By Bridget Castner
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is famous for its rich history, culture, and of course, beer. Munich has become a vibrant hub for art, culture, and history, making it one of the best cities to visit in Germany.
With a plethora of museums, theaters, and annual events such as the iconic Oktoberfest, Munich can be overwhelming to navigate. But don't worry – we've compiled a list of must-see attractions to help you make the most of your visit.
Read on to find the 10 best things to do in Munich!
Start planning your escape with our air-inclusive trips to Munich.
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the vibrant central square in Munich's Old Town and is highly recommended as one of the best places to visit in Munich. Surrounded by a pedestrian zone, this area invites you to stroll, shop, and people-watch. It also offers a variety of restaurants serving both Bavarian and international cuisine.
Make sure you see the Old Town Hall, an old Renaissance building that was once used as the city's government offices, and catch the Glockenspiel show on the tower of Neues Rathaus. For the best views of the show, take the lift up to Cafe Glockenspiel!
Hofbräuhaus
A trip to Munich wouldn't be complete without a visit to its historic beer hall, which dates back to 1828. Founded by royal decree, Hofbräuhaus has served the public with food and drink for over 190 years. The beer hall boasts three floors, an outdoor area, and a traditional Bavarian restaurant that serves homemade dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
You can also enjoy authentic Bavarian music in the Biergarten, featuring solo musicians and bands daily. Visiting this iconic landmark is truly one of the best things to do in Munich. You'll have an incredible experience that blends tradition, history, and food while making unforgettable memories.
Nymphenburg Palace
This Baroque palace, the former residence of the royal couple whose wedding sparked Oktoberfest, birthed the famed Neuschwanstein Castle's architect, King Ludwig II. The palace grounds are surrounded by Nymphenburg Palace Park. Here, you can roam the perfectly manicured lawns, walking paths, lakes, and even take a gondola ride during the summer.
Inside, find the royal apartments at the Schlossmuseum, the Marstallmuseum (carriages), and the Porcelain Museum. You can also explore the Gallery of Beauties, a collection of 38 portraits of the most beautiful women in Munich featuring women from royalty, nobility, and the middle class.
Englischer Garten
The English Garden is one of the world's largest parks, even bigger than New York City's Central Park! While this is the perfect place to take a leisurely walk or have a picnic, there are also other activities you can partake in during your visit.
Go swimming at The Kleinhesseloher See, or enjoy a meal at The Chinese Tower, which offers stunning views of the park. The Japanese Tea House is an example of stunning traditional Japanese architecture where tea ceremonies are held monthly, and a climb to the top of The Monopteros guarantees spectacular panoramic views of the city.
BMW Museum
The BMW Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, or anyone interested in design and innovation. Established in 1973, the museum is part of a shared complex with the BMW skyscraper, BMW Welt, and BMW Group's home plant.
The museum showcases around 125 exhibits including cars, motorbikes, and engines that illustrate the company's 100-year history. It's also home to a permanent collection that traces milestones in BMW's design from its roots to present day. While you're there, don't miss the temporary exhibitions on different topics related to BMW and the automotive industry.
Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt, a historic food market and must-visit in Munich, has been in operation since 1807. With over 100 stalls offering a vast array of goods including fresh produce, seafood, meats, baked goods, spices, and souvenirs, there's something for everyone!
Spend the day meandering through the kiosks, sampling local specialties, and admiring the vibrant atmosphere. While you're there, don't forget to have a drink in the Biergarten and stroll outside to admire the beautiful figurine fountains near Heilig Geist church.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Built in 1869, Neuschwanstein Castle is famously the real-life inspiration for the iconic castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Walt Disney and his wife visited the castle during a trip to Europe before building his California theme park, and it's clear why he was captivated by the castle's fairytale charm.
With only 14 finished rooms open to the public, visitors can explore a unique glimpse into the life of King Ludwig II, including the small artificial grotto between the salon and study, the King's bedroom, and the impressive Singer's Hall. Other highlights include the Throne Room, adorned with a stunning 13-foot chandelier, a painted cupola, and intricate floor mosaics. Ironically, despite its name, there was never an actual throne in the Throne Room!
Deutsches Museum
One of the best places to visit in Munich is the Deutsches Museum. Located in the heart of Germany, this esteemed museum is the world's largest science and technology institution and has over 120,000 exhibits that showcase the wonders of robotics, aviation, bridges, musical instruments, and more. Its iconic tower stands tall, visible from afar, and is home to a weather station and Germany's largest thermometer.
One of the best things about this museum is that it's family-friendly. The Kid's Kingdom area is geared towards children between the ages of 3 and 8, featuring interactive exhibits such as a mesmerizing marble run, a hall of mirrors, and a gigantic guitar that can be played from the inside. Be sure to refuel with a snack at the rooftop restaurant and take home a memento from the gift shop.
St. Peter's Church
For a taste of history, architecture, and breathtaking views, St. Peter's Church should definitely be on your what to do in Munich list. As the city's oldest place of worship, this stunning church boasts an impressive array of features, including eight clocks and eight bells. Its tower stands at an impressive 200 feet tall, offering panoramic views of the city from its viewing platform.
Climb the 300+ steps to reach the top and take in the 360-degree vistas of Munich's City Hall and Church of Our Dear Lady. On a clear day, you may even catch glimpses of the distant Alps. Be sure to admire the glittering altar and gaze upon the golden, jewel-encased skeleton of St. Munditia.
Olympiapark München
The Olympiapark München is a sprawling park originally built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Today, it not only serves as a historic landmark but also a vibrant public space.
The park continues to host major sporting events, concerts, and more! Head to the OlympiaparkMünchen website for the latest event listings to plan your visit and catch an exciting show, concert, or festival. Beyond events, it's a popular destination to simply enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful day. Whether you visit during the summer or the winter season, the Olympiapark München offers a serene retreat.
Now that you know some of the best things to do in Munich, start planning you trip to Germany!
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