The Complete Guide to Munich: Best Things to See and Do

Willkommen in München! Welcome to Munich!  Known as the city of laptops and lederhosen, Munich is one of Germany’s most visited cities and the third largest.  It is also the location of the world-famous Octoberfest, which brings 5 to 7 million people to Munich annually. Traveling to Munich is a delightful experience, offering a mix of rich history, stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and a vibrant food and beer scene.  In this travel guide, you will find helpful tips like when to go, where to stay, and what to eat. You will learn about the best things to see and do in Munich and find our easy-to-customize sample itinerary to help you plan your adventure.

An aerial view of Marienplatz and St. Peter’s Church

When to Go

The answer is pretty simple, anytime! The best time to travel to Munich depends on your preference.  Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season.  You can expect pleasant weather, large crowds, and higher accommodation prices during these months.  Springtime (March to May) in Munich is a lovely time to visit.  The weather is warming up from the cold winter months and the gardens are blooming and bursting with color.  Oktoberfest takes place in the fall from mid-September through early October.  Similar to summer, this is a popular time to visit so you can expect larger crowds and high accommodation prices.  During winter (November to February), Munich can be quite cold.  However, the crowd levels are significantly lower and accommodation prices are more reasonable.  Visiting in December will allow you to experience the Christmas markets, which we highly recommend!

Where to Stay

Munich offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.  The Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town) area is great for sightseeing as it’s close to many of Munich’s famous attractions like Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the Hofbräuhaus. Getting around Old Town is easy as most attractions are within walking distance. However, the area is also well-connected by public transportation.

What to Eat

Munich is known for its hearty Bavarian cuisine and delicious specialties. For a truly authentic Bavarian experience, you can pair your meal with a local beer. Here are some of the best things to eat in Munich:

Weisswurst

A traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon. Its white color may be off-putting for some but it tastes better than it looks! It’s typically served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.  Find it at places like Weisses Bräuhaus, Tegernseer Bräuhaus, Münchner Stubn, and Wildmosers Restaurant-Cafe.  

Pretzel

Munich is famous for its large, soft pretzels. Seriously, the pretzels that you eat in Germany are the best pretzels you will ever eat! They are delicious! They are often enjoyed with butter or mustard.  Find them at places like Karnoll’s, Ratschiller’s Barerstr, and Julius Brantner.

Schweinshaxe

A roasted ham hock or knuckle of pork. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish, usually served with potatoes and sauerkraut.  Find it at Beergardens and Bavarian restaurants all over Munich including Augustiner Bräustuben, Münchner Stubn, and Augustiner-Keller

Apfelstrudel

A classic Austrian dessert that’s also popular in Bavaria. This pastry is filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon. It comes with vanilla sauce or ice cream.  Find it at Steinheil 16, Cafe Königin 43, and Augustiner Klosterwirt

Leberkäse

A type of savory meatloaf made from finely ground corned beef, pork, and bacon. It’s often served as a sandwich with mustard.  Try it at Tegernseer Tal, Butcher Magnus Bauch, or Zum Franziskaner.

Kartoffelsalat

Bavarian potato salad made with vinegar, oil, and mustard dressing. It’s often served warm with sausages or schnitzel. Try it at Alles Wurscht, Schoberwirt, or Augustiner Klosterwirt.   

Schmalznudel

This traditional Bavarian pastry is similar to a doughnut or fritter.  It is made from a soft, slightly sweet dough fried until golden brown and crispy on the inside.  It is a popular treat in Munich, especially with a cup of coffee.  Try it at Cafe Frischhut.

Spaetzle

Spaetzle is a type of soft egg noodle or dumpling.  It is often served as a side with meat dishes or as a main course with cheese and fried onions.  Find it at Gasthaus Isarthor, Bavaria, and Steinheil 16.

What to See and Do

Marienplatz

Marienplatz

Munich’s main square since 1158, Marienplatz is surrounded by many historic buildings and is a popular spot for tourists and locals.  One of the main attractions of the plaza is the Glockenspiel, a famous clock tower located on the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). The Glockenspiel chimes and reenacts two stories from Munich’s history every day at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (and also at 5:00 p.m. from March through October). At the center of the plaza stands the Mariensäule, or Mary’s Column, erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation.  The Fischbrunnen, or Fish Fountain, is located on the southern side of Marienplatz and features a statue of a fisherman surrounded by four fish.  In addition to sightseeing, Marienplatz is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for shopping and dining. 

Neues Rathaus

Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Munich. It was built between 1867 and 1908 in a neo-Gothic style and served as the seat of the city’s government.  The Neues Rathaus is home to the previously mentioned Glockenspiel, a famous mechanical clock located on the tower.  Visitors can climb the tower of Neues Rathaus for panoramic views of Munich and the surrounding area. Additionally, a 90-minute guided tour allows visitors to explore the other areas of Neues Rathaus including the grand rooms and the building’s balcony, the backdrop for FC Bayern’s championship celebrations.  

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church, or Peterskirche, is the oldest in the city, dating back to the 12th century. The church’s exterior is characterized by its red-tiled roof, twin towers, and Baroque-style facade. The interior features ornate decorations, frescoes, and a stunning high altar.  One of the highlights of St. Peter’s Church is its tower, which offers panoramic views of Munich’s Old Town and the surrounding area.  Visitors can climb the tower for a fee and enjoy breathtaking city views.  The church is also home to a smaller glockenspiel, located on the tower’s facade.  The glockenspiel features figurines that reenact scenes from Munich’s history and is a popular attraction for visitors to the church.

Viktualienmarkt

This vibrant food market is known for its high-quality products, including locally sourced fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and traditional Bavarian specialties such as sausages and pretzels.  The market is located in Munich’s historic Old Town, just a short walk from Marienplatz.  One of the highlights of Viktualienmarkt is its traditional beer garden, where visitors can enjoy refreshing beer and traditional Bavarian dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting.  Viktualienmarkt is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  You can explore on your own or through a guided tour.  

Hofbräuhaus

Founded in 1589, Hofbräuhaus is one of the most famous beer halls in Munich. It was originally intended to provide beer for the royal family but later opened its doors to the public.  Hofbräuhaus has traditional Bavarian beer, including varieties such as Helles (pale lager), Dunkel (dark lager), and Weißbier (wheat beer).  The beer is brewed on-site according to the German Purity Law of 1516, which stipulates that beer can only be made from water, barley, and hops.  The menu includes traditional Bavarian dishes, including sausages, pretzels, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. The beer house also has a lively atmosphere, with long wooden tables, traditional decor, and live music.  Hofbräuhaus is particularly lively during Oktoberfest.  

Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady was built between 1468 and 1488 and has since become one of Munich’s most famous landmarks.  A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral has distinctive twin towers, which stand at 99 meters (325 feet) tall.  One of the highlights of the Frauenkirche is The Devil’s Footprint. Legend has it that the architect of the cathedral made a deal with the devil to finance the building.  A stone on the floor of the church marks the spot where the devil supposedly stood when he realized that the architect tricked him.  Another highlight of the visit is the south tower, which offers panoramic views of Munich and the surrounding area. For opening hours and ticket information, visit the cathedral’s website.  

Asamkirche

The interior of Asamkirche

This small but stunning Baroque church was built between 1733 and 1746 by the brothers Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam, both of whom were artists.  The brothers built the church as a private chapel but it was later consecrated as a parish church.  The facade of the church is relatively simple, but the interior is richly decorated, with intricate stucco work, glided sculptures, and stunning frescoes.  Admission is free and the hours vary depending on the time of year.  

Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs.  It was originally a small castle built in 1385, but it has gradually expanded over the centuries to become the magnificent palace complex that it is today.  The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, each with its own unique architectural style and decorative elements.  The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with lavishly decorated rooms and halls that showcase the wealth and power of the Bavarian rulers.  Highlights include the Antiquarium, the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps; the Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall), a grand banquet hall; and the Grottenhof, a courtyard adorned with artificial stalactites and shells.  Visitors can explore the Residenz Museum and Treasury, Cuvilliés Theater, and the Courtyard Garden.  For opening hours and further information, visit the museum’s website

Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek was founded in 1836 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria to house his extensive collection of European paintings.  Today, the museum is home to a world-class collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the end of the Baroque period. The collection includes works by some of the greatest artists in history, including Albrecht Dürer, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Peter Paul Rubens.  Some of the most famous works in the Alte Pinakothek’s collection include Albrecht Dürer’s “Self-Portrait” and “Four Apostles,” Raphael’s “Madonna of the Rose Garlands,” Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna of the Carnation,” and Rembrandt’s “Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul.”  You can find more information including opening hours and entrance fees by visiting the museum’s website.  

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is one of the world’s largest museums of science and technology, with an extensive collection covering a wide range of topics including natural sciences, energy, communication, transportation, and more.  Some of the most popular exhibits at the Deutsches Museum include the aviation exhibit, which features historic aircraft and information about the history of flight; the energy exhibit, which explores different sources of energy and their impact on society; and the astronomy exhibit, which showcases telescopes and other instruments used to study the universe.  There is also a children’s museum, which offers hands-on exhibits and interactive activities.  You can find more information by visiting the museum’s website

BMW Museum and Welt

BMW Museum

This museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the history of BMW, including its origins as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, motorcycles, and eventually automobiles.  The exhibits include historic vehicles, engines, prototypes, concept cars, and displays on BMW’s design, technology, and motorsport history.  The building itself is an architectural landmark featuring a futuristic design with a distinctive “double cone” shape and a suspended exhibition area.  Explore the museum on your own or by guided tour.  

The BMW Welt is located near the museum and serves as an exhibition center, event venue, and visitor attraction, showcasing the latest BMW models, technologies, and innovations.  Visitors to the BMW Welt can explore the exhibits, take guided tours of the building and factory, and enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants and cafes. You can find information about the museum, including opening hours, guided tours, and entrance fees here

Englischen Garten

The Englischer Garten (English Garden) is a large public park, stretching from the city center to the northeastern city limits.  It was created in 1789 as a military garden for the Elector of Bavaria, but it was later opened to the public and expanded to its current size.  The park features lush greenery, meadows, wooded areas, and several man-made features such as lakes, streams, and bridges.  It is home to several beer gardens, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.  

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking.  There is also a number of sports facilities, including soccer fields, volleyball courts, and a large open-air swimming pool.  A unique feature of the park is Eisbach, a small man-made river that flows through the park.  The river is famous for its standing wave, which is a popular spot for river surfing.  Scattered throughout the park are several monuments and landmarks, including the Monopteros, a small Greek-style temple on a hill overlooking the park, and the Chinesischer Turm, a Chinese-style pagoda that houses a beer garden.

Olympic Park

Olympic Tower

Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park is an iconic sports and leisure complex. The park’s most distinctive feature is the Olympic Stadium, which is covered by a sweeping roof made of acrylic glass panels. The stadium’s design was innovative at the time and has since become an iconic symbol of modern architecture. In addition to the Olympic Stadium, the park is home to the Olympic Tower, a 291-meter-tall (955-foot) tower that offers panoramic views of Munich and the surrounding area.  The tower has an observation deck, a restaurant, and a rock and roll museum.  The park is also home to swimming pools, tennis courts, an ice skating rink, a concert hall, a convention center, and a park railway.  The park offers several guided tours, including a roof climbing tour. 

Schloss Nymphenburg

A swan swimming in a pond in front of Nymphenburg Palace

This palace was commissioned by Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife in 1664 as a summer residence.  The palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with ornate decorations and beautiful gardens.  The lavishly decorated rooms and halls inside the palace showcase the wealth and power of the Bavarian rulers.  Highlights include the Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall), the Gallery of Beauties, and the Nymphenburg Porcelain Room. The museum offers themed guided tours and audio guides in several languages.  

Allianz Arena

Allianz Arena

The official home of the beloved football club FC Bayern Munich, Allianz Arena is a world-class sports facility and a symbol of modern architecture and design.  The stadium has a seating capacity of over 75,000 for football matches and is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.  One of the most distinctive features of the Allianz Arena is its color-changing facade. The ETFE panels that cover the exterior of the stadium can be illuminated in different colors, allowing the stadium to be lit up in the colors of the home team or for special events.  If you are visiting during football season, attending a game is highly recommended! Visitors can also explore Allianz Arena and the museum via guided tour.  

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a memorial and museum dedicated to the memory of one of the first and longest-operating concentration camps established by the Nazis. It initially served as a camp for political prisoners but later expanded to include Jews, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other groups considered “undesirable” by the Nazis.  American forces liberated the camp in April 1945.  The site serves as a place of remembrance and education, with exhibits, memorials, and preserved buildings that tell the story of the camp and its victims.  There is also a documentary film that provides an overview of the camp’s history.  Guided tours are available directly from the museum or from Get Your Guide

Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace

Neuschwanstein Castle

Commissioned by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace are two of the most famous and picturesque palaces in Bavaria.  Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps one of the most iconic and recognizable castles in the world.  The castle’s fairytale-like appearance served as inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland and the Cinderella Castle at Disneyworld. Neuschwanstein is known for its stunning architecture, picturesque surroundings, and lavish interior rooms.  It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany, attracting millions of visitors each year.  A visit to the castle is only possible via a guided tour.  Be sure to book your tickets in advance to guarantee admission.  Before or after your visit, explore the trails surrounding the castle for incredible views.  Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) is an excellent spot to view and photograph the palace.  

Linderhof Palace is a smaller but equally impressive royal palace located near Oberammergau in Bavaria. It served as King Ludwig’s favorite residence.  Linderhof is known for its exquisite Rococo architecture and beautiful gardens, which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France.  The palace features opulent rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Bedroom, and the Moorish Kiosk.  The surrounding park is adorned with fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns, making it a delightful place to explore.  Tickets include a guided tour inside the palace.  You can find more information here

Gray Line Sightseeing Munich offers transportation to both locations with a professional guide. You can book your tickets through Viator.  

Munich Travel Itinerary

Are you ready to plan your adventure to Munich? Start by downloading our easy-to-customize sample itinerary.  Easily make changes to the itinerary to make it fit your schedule and interests.