TheMunichGuide

The 20 best things to do in Munich, Germany

A local’s list of the top tourist attractions, highlights, and things to do in munich..

Are you planning a trip to Bavaria’s capital? And now you are wondering about the best things to do in Munich? What to see and what to skip?

Well, then I got you covered. I have been living in Munich for the past 20 years and I love exploring my hometown. So, in this guide, I am going to show you the absolute must-sees and top tourist attractions . But I also mixed in some insider tips along the way so you get a memorable experience beyond the beaten tourist tracks, so you can plan your perfect Munich itinerary (<- click to read mine)

The Marienkirche as seen from the new Town Hall

Munich has a history of more than 800 years and is now the third-largest city in Germany. It’s also the most affluent region of my country, which sadly means you’ll face higher prices than in Berlin or Cologne. But let that not deter you – there are plenty of bargains to be had and I’m going to reveal some of them to you in this travel guide.

The Siegestor at the end of the Ludwigstrasse in the hear of Munich

You will probably need around 3-4 days to see it all. There are some beautiful day trip options from Munich , so you could basically stay a week or more. But I also prepared a one day Munich itinerary , for those in a hurry. Anyways, let’s get started with my favorite Munich highlights, shall we?

1. Marienplatz

The imposing neogothic new town hall on Marienplatz in Munich

Start your Munich tour at the heart of the city. The Marienplatz (Square of our Lady) with its imposing neo-gothic city hall (“ Neues Rathaus “) is one of the best photography spots in the city . Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. the gigantic carillon comes to life. The Munich Glockenspiel is the largest in Germany and you’ll find the square particularly crowded around these times (for a reason).

You’ll find many traditional restaurants and shops around the Marienplatz, but it’s not exactly the place where locals hang out or enjoy their dinner (but you might enjoy the Rathaus Keller right below the city hall for lunch). As it is also the start of the Munich pedestrian area , you should definitely consider walking all the way up to Stachus, as there are a couple of beautiful churches along the way and many shops to get a nice souvenir.

The station underneath Marienplatz is also quite famous. I listed it among the 10 most beautiful subway stations in Munich . So, if you are a fan of modern architecture, don’t miss it. You can read more about Marienplatz here .

Note: You can actually climb the tower of the city hall for a small fee of 4.00 euros per person. You’ll get the best view, however, from the Alter Peter church tower (see below). It’s featured in my list of the 20 best photo locations in Munich .

2. Munich Residence Palace

The Munich Residence Palace in the heart of Bavaria's capital

The Münchner Residenz has been the seat of the Bavarian kings, prince-electors, and dukes for almost 400 years. From the Renaissance to Neoclassicism, you’ll find nearly every style and epoche represented in one of the 130 staterooms you can visit on the extended tour. The magnificent Antiquarium and the Ancestor Gallery are probably the most popular parts.

The Antiquarium inside the Munich Residence Palace

I do have to warn you, however, that the Residence Palace is a true maze and you’ll need around 4 hours to see it all. Mind you, that is time well spent, as each and every flight of stairs brings you to another amazing apartment, festival hall, church or throne room. It’s easy to visit the fantastic Nibelung halls on the ground floor, but if you see the sign, definitely go downstairs and they will blow your mind! Check out my list of the 15 best castles near Munich for further inspiration.

Note: Definitely make sure to visit the outstanding Treasury on the ground floor where you can see the Bavarian crown jewels and other outstanding artwork made from gold, silver, and diamonds. It’s not covered by the standard ticket, but worth to pay the extra 5 Euros. Find more information here .

3. Church of Our Lady

The chuch of our lady in Munich in WInter from above

The Frauenkirche is the symbol of Munich and you’ll basically find the cathedral on every postcard and brochure in my hometown. And you are lucky, 2020 is the first year the towers are free of scaffolding (after nearly 10 years of restoration work). It’s still not possible to climb them, though.

The cathedral is not only the biggest but also one of the oldest in town. It was consecrated in 1494 and remained virtually unchanged ever since – at least from outside. During World War II the church was hit by a bomb and much of the interiors got destroyed. But the bigger loss occurred 90 years older. Back then and all over Europe, it was popular to purify the baroque churches and bring them back to a “virgin” (neo-)gothic state. What you see inside now is largely a reconstruction from the 1980ies (using historic original parts).

4. Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek Museum in Munich

Did you know? Munich is one of the top art metropoles on this planet. You’ll find almost 100 museums in and around Bavaria’s capital . Not all of them are world-renowned, but you definitely need to the Alte Pinakothek in Munich’s art quarter ( Kunstareal ; find a list of the best museums in Munich here ). It is Munich’s oldest museum and home to an outstanding collection of German, Italian and Flemish old masters.

An exhibition room inside the Alte Pinakothek in Munich

So, expect pictures by Albrecht Dürrer, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, and other master painters. They usually have a spectacular special exhibition on the ground floor worth checking out. So, definitely look it up on the official website before you visit. You’ll also find the New Pinakothek next door, but it will be closed until at least 2022 (which is the reason it does not appear on this list).

Note: The entrance fee is only 1 euro on Sundays. Also, don’t forget the Alte Pinakothek is closed on Mondays.

5. BMW World & museum

The BWM Museum and BWM tower in the north of Munich

Munich is not only famous for its beer, fairy tale castles, and leather trousers. You’ll also find the BMW headquarters in the north of the city . Why is this important? Well, as a tourist you can’t visit the famous cylindrical BWM towers, but you can visit the BWM world and museum right next to it.

The BMW Welt is an architectural masterpiece and actually one of the few free things to do in Munich. It’s, more or less, one big car saloon where you can few all the current (and some past) models, futuristic innovations, and racing cars. If you are a car lover, you shouldn’t miss it. The adjacent museum is not free, but equally amazing as it takes you through the whole history of the Bayerische Motorenwerke .

Note: There is a 3-star Michelin restaurant on the third floor of the BMW Welt called Esszimmer . The Museum is closed on Mondays, while the showrooms are open all week, except on Sundays (closes at noon). Also, be aware that the Olympic Park is right next to it.

6. Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg palace in the North-west of Munich as seen from the park

Wondering about my personal favorite place to visit in Munich? It’s the Nymphenburg Palace. T he summer residence of the Bavarian kings and prince-electors is just beautiful beyond words. You’ll find imposing staterooms and a gigantic hall with a beautiful ceiling fresco inside.

The stone haal with frescoes inside Nymphenburg Palace in Munich

While beautiful, I love the park behind the palace even more. You’ll find a couple of smaller palaces scattered across the landscape and each of them is a true gem worth visiting. Pagodenburg, Amalienburg, and Badenburg (a bathing palace, can you believe it?) are what you need to see, but simply strolling around the English landscape park is a treat in and by itself.

The Temple of Apollo in the park of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich

There are three museums in the wings of Nymphenburg Palace that you might want to check out if you got some spare time. The carriage museum is probably the most impressive (sounds a bit dull, I know, but I promise you won’t regret it), but the Nymphenburg porcelain collection is just as beautiful. If you are traveling with kids, the Museum Mensch and Natur will be a special place.

Note: Don’t skip the adjacent Botanical Garden. Even in winter, the huge greenhouses will invite you to explore plants from all over the world. And it’s one of my favorite places to visit in autumn .

7. Bavarian National Museum

The Bavarian National Museum in Munich

Bavaria has a long and spectacular history. The Wittelsbacher family ruled my home country for as long as people can remember. And over the centuries they amassed quite some wealth which all become the property of the Bavarian State after World War I. If you want to delve into the fascinating history of Bavaria, then you absolutely have to visit the Bavarian National Museum.

It’s far from a boring history museum with dusty cabinets, but more an arts & design collection. Ivory, porcelain, furniture and other outstanding artworks from the past 1,000 years are on display in lovely & modern exhibition halls. It’s actually my favorite museum in Munich, as it is so diverse.

Tip: Visit on Sundays, as the entrance fee is only 1 euro (except for the special exhibitions) and take some extra time as the museum is huge and there’s quite a lot to see. And don’t skip the amazing nativity scene collection in the cellar.

8. English Garden

The Englische Garten landscape park in Munich in autumn

Looking for a beautiful escape in the middle of the city? Then head straight to the Englische Garten right behind the Munich Residence Palace. This is the place where most locals will hang out in summer (so expect it to be quite crowded on weekends). For most, it’s a popular park to go for a walk, jogging, or playing sports.

The Chinese Tower beer garden in the heart of the Englische Garten

Right in the middle of it, you’ll find the Chinese Tower ( Chinesische Turm ). The wooden pagoda is the center of a beautiful and lively beer garden where you can enjoy a traditional stein of beer and some authentic local food. On weekends, there is even live music (typically a bavarian brass band). As an alternative, you could also walk even further to the artificial lake Kleinhesselohe where you’ll find another beer garden. Here, you could even rent a pedal boat for a little romantic outing on the water. You can also book a ride in a horse-drawn carriage if you want to add a little romantic time to your visit in Munich

Note: The Englische Garten several kilometers long. No need to explore it all, but don’t limit yourself to the tiny Hofgarten right behind the palace. At least try to see the Monopteros temple, which is a particularly scenic viewpoint.

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

The Pinakothek der Moderne in the Art Quarter of Munich

I already mentioned the Alte Pinakothek, but there is actually a fantastic museum for lovers of modern art as well. I personally love the building of the Pinakothek der Moderne, as it offers o many viewpoints and fantastic lines of sight. The collection is quite amazing as well. Gerhard Richter, Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joseph Beuys – there are notable artworks from all the famous artists of the 20th century on display.

In the basement, you will find a beautiful design collection . There’s not only Art Nouveau but also contemporary industrial design. So, you’ll find the first apple pc, game boys, and smartphones there, along with outstanding cars and modern furniture.

Tip: If you like contemporary art, then you should visit the Museum Brandhorst is right behind the museum.

10. Königsplatz

The Propylaen on the Königsplatz in Munich

For most of its history, Munich wasn’t a large city. It only started to really grow at the beginning of the 19th century. But as the city gained prominence, there came a need for further representation and the Königsplatz ist the best example of this burgeoning importance. Here, King Ludwig of Bavaria had a neoclassical ensemble built to house two ancient greek museums.

It all looks a bit like a mixture of an ancient Egyptian temple and the Acropolis, which probably was the intended effect. Famous architect Leo von Klenze is responsible for the eclectic mix. Fans of classical greek sculptures will love the Glypthotek Museum on the right side, while lovers of ancient Greek pottery, bronze, and jewelry should definitely visit the Antikensammlung on the left side.

11. Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus in the old town of Munich

Hofbräuhaus – no other place is as deeply connected with the Bavarian beer culture than the most popular restaurant among tourists. You’ll find it in the heart of the Munich old town, with an endless mass of souvenir shops nearby. The place dates to 1589 when a new brewery was built to supply the court, but the current building was only finished in 1897.

I do have to warn you, however, that it is a place for tourists and it always was. Locals really don’t go there, because even in the 19th century it was already extremely popular among visitors . So, popular, they had to move the actual brewery on the outskirts (to Maxweberplatz) to make room for more tables. But then again, if you want to see a big Bavarian beer hall with live music and authentic food, it’s probably one of the best places to visit in Munich. The beer is actually quite good as well. The place is huge, so try to go a bit further to the back (or on the second floor) to escape the crowds.

Note: Hofbräuhaus is by far the only beer hall in the city center. Augustinerbräu or Schneider Bräuhaus are viable alternatives that are actually a bit more authentic.

12. Lenbachhaus

The old part of the Lenbachhaus Museum in Munich

Munich became very popular among artists in the second half of the 19th century. So, popular, in fact, that a few artists were celebrated like pop stars . Franz von Lenbach was one of them. He was famous for his portraits among the aristocracy and heads of state, and made a fortune painting them. His oeuvre is basically a who-is-who of the late 19th century. He built himself a huge villa which is now home to a museum, and you can even tour his old apartment.

The majority of the museum is dedicated to the artist from the Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter). If you love Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc, August Macke, Gabriele Münter, Paul Klee, Marianne von Werefkin, then you won’t find a better place to enjoy their works on this planet. They also acquired some important installations by Joseph Beuys, so it’s really worth visiting. Here’s the official website .

13. Viktualienmarkt

The maypole on the Viktualienmarkt food market in the heart of Munich Germany

There are many wonderful restaurants in the inner city, but if you want to sample authentic bavarian food it really doesn’t get any better than the Viktualienmarkt. You’ll find the gourmet farmers market right behind the central square, and it’s full of booths selling cheese, sausages, vegetables, and fruits. And the far back, there are also a couple of smaller street food stalls and juice bars.

Most importantly, there is a beer garden in the middle of it all. So, why is this important? According to the Bavarian beer garden law, you are allowed to bring your own food to your table. You only need to buy the trinks (if you can’t handle a stein full of beer, get a Radler , which is beer mixed with lemonade). I recommend you to browse the market, buy yourself some snacks, and then sit down and eat them while enjoying a cold blond bavarian beer (it’s self-service, so you have to go to the counter).

Interesting to note: The beer garden serves a different kind of beer each day on a rotating basis. There is a sign above the counter which tells you which brewery is being served on that particular day)

14. Theatinerkirche & Odeonsplatz

Odeonsplatz in the hear of Munich with the CHurch of our lady in the background

There is a third major square in Munich you cannot miss: Odeonsplatz. Most tourist guides will tell you the story about how the Feldherrnhalle is the place where Adolf Hitler failed in his first putsch . While we should never forget the grizzly parts of our past, I urge you to focus on the beautiful Theatiner church instead. To me, it’s the most beautiful church in Munich.

The Theatinerkirche on Odeonsplatz in Munich in Winter

Why? Well, while all the other churches got either purged of their baroque splendor or are Bavarian fantasy kitsch, this one is pure elegance. The impressive stucco works inside are definitely baroque, but as the interiors are all white, it’s a sort of timeless beauty hard to escape.

Insider tip: Every Sunday morning they celebrate a Latin high mass accompanied by a classic church concerto and choir. Find out more here .

15. Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein castle in winter - only a short day trip from Munich away

Munich is a beautiful city, but you should definitely consider doing at least one day trip. There are around 50 (I am not even joking!) beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites, landmarks, and national parks close-by, but most tourists will probably want to see Neuschwanstein Castle. This is the castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping beauty castle , and it is a true must-see.

It takes about 2 hours to get there by train , but you can also book a guided bus tour which I actually recommend. It is the only way you can ensure to get tickets to go inside, otherwise you have to try to book it via the official website at least 2 days in advance using a weird pdf form. Schloss Neuschwanstein is the last castle King Ludwig II built during his short lifetime, but certainly not the last. Linderhof palace or Herrenchiemsee are just as beautiful.

Note: Please be aware that the most beautiful viewpoint (i.e the Marienbrücke) might be closed in winter. There is another castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, right next to it, you could also visit!

16. Alter Peter

Munich from above as seen from the alter peter church tower near Marienplatz

The Church of St. Peter is the oldest church in Munich and was probably founded around 1225 AD. You’ll find it about 50 meters away from Marienplatz. It’s a prime example of late bavarian baroque, and you’ll find a marvelous fresco on the ceiling and a beautiful high altar made, so it seems, from pure silver and gold.

The viewing plattform atop the alter peter clock tower

The clock tower, called “old Pete” among locals, is one of the most spectacular things to see in Munich. The platform at the top is around 80 meters high and from here you can see the whole inner city . Whether it’s the neogothic city hall, the old city hall or the Church of our Lady – you can breathe it in from the lofty heights. And don’t be afraid – there is a cage around the platform, so even people suffering from vertigo will feel reasonably safe.

Note: There is no elevator and you have to climb all the way to the top. The tower in the city hall does have an elevator so it might be the better choice for physically impaired people.

17. Deutsche Museum

The entrance of the Deutsche Museum - the most visited museum in Germany

The Deutsche Museum (‘The German Museum’) is the most visited museum in Germany . You might picture cabinets full of dusty books and pictures, but it is in fact a technical museum. Astronomy, geology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, aviation – you’ll find a huge section for nearly every part of the technology that defines our modern life.

Most of the exhibitions are very interactive (with lots of buttons to press for kids), video installations, and even a planetarium at the very top. But it’s also one gigantic complex covering the biggest island on the river Isar in the city center. You probably need a full day to see it all. So, either bring a lot of time or focus on only two or three sections.

18. Friedensengel & Art Nouveau houses

The Friedensengel in Bogenhausen on a particulary sunny day in Munich

Did you know that there are way over a hundred beautiful Art Nouveau houses in Munich ? Most Munich travel guides don’t even mention this fascinating part of my hometown, yet it’s certainly nothing you should miss. The famous Friedensengel marks the beginning of this movement, but certainly not its end. You can easily go on a fantastic free walking tour through either Bogenhausen (start at Prinzregentenplatz) or in Schwabingen (Ainmillerstrasse) and explore the many Art Nouveau city villas and mansions there.

Art Nouveau houses at Ainmillerstrasse in Schwabing, Munich

The Müller’sche Volksbad is a prime example of the Jugendstil and you can actually still go swimming inside. If you got the time, you should definitely tour the historic rooms inside the Villa Stuck (actually a fantastic contemporary art museum) if you are a big fan of this period. The Bavarian National Museum also has a section dedicated to Art Nouveau, and so does the Pinakothek der Moderne.

19. Cuvilliés Theatre

Inside the fantastic Cuvilliés Theater in the Residence Palace in Munich

Munich has a very active theater culture. The Bavarian State Opera actually counts among the top 10 opera houses in the world , so you should definitely consider seeing a performance (no worries, there are English subtitles). If you are reasonably fluent in German, you could also check out one of the twenty-odd theatres in Munich. My favorite is the Residenztheater.

Even if opera or theater is not your thing, you should definitely make time to tour the fantastic Cuvilliés Theatre inside the Munich Residence Palace. It’s not part of the standard tour and you need an extra ticket for it. But again, it’s so worth it. The rococo style theather is one of the very few surviving historic court theaters from this period , and one of Munich’s hidden gems.

20. Asamkirche

Inside the baroque Asamkirche in the pedestrian area of Munich

The last item on this list of places to see in Munich might just be the best: The tiny Asamkirche is barely 8 meters wide and 22 long. Walking past it in the pedestrian area, you might not even notice it as it is nestled in between two regular houses. The baroque masterpiece built by Cosmas Damian Asam and Qgid Quirin Asam, was originally meant as a private church. But after protests from the citizens, it was opened to the public.

The two brothers were famous for their frescos and stucco work, and they defined the Bavarian late baroque like no other artists. The Asamkirche counts among their most important and beautiful work . Every inch is covered with gold, silver, and (fake) marble.

[Bonus] Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest in Munich, crowds walking along the road of the folk festival

If you are visiting Munich in the last weeks of September, you could attend the world-famous Oktoberfest. The biggest folk festival in the world started in October 1810, but the Bavarians soon moved it to September, as the weather is more favorable then. While there are certainly a lot of tourists, it’s particularly popular among locals. There are even special days for kids, so it really is a place for the whole family.

You should know, however, that is not the only festival in Munich . There are the winter and summer Tollwood and the Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest), and of course the famous Kocherlball. Why do I mention these? Hotel prices are insane during Oktoberfest – often three times the normal costs. Yes, it’s fun as hell, but you also have to pay for it.

Other things to do in Munich

The hofgarten in Munich

I tried to limit this list to the highlights and top tourist attractions in Munich you simply have to see. But don’t believe for a second, that it’s all there is to see. In fact, I could easily add another 20 points of interest in Munich alone (like the amazing Bavaria Statue ) – and that does not account for all the beautiful day trips.

The Dachau Concentration camp instantly comes to mind ( read my guide here ) – quite the grizzly site, but one of such historic significance. There is also a Nazi Documentation Center museum in the middle of the city if that part of our darkest history interests you. You could even go on a Third Reich walking tour. Other wonderful museums you could visit are the Kunsthalle München, the Haus der Kunst, or the Egyptian Museum.

Then there are three other castles within the city limits : Alter Hof, Schleissheim Palace and Blutenburg you might want to check out. And of course, there are quite a lot of wonderful churches to check out. Fürstenfeld Abbey should be at the top of your list, but there are actually two stellar churches in the pedestrian area: St. Michael’s Church and the Bürgersaalkirche.

M unich also has a very lovely zoo , a safari park (Wildpark Poing), and a Sealife aquarium, if that is something you are interested in. Or you could watch a soccer match with FC Bayern München at the Allianz Arena. There are also quite a couple of walking tours available: Like Third Reich tour, or a medieval midnight tour. The sheer diversity is why I’d recommend visiting Munich and not Berlin if time is short.

Try to stay at least 3 days in Munich , so you got enough time to see the most important highlights ( check out different itinerary options here ). Do know, however, that München could easily occupy you for a month or more. Also, I heard some people being concerned about their safety. Munich is very safe . In fact, the safest city in Germany, so no need to worry.

Best time to visit Munich

The hofgarten in Munich in Winter with the Theatinerkirche in the background

The best time to visit Munich is probably September . Favorable weather and the Oktoberfest make it ideal for first-timers. Other than that, Munich will be beautiful all year round. There are beautiful Christmas markets in December, July and August are the best months to play your day trips, while January to March will often transform my hometown into a winter wonderland.

Summer, Oktoberfest, and December are usually the most crowded and most expensive times to visit , which is why I’d recommend you to come in June. You should know that Munich is also quite popular among German tourists, and you will want to arrive before the summer holidays start in July.

If you just want to visit the city itself, it basically does not matter when you visit. The weather only starts to be a relevant factor if you plan day trips to Regensburg, Salzburg, Bamberg, or Neuschwanstein Castle. As a rule of thumb, weekends are usually a lot busier (lots of local day tourists) than weekdays. Just try to avoid Mondays , as this is when most museums are closed.

So, this was my detailed guide to the best things to do in Munich. I hope I was able to give you a good overview. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below

20 amazing things to do in Munich. A detailed travel guide with the top tourist attractions in Munich, Germany. bavaria's capital has so many beautiful highlights and points of interest. Plan your perfect Munich itinerary | Munich photography inspiration.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Munich, the capital of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany, lies on the River Isar on the fringes of the Bavarian Alps. It began as a monastery, growing into a settlement when the Duke of Bavaria allowed the monks to establish a market at the crossing of the route from Salzburg and the river.

You can still follow the lines of Munich's medieval walls in a ring of curving streets and see three of its impressive old city gates. The focal point of Munich's historic inner city is the large, open square, the Marienplatz , where visitors and locals pause to watch the animated clock play out its legend two or three times daily.

Munich is a fun-loving city, known for its seasonal festivals and rich cultural calendar, so along with visiting the beautiful churches and outstanding museums and palaces, you should spend some time enjoying life with the locals at a festival, a colorful market, or over a slice of one of Munich's famous cakes in a konditorei.

Munich residents also enjoy their many public parks and gardens, in particular, the lovely 900-acre English Garden (Englischer Garten). Spend at least a few days exploring the city, planning your time with the help of this handy list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Munich

1. Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus

2. walk or bike in the englischer garten (english garden), 3. nymphenburg palace and gardens, 4. munich residenz, 5. the olympic park, 6. bmw museum, 7. bmw welt, 8. viktualienmarkt, 9. tierpark hellabrunn (hellabrunn zoo), 10. shop at christmas markets (christkindlmarkts), 11. art museums in the kunstareal district, 12. peterskirche (st. peter's church), 13. hofgarten, 14. deutsches museum, 15. asamkirche (asam church), 16. frauenkirche, 17. michaelskirche (st. michael's church), 18. cuvilliés theater, 19. the theatine church of st. cajetan, where to stay in munich for sightseeing, recommended day trip tours from munich, munich, germany - climate chart.

Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) in the Marienplatz

Marienplatz has been Munich's central square since the city's foundation; the site of medieval jousting tournaments; and until 1807, where markets were held. In addition to the massive Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) that fills one entire side of the square, you'll find the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) forming a gate at the far end.

In the large open square are the Mariensäule , a tall column to the Virgin Mary erected in 1638, and the Fischbrunnen , a newer fountain that includes bronze figures rescued from an earlier 19th-century fountain. Popular with shoppers for its stores, boutiques, and restaurants, Marienplatz is the focus of festivals and scene of a large Christmas Market , one of several in the city. During the Fasching carnival, the Narren-Lindwurm (dragon) dances over the square.

Daily at 11am and noon, and at 5pm from March through October, everyone stops to watch the famous Glockenspiel on the front of the Neues Rathaus, as its mechanical figures dine, joust, and dance. It's one of the city's best-loved traditions, and something you shouldn't miss. Take some time to appreciate the intricate stonework on the Neo-Gothic façade.

It's hard to remember that this building dates only from the late 19th century, completed in 1892. You can ride the elevator to the middle gallery of the building's 85-meter tower for views over the city. The Tourist Information Center is in the Rathaus, and in the back of the building is a restaurant serving traditional Bavarian dishes.

Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München

Monopteros temple in the Englischer Garten (English Garden)

Munich's English Garden is not only the largest city park in Germany - it covers an area of 910 acres - it's also one of the most beautiful. Naturally arranged groups of trees and plants offer ever-changing vistas, and nine kilometers of winding streams and an artificial lake complete the impression of a natural landscape.

Designed in 1785 as a military garden, the English Garden attracts walkers, joggers, and cyclists to its 78 kilometers of pathways and bridle paths. It's also a pleasant place to sunbathe and picnic, and you can stop for a snack or drink at the Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower), a 25-meter-tall pagoda.

In 1972, a Japanese garden was created on an island at the southern end of the garden to house an authentic teahouse, a gift in honor of the 1772 Olympics. The park also contains the Bavarian National Museum, with its fine collection of medieval German sculptures and tapestries, and the Bavarian State Archaeological Collection , which displays local prehistoric artifacts.

A curiosity in the park is the Eisbachwelle , a wave created by the emergence of the Eisbach river from its underground course. Crowds gather to watch surfers' stunts; except for experienced surfers, it's a spectator sport and not for beginners.

Nymphenburg Palace

The large Baroque palace of Nymphenburg, in the northwest outskirts of the city, was originally the summer residence of the Wittelsbach Electors in the 17th century. Extending more than 600 meters from wing to wing, this vast palace is surrounded on each side by the Nymphenburg Canal, which splits as it passes around the main buildings before reuniting again in a fountain-adorned pool in front of the main façade.

Your first stop should be the Central Pavilion , a cube-shaped palace in the style of an Italian villa, completed in 1674 and home to the lavishly decorated three-story Stone Hall (Steinerner Saal) and a number of private chambers with fine furnishings and artwork. In the Palace Chapel, notice the expressive ceiling painting illustrating the life of Mary Magdalene. Beside the palace in the former Court Stables, the Marstallmuseum displays a collection of beautiful state coaches.

In the magnificent 17th-century gardens of Nymphenburg Park stands the Amalienburg , a palatial hunting lodge known for its famous Hall of Mirrors. Elsewhere in the gardens are a maze with the Heckentheater (Hedge Theater); marble statues of Greek gods; a large fountain; and a number of hothouses, including the Palm House, which has Germany's first hot-water heating system.

Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München

Official site: www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/englisch/palace/index.htm

Munich Residenz

For centuries the seat of the dukes, electors, and kings of Bavaria, the Munich Residenz is one of Europe's most spectacular palaces. Laid out around seven large courts, the vast Residenz complex comprises three main sections: the Königsbau , fronting onto Max-Joseph-Platz; the Alte Residenz , facing Residenzstrasse; and the Festsaalbau (Banqueting Hall), overlooking the Hofgarten .

The earliest section of this huge complex was the magnificent Antiquarium, built in 1579 and now part of the outstanding Residenz Museum . The Alte Residenz, a masterpiece of the late Renaissance and testimony to the growing power of Bavaria, followed soon after, and the final components - the Neoclassical Königsbau, the Festsaalbau, and the Court Church - were completed in 1848.

Today, the Residenz houses a number of monuments and museums, including the Residenz Museum, the Treasury, the Court Church of All Saints (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), and Cuvilliés-Theater. Be sure to explore the palace grounds, too, with its many wonderful old courtyards and arcades.

Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 München

Official site: www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/index.htm

The Olympic Park

Home to the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich's spectacular Olympic Park covers an area of some 2.7 million square meters on the Oberwiesenfeld, a former training ground for the Royal Bavarian army. Now a major recreational center, this huge facility hosts a variety of major concerts and events, including the summer Tollwood Festival (the winter Tollwood is held at Theresienhöhe, home of the Oktoberfest).

A number of family activities have been added since the Olympics, so you'll find plenty of things to do here. These include a stadium roof climb, ziplining, and behind-the-scenes tours showcasing the facility's splendid architecture and design. The Olympic Tower , a 290-meter-high television tower built in 1968 that was renamed in honor of the games, has viewing platforms in the Aussichtskorb offering breathtaking views over the city.

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich

Official site: http://www.olympiapark.de/en/olympiapark-munich/

BMW Museum in Munich

Next to BMW's soaring headquarters and factories at the Olympic Park is a round contemporary building with a metal shell, housing BMW's museum. Here, car fans will find examples of nearly all the models the company has made, including sports cars, racing models, and motorcycles.

You can see current models and learn about the technology of modern automobile construction, as well as get glimpses of future propulsion technologies and designs the company is exploring. Those who think cars are just for getting from point A to point B might want to skip this one, but for fans of things automotive, it's a must.

Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München

Official site: https://www.bmw-welt.com/en.html

Architectural detail of the BMW Welt

Not to be confused with the BMW Museum (above), although it's on the same huge manufacturing complex near the Olympic Park, BMW Welt is a gigantic showroom. Here, you can see every vehicle the company makes, sit inside them, and learn what the future cars and motorcycles may look like.

Whereas the BMW Museum is more about past models and history, the Welt is all about now, with an exhibition area and a three-dimensional media façade with immersive visions of the future of mobility. Interactive exhibits consider sustainability and offer insights into the design process. You can take tours of the BMW Group Plant to see the production process.

Opened in 2007, the BMW Welt is the most visited tourist attraction in Bavaria. The building's futuristic steel-and-glass architecture is part of the allure, plus the fact that admission is free.

Address: Am Olympiapark, München

Viktualienmarkt

In 1807, when the farmers market outgrew Marienplatz, it was moved to the nearby square, where it thrived and expanded, until today it covers 22,000 square meters and includes a butchers' hall, bakery, fish hall, and flower market in addition to its fruit and vegetable vendors.

It's not just a place for locals to buy items for the night's dinner. Fresh breads and pastries, wheels of cheese, and cured meats are good picnic makings, and tables and benches provide a place for shoppers and visitors to sit while they eat sizzling sausages, hot pretzels, and other foods prepared in mobile kitchens.

Above the market stands a colorful maypole , with traditionally dressed figures representing the various crafts and trades that were practiced in this part of town.

Lion at the Tierpark Hellabrunn (Hellabrunn Zoo)

Spread across 89 acres, Hellabrunn Zoo is consistently ranked among the best zoos in Europe. Laid out in 1911, it was the first zoo in the world to have animals grouped according to where they came from.

Today, more than 19,000 animals from 757 species are held in open enclosures meant to replicate the conditions of the wild, with animals that normally share habitats kept together wherever possible.

Popular features include the Elephant House (now a listed building), the enormous 5,000-square-meter free-flight aviary, the Polarium, and ape houses. Located adjacent to the Isar River in a designated conservation area, the zoo has many delightful footpaths, playgrounds, and picnic spots.

Address: Tierparkstrasse 30, 81543 München

Christmas market in Marienplatz

From the last week in November until December 24 , the parks and squares of Munich turn into a colorful, sparkling Christmas extravaganza of colored lights, evergreen boughs, and holiday music. Colorful frosted gingerbread hearts decorate little cabins filled with candies, cookies, wooden toys, Christmas tree ornaments, and holiday baubles, as well as local handcrafts in all mediums.

The largest market is in Marienplatz , where local chorales serenade shoppers with Christmas music. Two blocks away, at the Rindermarkt, the market is filled with figures and accessories for crèche scenes. Miniature shepherds, wisemen, angels, animals, and the holy family are in every imaginable media: delicate Alpine woodcarvings from nearby Oberammergau, ceramic, terra-cotta pottery, wax, and plastic.

One of the most charming is the Christmas village inside the courtyard of the Residenz, where a children's theater and bakers turning out hot treats add to the appeal. Not far away, an entire square turns into a Medieval Marketplace, where artisans and craftspeople dressed in costumes of the Middle Ages demonstrate and sell authentic period goods.

Wherever you go, you will find traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread) from Nuremberg - sold at Munich's first Christmas markets in the 1600s and still favorites today.

Read More: Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Germany

The Glyptothek

Königsplatz was laid out in Neoclassical style in 1862, and in the art district around it, you'll find one of the finest groups of art museums anywhere in Europe. First are the three Pinakothek art galleries: the Old Picture Gallery (Alte Pinakothek), with its fine collections of Dutch, Flemish, Italian, French, German, Spanish, and medieval paintings; the New Picture Gallery (Neue Pinakothek), with its displays of art ranging from Rococo to Art Nouveau; and the State Gallery of Modern Art (Pinakothek der Moderne), which includes works by Picasso and Warhol.

Other museums of note are the Glyptothek and the State Antiquities Collection (Staatliche Antikensammlung), with their large compilations of ancient sculptures and antiquities.

The latest addition to this treasury of art is Lenbachhaus , an Italianate villa that was the home and studio of artist Franz von Lenbach. The villa and its new extension house the world's foremost collection of works by the Blue Rider movement, a group of Expressionist painters led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc.

Address: Königsplatz 1, 80333 München

Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church)

Known affectionately as Old Peter, St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) is Munich's oldest parish church and stands on Petersberg, a small hill originally settled by monks. Built in Gothic style in 1386, the church was altered with the addition of a Baroque choir with three apses in 1636, while the tower was given a lantern dome in place of its earlier Gothic spires.

Interior highlights include the font by Hans Krumper, the red marble monuments by Erasmus Grasser, and the 15th-century Schrenk Altar with its sculptures of the Crucifixion and the Last Judgment. Also of note is the 20-meter-tall 18th-century high altar with its figures of the Four Fathers of the Church and St. Peter.

The panel-paintings on the choir walls by Jan Polack are also worth seeing, as is the highly regarded Altar of the Virgin of Mercy (Mariahilf-Altar) from 1756. Finally, the 299-step tower - famous for its eight clock faces matched by eight bells - reaches a height of 91 meters and offers panoramic views as far as the Alps for those with the stamina to climb the 306 steps.

Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München

Colorful flowers blooming at the Hofgarten (Court Garden)

In the center of Munich, just off Odeonsplatz, the Hofgarten (Court Garden) was built between 1613 and 1617 , adjoining the Residenz and for the sole use of the court. It remained a private preserve for more than 160 years, opening to the public in 1780.

Since then this peaceful sanctuary with its intersecting paths, fountains, beds of bright flowers, and shaded arcades have been a favorite place for locals and visitors to stroll and relax. The focal point is the central pavilion, featuring eight arches, with paths radiating from each one to form beds for lawns and flowers. Fountains mark the points where the paths intersect.

Modeled on Italian Renaissance gardens when it was designed, the Hofgarten became more like the then-popular landscape gardens during the 19 th century. After its destruction in World War II, it was rebuilt to more resemble the original.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is the world's largest museum of technology, and its 17,000 artifacts illustrate exhibits that range from the polished wood and brass of early astronomical instruments to the latest science on global warming. The museum is a constant time travel between early tech and high tech, as you follow the development of each scientific and technical discipline from its beginnings to the present.

The extensive collections relating to transport are astonishing, covering trains, aircraft, shipping, cars, even bicycles. You can see a replica of the Red Baron's biplane from the First World War, examine a Venetian gondola up close, and look inside a 19th-century wooden fishing boat. There's always something happening, from dramatic demonstrations of electricity to concerts showing how musical instruments work.

Kids' Kingdom is filled with clever hands-on activities designed for children ages three through eight, exploring light, music, ships, computers, water, sound, astronomy, and more. It is Germany's most popular museum and a favorite place to visit for families.

Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München

Official site: www.deutsches-museum.de/en

Asamkirche (Asam Church)

The beautiful Rococo Asam Church, dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, was completed in 1746 by brothers Cosmas and Egid Asam and is richly decorated with stucco figures, frescoes, and oil paintings. While its exterior is impressive enough, particularly the large doorway flanked by massive columns and crowned by a figure of St. John kneeling in prayer, it's the interior that's most memorable.

Highlights include a wrought-iron grille from 1776 that separates the stucco figures of the saints from the long nave with its galleries. On the projecting cornice under the ceiling is a magnificent fresco depicting the life of St. John. The most notable feature of the interior, though, is the high altar, enclosed by four twisted columns and on which sits a glass shrine containing a wax figure of the church's patron saint.

Address: Sendlinger Straße 32, 80331 München

Frauenkirche

Munich's huge brick Frauenkirche - the Cathedral Church of Our Lady - was completed in 1488, a Late Gothic church that owes its impact to its great size. Massive twin 100-meter-tall towers, with their characteristic Renaissance domes, tower over a high building 109 meters long by 40 meters wide.

Highlights inside the cathedral include the 1622 Tomb of the Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian in black marble with bronze figures, a 1620 altarpiece of the Assumption by Peter Candid, and the Baroque red marble font in the Baptistery with its early 14th-century Sorrowing Christ.

A popular curiosity is the strange footprint in the floor of the porch, said to have been left by the devil after he came to inspect the church. So delighted was he that the windows seemed to have been forgotten (the row of columns hides them when the church is viewed from the entrance), he stamped his foot, leaving the footprint that can still be seen today.

The twin towers of Frauenkirche are a good landmark for orientation, visible from all over the city. You can climb to the top for views across the city to the Bavarian Alps.

Address: Frauenplatz 12, 80331 München

  • Read More: Exploring Munich's Frauenkirche (The Cathedral of Our Lady)

Michaelskirche (St. Michael's Church)

The largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, St. Michael's was completed in 1597, with a high barrel-vaulted roof in the nave. The pattern of the triumphal arch at the entrance to the choir is continued in the arches of the transepts, side chapels, and galleries. The three-story-high altar has an altarpiece, St. Michael Fighting the Devil , from 1587.

The four bronze reliefs dating from 1595 were intended for the tomb of Duke William V, while in the side chapels are some fine paintings and a precious reliquary of Saints Cosmas and Damian from around 1400.

The church's historical importance is in the Royal Crypt (Fürstengruft) underneath the choir, where 41 members of the House of Wittelsbach - among them Duke Wilhelm V, the church's patron; Elector Maximilian I; and King Ludwig II - are buried.

Address: Neuhauser Straße 6, 80333 München

Cuvillies Theater

On the east side of the Residenz in Munich, the Cuvilliés Theater was built in 1755 and is the finest example of a Rococo theater with tiered boxes in Germany. The magnificent carved woodwork of the auditorium, with its four tiers of boxes, including one built especially for the electors, was safely stored away during WWII, thus allowing its reconstruction in 1958.

Architecturally stunning, the rare elegance and rich hues of its intimate Rococo interior makes it a truly unique setting for operas such as Mozart's Idomeneo, which premiered here in 1781, and which, along with many other Late Baroque period operas, is still performed on occasion. You can visit the theater separately or on a combined ticket with the Residenz and its museums.

Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80539 München

Official site: http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/cuv/

The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan

The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan (Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan), a basilica built in the style of the Italian High Baroque, was completed in 1690, with a stunning façade, twin towers, a massive 71-meter-high dome, and richly decorated interior. Exterior highlights include numerous marble statues of saints and the lantern with a lion weathervane atop the dome.

The interior, dominated by the tall round-headed arches of the barrel vaulting and the dome over the crossing, is washed in white, with rich stucco ornamentation. Other interior highlights include the high altar, with its picture of The Virgin Enthroned with Angels from 1646 by Caspar de Crayer (a pupil of Rubens), and the Altar of the Virgin, with a painting of the Holy Kinship from 1676. In the Ducal Burial Vault, you'll see the tombs of members of the House of Wittelsbach, long-time rulers of Bavaria.

Address: Salvatorplatz 2a, 80333 München

All that remains of the medieval walls that once enclosed Munich's Altstadt (old town) are the impressive gates at Karlstor, Sendlinger Tor, and Isartor, but the broad, curving streets that replaced them still define the historic center. It's here that you'll find most tourist attractions, with Marienplatz at its center. Major museums lie just outside the compact center. Most of these highly rated hotels in Munich are an easy walk from Marienplatz:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Near the Isartor and 10 minutes from Marienplatz, Hotel Torbraeu has nicely furnished rooms in a historic building.
  • In the heart of the old city overlooking Viktualienmarkt, near the daily food and flower market, Louis Hotel offers spacious, stylish rooms and a sauna/fitness area.
  • A pool and sauna are added benefits at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munchen , set amid high-end shops on the uber-fashionable Maximilianstrasse, a five-minute walk from Marienplatz.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Locations simply don't get any better than Platzl Hotel , next to the Residenz palace and museums and a few steps from Marienplatz and shopping streets. Breakfast is included, and the beautifully furnished rooms have thoughtful amenities. Two blocks from the Residenz palace and museums and close to Marienplatz,
  • Maximilian Munich is on a quiet street, with some rooms overlooking a garden courtyard.
  • The hospitable Hotel Mirabell offers well-furnished rooms in a neighborhood beside the main train station, just off Karlsplatz and the entrance to the old town.

Budget Hotels:

  • Family-friendly Hotel Biederstein is opposite the English Garden in the lively Schwabing neighborhood; a buffet breakfast is included.
  • Breakfast is included at Jedermann Hotel , a 15-minute walk from the old town but on a tram line to its center.
  • Near Sendlinger Tor and the Rococo-style Asamkirche and a ten-minute walk from Marienplatz, Acanthushotel has small, comfortable rooms.
  • Contemporary guest rooms at Schwan Locke are large, some with kitchenettes. The hotel is close to the main train station and within walking distance of Karlsplatz and Marienplatz.
  • Just two hours by train from Munich is the beautiful city of Salzburg; birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the film The Sound of Music. If you have time to add this city to your itinerary, the Salzburg Small Group Day Tour from Munich is a hassle free, comfortable, and fun way to see Salzburg in a day. This tour includes a scenic rail journey, a walking tour of Salzburg, and free time to wander the historic streets on your own.

Castle Tours:

  • To see some of Germany's beautiful castles, there are a couple of options: The Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich takes you on a full-day tour to the Bavarian Mountains to see the Neuschwanstein Castle, used as a model for Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and the Linderhof hunting lodge castle. The slightly shorter Neuschwanstein Castle Small Group Day Tour includes just one castle. Note that both of these tours exclude entrance fees to the castles.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site :

  • The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Small Group Tour from Munich is a five-hour 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.

Munich Map - Tourist Attractions

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top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

21 Best Things To Do in Munich

Updated February 11, 2021

Although Oktoberfest and biergartens are a big part of Munich life, they aren't the only things going for this cosmopolitan city. You'll also find several interesting museums, the Residenz Royal Palace , the Bavarian State Opera and even BMW World

  • All Things To Do

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

English Garden (Englischer Garten) English Garden (Englischer Garten) free

This large public park, which reaches from the city center to the northeastern city limits, is one of Munich's must-dos. Named for the informal English style of rolling hills and open landscaping, the Englischer Garten contains several popular biergartens, a handful of eclectic monuments and a boating lake, among lots of jogging and biking paths.

Recent travelers mightily enjoyed their time here and recommend renting a bike or a rowboat to explore it. Many also commented on what a retreat it was from an otherwise city vacation. To spend a sunny day in the English Garden, hop off Tram 18 at one of the parkside stops. Admission is free.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) free

The gothic-period Frauenkirche , or Church of our Lady, is a unique part of the Munich skyline with its two dome-topped towers, which residents say resembles a pair of beer steins bubbling over. The main part of the church was finished in the late 1400s, but Allied bombing during World War II necessitated restoration in the mid-1900s. Today, you can tour the church for free and recent travelers say the small fee to reach the observation platform at the top is definitely worth it. Find it off the Marienplatz U-bahn or S-bahn stop.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) free

Open daily,  Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) is Munich's oldest and smallest place of worship. Jump off the U-bahn or S-bahn at Marienplatz to tour for free, but expect to pay a small fee to climb its tower for a sweeping view of Bavaria. Recent travelers were impressed by the church's glittering altar, not to mention the gold, jewel-bedecked skeleton of St. Munditia, a revered Christian martyr. They also say the view at the top is a must-see.

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top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Marienplatz Marienplatz free

The Marienplatz square, accessible by a U-bahn station of the same name, is Munich's heart just as it used to be back in 1158 when it was established. Back then, it hosted spectator events, such as jousts and executions (yikes!). Today this Alstadt (Old Town) square is alive with street performers, from mimes to musicians, and restaurants, selling bratwursts and beer, plus lots of surrounding shops. At Christmastime, Marienplatz fills with vendors selling holiday gifts at the popular Christkindlmarkt.

Recent travelers say spending some time in this city square is a must-do, noting the distinctly Bavarian feel. Visitors also recommend timing your visit for the daily glockenspiel shows at the Neues Rathaus (Town Hall).

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Deutsches Museum Deutsches Museum

A science and technology museum like no other (according to travelers), the Deutsches Museum brims with exhibits on everything from transportation to mining, bridge building and musical instruments. But across the six floors and almost 12 miles of halls, you'll also find an Internet cafe, an expansive planetarium and the Kinderreich, a section geared toward children that teaches them about science and technology through interactive exhibits. You'll also find the Center for Transportation, the Verkehrszentrum , which for an additional admission fee you can view an array of transportation-related exhibits.

Recent travelers praised the diversity and careful display of the exhibits, saying visitors of all ages will be sure to enjoy.  Located in an imposing building along the Isar River, you can find the Deutsches Museum off the Isartor S- bahn  stop. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost  11 euros ($13) for adults and 4 euros (less than $5) for children ages 6 to 15. Kids 5 and younger get in for free. For additional information on exhibits, events and more, visit the museum's website .

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Viktualienmarkt Viktualienmarkt free

The Viktualienmarkt, located in Alstadt off the Marienplatz U-bahn and S-bahn stops, is the city's oldest farmer's market (dating back to 1807). Open six days a week, it contains around 140 booths with merchants selling everything from fresh baked bread to sausages and honey to fresh flowers. You can also enjoy a beer under chestnut shade trees at the Viktualienmarkt biergarten.

Travelers say this market is perfect for an afternoon stroll, noting visitors should stop to buy and sample some of the goods available, and finish their day with a stein of beer.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Old Picture Gallery (Alte Pinakothek) Old Picture Gallery (Alte Pinakothek)

The Alte Pinakothek  — translated as the Old Picture Gallery — is regarded by experts as one of the great galleries of the world. With walls lined by works from Titian, Rembrandt and Rubens, the art museum impresses travelers, too. Visitors appreciated the Rubens collection (one of the world's largest) and the fairly inexpensive admission price. The art gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Admission is €4, with discounts available for children and students.  You can find the museum off the Königsplatz U-bahn stop.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm free

Located in the English Garden  near the Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower), this biergarten is one of Munich's most famous. The sylvan park provides a fantastic backdrop to the lively chatting of biergarten patrons and the jolly notes of oompah musicians. Recent visitors enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to people-watch. Jump off Tram 19 at the Tivolistraße stop to join in on the fun.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

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top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Eisbachwelle Eisbachwelle free

While strolling through a park in landlocked Munich, the last thing you would expect to see are surfers. However, at the base of the Eisbach River flowing through the English Garden , anyone can hang loose and catch some waves. 

The spot, known as the Eisbachwelle, first became popular in the 1970s after an engineering effort to soften the river's flow instead created large waves perfect for surfing. The surfers at the Eisbachwelle invented the concept of river surfing, and it's now become a worldwide phenomenon. Munich went on to host the European River Surfing championship in 2012, and the winner was a surfer who got his start on the Eisbach. Famous surfers can often be spotted at the Eisbachwelle, which is considered the world's largest urban surfing location.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

BMW Welt BMW Welt free

BMW Welt (BMW World) is a space dedicated to one of Germany's most famous exports. Many travelers said it was worth visiting — if not for the cars then for the building's contemporary architecture. You can view the company's latest concept cars, motorcycles and more here. The main attraction is a large vending machine that new owners can use to pick out their cars. After you've decided on a new set of wheels,  head over to the nearby BMW Museum to learn a bit more. Both sites are located on the east side of the Olympiapark and are accessible by U-bahn at the Olympiazentrum stop.

Hours vary, depending on what part of BMW World or the museum you are visiting. BMW World is free to visit, but the BMW Museum charges  €10 for adults and €7 for children, students, seniors and military. For more information on hours and exhibits, visit the website .

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Augustiner-Keller Augustiner-Keller free

Augustiner-Keller, one of few remaining traditional beer gardens left in the city center, serves big glasses of refreshing beer. Although you can cut down on costs by bringing a picnic of your own food, you can also order your traditional German fare here. Visitors recommend staking your claim to a shaded seat outside, as the indoor beer hall is nothing to write home about.

Keep in mind that the beers here cost the equivalent of a stateside, doctored-up Starbucks drink, but visitors seem to think the steins are worth it. You'll find Augustiner-Keller off Tram 16 or 17's Hopfenstraße  stop or off the München Hackerbrücke  S-bahn stop.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Odeonsplatz Odeonsplatz free

Despite its location in the heart of Bavaria, Munich has been called "Italy's most northerly city" because of its architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Its Italian influence is most apparent in Odeonsplatz – a historic square near the city center designed by a king who had an affinity for the Mediterranean country.  

The Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshalls' Hall) – a three-arch monument built in the 1840s – stands at the south end of the Odeonsplatz square and is almost identical to  Florence 's Loggia dei Lanzi. Deeply embedded in pre-World War II history, many know the monument as the place where Hitler and his followers were once arrested. Nowadays, the Feldherrnhalle's steps provide an ideal spot for Munich residents and visitors to lounge. 

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Olympiapark Olympiapark free

Constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich's Olympiapark has become a popular tourist attraction. It's now a massive recreation center complete with skating rinks, mini golf courses, tennis courts and, of course, the nearly 60,000-seat Olympic Stadium. The stadium hosts concerts and other large ticketed events throughout the year, but many visitors come to the park to explore the plethora of outdoor activities in and around the stadium.

One of the best ways to see the nearly 3 million square feet of Olympiapark is through a guided tour. Sports fans enjoy the stadium tours where they can learn about the inner workings of the stadium, explore the VIP areas and get the chance to score a goal on the goal wall. This hourlong tour costs 8 euros (about $9) for adults and is available in German or English. If you prefer to explore the stadium independently, the entrance fee is only 3.50 euros (around $4).

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

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top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Asam Church Asam Church free

Munich is full of hidden gems, and the Asam Church is no exception. Nestled between stores on the city's popular shopping street Sendlinger Strasse, this 18th-century church is an unexpected masterpiece. 

Previous visitors said they were intrigued by the building's unique exterior while they were strolling by, so they decided to peek inside. What they found inside was a tiny church with enormous detail. 

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Residenz Royal Palace Residenz Royal Palace

In the late 1300s, when the royal Wittelsbach family decided their palace was too small, they commissioned the building of the Residenz Royal Palace. Inside, you'll find the Crown Jewels, the State Collection of Egyptian Art, the Residenz/Cuvilles Theatre and the Herkulessaal concert hall. Outside are courtyards, fountains, grottoes, a medicine room, a chapel and more.

Many travelers call the lavish Residenz Royal Palace a must-see, and they recommend purchasing the combined ticket for the Residenz, the Treasury and the Cuvilles Theatre. You can find the building off the Odeonsplatz U-bahn station. Hours vary by season, so be sure to check the website before you visit.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House

The Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) enjoys recognition worldwide, and many experts and travelers alike endorse splurging for tickets. Recent travelers strongly recommend booking your opera tickets months in advance; they also say not to be dissuaded from attending by the (sometimes) high ticket prices as the experience is worth the money.

To learn more about the opera house and upcoming performances, and to book tickets, visit its website .

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

The summer home of the royal Wittelsbach family, the Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) sprawls to the west of the city — its grounds covering nearly 500 acres. The palace isn't as elaborate as some, but it does boast some interesting aspects, like King Ludwig I's "Gallery of Beauties," a portrait gallery of 36 beautiful women of the day. Travelers suggest visiting the Marstallmuseum (Museum of Royal Carriages), the Amalienburg hunting lodge and the Pagodenburg (for royal tea parties).

Recent visitors recommend a trip in spring or summer when the palace's grounds are in full bloom; the forest walks are particularly nice in the warm weather. The palace is open daily, although there are abbreviated hours in the wintertime. Check the website for specifics on hours and admission, as opening times and prices vary.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Westpark Westpark free

Westpark sits in the southwest region of Munich and offers pleasant running, biking and walking paths as well as rivers and lakes. Although it's smaller than the famous English Garden , visitors appreciate that Westpark seems to attract more locals and less tourists than its larger counterpart. 

A road divides Westpark into two separate sides, which are connected by a footbridge. The west side of the park is also home to Lake Westsee, which is surrounded by meadows and has an outdoor stage. The stage and seating area often play host to outdoor concerts and movie screenings in the summer months. 

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

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top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) free

Usually Renaissance churches have towers, but you won't find one at Michaelskirche (St. Michael's Church). During its construction, the tower fell. Patron Duke Wilhelm V took it as an act of God that the church was too small, and so he ordered the church be made bigger — and with barrel vaulting that today rivals St. Peter's Basilica in Rome . The church is free to tour, but you'll have to pay a small fee to view the crypt (where the patron duke, King Ludwig II and others from the royal family are buried). The church is open daily (except during services), and you can access it from the Karlsplatz U-bahn and S-bahn stations.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Allianz Arena Allianz Arena

Munich's Allianz Arena is ranked alongside Barcelona 's Camp Nou and London 's Wembley Stadium as one of the best soccer complexes in Europe. The 75,000-seat stadium is the second-largest arena in the country and is home to Germany's leading team, Bayern Munich. Along with restaurants, shops and meeting spaces, the bowl-shaped arena boasts luxury skyboxes and modern museum about Bayern Munich.

However, the arena's most unique feature is undeniably its luminous exterior. It's nearly covered with a translucent shell – the largest of its kind in the world – that's illuminated by thousands of lights. It's the first stadium in the world to have a color-changing exterior, and it glows for about three hours after sunset each night – red and white on non-match days, solid red on match days. Some travelers couldn't attend a game but said witnessing the arena's exterior alone was worth making the trip.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Modern Picture Gallery (Pinakothek der Moderne) Modern Picture Gallery (Pinakothek der Moderne)

With the old comes the new, and so Munich added the Pinakothek der Moderne (Modern Picture Gallery) to the older museums centered in the Museum district. The sleek glass and concrete museum, finished in 2002, holds a number of exhibits related to modern art, architecture and design, including the Bavarian State collection of graphic art and the Technical University's architectural museum. Most travelers said they appreciated the wide variety of modern art, though some commented the entry fee was a little steep.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Admission costs 10 euros (less than $12) for adults and  is free for children 17 and younger.  You'll find the Pinakothek der Moderne by hopping off the U-bahn at Königsplatz. The Nos. 27 and 28 trams also stop nearby. For additional information, visit the museum's website . 

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

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Panoramic view of the Neues Rathaus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background.

Attractions in Munich

The city centre offers some of Munich's most famous attractions, such as the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Marienplatz and Altes Rathaus (main square and Old Town Hall), the Allianz Arena (football stadium), BMW Welt and Olympiapark (Olympic Park) in the north of the city, and the Kunstareal (museum area) with its world-famous museums – to name but a few. Magnificent buildings and architectural highlights are every bit as awe-inspiring as the many animals in the city zoo. If you feel like a walk, you can stroll through the Nymphenburger Schlosspark (palace park) or the Englischer Garten and watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave. If you book a guided tour, a certified guide will accompany you to Munich's most beautiful attractions.

Towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich.

Landmark par excellence

With its distinctive towers, the Frauenkirche is the city's most famous landmark.

The heart of Munich

There's always something going on in this world-famous square, whether it's the Christmas market, the Glockenspiel, or another of FC Bayern's championship celebrations.

FC Bayern's favourite balcony

The Neues Rathaus is the home of politics and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they've won the championships.

Towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich taken from the air.

Frauenkirche: Visit of the South Tower

Book a visit to the observation deck of Munich's Frauenkirche and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Courtyard of the Neues Rathaus in Munich.

Visit of the New Town Hall Tower

Discover Munich's highlights from a very special perspective after just a few seconds in the lift!

Towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich taken from the air.

Romantic Road: Rothenburg and Harburg

Hop on and be whisked away by one of the world's most beautiful stretches of street: the Romantic Road to Rothenburg and Harburg.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof VIP

As VIP in the footsteps of King Ludwig II. On this day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing you can visit both dream castles of the fairytale king.

A day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing.

Law library in the new city hall in Munich.

Visit of the Law Library: Juristische Bibliothek

Impressive architecture and unique ambience: discover the Law Library in the New Town Hall.

Several pedicaps with guests in the Englischer Garten (park).

Pedicab tour through the old town and nature

Enjoy this special tour and pedicap ride past all the famous sights of Munich's old town and into the Englischer Garten.

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers and Alps in Munich

City trip incl. Munich Card and Tower Ascent

We look forward to seeing you again in Munich. Our tip: the exclusive travel package with Munich Card and Tower Ascent.

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Alter Peter, Frauenkirche and Neues Rathaus: the Munich skyline in the evening light.

Private guided tour through Munich's Old Town

Exclusive and safe: Discover the most beautiful sights and corners of Munich's city centre with your official personal guide.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

Two nights in a selected hotel and free admission to 45 museums and attractions: our travel package for explorers!

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

München Card und München Pass

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Free Public transport

Reduced or included!

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

The Allianz Arena in Munich illuminated in red at sunset.

Enjoy world-class football

In the Allianz Arena you can enjoy first-class football and the FC Bayern Museum.

The key to success in 1972

The Olympiapark in the north of Munich is a great example of the successful reuse of an Olympic venue. And there is still a lot to do here in terms of sports and culture.

Masterpiece of modern architecture

A real car heaven behind the futuristic facade: BMW's very own experience and delivery centre has been known to deliver up to 34,000 horsepower in one day.

The Englischer Garten in Munich with the skyline of the inner city.

More than just a city park

A green oasis right in the middle of Munich: the English Garden is one of the world's largest inner city parks.

Right in the city centre: the Eisbach wave

The Eisbachwelle is one of Munich's top attractions – for some from a sporting point of view, for others from a tourist point of view.

A jewel of the Baroque

Nymphenburg Palace served as a summer residence for the Electors and Kings of Bavaria in the 18th century.  Today it is one of the largest castles in Germany.

Drone shot of the Munich Kunstareal

World-renowned museums

18 museums and exhibition houses, over 40 galleries, six universities and numerous cultural institutions: the Kunstareal!

Deutsches Museum

Founded more than 100 years ago, the Deutsches Museum now houses one of the most important natural science and technology collections.

Magnificent buildings – ancient art

King Ludwig I commissioned the construction of Königsplatz, which was modelled after the Acropolis in Athens.

People standing in the shade at the Residenz in Hofgarten in Munich.

Bavarian centre of power

Between 1508 and 1918, Bavaria's rulers governed the fates of their subjects from the Residenz.

Florence sends its regards

Anyone familiar with the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence may not believe their eyes – the Feldherrnhalle looks almost identical to its Italian role model.

Italian Grandezza

With its yellow facade and ornate interior, the Theatinerkirche at Odeonsplatz is one of the most beautiful churches in Munich. The white interior is wonderfully cool and forms a surprising contrast.

Maypole at Viktualienmarkt in Munich.

simply delicious!

The Viktualienmarkt is a place for gourmets who will find everything their hearts desire.

The original comes from Munich

“In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus – oans, zwoa, g’suffa…” That is the opening line of the 1935 song that made the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl famous all over the world.

The city's noble address

The Maximilianstrasse is Munich's most expensive avenue: almost all international luxury labels of the fashion and jewellery industry are represented here. A tour.

Animal adventures

An exciting day out for children and adults alike: a visit to Tierpark Hellabrunn, the world’s first “geozoo”.

Schleißheim instead of Nymphenburg

It’s not always about the Frauenkirche, Englischer Garten or Nymphenburg Palace. Here are ten alternative attractions that are real hidden gems.

A blue double-decker sightseeing bus at BMW Welt

Hop-On Hop-Off Grand Circle 24h

The hop-on hop-off Grand Circle tour of Gray Line will let you collect unforgettable impressions of Munich.

A woman is drinking a red smoothie at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.

Experience Munich at first hand

Exclusive guided tours for individual guests through Munich at a glance.

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20 Top Tourist Attractions in Munich

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Munich is a glorious city that shrugs off the coldness and sternness of buildings that are so prevalent elsewhere in Germany. Sure, it has a few of these buildings, but in the old city visitors will find attractive historic buildings and monuments. Munich has a good public transportation system (bus and subway) that makes it convenient to move around the city.

Munich makes a good base for day trips to outlying areas, such as the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau or scenic Salzburg , but there is plenty to keep visitors in the city too. Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in Munich :

Map of Munich

Munich Map

20. Hofgarten

Hofgarten

Located between the famed Residenz and the Englischer Garten is the Hofgarten, a beautiful garden built at the beginning of the 17th century in the style of an Italian Renaissance garden. The Hofgarten is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and it is the perfect spot for a stroll.

Check out the gazebo in the center of the garden, or just admire the beautifully manicured gardens. Many visitors grab some food and enjoy a picnic in the Hofgarten, and there are plenty of benches throughout the area where you can sit, rest and enjoy the view.

19. Pinakothek der Moderne

Pinakothek der Moderne

There are three major art museums in Munich that combine to create what is known as the Kunstareal in the area of Maxvorstadt. The newest is the Pinakothek der Moderne. This is where you’ll find the best contemporary art in the city, and arguably even in all of Europe.

The building that houses the collection is a strikingly modern structure built in the International Style. The Pinakothek der Moderne is divided into four sections, each of which is devoted to either art, architecture, design or works on paper.

Some of the most noteworthy artists whose works are on display include Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.

18. Olympiapark

Olympiapark

The 1972 Olympic Games were held in Munich, and many of the venues created for the event are located in what is now known as the Olympiapark. Munich is recognized globally for its success in turning the Olympic venues into spaces that continue to be used and generate income for the city.

If you’re visiting Munich, you might watch a concert or attend a festival in the Olympic Stadium. At the Olympic Lake, you can rent a boat and paddle around. If you want to soak in the views of the Olympiapark, grab a meal at the revolving restaurant at the top of the Olympic Tower.

17. St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter's Church

Peterskirche, or St. Peter’s Church, is a Catholic church located in Munich’s city center, or Altstadt. St. Peter’s Church was started in the 12th century and is the city’s oldest church, although fires and lighting strikes have damaged part of the structure over the centuries.

The Romanesque-style church hosts services several times each day, and it’s well worth attending one to admire the interior of the building. You can also climb Alte Peter, a tower accessible via more than 300 steps. The climb is worth the effort, however, because you’ll get a stunning view over Munich from the top.

16. Allianz Arena Stadium

Allianz Arena Stadium

Sports fans who’ve ever wondered if football (soccer) is popular in Munich need only visit Allianz Arena Stadium, which seats more than 75,000 spectators who want to see one of the city’s two teams take the field.

The stadium replaced the city’s Olympic stadium beginning with the 2005-2006 season. The stadium, which hosted the World Cup finals in 2006, is known for its panels that change colors, depending on which team is playing and the type of match, i.e., local or national, being played.

15. New Pinakothek

New Pinakothek

The second art museum in the Kunstareal is the New Pinakothek. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of impressionist and expressionist art dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection is housed in a relatively new postmodern building that was constructed in 1981.

The New Pinakothek is the place to go if you’re drawn to works by painters such as Francisco de Goya, John Constable, Eugène Delacroix or Claude Monet. There are also several interesting sculptures on display like the Crouching Woman by Auguste Rodin.

14. Eisbach Wave

Eisbach Wave

The Eisbach Wave is one of the more unexpected attractions located in the heart of Munich. It’s part of the Eisbach River, a man-made body of water that is just over a mile long. The Eisbach River flows through the Englischer Garten.

At one point in the river, there is a standing wave that is just three feet high. It is here that city dwellers have the chance to go surfing or even kayaking right in the heart of Munich.

It is common to see visitors standing next to the Eisbach Wave and watching surfers try to maintain their balance on the wave for as long as possible.

13. Odeonsplatz

Odeonsplatz

If you’re planning to spend any time in the Altstadt, then you’ll want to visit the Odeonsplatz. This central plaza is a major landmark in the city, and it is packed with interesting and historically significant attractions.

Both Ludwigstraße and Briennerstraße, two major thoroughfares through Munich, begin at the Odeonsplatz. The plaza is also home to the Theatinerkirche, a beautiful Italian-Baroque church, and the Field Marshals’ Hall, also known as the Feldherrnhalle.

The highlight of the Odeonsplatz is the Residenz, a palace that is now open to the public and home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and family portraits.

12. Asam Church

Asam Church

Asamkirche was built in the middle of the 18th century by brothers Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam. Egid Quirin was the architect and sculptor, and Cosmas Damian painted the frescoes.

Built in the late Baroque style, this beautiful church was intended to be a private place of worship for the brothers. Due to public unrest, however, it was opened to the residents of the city.

The Asam Church can be toured, and make sure you look up to admire the stunning works of art on the ceiling. If you’re in Munich over the holiday season, the Christmas Eve service at Asam Church is a memorable experience, since the church looks especially beautiful in candlelight.

11. Neues Rathaus

Neues Rathaus

If you’re a fan of architecture, then don’t miss a chance to see the Neues Rathaus in Munich. The New City Hall was built in the neo-Gothic style, and it is a major attraction in the Marienplatz. The building is enormous and boasts six courtyards, a beautiful spiral staircase and plenty of stained glass windows.

Many people come to see the Neues Rathaus just for its clock, which has 43 bells and goes off three times each day. Carved figures emerge from the Glockenspiel and revolve around the clock in time with the bells, and it’s well worth seeing for yourself in person.

10. Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt

Next to the Marienplatz in the city center of Munich is the Viktualienmarkt, a large outdoor market with generations of history. Many of the vendors at the market have a family history at the Viktualienmarkt, making it a longstanding tradition to shop there.

Many locals head to the market on the way to or from work and pick up fresh produce. You can also find some homemade baked goods, premade soups, nuts and herbs for sale.

It’s a popular place for foodies, because many of the items for sale are upscale, gourmet or otherwise exotic ingredients. You’ll also find a few restaurants and a biergarten where you can stay for a drink or two.

9. Alte Pinakothek

Alte Pinakothek

The third of the Kunstareal art museums in Munich is the Alte Pinakothek. This is one of the oldest art galleries in the world, and it is a must-see destination for classical art fans.

When it was ordered built in 1826 by King Ludwig I, the Old Pinakothek was the largest museum in the world; its neo-renaissance exterior soon became the model for museums located throughout Europe. The works of art displayed in the Arte Pinakothek come from the 14th through the 18th centuries.

The most celebrated works come from the Old Masters, including artists like Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals and Leonardo da Vinci. There is a heavy emphasis on German painters, so look for works by Albrecht Dürer and Matthias Grünewald, among many others.

8. Deutsches Museum

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is a world class science and technology museum that appeals to visitors of all ages, even those who profess not to be interested in such subject matter. Visitors can take free guided tours (conducted only in German though) through the museum’s 50 exhibit areas, view demonstrations on subjects ranging from electricity to musical instruments, and participate in a wide variety of hands-on activities.

The museum has a huge collection of more than 100,000 science- and technology-related objects from the Stone Age to today. The museum is family friendly, with 1,000 activities for kids 3-8 offered in Kids Kingdom.

7. Munich Residenz

Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz was home to Bavarian rulers, the Wittelsbachs, for centuries before it was opened to the public in 1920. Its art collections and various architectural styles became symbols of the royal family’s power. The residence sustained heavy damage in World War II, but has since been restored as much as possible.

Today, it is considered one of the finest palace museums in Europe. The Wittelsbachs collected fine art and objects for centuries, so visitors will be able to see outstanding collections of porcelain, paintings, silver objects, rare furniture, chandeliers and sculptures.

6. BMW Welt & Museum

BMW Welt & Museum

BMW is known for its fast cars and motorcycles; what better place to learn more about them than BMW Welt and the BMW museum. BMW Welt is a place to see and gain knowledge of the company’s latest product offerings.

BMW Welt also sells auxiliary accessories and parts for their vehicles, and hosts exhibitions of their latest models. It’s located near Olympic Park; park ticket holders can get a discount on BMW Welt admission.

The nearby BMW Museum has exhibits tracing the history of these famous two- and four-wheeled vehicles. Many old cars and motorcycles are on display along a spiral ramp that curls along the inside of the bowl-shaped building.

5. Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace

The Nymphenburg Palace celebrates the birth of an heir to the Bavarian throne, ordered built by the parents of Maximillian II Emanuel in 1664. The palace served as the summer residence of Bavarian rulers.

When he inherited the throne, Max Emanuel significantly enlarged the palace. Today this baroque palace is one of Munich’s more popular tourist attractions, even though sections are closed to the public since it also serves as the home for the current Duke of Bavaria.

Original baroque ceilings, some with frescoes, survive to this day, as do King Ludwig I’s Galleries of Beauties that portray 36 beautiful Munich women.

4. Munich Frauenkirche

Munich Frauenkirche

The Munich Frauenkirche is another famous Munich landmark that towers over the rest of the city. It dates back to the 15th century when it was built in an astounding 20 years’ time, though completion of some features was postponed due to lack of money.

The Munich Frauenkirche serves as the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Munich and is home to the archbishop. The Gothic cathedral is capable of holding 20,000 worshipers. The cathedral was damaged during World War II, but has been restored It is famous for its bells and as the final resting place for the Dukes of Bavaria.

3. Hofbrauhaus

Hofbrauhaus

Munich residents do love their beer, celebrating it annually at Oktoberfest. Travelers who won’t be here then can still sip the suds at the Hofbrauhaus, one of the oldest breweries in town.

The Hofbrauhaus dates back to 1589 when it was founded by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, when it served as the official brewery for Munich’s royalty. Even back then, the beer had an international reputation, with Swedish invaders agreeing not to sack Munich in exchange for 600,000 barrels of beer.

The brewery and the beer hall are among the most popular tourist attraction in Munich today.

2. Englischer Garten

Englischer Garten

The size of New York City’s Central Park pales in comparison to Munich’s Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks. The park, which stretches from the city center to northeast Munich, was established in 1789, but has been enlarged over the centuries.

It takes its name from the traditional English gardens that were popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It was built by soldiers during times of peace to teach them agricultural skills. The garden contains a Japanese teahouse, a meadow where nude sunbathing is permitted and an artificial wave used by surfboarders.

1. Marienplatz

Marienplatz

Marienplatz is the most famous square in Munich, drawing thousands of tourists every day who come to see the New Town Hall that dates back to 1874. The city hall was built in the Gothic Revival style, and features most of the Wittelsbach rulers on the main façade while statues of four Bavarian kings are on a lower level.

This highly ornate building is a tourist magnet in itself, but what really draws the tourists to Marienplatz is the thrice-daily performance of the Glockenspiel. The famous Ratskeller restaurant is in the basement.

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Munich: The sightseeing highlights from Marienplatz to English Garden

Munich Guide: 20 Top Sights

Experience Munich's highlights on a sightseeing tour: Here is an overview of the top sights of the city - whether castles, museums, churches, parks or squares.

Die Türme der Stadt München

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Sure, you should have seen the Frauenkirche and the Marienplatz as a visitor or new Munich resident. But Munich has much more to offer, and not only for fans of historic buildings.

We take you on a tour to the places that you should definitely see in Munich!

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburger Schloss an einem Sommertag mit Schwan

Travel back in time to the age of the Bavarian monarchy: the extensive park with its pavilions, promenades along the palace canals, enormous fountains, magnificent flower gardens and, of course, impressive palace buildings is a source of fascination for Munich natives and tourists alike.

In addition to the rooms inside the castle, which were designed by the best sculptors, painters and plasterers of the time, you can visit several museums housed in the palace itself, including the Museum of Man and Nature and the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain.

Frauenkirche

Die Münchner Frauenkirche von oben

Built in the 15th century, the gothic "Cathedral of Our Lady" or Frauenkirche in German, was and is an unmistakable symbol of the city. But not everyone knows that the Frauenkirche serves as the final resting place of Emperors and Kings and that the Devil himself is said to have visited the church.

The 500-year-old brick building is the seat of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. Visitors can climb one of the cathedral's two 100-meter towers for spectacular views over the city.

Blick auf den Garten mit Brunnen des Lenbachhauses

Munich museums

From art to natural history to technology, these museums are always worth a visit.

Marienplatz

Das Zentrum von München: Der Marienplatz

The heartbeat of Munich: Marienplatz (St. Mary's Square), the world-famous center of the state capital, is home to the  New Town Hall . No matter the time of year, there's always something happening near the Mariensäule (Column of St. Mary) - whether it's people gathering to witness the  Glockenspiel  (carillion housed in the Town Hall), the Christmas market, championship celebrations for major sports teams or simply visitors from all over the world strolling through the city.

Marienplatz is situated in the very center of Munich, where the east-west axis between the  Isartor  and the  Karlstor  gates and the north-south axis between Schwabing and the  Sendlinger Tor  gate meet, making it an ideal starting point for sightseeing around the city.

Deutsches Museum

Das Deutsche Museum auf der Museumsinsel

The largest museum of technology in the world: The German Museum of Masterpieces of Science and Technology, as it’s officially called, is both a traditional museum and a modern, hands-on facility. Visitors can get involved with demonstrations, experiments and media stations, where they can press buttons, flip levers and switches and touch many of the exhibits.

The 50 or so subjects covered by the museum are diverse, ranging from agriculture and food technology to astronomy, chemistry, photography and film, aeronautics and space technology, marine biology and physics to shipping, telecommunications and even clocks.

Platzl in the old town with the Hofbräuhaus

Das Hofbräuhaus am Platzl

At the "Platzl" in the old town, you can get an idea of what Munich once looked like: magnificent town houses and cobblestones create a cozy ambience. The world-famous Hofbräuhaus, where Munich's beer tradition is lived, has been located here since 1608. The neo-Renaissance building is also an eye-catcher from the outside. 

Tierpark Hellabrunn

Das fertig gestellte Elefantenhaus im Tierpark Hellabrunn

A journey around the world: Munich’s Tierpark Hellabrunn zoo was founded in 1911 and is the world’s first geological zoo. Since 1928, the animals have lived here according to continents - today partly in natural communities, as in nature.

The zoo puts on a number events at different times of year, offering fascinating insights into the natural habitats of the Isar conservation area. Animals roam free in large enclosures without fencing and cages, providing an optimal venue for learning about animals and environmental protection.

Die Residenz am Max-Joseph-Platz

The Munich Residenz is the largest palace in any German city center. Stretching from Dienerstrasse to Max-Joseph-Platz, its imposing façade towers over all those who come to marvel at it.

Highlights of a tour around the Residenz of Bavaria’s erstwhile rules include its many apartments, ballrooms and chapels, featuring different styles ranging from Baroque to Rococo to neoclassical – a testament to the continuous expansion and rebuilding the palace has undergone during its more than 600-year history.

Also worth visiting are the palace treasury, the sumptuous Rococo Cuvilliés Theater and the magnificent Hofgarten (Royal Garden).

English Garden

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Munich's green lung: With its 375 hectares, the English Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. It is not only a popular recreation area in Munich and ideally suited for sports activities such as jogging, cycling or volleyball. A special highlight is the standing wave at the Eisbach - Eisbachwelle for short - not only for people who surf themselves, but also to watch.

A visit to the English Garden is also worthwhile because of the numerous sights such as the Monopteros, the Chinese Tower, the Japanese Tea House or the Rumfordschlössl. Throughout the year there are numerous events in the English Garden, such as the Kocherlball ( Munich’s largest folk dance event) or the Japanese Festival.

Karlsplatz (Stachus)

Der Stachusbrunnen

Karlsplatz, better known as Stachus, is formed by the Karlstor gate with a semicircle of rondell buildings on both sides and serves as the entryway to Munich’s largest pedestrian zone. The saying German “Da geht’s ja zu wie am Stachus” has spread beyond Munich throughout Bavaria as a way to describe a place where there’s lots going on.

These days, there’s still a lot going on at Stachus, day and night: Several S-bahn, U-bahn and tram lines run through here, with cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians passing through by the thousands every day. Some simply use it to make their way through the old town, while others use it to access the pedestrian zone. It also serves as the starting point for Munich’s shopping district.

Frühling in München an der Isar

The Isar is the perfect place to relax in Munich: At almost 14 kilometers long, the river stretches from south to north in the city area. The numerous banks are perfect for relaxing and in certain areas also for barbecuing and swimming. Particularly popular are the Isarauen at the Flaucher and the extensive area around the Reichenbach Bridge. However, there are also less busy sections that are popular for cycling, jogging and walking. Boating is permitted in selected areas of the Isar during the warm season.

Viktualienmarkt

Marktstand auf dem Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s largest market and a hub for the city’s foodies. Spread across 22,000 square meters, it features a huge range of fresh produce with much more than just fruit and vegetables: Bakers, butchers, fishmongers, delicatessens and flower stalls have turned Viktualienmarkt into a Munich landmark for more than 200 years.

The best thing: entry to the market is free. It also features food stalls and a comfy beer garden, complete with an authentic Bavarian Maibaum (Maypole).

Olympiapark

Der Olympiapark von oben

The Olympic Park is one of the most impressive and popular places in Munich. Created on the occasion of the 1972 Olympic Games, some of the most important buildings in the state capital are located here in a very small area: the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Hall with the world-famous tent roof construction and the over 290-meter-high Olympic Tower with its viewing platform.

In addition, the 850,000 square meter park offers a varied range of leisure activities with concerts, spectacular events, festivals and a wide variety of sports.

Odeonsplatz

Die Theatinerkirche am Odeonsplatz

“La dolce vita” is truly on display at Odeonsplatz in Munich: The Italian-style square is complete with a Late Baroque-style church, a building designed in the style of the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence and a great deal of hustle and bustle. It also serves as the northern boundary of the pedestrian zone and forms the starting point of Ludwigstrasse.

A number of landmarks are located within a stone’s throw of Odeonsplatz, including the  Residenz  palace with the  Hofgarten  (Royal Garden), the  Feldherrnhalle  (Field Marshalls’ Hall), the  Theatinerkirche  (Theatine Church), several palaces and the sweeping Bazargebäude (Bazaar Building). High-profile events are regularly held in the square, including the Stadtgründungsfest celebrating the city’s founding, the Streetlife Festival and the popular Klassik am Odeonsplatz open-air classical music festival.

Alter Peter

St. Peter ist die älteste Pfarrkirche Münchens

St. Peter's Church, located just behind Marienplatz, is the oldest parish church in Munich. Alter Peter (Old Peter), as it is lovingly known by the people of Munich, offers one of the best views over the city's rooftops. It also houses Munich's oldest bells and clocks.

The tower isn't the only feature worth visiting. The church's impressive Baroque high age and the relics housed in a glass case, specifically the skeleton of St. Munditia, are well worth a visit.

Allianz Arena

Der FC Bayern München trägt seine Heimspiele in der Allianz Arena aus

The Allianz Arena is the architecturally impressive football stadium of FC Bayern Munich. With a capacity of over 75,000 spectators, it is one of the largest stadiums in Germany. The white outer shell made of air cushions can be illuminated with LED lamps and shines in red during Bayern home games. Inside is the FC Bayern club museum with its numerous trophies and guided tours are offered on non-match days.

Munich Pinacotheca

Die Alte Pinakothek ist eine der bedeutendsten Gemäldegalerien der Welt

Munich's Pinakothek museums are home to art from a wide variety of eras and styles. 

The Pinakothek der Moderne is one of Munich's biggest attractions and one of the best-known exhibition houses in the world. It combines four independent museums of art, graphics, architecture and design on more than 12,000 square meters.

As one of the most important painting galleries in the world, the Alte Pinakothek on Königsplatz shows European painting from the 14th to the 18th century. Well over 700 paintings are exhibited in 19 halls and 47 cabinets. Since 1836, art lovers have been wandering through the impressive rooms on two floors created by architect Leo von Klenze.

Visitors walk through the Neue Pinakothek like in a labyrinth with its exciting overview of the epochs of European art from the Enlightenment to the beginning of modernism, from Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Carl Spitzweg's Poor Poet. The Neue Pinakothek is closed for renovation until 2025.

Königsplatz

Morgensonne am Königsplatz.

With its magnificent buildings, Königsplatz combines architecture from Greek antiquity with European classicism. The square, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century, attracts visitors with numerous impressive museums, such as the Glyptothek, the State Collection of Classical Antiquities or the Lenbachhaus with its works of modern painting.

In the summer months, numerous open-air events, concerts and festivals also take place here. A memorial commemorates the use of Königsplatz for Nazi propaganda events and book burnings by the National Socialists.

Oktoberfest

Aussicht über das Oktoberfest in der Abenddämmerung

Munich Oktoberfest, called the "Wiesn" (meadow) by locals, is the world’s largest folk festival. First held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, the festival has now become one of the top highlights of the Munich calendar.

Around six million guests from all over the world flock to Munich every year to attend the two-week festival on the Theresienwiese. Opened on the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest in 2010, the Oide Wiesn (Old Wiesn) is celebrated on a separate, adjacent site – the perfect place to experience a traditional Oktoberfest as it was once,

Bayerische Staatsoper

Bayerische Staatsoper am Max-Joseph-Platz

One of the world’s most celebrated opera houses, the Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) in Munich is steeped in 350 years of history. Elector Ferdinand Maria had a theater built in the Herkulessaal (Hercules Hall) of the royal residence in the 17th century, where the first Italian opera performances were staged for courtiers.

After relocating to the newly-built National Theater on  Max-Joseph-Platz  in 1811, the Bavarian State Opera has now become Germany’s largest opera house, enjoying enormous success with more than half a million visitors per year and some 450 performances.

Botanical Garden

Im Sommer blüht es wunderschön im Botanischen Garten

The Botanical Garden not far from Nymphenburg Palace offers magnificent plants from all over the world all year round. There are over 19,000 species and subspecies to discover in the open-air area - from local useful plants and alpine flowers in the Alpinum to flora from the Far East and America that is unknown in this country.

The greenhouses cover an area of more than 5,000 square meters. Whatever the weather, cacti, palms, ferns and tropical plants in all colors and shapes can be admired here.

More sights in Munich

Aussicht vom Olympiaturm

The most beautiful viewpoints in Munich

From city panorama to railway romanticism - these 7 views are unique.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

One day in Munich

Sights for a short visit of 24 hours to Munich

What to see

Hofbrauhaus Brewery, Marienplatz, Neuschwanstein Castle, the English Garden... Make the most of your time in Munich and ensure you don't miss the city's most important sights .

Ten must-visit places in Munich

Hofbräuhaus, deutsches museum, neuschwanstein castle, marienplatz, odeonsplatz, viktualienmarkt, englischer garten, you may also be interested in.

Of the many hundreds of places of interest in the Bavarian city, we've selected the ones you shouldn't miss on your trip. Discover the most important monuments, churches, parks and palaces in Munich: what, where, when and how to visit them!

Munich Travel Guide

With a history dating back to 1589, the Hofbräuhaus Brewery has become Munich's most popular beer hall and one of the most famous in the world.

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Must-see attractions in Munich

500px Photo ID: 141403461 - Photo by Savvy Gao

Schloss Nymphenburg

This commanding palace and its lavish gardens sprawl around 5km northwest of the Altstadt. Begun in 1664 as a villa for Electress Adelaide of Savoy, the…

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Residenzmuseum

Home to Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 until WWI, the Residenz is Munich's number-one attraction. The amazing treasures, as well as all the…

Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Alte Pinakothek

Munich's main repository of Old European Masters is crammed with all the major players who decorated canvases between the 14th and 18th centuries. This…

Isar Cycle Route, Monopteros in background, English Garden, Munich, Upper Bavaria, Germany

Englischer Garten

The sprawling English Garden is among Europe's biggest city parks – it even rivals London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park for size – and is a…

Interior view of the Pinakothek der Moderne, Rotunda, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Pinakothek der Moderne

Germany's largest modern-art museum unites four significant collections under a single roof: 20th-century art, applied design from the 19th century to…

Streetview on Luitpold Prinzregent Statue and Bavarian National Museum Munich

Bayerisches Nationalmuseum

Picture the classic 19th-century museum, a palatial neoclassical edifice overflowing with exotic treasure and thought-provoking works of art, a repository…

BERLIN - JANUARY 10: Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin was founded in 1982 in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin and exhibits a large collection of historical technical artifacts January 10, 2010 in Berlin.; Shutterstock ID 70200388; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: Digital Content/Sights

Deutsches Museum

If you’re one of those people for whom science is an unfathomable turn-off, a visit to the Deutsches Museum might just show you that physics and…

BMW World, built 2003 - 2007 by Coop Himmelblau, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Next to the Olympiapark, the glass-and-steel, double-cone tornado spiralling down from a dark cloud the size of an aircraft carrier holds BMW Welt, truly…

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Museum Brandhorst

A big, bold and aptly abstract building, clad entirely in vividly multihued ceramic tubes, the Brandhorst jostled its way into the Munich Kunstareal in a…

Though pocket sized, the late-baroque Asamkirche, built in 1746, is as rich and epic as a giant's treasure chest. Its creators, the brothers Cosmas Damian…

Cuvilliés-Theater

Commissioned by Maximilian III in the mid-18th century, François Cuvilliés fashioned one of Europe's finest rococo theatres. Famous for hosting the…

The Kunstareal is the compact Maxvorstadt area, roughly defined by Türkenstrasse, Schellingstrasse, Luisenstrasse and Karlstrasse, which is packed with…

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Münchner Stadtmuseum

Installed for the city's 850th birthday (2008), the Münchner Stadtmuseum's Typisch München (Typically Munich) exhibition – taking up the whole of a…

Olympiapark

The area to the north of the city where soldiers once paraded and the world's first Zeppelin landed in 1909 found a new role in the 1960s as the…

Königsplatz

Nothing less than the Acropolis in Athens provided the inspiration for Leo von Klenze's imposing Königsplatz, commissioned by Ludwig I and anchored by a…

Marienplatz

The epicentral heart and soul of the Altstadt, Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and packs a lot of personality into a compact frame. It's anchored…

Neue Pinakothek

The Neue Pinakothek harbours a well-respected collection of 19th- and early-20th-century paintings and sculpture, from rococo to Jugendstil (art nouveau)…

Munich Residenz

Generations of Bavarian rulers expanded a medieval fortress into this vast and palatial compound that served as their primary residence and seat of…

Allianz Arena

Sporting and architecture fans alike should take a side trip to the northern suburb of Fröttmaning to see the ultraslick €340-million Allianz Arena,…

This silver, bowl-shaped museum comprises seven themed 'houses' that examine the development of BMW's product line and include sections on motorcycles and…

DenkStätte Weisse Rose

This memorial exhibit to the Weisse Rose (White Rose; a nonviolent resistance group led by Munich University students Hans and Sophie Scholl to oppose the…

Feldherrnhalle and Theatinerkirche, Munich, Germany

Feldherrnhalle

Corking up Odeonsplatz' southern side is Friedrich von Gärnter's Feldherrnhalle, modelled on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The structure pays homage…

Germany, Munich

Frauenkirche

The landmark Frauenkirche, built between 1468 and 1488, is Munich's spiritual heart and the Mt Everest among its churches. No other building in the…

Alter Botanischer Garten

The Old Botanical Garden is a pleasant place to soothe soles and souls after an Altstadt shopping spree or to see out a long wait for a train away from…

Bavaria Filmstadt

Movie magic is the draw of the Bavaria Filmstadt, a theme park built around Bavaria Film, one of Germany's oldest studios, founded in 1919. The top…

Lenbachhaus

With its fabulous wing added by noted architect Norman Foster, this glorious gallery is the go-to place to admire the vibrant canvases of Wassily…

Michaelskirche

It stands quiet and dignified amid the retail frenzy out on Kaufingerstrasse, but to fans of Ludwig II, the Michaelskirche is the ultimate place of…

Deutsches Museum – Verkehrszentrum

An ode to the Bavarian obsession with getting around, the Transport Museum explores the ingenious ways humans have devised to transport things and each…

Jüdisches Museum

Coming to terms with its Nazi past has not historically been a priority in Munich, which is why the opening of the Jewish Museum in 2007 was hailed as a…

Schatzkammer der Residenz

The Residenzmuseum entrance also leads to the Schatzkammer der Residenz, a veritable banker's bonus worth of jewel-encrusted bling of yesteryear, from…

Viktualienmarkt

Fresh fruit and vegetables, piles of artisanal cheeses, tubs of exotic olives, hams and jams, chanterelles and truffles – Viktualienmarkt is a feast of…

Antikensammlungen

This old-school museum is an engaging showcase of exquisite Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. The collection of Greek vases, each artistically…

If you're a fan of classical art or simply enjoy the sight of naked guys without noses (or other pertinent body parts), make a beeline for the Glyptothek…

NS Dokuzentrum

The mission of the NS Dokuzentrum, located right at the heart of what was once Nazi central in Munich, is to educate locals and visitors alike about the…

Ost-West Friedenskirche

Built illegally after WWII by a Russian hermit called Father Timofey, the delightfully rural Russian Orthodox East-West Peace Church was to have been…

Bier & Oktoberfestmuseum

Head to this popular museum to learn all about Bavarian suds and the world's most famous booze-up. The four floors heave with old brewing vats, historic…

Museum Villa Stuck

Around the turn of the 20th century, Franz von Stuck was a leading light on Munich's art scene, and his residence is one of the finest Jugendstil homes…

Altes Rathaus

The eastern side of Marienplatz is dominated by the Altes Rathaus. Lightning got the better of the medieval original in 1460 and WWII bombs levelled its…

Bavariastatue

The Bavariastatue is an 18m-high Amazon in the Statue of Liberty tradition, oak wreath in her hand and lion at her feet. This iron lady has a cunning…

Kulturzentrum Gasteig

One of Munich's top cultural venues, the Kulturzentrum Gasteig caused quite a controversy in the mid-eighties due to its postmodern, boxy, glass-and-brick…

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Best Beer Halls

Top Beer Gardens

Guide to Munich's Hofbräuhaus

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Munich International Airport Guide

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Public Transportation

Day Trips From Munich

Top Things to Do

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

From Lush Gardens to Beer

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Munich is quintessential Germany . Where Berlin and Frankfurt may disappoint you with their modern style, Munich is the land of lederhosen , weighty pork dishes , traditional biergartens , and the biggest beer festival in the world . It doesn't hurt that this cosmopolitan city also has no shortage of architecture and culture—some museums are considered even better than those in Berlin! No trip to Munich is complete without visiting these 23 attractions and sights. Luckily, many of them are in the center of Munich's Old Town and you can easily walk from one landmark to the next.

Listen to the Clock in Marienplatz

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Munich's Marienplatz (Marien Square) is the central square in the heart of Munich.

It's home to the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its highly decorated façade and the traditional Ratskeller (Town Hall cellar) restaurant. The Tourist Information Center is also nearby and makes a great pit stop for advice and brochures.

For most visitors, the  Glockenspiel within the Rathaus tower captures most of the attention. From March through October, this famous clock chimes every day at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. When its 43 bells ring out, more than 30 figures make merry, fight, and dance! Finally, a golden bird chirps three times to end the show. If you miss these show times, you have one more chance at 9 p.m. to watch an angel and a night watchman appear.

If you're visiting the city at Christmas time, don't miss the largest Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in the entire city.

Drink a Beer at the Biggest Folk Festival in the World

For many people, Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. There is so much more to the city, but that doesn't mean you should skip the world's greatest beer fest .

A tradition since 1810, more than 6.3 million visitors pour into the city every fall. On opening day, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel beer tent with the exclamation " O'zapft is! " (It is tapped!) . For the next two weeks, more than 7.5 million liters of beer will be consumed.

Practice Your "Prost!" Year-Round

TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja 

No matter what time of year you visit , the best beer halls in Munich are still happily serving.

True Munich beer halls brew their own beer and present it in the atmosphere it was meant to be drunk, typically alongside platters of meat by tracht -clad (traditional clothing) servers with boisterous oompah music.

Even though it's touristy, don't miss the world-famous Hofbrauhaus . It's Bavarian hospitality at its best in a fabled environment.

Find the Devil's Footstep

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Along with the Rathaus, the twin towers of the Frauenkirche define Munich's skyline. It is the city's largest church with room for 20,000 pious visitors and it dates back to the 15th century. 

When you enter the church, you'll immediately see the Teufelstritt, a mysterious footprint called the "Devil's Footstep." Legend says this black mark was where the devil stamped his foot. It also miraculously survived World War II, despite severe damage to the rest of the cathedral.

For a more heavenly perspective, climb the steps of the cathedral’s towers for an unparalleled view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps.

Get Nude in the English Garden

Munich's English Garden ( Englischer Garten ) is the largest park in the city and the designated hang-out on any sunny day.

Attractions within the park are numerous. You can rent a paddle boat, stroll along the wooded paths, or visit one of its traditional beer gardens . But if you really want to relax, you can let it all hang out on its grassy lawn—and yes, we mean go nude.

Moments from the civility of Marienplatz , the meadow of Schönfeldwiese welcomes everyone to from retirees to college students. Feel free to join in, but refrain from taking pictures.

Try Surfing at the Eisbach Canal

Even though it's hundreds of miles from the ocean, Munich's visitors walking the perimeter of the Englischer Garten come across the Eisbach canal and are surprised to find surfers there.

Munich is the birthplace of the unusual sport of river surfing. Intrepid surfers suit up throughout the year to take on the fierce waves erupting from the bridge and see how long they can hold on. 

Drink Your Beer Outside

Munich's beer gardens are among the country's best. At most, long wooden picnic tables stretch out below century-old chestnut trees and waitresses loaded down with steins breeze between the tables.  Munich is home to almost 200 beer gardens including the largest in the world, Hirschgarten , which seats a whopping 8,000 people.

Live Like a King at the Residence Palace

TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja

Once the home of royalty, the Residence Palace of Munich is open to the public. It is free to walk the grounds , but curious visitors should really step inside.

Construction began in 1385 on what was to become the largest city palace in Germany. Today, the place is home to one of the best European museums of interior decoration, 10 courtyards, and 130 rooms of regal antiques, artwork, porcelain, and tapestries. Don't miss the Antiquarium (Hall of Antiquities), which dates back to 1568. It is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps and features an incredible ceiling of alternating gold and paintings.

Shop the Farmers' Market

Viktualienmarkt is Munich's daily outdoor farmers' market. Its 140 booths offer the best in seasonal specialties from spargel   (that's asparagus, by the way)   to strawberries.

The Viktualienmarkt began in the early 19th century and attracts Müncheners , tourists, and even local chefs. There is a butchers' hall, bakery, fish market, and flower area. If you can't wait to eat, some of Germany's best sausages , and bretzeln (pretzels) are cooked up fresh.

Above the market is the maibaum (maypole), decorated with figures from their various trades.

Look at New, Old, and Modern Art

TripSavvy / Faye Strassle

Munich's three Pinakothek museums cover the range of great art throughout the ages.

The Alte Pinakothek (Old Picture Gallery) is one of the oldest art galleries in the world. It holds more than 700 European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the end of the Rococo period. 

The Pinakothek der Moderne is the largest museum for modern art in Germany with photography and video from greats like Picasso and Warhol.

Reflect at Dachau Concentration Camp

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

The concentration camp of Dachau was one of the first concentration camps in Nazi Germany, where it served as a model for all the camps to follow. 

Visitors follow the "path of the prisoner," walking the same way prisoners were forced to travel after their arrival in the camp. The original prisoner baths, barracks, courtyards, and the crematorium are all available to visit in horrifying detail.

Feel the Olympic Spirit

The Olympic Stadium in Munich was built for the 1972 Olympic Games and is still a wonder of technology.

The design of the acrylic glass roof is modeled on the Alps, and on a clear day you can actually see the mountains. Access is only available during the summer and through a guided tour . Panels describe the momentous moments of the Games, as well as life of the stadium afterwards.

Discover the World's Largest Museum of Technology

The Deutsches Museum (German Museum) is one of the oldest and largest science and technology museums in the world. There are 17,000 artifacts taking visitors from early developments like the first automobile to the laboratory bench where the atom was first split.

Interactive exhibits entertain the children and enough trains, planes, and automobiles to keep everyone's imagination moving. Some exhibits are closed for renovations until 2020.

Jump in a Lake

Just a short ride on public transport from the city, Starnberger See drops you back into nature. There are views of the Alps—including the Zugspitze —as well as six castles, but most people can't stop looking at the stunning azure hue of the lake. If you're ready to get wet, Starnberger See is the ideal location for swimming, boating, or sunbathing.

Be One with the Animals at the World's First Geo-Zoo

Tierpark Hellabrunn is more of a nature preserve than a zoo, with almost 20,000 animals spread out over 89 acres. Since its inception in 1911 as the first geo-zoo, their focus has been providing a quality experience for the animals and visitors. 

Tierpark Hellabrunn consistently ranks among the best zoos in Europe, thanks to thoughtful and beautiful exhibits like the historically listed Elephant House, crowd-pleasers like the petting zoo, picnic spots, and pony and camel rides for children during summer.

Summer Like Royalty at Nymphenburg

GettyImages / Franz Marc Frei  LOOK-foto

The summer residence of the Wittelsbach Electors, this large Baroque palace from the 17th century is known as Schloss Nymphenburg "Castle of the Nymphs" or simply Nymphenburg.

It has a massive span of 600 meters from wing to wing and is bordered on both sides by the Nymphenburg Canal. Water features abound, offering a cooling spray in summer and a natural ice-skating rink in winter. Multiple garden pavilions dot the grounds, with Amalienburg, the palace hunting lodge, famous for its Hall of Mirrors and European rococo design.

The Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall) in the Central Pavilion dates back to 1674. Styled like an Italian villa, its private chambers cover three floors of the central pavilion which are lavishly decorated. The Palace Chapel is elaborately illustrated with the life of Mary Magdalene. 

Take a Ride on the Real Falkor

 TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja 

If you are traveling with little movie buffs , take them to the Bavaria Filmstadt (Bavaria Film Studios), Munich’s answer to Hollywood.

This is Europe’s largest film making center with a storied history of great films. Beloved props include Falkor, the dragon from " The Neverending Story " ( Die unendliche Geschichte in German ).  Drama-loving adults can step into Das Boot (The Boat).

For a bit of live action, there are regular stunt shows of fights, fires, and falls. Guided tours of the studio are available in English.

Sunbathe Along the Isar River

The Isar River's fast-running section known as the Eisbach shoots through the Englischer Garten and provides the rapid waters for surfing, but elsewhere it runs much more calmly.

The river has undergone a mass renovation in Munich and is now to go-to spot for lazy summer days. Rafting, swimming, fishing, picnicking, grilling, or simply sunbathing (with or without clothes) on its rocky shores are a mainstay of sunny days.

Study Immigration at Germany's Jewish Museum

Located next to Munich's largest synagogue, the Jewish Museum is an eye-catcher. All glass and stone and fronted by a menorah, the museum is unusual in that it studies the immigration. It also covers the history of Munich’s Jewish community, festivals and rites of passage.

The nearby community center offers a school, auditorium and a kosher restaurant.

Admire the Historic Odeonsplatz

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

This central square is easily identified as the entrance to the Residence Palace, Theatinerkirche , and the regal lions that guard the steps to the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall).

Ludwigstraße and Briennerstraße lead off from the square, and  Odeonsplatz has traditionally been an important site for parades and events. The annual parade to Oktoberfest follows this route. And under the Nazi regime, a statue honoring fallen soldiers was here and required a salute by all those that passed by. The monument was demolished, but there is still a plaque in the pavement and on the wall of the Residenz.

Worship at St. Peter's Church

Peterskirche or St. Peter's Church is Munich's oldest parish church. Rebuilt after a fire and dedicated in 1368, it was established by monks.

It stands apart from the city on a hill appropriately named Petersberg. Inside, red marble monuments by Erasmus Grasser and golden statues grace the sides while paintings adorn the cieling. Climb the 299-steps up the tower with its eight clock faces and eight bells.

Feel the Speed at BMW Welt

Stuttgart may be "car city," but Müncheners also love their cars. BMW's stunning headquarters and factories (BMW Welt) are located next to Olympic Park. A modern twisting design of glass, the museum showcases nearly every model the company has ever made. Sports cars, racing models, and motorcycles all look as if they could speed away at any minute. If you want a BMW to come home with you, there's even a distribution center!

Day Trip to the Most Famous Castle in Germany

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Few people staying in Munich for more than a few days can resist the allure of Germany's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein .

Just two hours from the city, this fairy-tale castle was the basis for the modern castles of Disney. Hidden away above Füssen and framed by the Alps, it receives more than six million visitors a year.

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Munich, Germany

The 9 best attractions in Munich

Keep the biergartens for the evenings and fill your days in Munich with these amazing attractions

The best attractions in Munich represent everything that makes this city such a thrilling visit, from its outstanding art museums to delicious food markets. Munich is famous for its beer gardens and for good reasons, but the best things to do here will offer you plenty of distractions to keep you out of the booze tents – for a while at least. When you come to Munich, you often come for the infamous beer scene, but leave with memories of museums , gardens and glistening mountain spas. So, if it's the best of the best you're after – the cream of the crop, the top table – you've come to the right place, because we've rounded up our favourite Munich attractions.

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

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Best attractions in Munich

Viktualienmarkt

1.  Viktualienmarkt

  • Public spaces

Kick off at Munich’s most famous food market, as excellent for people-watching as it is for fine regional produce. Relax with a drink at one of the numerous stands – no shame in a Radler (beer and lemonade) if you need to take it easy – and set about sampling the array of fresh regional produce, with specialities including bread, speck and Schweinshaxe (ham hock), the love-it-or-hate-it Weißwurst , as well as locally foraged mushrooms. If you’re in town in late November or December, the Viktualienmarkt hosts an annual Christmas market, Alpenwahn, complete with carols, homemade cards and gifts, and generous cupfuls of  Glühwein (mulled wine).

Haus der Kunst

2.  Haus der Kunst

  • Art and design

An enormous and imposing sight nestled alongside the picturesque Englischer Garten, Haus der Kunst is one of Munich’s many spectacular art galleries (we’re talking 100 plus). This interdisciplinary space aims to represent all that’s good, exciting and cutting-edge in the world of contemporary art. But this neoclassical building comes with a troubled backstory, too – it was built in 1937 to house Nazi-approved art. Of course, this is no longer the case, but as you wander around you’ll find the Kunst regularly acknowledges, contemplates and engages with its propagandist heritage. When you’re done, head over to the adjoining Goldene Bar to slurp on vibrant cocktails (try the Goldene Bartini – a mouthwatering mix of gin, Lillet Blanc and lemon) in a blindingly sleek, shiny setting. 

Siegestor

3.  Siegestor

  • Monuments and memorials

Like a smaller Brandenburg Gate, the triple-arched Siegestor stands as a monument to victory and a reminder to peace. King Ludwig I commissioned it in the 1850s based on the ancient Roman Arch of Constantine, however, it sustained so much damage during the Second World War that much of it had to be restored over a 30-year period, including the quadriga of Bavaria and her four lions. To see it in the flesh, venture down tot he point where Ludwigstrasse and Leopoldstrasse meet. The ornate frontage is a visual wonder, but the blank back is a powerful statement about the things war takes away, accompanied by the words: ‘Dem Sieg geweiht, von Krieg zersört, zum Frieden mahnend’ (‘Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, urging peace’).

Museum Brandhorst

4.  Museum Brandhorst

The Brandhorst Museum in the north-eastern corner of Munich’s Kunstareal art district is impossible to miss. With its striped 23-shade exterior, this dazzling addition to Munich’s art scene displays around 200 modern works from the collection of Anette Brandhorst and her husband Udo Fritz-Hermann. Big hitters include Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter, Bruce Nauman, Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. The polygonal room above the foyer was designed expressly for Twombly’s ‘Lepanto’, a breathtaking 12-canvas sequence depicting a fiery 16th-century sea battle between the Ottomans and the so-called ‘Holy League’ of European forces. The Brandhorst collection also boasts one of the most comprehensive holdings of Picasso-illustrated books.

Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism

5.  Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism

Compared with other German cities, Munich has taken a long time to confront its Nazi history, perhaps precisely because of its particular importance, and responsibility, in the ascent of Hitler’s genocidal regime. It was in Munich, the ‘Capital of the Movement’, that the rise of the National Socialist movement first began, that Hitler enacted his attempted putsch of 1923, and where he later found influential and prosperous patrons. It’s here, too, that Goebbels called for a nationwide pogrom against the Jewish population. An intentionally stark and striking white building, the Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism sits on the former site of the Brown House, the party headquarters, and sets out to interrogate the association between Munich and the Nazi regime in unflinching detail. 

Wellness Hotel Kranzbach

6.  Wellness Hotel Kranzbach

The scenic landscapes around Munich are just as seductive as the ever-popular city centre. To escape for an action-packed weekend of hiking, skiing and Alpine spa-ing, journey across to Kranzbach, an idyllic spot only an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Munich. At the foot of Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, the area is densely surrounded by protected meadows and fragrant pine forests. The Wellness Hotel itself is a magnificent stone building dating to 1915, offset with an opulent interior courtesy of design aficionado and ‘Elle Decoration’ founding editor Isle Crawford. Whether you’re looking to bust some yoga stretches, detox with the aid of Ayurvedic treatments, or simply soak up mountain views from within the fluffiest of robes, you’ll find restorative bliss – and an effortless way to turn  your city break into a break from the city.

Die Pinakotheken: Alte and Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne

7.  Die Pinakotheken: Alte and Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne

Across the square from the Brandhorst Museum, Munich’s Pinakothek trio (the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne) span European art history from the Middle Ages to the present day in blockbuster style. Albrecht Dürer’s Self-Portrait with Fur-Trimmed Robe (Alte Pinakothek), with its Christ-like gaze and textural richness, is the star of the show, but there are abundant treasures here, not least the Pinakothek der Moderne’s line-up from the Blaue Reiter, Munich’s home-grown Expressionist movement.

Englischer Garten

8.  Englischer Garten

  • Parks and gardens

When strolling the rolling hills of Englischer Garten, you'd be forgiven for double checking you're not in Britain. Landscaped in the eighteenth century for Prince Charles Theodore, this verdant land spans almost 1,000 acres and is among the world's largest inner-city public parks (bigger than Hyde and Central Parks). With space like that, you can imagine just how much it has to offer. Most people come to picnic, jog, dog walk and sunbathe (often naked), but there's also a number of biergartens to visit. Plus, for extreme sports lovers, there's Eisbachwelle – a man-made wave that runs continously all year round for surfers who don't mind being oggled while they ride the waves. There's also Monopteros, a fake Greek temple atop a hill that was built in the nineteenth century for King Ludwig I, and (after a short trek) provides the perfect spot to watch the sun going down.

Kunstfoyer der Bayerischen Versicherungskammer

9.  Kunstfoyer der Bayerischen Versicherungskammer

In an unprepossessing building by the Maximiliansbrücke, the Kunstfoyer VKB keeps a much lower profile than the museums of the Kunstareal enclave but is well worth checking out if you’re into your video art or photography. With a focus on socially and politically minded artists, plus the interaction of still and moving pictures, previous Kunstfoyer shows have included Gordon Parks, Margaret Bourke-White, Sebastião Salgado and the fantastical set designs of Ken Adam (think iconic Bond and Kubrick). There are striking views on to the impressive Maximilaneum, one of Munich’s most prominent buildings, and likely the most palatial student residence ever.

There’s more to this city than just beer...

The 12 best bars in Munich

The 12 best bars in Munich

  • Bars and pubs

With the world’s biggest beer festival, beer cellars galore and the best beer gardens on the planet, Munich has an enviable reputation for… well, yes, that drink we call beer. There is, however, so much more to the city’s bar scene than that.

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The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany)

Bavaria’s capital is a cocktail of beloved sights, opulent Baroque churches and museums of the highest order. Munich’s Kunstareal is a cluster of art museums with so many masterpieces it’s difficult to know where to begin. A week would never be enough to see all of them, and these invaluable collections were assembled by the Wittelsbach monarchs who ruled Bavaria up to the 20th century.

Their palaces in the city are two of the many glorious monuments to take in, and you’ll catch sight of Alps from the top of the Rathaus and St Peter’s Church. Munich is also the city of some world-famous German exports like BMW, FC Bayern and the incomparable Oktoberfest, more than two weeks of beer-fuelled merrymaking every Autumn.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Munich :

1. Alte Pinakothek

Alte Pinakothek

Dating to 1836, the Alte Pinakothek is one of the world’s oldest art galleries.

The museum’s Neo-Renaissance design would be a model for galleries that sprouted in Brussels, Rome and St Petersburg.

It was all ordered by King Ludwig I to house the Wittelsbach dynasty’s exceptional collection, started by Duke Wilhelm IV back in the 1500s.

The upshot is 800 German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Italian and Spanish paintings from the 1200s to the 1800s, of superlative quality.

The masters who take the spotlight are Peter Paul Rubens, Albrecht Dürer and van Dyck, all represented by multiple paintings.

And on your way, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Hans Baldung Grien, Hieronymous Bosch and Rembrandt are just a few of the many prestigious names you’ll encounter.

2. Munich Residenz

Munich Residenz

What began as a 14th-century castle for the Wittelsbach monarchs on the northern edge of the city burgeoned over the course of several hundred years into a sublime palace complex of ten courtyards and 130 rooms.

Successive dukes, emperors, princes and kings all made grand statements in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles.

Given the size of the palace and the richness of its art, the Munich Residenz is a sight to do in several visits if you can.

But a few musts to tick off are the Italian Renaissance Grotto Courtyard, the lavishly adorned Antiquarium banquet hall and the gilded mouldings in the Baroque Ancestral Gallery.

3. Neues Rathaus

Neues Rathaus

A postcard favourite, Munich’s town hall on Marienplatz is a Gothic Revival wonder, a monument worthy of the city.

The facade is festooned with pinnacles, niches with little trefoil arches and statues of the first four Bavarian kings on the bay of the tower.

Munich’s population doubled in less than 20 years between 1880 and 1900, and the Neues Rathaus, which was originally completed in 1874 had to be expanded barely 20 years after it was finished.

That facade is 100 metres long and the building was extended to 400 rooms, and you can go in to scale the 85-metre where you can see to the Alps on cloudless days.

Since 1908 the Glockenspiel has chimed each day at 11:00 and 12:00, and then 17:00 (from March to October), with automatons acting out episodes from the 1600s.

4. Englischer Garten

Englischer Garten Munich

Scanning a map of the city, you’ll be struck by the size of the Englischer Garten.

Created in the 18th century, the park begins on the left bank of the Isar in the north behind the Residenz and just seems to go on and on.

At 370 hectares this expanse of lawns, tree groves, pasture, waterways and a lake is one of the world’s largest urban parks, bigger than New York’s Central Park.

There are some neat little sights to take in, like a Japanese teahouse added for the Olympics in 1972 and the Chinese Tower based on Kew Gardens’ pagoda and first erected in 1790. But something you may not have expected to come across is surfing: Yes, the man-made Eisbach River has a strong current, forming a static wave that experienced boarders ride for up to a minute at a time.

5. Neue Pinakothek

Neue Pinakothek Munich

King Ludwig I also had an eye for the contemporary art of the 19th century and amassed many invaluable pieces from the period.

Some 400 paintings from the 1800s are on show in the Neue Pinakothek, and they tick off all of the influential movements from the century.

There are German Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Karl Friedrich Schinkel, French Realists such as Delacroix and Courbet, and Impressionist Art by Degas, Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin and Renoir.

After that you can go slow and study each movement in detail, or scoot across periods to the other masterpieces by Goya, Rodin, Klimt, Munch and Turner.

6. Marienplatz

Marienplatz

In any season, Marienplatz in front of the Neues Rathaus will be brimming with locals and tourists out shopping, sightseeing or just watching the city go by.

The square has been at the centre of the city since the 12th century and is named for a Marian column that was raised here in the 17th century.

The monument is from 1638 and celebrates the withdrawal of Swedish troops from Munich during the 30 Years’ War.

The golden statue at the top is older, sculpted in 1590 and showing Mary on a crescent moon as the Queen of Heaven.

This was the first Marian column north of the Alps, and the forerunner for a host of similar monuments in Bavaria and Central Europe.

Come in December, when the Christmas market is in full swing.

7. St Peter’s Church

St Peter's Church

Munich’s oldest church was first built at the end of the 1100s but destroyed by fire in 1347. The reconstruction was in the Gothic style and down the years there have been many extensions, leaving the St Peter’s with Renaissance and Baroque elements.

That fusion of styles applies to the art, as 15th-century Gothic paintings by Jan Polack sit below a marvellous Late Baroque ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Go in for a closer look at the high altar, which has a figure of St Peter sculpted by Erasmus Grasser at the turn of the 16th century.

St Peter’s church rests atop the hillock, Petersbergl and it’s worthwhile tackling the tower’s 299 steps to spend a few minutes pointing out Munich’s landmarks with the help of a telescope.

8. Deutsches Museum

Deutsches Museum

Like the Alte Pinakothek the Deutsches Museum could easily keep you occupied for an entire day.

The museum sits on an island in the Isar (the Museumsinsel) and maps the development of Science and Technology in Germany.

What will keep you engrossed is the sheer variety of fields dealt with in these galleries, from nanotechnology to reproduction, aerospace and astronomy to hydraulic engineering.

If you only have a couple of hours to spare you’ll need to plan ahead and focus on one or two things.

Every field has well-presented and fully interactive exhibits, inviting kids to push buttons, crank wheels and pull levers.

And while younger minds are catered for and there’s even a fun kids’ zone, the museum never shies away from the complicated details.

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

Pinakothek der Moderne

Although it’s known locally as the “Dritte” (third), after the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, Munich’s modern art museum is just as essential.

As with its neighbours in the Kunstreal, the galleries are comprehensive and stocked with art by the most celebrated names of the last 100 years.

The best bit is the Expressionism exhibition from both the Brücke and Blaue Reiter groups, and artists like Kirchner, Kandinsky, Klee, Franz Marc and Emil Nolde will be familiar to all.

In rest of the Modernism galleries you’ll come across Francis Bacon, Braque, Otto Dix, Picasso, Magritte, Max Ernst and Joan Miró.

And then bringing you from the 1960s to the present day are the contemporary galleries abounding with art by Sigmar Polke, Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Lucio Fontana among others.

And beyond all this there are exhibitions for applied art/industrial design, photography, drawings and architecture.

10. Lenbachhaus

Lenbachhaus

At the dawn of the 20th century Munich had a vibrant and influential art scene, when the Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider) group shook up the old academies.

Many leading Expressionists were members, including Kandinsky, Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter and August Macke, and the Lenbachaus brims with their paintings.

There’s also great deal of contemporary art by the likes of Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol and Jenny Holzer.

The museum’s roll-call of Munich-based artists goes back to the Gothic painter Jan Polack and including the portrait painter Georg Desmarées, the landscape artists Carl Anton Joseph Rottmann and the Biedermeier luminary Carl Spitzweg.

The Lenbachhaus is named for the portrait painter Franz von Lenbach who commissioned the building in the 1880s.

In 2013 a new wing was added, clad with copper and aluminium tubes.

11. Asam Church

Asam Church, Munich

An easy walk from the Sendlinger Tor at the southern tip of old Munich is an extravagant Late Baroque church wedged in a confined space between neighbouring buildings.

The Asam Church is named after its mid-18th-century designers, the brothers Asam, one a painter and the other a sculptor.

An interesting thing about the church is that it was a private chapel, unattached to any religious order.

This, along with the narrow space, gave the brothers freedom to break a few Baroque rules for layout and interior decoration.

The church faces west for instance, and the crucifix opposite the pulpit is hung unusually low.

These quirks and the skill of the radiant ceiling frescos and workmanship in the stuccowork lining the nave add up to one of the foremost buildings in the German Late Baroque style.

12. Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche

Although there are prettier churches in Munich, none possess the 15th-century Frauenkirche’s sense of scale.

Its pair of towers, crowned with onion domes are a Munich landmark, and no new building is permitted to exceed their 109-metre height.

The church’s design is famously discreet, with few window openings and unadorned walls that inspire awe.

The Frauenkirche suffered in the war, but there’s still a lot of restored or original art to seek out inside.

The choir stalls from the start of the 16th century are sculpted with busts of prophets and apostles, and some of the stained glass windows are from the medieval church that stood on the site before this one.

There’s also a tomb monument to Louis IV the 14th-century Holy Roman Emperor, and see a shoe-shaped impression at the entrance, supposedly left by the devil!

13. Theatine Church

Theatine Church

At Odeonplatz you’ll be greeted by the splendid yellow facade of the 17th-century Theatine Church.

This monument was designed by Italian architects in the Baroque style and took cues from Rome’s Sant’Andrea della Valle.

Give yourself time to marvel at the painted facade, rich with niches, reliefs, Doric columns and Ionic pilasters.

It’s all the product of a holy vow given by Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, if she could give birth to a crown prince for the Elector Ferdinand Maria.

Through the doors, keep an eye out for the altar with images of the evangelists from 1722, the black wooden pulpit dating to 1688 and the crypt, resting place of several members of the Wittelsbach family.

14. Bavarian National Museum

Bavarian National Museum

Inaugurated by King Maximilian II in 1855, the Bavarian Museum is another cultural attraction that needs a lot of time.

In store here are more than 40 rooms of decorative items, dating from antiquity to Art Nouveau at the start of the 20th century.

There’s faience, weapons, armour, porcelain, oil paintings, musical instruments, furniture, clocks, costumes tableware and a whole lot more besides.

The high points are the Bollert Collection, a trove of Late Gothic and Renaissance and sculpture from religious buildings around Bavaria, and the set of Rococo Nymphenburg porcelain figures by the Swiss modeller Franz Anton Buselli.

The Historicist museum building also deserves a mention as it was purpose-built to complement the collections at the end of the 1890s.

15. BMW Museum

BMW Museum

Karl Schwanzer, the man who designed the famous BMW Headquarters also drew up the plans for the futuristic museum building in front, often described as the “salad bowl”. The building was completed in 1973 and its galleries are on a Guggenheim-esque spiral.

The showrooms are air, spacious and effortlessly cool, as you go on a journey through the brand’s technological development.

There are vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, turbines, engines as well as outlandish concept vehicles from the last two decades, all accompanied with information via multimedia.

Did you know Elvis Presley owned a BMW? Well he did and it’s on show here.

16. BMW Welt

BMW Welt

After learning about BMW’s past you can be brought up to date with the present at the stylish exhibition hall next door.

BMW Welt is free to enter and the best explanation is that it’s the world’s most spectacular car dealership showroom.

People come to pick up their new BMWs, which is a spectacle in its own right as their car is lifted up to them by elevator into a glass hall.

You can take a close look at all of the BMW models currently on the market, get behind the wheel and even book a test drive.

If one steals your heart you can order it here for delivery to most parts of the world, or shop for BMW souvenirs and accessories at the shop.

17. Glyptothek

Glyptothek, Munich

Our final museum in the Kunstareal would be a priority in almost any other city, which testifies to the volume of art and history in this quarter.

The Glyptothek is a Neoclassical temple ordered by King Ludwig I as a repository for his Greek and Roman sculpture collection.

The building was completed in 1830, making it the oldest museum in Munich.

There’s more than 1,000 years of sculpture within, spanning the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Periods as well as the Roman Empire.

The Hellenistic Barnerini Faun is one to look out for, depicting a life-sized faun and sculpted around the turn of the 2nd Century BC. From Roman times there’s an assortment of busts of emperors like Emperor Augustus, Nero, Caligula and Traian, and the statesmen Sulla and Gaius Marius.

18. Olympiapark

Olympiapark, Munich

While many former Olympic venues around the world tend to be forgotten, Munich’s 1972 Olympic Park is still a popular day out.

The park is a massive activity centre where you can ride a zip-line over the iconic stadium, take part in watersports on the lake and ski on the hill in winter.

There are also fairground amusements in summer, and no lack of places to grab a snack or meal.

The park has also witnessed some historic events, one grim, like the Munich massacre of 11 Israeli team members in 1972, and you can still visit Building 31 where the Israeli team was staying.

On a lighter note the Olympic stadium was also the scene of one of the most memorable World Cup finals in 1974, when Beckenbauer’s Germany came from behind to defeat Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands 2-1.

19. Allianz Arena

Allianz Arena

Even if you only have a passing interest in football, a visit to the home of FC Bayern has to be on the agenda.

That’s not just because they’re Germany’s top team and have a special place in the nation’s culture, but they also moved into an awesome new home just over a decade ago.

The 66,000-seater stadium is clad with 2,874 luminous panels, which light up with the club’s colours on match-days.

The Allianz Arena’s hour-long tour is an all-access experience, guiding you in to the dressing rooms, player’s tunnel, mixed zone where post-match interviews are given and the press conference room.

After that you can spend some time in the museum acquainting yourself with Bayern’s greatest players like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Lothar Matthäus, and reliving the club’s five Champions League/European Cup victories.

Recommended tour : FC Bayern München Football and Allianz Arena Tour

20. Munich National Theatre

Munich National Theatre

The Neoclassical National Theatre on Max-Joseph-Platz is one of Europe’s top opera houses and the home venue of the Bavarian State Ballet, Bavarian State Orchestra and the Bavarian State Opera.

The current design and its majestic portico is from 1825, and although the building was devastated in the war it was rebuilt to the architect Karl von Fischer’s 19th-century plans in the 1960s.

Opera fans who aren’t able to get tickets could still arrange a German language tour to see the stunning multi-storey backstage area, and find out more about the people who have graced this building: A number of Richard Wagner’s operas debuted at the National Theatre, like Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Das Rhengold and Die Walküre.

21. Müller’sches Volksbad

Müller'sches Volksbad

If a swimming pool sounds a bit anticlimactic, the Müller’sches Volksbad on the right bank of the Isar is anything but a disappointment, especially if you have a taste for Art Nouveau design.

The pool is also the closest thing to a secret, in-the-know experience on our list.

There’s no equivalent in Germany, and every step of the banal activity of going for a swim and sauna session is made exciting by Carl Hochede’s Classical motifs, patterned stucco flourishes on the ceilings, whimsical lamp holders and wrought iron banisters.

22. Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus Munich

If you’re up for a beer, a carefree atmosphere and helping of traditional Bavarian fare a beer hall or Wirtshaus would be just the ticket.

There are dozens to choose from around Munich and with a little research you’ll find an authentic one near you.

And even though you won’t find many locals in the Hofbräuhaus, it’s still one of those things you have to do in Munich.

It’s an annexe of the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus brewery, which was located here from 1589 until 1897 when it relocated to the suburbs.

One of the many eminent regulars at the beer hall was Mozart, who lived just around the corner in the 18th century.

On the wall you’ll notice beer steins belonging to regulars, which are kept under lock and key.

Order a litre glass of lager, malty dark beer or Weißbier to go with a Wienerschnitzel or Weißwurst.

Tip : Included in the Munich Third Reich Tour

23. Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt

The city’s food market was relocated here in 1807 when it grew too big for Marienplatz.

First and foremost is Viktualienmarkt is somewhere for people to do their grocery shopping, made up of 140 indoor and outdoor stalls and shops selling fresh fruit and vegetables, sausage, cheese and fancier specialty foods like olive oil, wine and tea.

But that is only half the story, as there’s a big biergarten in the centre of the marketplace, and one of Munich’s favourites.

If you’re peckish there’s a tantalising choice of food stalls or you could pick up a schnitzel or wurst from the biergarten’s own self-service restaurant.

Suggested tour : Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich

24. Hellabrunn Zoo

Hellabrunn Zoo

In 40 hectares on the meadow-covered right bank of the Isar in the south of the city, Hellabrunn Zoo rarely ranks outside the top five in Europe.

Established in 1911, it was one of the first in world to adopt moats and ditches as barriers instead of cages, but also introduced the concept of the Geo-Zoo, where animals are located according to their geographical regions.

If you’re concerned about the zoo’s humane credentials, it takes part in breeding programs for endangered species like silvery and drill baboons, as well as elephants, Arctic foxes and gorillas.

Alpacas, polar bears, South American sea lions and giraffes are a few of the 760-odd species.

And little ones can come and feed pygmy goats and Damara goats at two separate petting zoos.

25. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest Munich

Some of the figures associated with the world’s biggest beer festival are mind-blowing.

We’re talking seven million visitors and more than 7.5 million litres of beer consumed.

The 16-18-day festival begins on the third Saturday of September and goes back to 1810, when Prince Ludwig married Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

In 1896 the city’s breweries built gigantic beer tents for the celebration, and since then beer-drinking has been the main activity! There are 14 tents permanently set up at Theresienwiese in the west of the city, holding up to 8,500 revellers each.

Despite the capacity these tents fill up fast, so get there early in the day if you want a seat.

Also have a ball at the amusements and funfair rides, and be sure to soak up that alcohol with pretzels, bratwurst and schnitzel.

Book online : Munich: Oktoberfest

Suggested day trips from Munich :

  • Day Trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles
  • Dachau Concentration Camp Half-Day Tour from Munich
  • Salzburg Day Trip from Munich by Train
  • Romantic Road and Rothenburg from Munich

25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany):

  • Alte Pinakothek
  • Munich Residenz
  • Neues Rathaus
  • Englischer Garten
  • Neue Pinakothek
  • Marienplatz
  • St Peter's Church
  • Deutsches Museum
  • Pinakothek der Moderne
  • Lenbachhaus
  • Asam Church
  • Frauenkirche
  • Theatine Church
  • Bavarian National Museum
  • Olympiapark
  • Allianz Arena
  • Munich National Theatre
  • Müller'sches Volksbad
  • Hofbräuhaus
  • Viktualienmarkt
  • Hellabrunn Zoo
  • Oktoberfest

Munich Attractions — My Personal Top Ten

Munich attractions are numerous as it is one of the tourism centers of Germany. If you’re short on time, here’s my list of the top ten things to see and do in this Bavarian gem of a city.

1. Oktoberfest

There’s no way around it. It may be a cliché, but attending Oktoberfest is truly an authentic, unforgettable (depending on how much beer you’ve drunk) experience.

  • Learn more about Munich Events

2. Browsing the Offerings of the Viktualienmarkt

A bevy of fresh fruit and vegetables, handicrafts and other German goodies await you in this busy marketplace.

  • Learn more about Munich Sights

3. Climbing to the Tower of Frauenkirche

For the perfect bird’s eye view of the city, you couldn’t do better than the Frauenkirche . A glimpse of the Marienplatz, Town Halls and the Alps is your reward for making it to the top of the tower.

4. River-Surfing in the English Garden

There aren’t many city parks where you can go surfing but the Englischer Garten is one of them. Don’t forget to check out the Chinese pagoda and other beauties of this lovely garden.

  • Learn more about Munich Parks

5. Going Window-Shopping on Maximilianstraße

The high prices may put off the budget travelers, but this is the mecca of Munich shopping. Shopaholics and the fashion-minded will go crazy over the designer boutiques and high-end style (I surely do!).

  • Learn more about Munich Shopping

6. Watching a Richard Wagner Performance at the Opera

We Germans love the opera and Wagner, who spent much of his time in Munich, and is one of our most important composers.

  • Learn more about Munich Theaters

7. Skiing in the Alps

An undeniable Munich attraction, the nearby Alps make Munich the perfect skiing destination.

  • Learn more about Munich Parks & Nature

8. Having a Beer or two at the Hofbräuhaus

This iconic Bavarian beer hall is a must-see, must-do Munich attraction. Have a liter of the house specialty while noshing on the biggest pretzel you’ve ever seen, all to the tunes of an oompah band. :-)

  • Learn more about Munich Restaurants

9. Spending the Day at the Artsy Kunstareal

This Munich attraction is a vital trip for lovers of art and history. Surround yourself with centuries of masterpieces, from DaVinci to Van Gogh to Beckmann.

  • Learn more about Munich Museums & Galleries

10. Taking in Munich’s Architectural Beauty at the Marienplatz

Possibly the most photographed spot in Munich, the Marienplatz is the locale of Munich’s picturesque Old and New Town Halls, the Glockenspiel and some of the prettiest buildings you’ll ever see.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Munich

The dynamic, cosmopolitan city of Munich was recently named the worlds most liveable city by travel and lifestyle publication Monocle.

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning to make Munich your new home, there’s plenty to see and do in Germany’s third biggest city. This green city is known for its beautiful parks, many museums, and beautiful palaces. To make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of attractions you can’t leave Munich without seeing, from the best museums to stunning city views. Thinking of a trip to Munich? Join our four-day Mini Trip for festive fun and world-class Christmas markets – our Local Insider will guide you around the best spots.

Marienplatz.

Panorama view of Munich city center showing the City Hall and the Frauenkirche

This square has been the heart of the city since 1158 when it was used for markets and even tournaments. Today, it’s best known for the Christmas markets , which start three weeks before Christmas. Marienplatz is dominated by the Neues Rathaus, which covers 9,159 m² (3.5 sq mi) and has over 400 rooms. It was designed by Georg Hauberrisser, who won a competition to design the city’s new town hall. One of its most famous features is the elaborate Glockenspiel cuckoo clock with a carousel of figures dancing at 11am, noon, and 5pm.

Theatinerkirche

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Eisbachwelle

The edge of the Englischer Garten opposite Bruderstrasse is home to one of Munich’s favourite and most unlikely pastimes – surfing . As water thunders out from beneath a small bridge, surfers line both sides of the bank waiting patiently for their turn. Surfers need to jump off the bank and onto their board as well as make sharp turns to avoid the river walls – that’s why Munich surf shops sell small boards with kevlar-protected edges. People tackle the waves year round, even during Munich’s bitter winters, and Eisbachwelle is strangely mesmerising.

people cheering on a mountain

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Hofbräuhaus

You know beer’s important to a city when there’s a state-run beer hall! The famous Hofbräuhaus dates back to the 16th century and offers the quintessential German beer hall experience complete with live brass band. Oktoberfest rules apply: no service without a seat, so expect to charm your way onto the end of a table and share space. If possible, avoid Friday and Saturday nights; as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich, it can take over 45 minutes to find a table and get a beer. For speedier service and a less stressful experience, go on a Sunday evening instead.

Glyptothek museum

One of the most impressive Neoclassical buildings of Königsplatz is the Glyptothek . This beautiful building claims to be the only museum in the world dedicated solely to ancient sculpture. Visitors are free to wander the exhibits and get up close with the art, which is openly laid out rather than hidden away behind glass. Far from a stuffy traditional museum, it feels like an art gallery and prides itself on interesting, modern twists – they currently have modern replicas of famous statues carved from wood with a chainsaw. An entry ticket will also grant access into the State Collection of Antiques in the opposite building, and it’s just €1 on Sundays.

This park in the southwest of the city, about 10 minutes on the U-Bahn from Marienplatz, is often overlooked by tourists, yet it has so much to offer. As well as a BBQ area by the lake, it has a Japanese garden, a Thai temple and even an outdoor cinema in summer. Many families and friends bring picnics or have a BBQ, but there’s also a beer garden and a tiny wooden hut selling spit-roasted fish ( steckerlfisch ) for those who don’t fancy cleaning the BBQ!

Right at the exit of Odeonsplatz U-Bahn station is the prestigious Residenz . Though it started as a modest castle in 1385, subsequent rulers renovated and expanded it, eventually turning it into a grand palace and gardens. Today, it’s a vast complex of museum and exhibitions about Bavaria’s history and also plays host to classical concerts and music competitions. Except for a handful of public holidays, it’s open daily until 5pm or 6pm, depending on the season. Make sure to leave luggage at home or the hotel – there are strict rules about bringing large bags into the Residenz.

Bavaria Statue

Munich’s answer to the Statue of Liberty stands guard over the Oktoberfest grounds each year. The 18.5-metre-tall (60.75 ft) statue erected in 1850 by King Ludwig I personifies Bavaria. Cast entirely in bronze and weighing almost 90 tons, it’s so big it had to be produced in several parts. Hidden inside the statue is a spiral staircase that leads to an observation deck, where the entire Oktoberfest area and downtown Munich are visible through four slits in her helmet.

NS-Dokumentationzentrum

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

This museum is a reminder of a past that Munich all too often tries to sweep under the rug. More than a collection of Nazi documents, its focuses on the history of antisemitism and racism, and the many different forms they can take. Its blank white walls and hushed, library-like atmosphere mirror the seriousness of its content. The exhibits are almost entirely text based, so reading stools are even provided for relief – make sure to take one as you’re bound to spend more time here than intended.

St Peter’s Church

A famous Munich landmark, St Peter’s Church ( Peterskirche ) towers above the city on a hill between Rindermarkt and Marienplatz, making it the perfect spot for an incredible view . From 56 metres (183.7 feet) up, look right down onto the rooftops of Aldstadt and Frauenkirche, the symbol of Munich. On a clear day , visitors can see over 100 kilometres (62 miles) into the distance, all the way to the Alps! Such a great view takes some legwork; there’s a winding spiral staircase with 306 steps to the top.

Müller´sches Volksbad

A swimming pool might not sound like much of a destination, but this beautiful Art Nouveau building on the banks of the Isar shouldn’t be missed. Müller´sches Volksbad has been a public pool since it opened in 1901, and taking a dip today still costs only €4.40 (£3.75/$4.70). Inside is also a Roman steam bath and a Finnish-style sauna with colourful lighting. You’ll need to make like a Münchener, though, and leave the bathing suit at the door – saunas are an important part of German culture, and in most saunas, swimwear is actually banned.

State Collection of Egyptian Art

Despite covering over 5,000 years with its collection, this museum prides itself on presenting its ancient relics in an easily digestible way – quality over quantity. The building itself is worth seeing; set below ground with bare concrete walls, large halls, and custom neon lights, it manages to be modern and interesting yet match its contents perfectly. Good German-speakers can also attend one of their regular lectures on ancient Egyptian culture.

Nymphenburg Palace

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Nymphenburg Palace was built to celebrate the birth of the Bavarian heir Max Emanuel to the throne. With its beautiful gardens and grand rooms, it soon became a favorite of Bavarian rulers, several of whom were born or died here. Not as many rooms of the palace are open to tourists as might be expected; after seeing everything inside, get some fresh air in the extensive formal gardens. There’s even a dedicated app that uses augmented reality to help visitors learn more about what they’re looking at.

The Botanical Gardens

Right next door to Nymphenburg Palace are Munich’s Botanical Gardens , covering over 50 acres. The greenhouse complex is home to everything from palm trees to terrapins inside its beautifully tropical environment – keep an eye out for the lawn-mowing robot. There’s also a café in the centre of the gardens serving full meals, alcoholic drinks, and excellent ice cream Open almost everyday until early evening, the gardens are strangely good for a rainy day , and at only €4.50 a ticket for adults, visiting is a bargain.

Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche’s two iconic onion domes are the most distinctive part of the Munich skyline . It was built in the late 15th century but was badly damaged by airstrikes in World War II and has been gradually restored. Look round the small inner chapels, and also find the grave of Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian inside. Climb the south tower for views across Munich – see right across to the Alps a clear day.

The Monopteros, Englisch Garten

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

While the garden is better known for river surfing and naked sunbathing than it is for its views, there’s also a Grecian-style bandstand called the Monopteros, hidden in this sprawling 900-acre park. Munich is a pretty flat city, so King Ludwig I decided a Greek temple was just what his Englisch Garten needed, and the hill was constructed 15 metres (49 feet) high from bricks then covered with earth. Today, it offers views back down to central Munich including the distinctive onion domes of Frauenkirche.

Viktualienmarkt

Food market is a bit of an understatement for the sprawling stalls of Viktualienmarkt . The grandfather of Munich food markets , it moved to the square between Frauenstrasse and Heiliggeist-Kirche after outgrowing its original home at the heart of the city in Marienplatz. Today, the market offers everything from fresh vegetables and spices to butchers. It’s a great place to go for lunch – choose between homemade soup and a pretzel to fresh falafel. It’s also expanded beyond just food, and you can pick up homemade toiletries and fresh flowers.

Luitpoldpark

Though this park is best known as the place to go tobogganing in Munich in winter, it also offers great views of the city from its hill, made from World War II rubble. On a clear day, even the Alps are visible. Rather than a traditional beer garden, Luitpoldpark has a Mexican cantina at its centre. Ready to work off those spicy tacos? Join one of the free “Fit im Park” sessions run by the city, or just get lost in the hedge maze.

Asam Church

top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

Tucked in between the buildings on Sendlingerstrasse is one of the most important late baroque buildings in southern Germany. This tiny chapel measures just 22 by 8 metres (72 by 26 feet), but it’s full of ornate marble work and statues. It was built from 1733 to 1746 by the Asam brothers as their personal chapel, hoping to secure their salvation in building it – they could even see the altar from their house next door. The interior of the church conveys their goal quite clearly: the lightest part of the church is the top, symbolising the salvation of heaven, while the pews representing the earth are mostly in darkness.

Museum Brandhorst

Museum Brandhorst only opened its doors in 2009 but has already become an established part of the Munich art museum trail. Rather than packing the hyper-modern building full of exhibits, the museum has wide-open galleries and vast white walls. Its permanent exhibitions include works by modern art icons such as Damien Hirst, Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol (including his Marilyn portrait). Make the most of €1 entry on Sundays and avoid Mondays when the Brandhorst is closed.

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top 10 tourist attractions in munich germany

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Top 10 Munich, Germany Tourist Attractions

November 6, 2016 by candice

marienplatz

1: St. Mary’s Square (Marienplatz Square)

Historically this square held festivities, tournaments, and was the site of the city’s marketplace. Today it remains the city’s center, but for different reasons. Marienplatz is an excellent place to see fantastic German architecture in the form of the Old and New Town Halls. The Fischbrunnen Fountain and the Column of St. Mary are also big draws for visitors.

Website: www.gogermany.about.com

2: Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)

The twin towers of the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) has been the major attraction to visit in the Bavarian city of Munich. The city center requires that buildings be built no taller than 99 meters, which happens to be the height of the two towers of the Frauenkirche, that now dominate the city center’s skyline. Its foundation was laid in 1468 and today the cathedral serves as the seat for the Archbishop and the Archdiocese of Munich.

Website: www.aviewoncities.com

3: English Garden (Englischer Garten)

The Englischer Garten is Europe’s largest city park, stretching from the city center to the northeast city limits. The park boasts a Chinese pagoda, a Greek temple named Monopteros, and a Japanese teahouse. Sunbathing is a popular pastime for locals, although Kleinhesseloher lake and the beer gardens are also great alternatives if you’re in need of a cool down.

Website: www.muenchen.de

4: Residenz Palace (Wittelsbach Residence)

From 1508 to 1918 the Munich Residenz was the former royal palace for the Bavarian Dukes, electors and kings. Today its magnificent architecture, its extensive room decorations and the displays of the former royal collections are open to the public. There are over 130 rooms and 10 courtyards for visitors to explore!

Website: www.residenz-muenchen.de

5: Royal Brewery (Hofbraeuhaus)

The Hofbraeuhaus was once a royal brewery in the Bavarian Kingdom. Nowadays it’s known for some of its popular beers including Maibock, Oktoberfest and Dunkel. The brewery also holds one of the largest tents at the country’s famous Oktoberfest celebrations.

Website: www.hofbraeuhaus.de

6: Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

The palace’s construction began in 1664 and since that time has been expanded and changed over the years. What we see today is a Baroque style palace, which was where Bavarian rulers once resided during the summers. The grounds and park are now open, displaying some of the rooms with their original Baroque interiors and decorations.

Website: www.schloss-nymphenburg.de

7: Deutsches Museum (German Museum)

This is the largest museum in Munich. It holds over 28,000 objects in scientific and technological exhibits. The main site of the museum can be found on a small, beautiful island in the Isar River. Some of the notable current exhibits include Astronomy, Masterpieces, Hydraulic Engineering, and Mineral Oil and Natural Gas.

Website: www.deutsches-museum.de

8: BMW Headquarters and Museum

The 101 meter tall BMW Headquarters is such an icon in Munich that in 1999 was declared a protected historic building. The museum next door is what brings in the hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors. It displays the development of cars and motorcycles and also has exhibits detailing the history of the company.

Website: www.bmw-welt.com/en/

9: Food Market (Viktualienmarkt)

What was once a food market that locals used to purchase goods needed for daily life is now still a food market, but so much more. Along with selling poultry, cheese, spices, fish, vegetables and juices, it has also garnered a reputation for gourmet items. Now if you visit the market you’ll see exotic fruits, lovely flowers, game, plants, venison, and honey as well. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of the many traditional or folkloric events that the market often hosts.

10: Pinakothek Museums

Each of the three museums in this complex offers a look into a different period in art. The Neue features 19th German art and an excellent collection of French impressionists. The Alte specializes in masterpieces, over 800 of them, from the Middle Ages. The Pinakothek der Moderne is Germany’s largest museum of modern art, including greats among the likes of Picasso, Warhol and Kandinsky.

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Top 10 munich tourist attractions.

Scenic Munich is home to some of the most impressive sights, striking buildings, and fascinating landmarks in Germany . It offers so much to explore that it can be hard to decide what attractions should go on your travel agenda in the first place. If you are planning a trip to this fairytale city and wondering what are the best things to do in Munich, then don't worry, we've got you covered. To help you find your way around the scenic Bavarian capital, we've gathered some of the greatest Munich sights you should stop by while exploring the streets of this charming city.

Frauenkirche, Munich

The picturesque Frauenkirche is among the first attractions in Munich you should have a look at. There is an interesting legend, connected with the place. They say, when its architect was looking for someone to fund the new Munich cathedral, he had a deal with the devil. In exchange for money, the cathedral was supposed to be a celebration of darkness with no windows. When the church was finished, the devil went to look at his new temple and quickly realized that he was deceived. In fury Lucifer stamped his foot, marking the floor with his footprint for eternity.

Marienplatz Square, Munich

The picturesque Marienplatz Square is the best place to feel the beating heart of the city. Since the 12th century, this amazing square plays a vital part in the city's life. It started as Munich's main market place, hosting some of the largest tournaments and festivals in the country. Nowadays, it still holds the crown of the main festivity center as well as the title of one of the most popular Munich attractions. Every day visitors can watch the traditional Glockenspiel, featuring figurines bringing to life stories from Munich's history or performing the Schafferltanz.

New Town Hall, Munich

Exploring the Marienplatz Square, don't forget to inspect one more "must-see" in Munich, the stunning Neues Rathaus, also known as the "New Town Hall", currently housing the city government. Dominating the picturesque Marienplatz, this incredible building is a real head-turner and one of the main symbols of the amazing city. It charms you from the first look with its beautiful stained windows, vaulted roof, and masterfully carved wooden ornaments. The inner courtyard of the New Town Hall is worth having a look too, boasting a stylish labyrinth-patterned floor.

Schleissheim, Munich

Without any doubt, the most famous example of royal architecture in Bavaria is the Neuschwanstein, looking like something straight from a Disney movie. But it's far from being the only incredible mansion. If you are a fan of beautiful palaces and historical gossips, then don't forget to add the picturesque Schleissheim Palace to your "Munich must-sees" list. Looking lovely from the outside, it will steal your heart the moment you step through the front doors. And the golden-painted ceilings and marble floors won't give you a chance to put away the camera.

Angel of Peace, Munich

Deciding what to see in Munich next is always difficult, considering the wide range of sights to choose from. But the Friedensengel, more widely known as the "Angel of Peace", is definitely not a landmark you want to miss. There are a lot of amazing monuments to be found in Munich, but very few are as striking and inspiring awe as the one, marking 25 years of peace after the horrors of the Franco-Prussian War. Plus, if you happen to visit charming Munich on December 31, you can't find a better place to enjoy a traditional New Years firework show.

Court Of Justice, Munich

Boasting a very beautiful facade, the Justizpalast is among the most popular sights in Munich. What makes is so favored among the tourists is not only its stylish look but also the fact that you can explore this beautiful example of the Neo-Baroque architecture absolutely free of charge. The majestic Palace of Justice is actually not one, but two courthouses. The original building was built somewhere around 1894 but found not big enough for the law courts, so the Neue Justizpalast was built next to it, designed in Neo-Gothic style, contrasting to the original building.

Odeonsplatz Square, Munich

Another great answer to the "what to do in Munich" question is exploring the Odeonsplatz Square, a little corner of Italy right in the heart of Munich. The story behind the square is that King Ludwig I has fallen in love with Italy during his studies in Rome. Upon his return, he requested to design an Italian boulevard, Ludwigstrasse, forming a square with Odeonsplatz in its center. Admiring the views, don't forget to take a picture with the lion, the symbol of Bavaria, guarding the entrance of the Feldherrnhalle, designed after Florence's Loggia dei Lanzi.

Siegestor, Munich

King Ludwig I is responsible for another "must-see" in Munich, the magnificent Siegestor. The name of the monument translates as the Victory Gate and it was built to commemorate the German victory over Napoleon's army. In his best traditions, the king commissioned to base the design on the Roman Arch of Constantine. A bronze statue of Lady Bavaria, riding a chariot pulled by four lions, crowns this Munich landmark. After World War II, the inscription "Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, urging peace" was added to the south side of the Siegestor.

Botanical Garden, Munich

If all the picturesque squares, impressive palaces, and significant monuments are starting to merge, visiting the Botanical Garden is a great way to diversify your Munich sightseeing. Featuring over 14000 species of plants, this oasis of colors is filled with captivating scents, the sounds of birds singing, insects buzzing, and the frogs talking to each other. Exploring the garden is an especially good idea in winter. There is no better way to shake off the winter blues than visiting this tropical paradise and seeing a butterfly, landing on your finger.

Hofgarten, Munich

Scenic Hofgarten is also among the great sights to see in Munich for nature-lovers. Similar to Central Park in New York, the Hofgarten Park is an island of green in the middle of the busy city. At first, it was the place of the Royal Residence's gardens and only kings and queens were allowed to enjoy a walk there. Nowadays, everyone is welcome to admire the beautiful nature. In the center of the park, you can find a temple of the goddess Diana, featuring four shell fountains. There is a figure of Bavaria atop the temple, representing the riches of the region.

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Top 10 Things to do in Munich (Germany)

Munich, one of the biggest cities in Germany, is the capital city of the German State of Bavaria. If you are wondering if Munich is worth visiting, let this article of Munich things help you to answer the question.

As one of the biggest cities in Germany and the capital city of the German state of Bavaria, Munich has plenty of impressive landmarks and tourist attractions to see. There are so many things to do in Munich ; you will find that your trip to Munich is very memorable.

Munich is a center of government, business, education, sports, art, and many other things. The only difficulty you will find if you want to visit Munich is how to arrange what to do in Munich list because there are just so many marvelous places to visit in Munich. There are plenty of fascinating things to see in Munich and fun things to do during your trip to Munich.

This Munich travel guide article will inform you of some of the best things to do in Munich so you can arrange your Munich travel plan in the best way possible.

Table of Contents

Why should you visit Munich?

Munich, the capital of Bavaria State in Germany , became more popular as the City of Beer for the Oktoberfest. But besides that, this city has a lot to offer you. Munich is a haven for artists. If you’re an art lover, then there are many renowned art museums in Munich to explore.

Munich is also known to many as the City of Art and Science. You’ll love to explore many beautiful landmarks in Munich. The architectural design of many old landmarks is outstanding.

The popular football club FC Bayern München also belongs to Munich. You can enjoy the most beautiful scenery in the countryside of Munich. There are beautiful castles , gardens, parks, palaces, and churches to visit during your trip to Munich.

You might also love to shop from many fashion boutiques and have good food and beer from many local and international restaurants .

Experiences and top things to do in Munich, Germany

top tourist attractions in munich germany marienplatz

Start Your Journey at The Heart of The City

Is there a better way to start your Munich trip than by visiting the heart of the city? Marienplatz is the heart of this fantastic city. This city square is one of the most stunning Munich tourist attractions to go sightseeing in Munich. During the Medieval Age, this place used to be a market. Tournaments were held here too.

Now, it has become a place for many things, from street performances to football fans celebration. Several weeks before Christmas each year, you will find a Christmas market, or locally known as Christkindlmarkt, here. There are a lot of stalls selling Christmas-related items, from Christmas decorations to Christmas comfort food and drink like traditional Christmas cookies and hot mulled wine , making Marienplatz the perfect place to raise your Christmas spirit.

The name Marienplatz itself was taken from the column placed in the center of this Munich tourist attraction . The column was erected to celebrate the city’s freedom from the Swedish invaders. On the top of the column, you will find a statue of St. Mary; hence, the name Marienplatz came out. As the soul of Munich, no wonder Marienplatz has become one of the most lovable Munich points of interest , a tourist attraction that you must not miss when you visit Munich.

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top tourist attractions in munich germany english garden

Say Hi to Mother Nature

There are tons of picturesque spots to go sightseeing in Munich, and one of them is the English Garden. This Munich tourism gem was built in 1789. A noble named Sir Benjamin Thompson was the man behind this impressive park. Covering the area of 3,700 square meters, English Garden is one of the biggest urban parks in the world. This Munich tourist attraction is even bigger than the famous Central Park in New York City .

The English Garden, or Englischer Garten as the locals call it, has plenty of interesting things to see in it. One of the most iconic ones in the Japanese Teahouse. It was built in 1972. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are held in this teahouse on a regular basis.

If you want something more physically challenging to do, you can try surfing in this park’s stream. The waves are created using some water pumps. Surfing in the English Garden’s stream is undoubtedly one of the unique things to do in Munich .

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top tourist attractions in munich germany residenz museum

Blow Your Mind with Extravagant Architecture Masterpiece

The Munich Residence is one of the most impressive Munich tourist attractions. Used to be the palace of Wittelsbach monarchs, these Munich points of interest are now open for the public. The Munich Residence is the most prominent palace in Germany , with ten courtyards located inside the complex.

The most favorite part of The Munich Residence for tourists is the Residenz Museum. Prepare to have your mind blown as you enter the world of antiquity. Every single thing inside the museum is very charming, the rooms, the displays, and the collection. You will be able to see the history of the city in the Munich Museum.

If you want to see the precious jewelry of the royal family, you should head to the Treasury. Here, you will see a stunning collection of royal jewels, ivories, and many more.

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top tourist attractions in munich germany dachau

Pay Respect to The Genocide Victims

Not far from Munich, only about several kilometers away from the city, lies a token from one of the darkest periods of humanity. It is the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Stands on the former Dachau Concentration Camp, this place is a reminder of us how horrible and inhuman genocides are, in the hope that this incident will never happen again.

Dachau Concentration Camp was the first concentration camp ever built by Nazi. It also served as the model camp for the other concentration camps. Operating for 12 years as a Nazi concentration camp, a lot of terrifying actions took place here, such as cruel punishments, extreme experiments done to prisoners, and many more. Many people died in this place.

To know more about this camp and the story it carries, you should go to the museum located in the complex. Guided tours are available here, assisting you in exploring this vast concentration camp. There are also some tours in Munich that will arrange a coach ride from Munich to Dachau and guide you through your trip here.

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top tourist attractions in munich germany viktualienmarkt

Have A Culinary Adventure

Germany has plenty of delicious traditional food. Germany cuisine is famous for its sausages and pastry products. There are several Munich tourist attractions famous for selling German food. One of the most famous Munich points of interest to taste the local cuisine is Viktualienmarkt.

Viktualienmarkt is a Munich local market located in the center of the city. Standing on 22,000 square meters of land, Viktualienmarkt consists of hundreds of shops and stalls selling fruit, herbs and spices, cheese, flowers, and many more.

You will also find bakeries and restaurants in the area, making this Munich tourist attraction be the perfect place to pamper your taste buds.

Viktualienmarkt opens from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 AM to 8 PM.

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top tourist attractions in munich germany bavaria filmstadt

Enter The Mesmerizing World of Movie Production

Just outside Munich, in Grunwald, to be exact, you will find an impressive movie studio. It is called Bavaria Filmstadt. Occupying 350,000 square meters of land, Bavaria Filmstadt is the German version of Hollywood.

Inside this Munich point of interest, you will find several street settings, twelve studios, several mock-up houses, and many more. Every day, you will see films being produced here. Bavaria Filmstadt offers one of the most entertaining tours in Munich, which is a guided tour to see how movies are made.

Not only movie studios, but Bavaria Filmstadt also has a theme park that offers fun rides for the whole family. The most famous one here is the 4D ride. The rides found in this theme park are inspired by famous movies.

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top tourist attractions in munich germany hofbrauhaus

Have A Glass of Beer

Beer and Munich are two things that cannot be separated. For centuries, beer has been a part of the Bavarian tradition. No wonder, some of the most crowded Munich points of interest are beer halls and beer gardens. In these places, you can taste an authentic local beer.

Hofbräuhaus is the most famous beer hall in Germany. It is a favorite among tourists. Another great place to go and grab a glass of cold beer is Hirschgarten. With capacities for up to 8,000 guests, Hirschgarten is the biggest in size beer garden in the world.

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top tourist attractions in munich germany oktoberfest

Welcome Autumn by Partying

One of the most iconic Munich things to do is participating in the Oktoberfest. The largest volksfest around the world, Oktoberfest, is held from September to October every year.

Oktoberfest is one of the most important traditional events in Bavarian culture. It was first held in 1810 to celebrate the royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese. In the present day, the festival consists of a beer festival and funfair.

Each year, millions of people from all over the world come to attend this festive event. If you want to be a part of this exciting traditional event, you need to visit Munich in Mid September, as Oktoberfest starts on the third Saturday in September, and it usually lasts for 16-18 days.

top tourist attractions in munich germany olympiapark

Go to The Top of The Stadium

As a center for sports, Munich is equipped with marvelous sports complexes and facilities. One of the most astonishing things to see in Munich is Olympiapark Munchen. Some of the most extreme things to do in Munich available in this Munich place to visit, such as climbing the roof of the Olympic Stadium.

When you are up there, a guide will give you a deeper insight into the unique architectural design of the stadium. After the rooftop tour, you can choose to go down using a flying fox or by abseiling.

A park railway is also available for you to hop on if you want to explore the Olympiapark for more sightseeing in Munich.

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Where to stay in Munich?

Munich is known for its many beautiful luxury and boutique hotels, and here are some of our recommendations: Arthotel ANA Diva , Fleming’s Hotel München-Schwabing , and Hotel Europa . These hotels start at €80 per night, and you’ll get amazing quality service and access to their luxurious facilities.

If you’re on a more budgeted side, we recommend you staying at hostels where you’ll be paying about €15 per night. Here are our recommendations: wombat’s CITY Hostel , Euro Youth Hotel Munich , and Susi Bar Hostel .

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About me

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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  1. The 20 best things to do in Munich, Germany

    1. Marienplatz. The New Town Hall on Marienplatz. Start your Munich tour at the heart of the city. The Marienplatz (Square of our Lady) with its imposing neo-gothic city hall (" Neues Rathaus ") is one of the best photography spots in the city. Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. the gigantic carillon comes to life.

  2. 19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

    Spend at least a few days exploring the city, planning your time with the help of this handy list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Munich. On This Page: 1. Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus; ... Average monthly precipitation totals for Munich, Germany in mm. 46: 43: 48: 56: 89: 109: 99: 99: 69: 48: 56: 48: Average minimum and ...

  3. 21 Best Things to Do in Munich

    This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Ranking of the top 21 things to do in Munich. Travelers favorites include #1 English Garden (Englischer Garten), #2 ...

  4. Top attractions in Munich

    Attractions in Munich. The city centre offers some of Munich's most famous attractions, such as the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Marienplatz and Altes Rathaus (main square and Old Town Hall), the Allianz Arena (football stadium), BMW Welt and Olympiapark (Olympic Park) in the north of the city, and the Kunstareal (museum area) with its world ...

  5. 20 Top Tourist Attractions in Munich (+Map)

    The brewery and the beer hall are among the most popular tourist attraction in Munich today. 2. Englischer Garten. The size of New York City's Central Park pales in comparison to Munich's Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks.

  6. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Munich

    Standing next to the old government building, the current home of Munich's city government is located on the Marienplatz. 10. Alte Pinakothek. Housing much of the city's most famous artwork, this museum's collection includes renowned international works from the 14th through the 18th centuries. 11.

  7. Sightseeing: 20 top sights and attractions in Munich

    English Garden. Nagy / Presseamt München. Munich's green lung: With its 375 hectares, the English Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. It is not only a popular recreation ...

  8. Top 10

    Top 10. Hofbrauhaus Brewery, Marienplatz, Neuschwanstein Castle, the English Garden... Make the most of your time in Munich and ensure you don't miss the city's most important sights.

  9. 12 of the best things to do in Munich

    Planning tip: Because of its location next to Marienplatz, this is also the perfect spot for a quick lunch in between sights.Try Caspar Plautz for top-notch baked potatoes or Poseidon for fish soup. 9. Explore many of Germany's best museums in the Kunstareal. Packed with museums, galleries and academic institutions, the Kunstareal art quarter is the place to go for a culture fix.

  10. Must-see attractions Munich, Bavaria

    Germany's largest modern-art museum unites four significant collections under a single roof: 20th-century art, applied design from the 19th century to… Bayerisches Nationalmuseum Munich

  11. The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

    Munich's Marienplatz (Marien Square) is the central square in the heart of Munich.. It's home to the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its highly decorated façade and the traditional Ratskeller (Town Hall cellar) restaurant. The Tourist Information Center is also nearby and makes a great pit stop for advice and brochures.. For most visitors, the Glockenspiel within the Rathaus tower captures ...

  12. 9 Best Attractions in Munich

    Advertising. 5. Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism. Museums. History. Compared with other German cities, Munich has taken a long time to confront its Nazi history ...

  13. Tourist Attractions Munich

    10 Nymphenburg Palace - Splendid summer palace. Before visiting Nymphenburg, you first need to get yourself into a "think big" frame of mind - so just take a moment, close your eyes and imagine: King Kong, monster trucks, Oktoberfest beer mugs, America's deficit. 9 Munich Residenz - Jewel of the crown. The Residenz is the big, fat, shiny jewel ...

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    Let's explore the best things to do in Munich: 1. Alte Pinakothek. Source: tichr / shutterstock. Alte Pinakothek. Dating to 1836, the Alte Pinakothek is one of the world's oldest art galleries. The museum's Neo-Renaissance design would be a model for galleries that sprouted in Brussels, Rome and St Petersburg.

  15. The 16+ BEST Things to Do In Munich, Germany

    Augustiner-Keller. When visiting Munich, you can never get enough of the beer gardens. And Augustiner-Keller is one of the best. Unlike the more famous—and far more touristy—Hofbräuhaus beer hall, Augustiner-Keller is tucked away just enough from the Altstadt tourist enclave to attract a more local crowd.

  16. Top Ten Munich Attractions And Their Essential Experiences

    Munich Attractions — My Personal Top Ten. Munich attractions are numerous as it is one of the tourism centers of Germany. If you're short on time, here's my list of the top ten things to see and do in this Bavarian gem of a city. 1. Oktoberfest. There's no way around it. It may be a cliché, but attending Oktoberfest is truly an ...

  17. Must-Visit Attractions In Munich

    A famous Munich landmark, St Peter's Church ( Peterskirche) towers above the city on a hill between Rindermarkt and Marienplatz, making it the perfect spot for an incredible view. From 56 metres (183.7 feet) up, look right down onto the rooftops of Aldstadt and Frauenkirche, the symbol of Munich. On a clear day, visitors can see over 100 ...

  18. Top 10 Munich, Germany Tourist Attractions

    8: BMW Headquarters and Museum. The 101 meter tall BMW Headquarters is such an icon in Munich that in 1999 was declared a protected historic building. The museum next door is what brings in the hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors. It displays the development of cars and motorcycles and also has exhibits detailing the history of the company ...

  19. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Munich

    Things to Do in Munich. In a city known for Oktoberfest, beer tastings are a must. Beyond that, go sightseeing and visit museums near Marienplatz, or take a bike tour and explore the famous English Garden.

  20. 27 Fun & Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany

    Address: Barer Str. 40, 80333 München, Germany. Alte Pinakothek is one of the world's oldest and largest art museums. It is located in the city center of Munich and houses a collection of paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries. The museum also has an extensive collection of sculptures and prints.

  21. Top 10 Munich Tourist Attractions

    6. Justizpalast, Munich. Boasting a very beautiful facade, the Justizpalast is among the most popular sights in Munich. What makes is so favored among the tourists is not only its stylish look but also the fact that you can explore this beautiful example of the Neo-Baroque architecture absolutely free of charge.

  22. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Munich

    Standing next to the old government building, the current home of Munich's city government is located on the Marienplatz. 10. Alte Pinakothek. Housing much of the city's most famous artwork, this museum's collection includes renowned international works from the 14th through the 18th centuries.

  23. Top 10 Things to do in Munich (Germany)

    The Munich Residence is one of the most impressive Munich tourist attractions. Used to be the palace of Wittelsbach monarchs, these Munich points of interest are now open for the public. The Munich Residence is the most prominent palace in Germany , with ten courtyards located inside the complex.