the Glockenspiel tells the story of the marriage of the local Duke Wilhelm V (who also established the famous Hofbräuhaus) to Renata of Lorraine. To represent this happy couple there are life-sied knights in white and blue (the colours of Bavaria) and red and white, the colours of Lothringen.
The bottom half and the second story depict Schäfflertanz (the coopers’ dance). According to the myth, 1517 was a year of plague in Munich. The coopers started the dance on the streets of Munich in celebration of the end of the plague.
The Bavarian duke Wilhelm IV ordered the dance be re-enacted every seven years to keep the deadly disease in the collective memory. The latest dance was held here during the German Carnival in 2019. If you happen to be here in 2026, it will be held again and one of the coolest things to do in Munich.
3. The Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)
A short walk from the main square of Munich, you’ll find Munich’s largest cathedral. Its twin 100-metre-tall towers topped with Renaissance onion-shaped domes are now easily recognisable landmarks of the city.
You can climb one of the towers for some epic views, but don’t miss seeing the interior, and while there look for the devil’s footprint. This is one of those quintessential things to do in Munich.
According to legend, this footprint in the entrance hall was made by the devil himself. The main architect and master asked the devil for help with the church and he promised that there would be no windows in the church.
Once completed, the devil returned and he could not see any windows at first, as they were covered by the columns. Out of joy he stamped up and left his footprint on the ground. Then he stepped forward and discovered the windows. He felt deceived and turned into a wind which seems to be always present around the entrance.
Address: Frauenplatz 1, 80331 München
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4. St Peter’s Church
The tall spire of St Peters Church can be seen above buildings as you explore the central part of Munich. Locals call it the Old church as it is one of the oldest in the city of Munich. Originally founded by monks on a small hill in the 14th century, St Peters had a few Gothic and Baroque touch-ups over the years.
It’s worth going inside to see some red marble monuments by Erasmus Grasser and the 15th-century altar with sculptures of the last judgment,
And if you love a good view, you can climb 306 steps to the top of the bell tower which reaches 91 metres and offers panoramic views as far as the Alps on a clear day! If you are looking for a workout this is one of the best things to do in Munich.
Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München
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5. Viktualienmarkt
This is my favourite part in the centre of Munich to just hang out. When at the end of the 19th century, the main Marineplat became too small for the city market it was moved here, just a short walk away.
You will find plenty of food here: fresh fruit, vegetables, cured meats and cheeses, and small stands with vendors selling typical German snacks. Sausage anyone? If so, try the ‘weisswurst’, the white Bavarian sausage.
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6. Hofbräuhaus am Platzl
There is no doubt that Munich and beer are connected. There are a few original breweries, but the Hofbrauhaus is the most famous one. It’s located in the old city and 5 minutes walk from Marienplatz.
Having a beer or meal here is one of the fun things to do in Munich. There is a band playing, the staff is dressed up and you can even buy some souvenirs.
The beers are huge 1-litre big glasses called Steins! Get that photo and enjoy the atmosphere.
7. Try one of Munich’s famous cakes in a konditorei
Yes, I know you’d think Munich is all about beer, sausages, and pork knuckle. But when it comes to the traditional German tradition of “Kaffe & Kuchen” meaning Coffee & Cake time, Munich delivers. While there are bakeries around the town, what you need to look for is ‘konditorei’ which are essentially patisserie shops.
Some of the “must-eat cakes” are the Prinzregententorte, a Bavarian sponge cake made with chocolate buttercream and apricot jam, and the Bienenstich, a classic German treat with almonds and vanilla cream or Baumkuchen.
Delve into Munich’s dark past and the birth of the Nazi ideology on this 2.5-hour city walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, discover the sites that provided backdrops to Adolf Hitler and his followers as they set about founding the Third Reich, giving Munich its title as the ‘Capital of the Nazi Movement.
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8. BMW Museum & BMW Welt
Munich is the home of world-famous German exports such as BMW. If you are a car fan, this is not to be missed. The BMW Museum has examples of almost all models over the years. The ticket costs 10 euros and is best booked on the official website.
Right next to the BMW Museum is the BMW Welt a futuristic steel-and-glass building that is essentially a huge showroom of cars and motorcycles of the future with interactive exhibits. Since it opened it became the most visited tourist attraction in Bavaria. Oh, and it’s free of charge to visit.
Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München
9. Munich Residenz
This is where the past comes alive. Munich has been the seat of dukes and kings of Bavaria and they lived here, inside multiple dazzling palaces connected with courtyards.
Today you can visit several museums, including the Treasury and the Court Church of All Saints (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), and Cuvilliés-Theatre.
Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 München
10. The English Garden
If someone told you that one of the best things to do in Munich is to visit the English Garden, you might consider it unusual. Let me explain.
First of all the name “English Garden” (Englischer Garten) was given because it was laid out in the style of an English landscape park.
It is the largest city park in Germany covering a whopping 910 acres and it is bigger than Central Park in NYC. There are trees, plants, a manmade lake, and 78 kilometres of paths.
It’s also home to the Chinese Tower, Japanese Teahouse, and Bavarian National Museum and you can even surf here.
Yes, the biggest curiosity of the park is the Eisbachwelle, a wave created by the emergence of the Eisbach river from its underground course. This is where the experience surfers come to ride the wave as the crowds gather to watch surfers’ tricks. Who knew surfing would be one of the things to do in Munich Germany?
11. Alte Pinakothek
For any art lover, the Alte Pinakothek is a must-see. This is one of the world’s oldest art galleries and its design was an inspiration for other galleries in Rome or St Petersburg.
Once again we can thank the Wittelsbach dynasty and King Ludwig I who gave the order to have this gallery built. The gallery houses a collection of art that includes German, French, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, think Ruben, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and even Leonardo da Vinci.
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12. Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest museum of technology and science. The entire museum is also built on its own island on the river Isar and its 17,000 relics can keep you busy and interested for a few hours.
The permanent exhibitions from astronautics to classical optics, from chemistry to robotics, and from the Kids’ Kingdom to health. It houses an extensive collection of transport such as trains, aircraft, cars, and bicycles. The ticket costs 15 euros.
Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München
13. Olympia park
Exactly 50 years ago Munich hosted the Olympics. It’s been a while yet Munich’s 1972 Olympic Park is still popular today. The park has been turned into a massive active centre and can be a nice place to spend a few hours.
14. Asam Church (Asam Kirche)
There are a few churches worth visiting when in Munich and the Asam Church is known as the most beautiful.
The beautiful Rococo church is dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk and is known for being richly decorated with stucco figures, frescoes, and oil paintings. The Asam brothers, who spent 13 years constructing the church, designed it in a Baroque style and when you step inside you’ll be stunned by all the details.
Address: Sendlinger Straße 32, 80331 München
15. Nymphenburg Palace and gardens
If you wish to follow in the footsteps of the Wittelsbach family, you may want to visit their lavish summer residence from the 17th century.
There are multiple parts to explore, from Central Pavilion, Palace Chapel, and in the gardens the Amalienburg which is a hunting lodge well known for its famous Hall of Mirrors.
Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München
Where to Stay in Munich
We recommend choosing a hotel that is close to city centre of Munich-for easy access to the best restaurants, bars, markets and public transport options. Staying in the heart of the city will allow you to walk to many of the city’s top attractions.
Find our top hotel recommendations below.
Luxury Hotel: DO & CO Hotel München – This is a beautiful hotel! Excellent location, staff and close to all the best sites in the city.
Mid Range Hotel: Europäischer Hof – Spacious, comfortable rooms within 5 minute walk from the Central Station. Excellent location and top rated breakfast included in the price.
Mid Range Hotel: Hotel Schlicker – Location doesn’t get much better than this! Right in the heart of the action, near to bars, restaurants and city sites. Fantastic breakfast included in the rate.
Budget Hotel: King’s Hotel Center Superior – This fantastic hotel is in an excellent location, and very near to the train station.
SEARCH MORE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN MUNICH
Recommended Day Trip Tours from Munich
Salzburg:
Salzburg is an easy day trip from Munich. The birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the film The Sound of Music, Salzburg makes for a perfect day trip from Munich. You can catch the train there or for a hassle-free fun and easy way to visit Salzburg in a day why not join a small group day tour?
Salzburg Sightseeing Small-Group Day Tour by Rail – Make your way with the group to the train, heading to Salzburg, Austria. Relax on the comfortable train ride to Salzburg, take a guided tour of city attractions, and then enjoy hours of free time to explore. Soak up Austrian history, taste local delicacies, and capture photos of the city set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps.
This Day Tour includes a guided tour of Salzburg’s Mozart and The Sound of Music sites, Domkirche Cathedral and Festung Hohensalzburg fortress, and return train tickets from Munich. BOOK THIS TOUR
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Neuschwanstein:
The most famous German castle is not to be missed. If you’ve seen Disney’s ‘Cinderella’, you’ve already seen something of Neuschwanstein – the ultimate unthinkable project of Bavaria’s ‘Mad King Ludwig’.
The best way to visit is to join this small group day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle or this Day Tour that includes both Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace.
Alternatively, you might like this full-day tour to explore the Bavarian countryside in addition to your castle visit mentioned above.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site:
The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Small Group Tour from Munich is a trip with a professional guide to this memorial site, set on the grounds of the former concentration camp.
The tour includes round-trip transportation and a guide. Tour the exhibition centre and former compound with your professional guide and learn about Dachau’s history. BOOK THIS TOUR
Travel Tips for Europe
We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.
Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.
These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.
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