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Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour

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By Vicky · Published Dec. 13th, 2023

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Follow this free self-guided walking tour of Munich to explore all the top sights in the atmospheric centre of this grand Bavarian city.

Page Contents:

This walk starts from Karlsplatz , just a few minutes walk from Munich Central Station towards the centre of town. If you’re coming from the airport, you can take an S-Bahn (slow train) or the Lufthansa Express Bus * to the centre of Munich.

Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Tips for munich walking tour.

• Many museums cost only €1 on Sundays, and many are also closed on Mondays. Most museums can be booked online in advance, which is worth doing on summer weekends. The museums all have English as well as German information.
• In summer, book lunch and dinner in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Check out other walks on our Germany Hiking Page .

Top Things to Do in Munich

On this self-guided walking tour you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Munich. Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Munich, though you could spend twice that time if you want to visit several of the large museums. Munich, with great train connections, also makes a good base for exploring the rest of Bavaria. This is a self-guided walking tour of Munich, if you prefer there’s a great guided walking tour *.

• Neuhauser Straße
• Marienplatz
• Frauenkirche
• Residenz Palace
• Odeonsplatz
• English Garden
• St. Peter’s Church
• Viktualienmarkt
• St. Jakobs Platz
• Museum Quarter

Munich Walking Tour Route

This walking tour starts from Karlsplatz , a semi-circular square surrounded by fancy buildings.

1. Neuhauser Straße

Leave Karlsplatz along Neuhauser Straße, the main street lined by shops, that leads to Marienplatz. You’ll first walk through the impressive Karlstor , a medieval tower dating back to the 14th century. As you head along the street you’ll pass two churches, Bürgersaalkirche and Michaelskirche, on your left. Neither look like typical churches, so you’ll need to keep a lookout so as not to miss them.

The first church is the Bürgersaalkirche (closed Sundays), which has a pinky-orange baroque front with white columns. Inside you’ll find an impressive ceiling, several worthwhile wooden sculptures, and a small, free museum displaying church treasures.

Shortly after the Bürgersaalkirche, you’ll see the Augustiner Stammhaus on your right. This is a famous beer hall serving traditional Bavarian dishes in a rather fancy building with a lovely courtyard.

Michaelskirche

Key Information: Free entry to the church, €2 to see the crypt. Closed on Sundays.

Michaelskirche * also has a very distinctive front – white with pink cavities housing statues of the Wittelsbach dynasty (the family that included the Fairytale King Ludwig II). It doesn’t really look like a church at all. You can see the tombs of several Wittelsbach members, including King Ludwig II, in the crypt.

Directions: Continue along Neuhauser Straße and you’ll soon reach the large, busy square of Marienplatz.

2. Marienplatz

Marienplatz is Munich’s main square and it’s always bustling with locals and tourists. It’s the centre of Munich old town and also the centre of the pedestrianised shopping district. There’s a nice fountain in the centre, and a very impressive Gothic town hall (Neues Rathaus) on the northern side. There are also many (slightly overpriced) cafes and restaurants surrounding the square.

Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus (Town Hall) is an incredibly impressive 19th building and also the location of the main Tourist Information Centre . There’s also a famous clock, or Glockenspiel on the Rathaus with a set of figures that revolve and enact a play on certain hours – 11am, noon and 5pm. If you want to know what’s going on – it’s a joust between a Bavarian and a French knight and the display lasts roughly 10 minutes.

Directions: Walk through the courtyard in the centre of the town hall and leave via the left exit. Continue to the obvious church in front of you.

3. Frauenkirche

Key Information: Free entry.

The Frauenkirche * is a 15th-century cathedral famous for its domed towers, and its outline is a symbol of Munich. The name Frauenkirche means ‘Woman’s Church’ and it’s dedicated to the hard work of the women who helped to reconstruct the city after the Second World War. The interior is fairly plain, but the stained glass windows are worth taking a look at and there’s also a small crypt to discover.

Directions: Head back towards the town hall and turn left on the pedestrianised street just before it to reach another square.

4. Odeonsplatz

The Odeonsplatz is an elegant square that often hosts events. You’ll see the Feldherrnhalle (General’s Hall) commemorating Bavarian military leaders and a yellow church on your left.

Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan

The Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan * is a big yellow church with a rococo facade and two yellow towers. The interior is rather stunning, with great carvings and paintings. The church was built in the 17th century in an Italian Baroque style, and it was inspired by a church in Rome.

Directions: Take the first left to reach Wittelsbacherplatz , a square surrounded by elegant palaces. Return back to Odeonsplatz and across the other side into the Hofgarten . Cross over the other side and under the road into the English Garden.

5. English Garden

The English Garden * is one of the largest urban parks in the world. You can walk through the garden for as long as you want – it extends over 5 km northward from where you enter. Some of the highlights include the Monopteros (Greek Pavillion on top of a hill) and the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm). This tower also has a Biergarten just next to it, a great place to relax any time of the day.

Not to miss at the southern end of the park is the Eisbach Surfing Wave *. This is an artificial continuous wave and you can spend a while here watching the locals practice their surfing techniques come rain or shine!

The Haus der Kunst (House of Art) is a grand museum next to the surfing wave. It hosts temporary art exhibits, so check the website for what’s on if you’re interested.

Directions: Cross over the road at the Haus der Kunst and walk along the road by the Bavarian State Chancellery – a fancy building with columns and a lot of glass. Just after this building turn right and then left. At the T-junction turn right and you’ll soon be at the courtyard outside the Residenz Palace.

6. Residenz Palace

Key Information: Open daily 9am-6pm in summer, 10am-5pm in winter. There are separate tickets for the Residence Museum (€9), the Treasury (€9) and Cuvilliés Theatre (€5), or you can visit all three for €17. With your ticket, you get a free audio guide.

The Residenz Palace ( Website , TripAdvisor Reviews *) is a huge former royal palace with opulent rooms, courtyards, and gardens. The rulers of Bavaria governed and lived here from around 1500 up to the First World War. Today the palace is split into three areas: the Residence Museum, the Treasury and Cuvilliés Theatre, each with its own ticket or visited together with a combination ticket. If you don’t plan to spend a long time here, the Residence Museum is the one to visit.

The Residence Museum covers the main area of the palace, and you can walk through room after highly decorated room. The audioguide describes every single room and it would take many hours to listen to every entry, so skip the ones you aren’t interested in.

The Treasury , as the name suggests, shows off some of the treasures that the owners of the Residence acquired. There’s a lot of bling and again it’s quite large. You can see sculptures, crowns and much more, often made of gold and covered in jewels.

The Cuvilliés Theatre is a very over-decorated theatre full of intricate carvings with gold everywhere. It’s very impressive, but doesn’t take long to see and is perhaps not worth the entry fee unless you get the combined ticket.

Directions: Leave the square along the Residenzstraße and take the first left along a small street to reach a little square.

The famous Hofbräuhaus is on this square, one of Munich’s oldest beer halls. It’s an iconic place to try traditional Bavarian food and beer but can be very busy in summer months.

Directions: Continue through the square then take a right and a left, heading towards the tall church.

7. St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter)

Key Information: The church and tower are open every day, from 12:00 am to 4:30 pm. Entry to the church is free but climbing the tower costs €5/3 per adult/concession.

St. Peter’s Church * is the oldest church in Munich, dating from the 11th century. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated with an amazing painted ceiling, and don’t miss the golden Baroque high altar with its figure of St. Peter.

Although the inside of the church is worth seeing, most people visit the church to climb the tower. There are panoramic views of the city from the top if you’re up for a bit of exercise and are okay with narrow stairs. There are a few places to rest on the way up, and from the top of the tower, you get perhaps the best view of Munich. You can see the front of the Rathaus, many rooftops and church spires, and if it’s clear, you may even be able to see the Alps in the distance.

Directions: Head into the large market, on the opposite side of the church to Marienplatz.

8. Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is a bustling food market, the largest and most famous marketplace in the city. Here you can sample Bavarian specialties and enjoy a beer at one of the beer gardens while watching the world go by. There are many small vendors selling all kinds of fresh produce and ready-to-eat food, as well as a few selling souvenirs.

Directions: Leave the market on the opposite side and then turn right to walk through the pedestrianised square.

9. St. Jakobs Platz

There are two museums in St. Jakobs Platz, which is a pleasant square containing several cafes.

Munich City Museum

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets are €6/3 for adults/concessions, and children are free.

The Munich City Museum , or Münchner Stadtmuseum, is a large museum that covers everything to do with Munich, including the rise of Hitler. The captions are in German but there’s an English audioguide to some sections.

Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum and adjacent modern synagogue are in the middle of an open square near the Viktualienmarkt. Exhibits cover the history of Jewish people in Munich. It’s quite a small museum, mainly showing photographs with adjacent text (in German and English).

Directions: Head across St. Jakobs Platz and across the road on the other side. Continue up the small street until you reach a much larger pedestrianised street. Turn left and the church is on your right.

10. Asamkirche

The Asamkirche is an 18th-century baroque chapel. It’s quite small, but the interior is intricately decorated in a rococo style. Although the inside is striking, it’s easy to miss when walking past! Make sure to look out for the columns and vertical yellow stripes, and the entrance is in the middle. It’s one of the most impressive churches in Munich.

Directions: Continue walking along the street until you reach Sendlinger Tor , an impressive restored gate from the 14th century. There’s both a tram and a metro (U-Bahn) stop here so you can whizz around Munich. To reach the Museum Quarter , take the tram to Pinakotheken, an 8-minute journey.

11. Museum Quarter

The Museum Quarter contains many museums, but there are also several worthwhile museums outside of this area ( see below ). The most noteworthy museums in the Museum Quarter are:

• Alte Pinakothek – Old European paintings
• Neue Pinakothek – Paintings from the 18th century onwards
• Pinakothek der Moderne – Contemporary and modern art
• Museum of Egyptian Art – Egyptian artefacts
• NS-Dokumentationszentrum – Munich in the World Wars
• Königsplatz – Greek and Roman antiquities

Alte Pinakothek

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (until 8 pm Tue & Wed). Tickets cost €9/6 or €1 on Sundays, children under 18 always free.

The Alte Pinakothek ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is one of the best art museums in Munich and one of the most renowned art museums in the world. In particular, it’s known for its extensive collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period (14th-18th centuries). There are works by renowned artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and many others.

The museum was founded in 1836 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria to house the Bavarian royal family’s extensive art collection, which had been accumulated over several centuries. The building itself is also a work of art, with a neoclassical façade and a majestic entrance.

Neue Pinakothek

Key Information: Currently undergoing a major renovation, scheduled to reopen only in 2029.

The Neue Pinakothek displays works of art from after the 18th century, continuing on from the Alte Pinakothek. There are great paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and many more famous artists here, all in a lovely building. While the museum is closed, some of the best pieces are being displayed in the Alte Pinakothek.

Pinakothek der Moderne

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with late night opening hours until 8 PM on Thursdays. Tickets are €10, or €1 on Sundays, children are always free.

The Pinakothek der Moderne is a large museum housing contemporary art. The exhibits are very diverse and most are interesting, with sections on everything from industrial design to robotics to famous Picasso paintings. The architecture of the building itself is also interesting.

Munich Museum of Egyptian Art

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with late night opening hours until 8 PM on Tuesdays. Tickets are €7, or €1 on Sundays, children are always free.

The Munich Museum of Egyptian Art has a great collection of Egyptian artefacts and is a real hidden gem in Munich. The museum building itself has an architecturally impressive design, and the layout of the exhibits is also very well thought out. The exhibits cover the time from 5000 years ago all the way to several hundred years ago, not stopping with the Ancient Egyptians like most Egyptian museums. The entrance can be hard to find – it’s the small dark space at the bottom of the wide concrete steps.

NS-Dokumentationszentrum Munich

Key Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM. Free entry.

The NS-Dokumentationszentrum Munich tells the story of Munich during the First and Second World Wars. The exhibits are well laid out, and there’s lots to read as well as watch so you could easily spend a few hours here.

Königsplatz

Königsplatz is a square that looks quite out of place, surrounded by Ancient Greek-style buildings and with a triumphal arch. On the north side is the Glyptothek , a museum of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. While on the south side is the State Collections of Antiquities .

Other Museums in Munich

Apart from those in the Museum Quarter, there are several other notable museums in Munich, listed below.

Deutsches Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tickets cost €15/8 for adults/children, with discounts for families. There’s a restaurant, a cafe and kiosks in the museum for refreshments. Buy tickets online on summer weekends. All captions are in both English and German.

The Deutsches Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is one of the world’s largest science museums. You could spend almost an entire day here if you want to see everything, or if you have just a few hours, plan to focus on just a couple of exhibitions. The exhibits include historic aircraft, music, health, robots, mining, bridges and a lot more. It’s a great museum for kids, and there’s an entire children’s zone downstairs where they can be kept amused for hours.

Olympia Park

Olympia Park is a large park to the northwest of the city centre, developed to hold the 1972 Olympics. Today you can visit the Olympic Stadium (€3.50), and even tour the rooftop and bungee jump off the roof. There’s also a tall tower, the Olympiaturm, which you can go up to admire the views. Alternatively, there are a couple of hills within the park that you can walk up for similar views. If it’s a clear day you can see the Alps!

BMW Welt & Museum

Key Information: BMW Welt (BMW World) is free, but you have to get tickets to the BMW Museum (€10). BMW Welt is open from 7:30am to midnight Mon-Sat, and from 9am on Sundays. The BMW Museum is open Tue-Sun 10am to 6pm.

At the BMW complex ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) are BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. BMW Welt is free to look around and displays shiny new cars as well as older models and motorbikes. BMW owns Mini and Royles Royce amongst others, so you’ll also see lots of these brands here. It’s quite fun to visit, even if you don’t really care about cars.

You have to pay for the BMW Museum, which is across the covered bridge from BMW Welt. The museum is more about the technical development of cars and motorbikes, as well as the history of BMW. Tours of the museum in both English and German take place regularly.

What to do in the evening in Munich

There are several great ways to spend an evening in Munich, from traditional breweries to concerts and evening walking tours:

• Sample Bavarian food and beer *
• Go to a concert at the Munich Residenz *
• Tour the old town with a nightwatchman *

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

For more walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page .

Related Posts

Lindau Walking Tour

Ingolstadt Walking Tour

Tübingen Walking Tour

Donauwörth Walking Tour

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Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour

This self-guided tour covers some of the most historic and notable sites in Munich.

We’ll also include a map to help you find your way around the city.

Self-Guided Tour

• Munich Audio Tour
• Free Munich Walking Tours

Our self-guided tour of Munich will cover a lot of significant sites in the city centre, including 12 different stops of varying historical or social importance.

Here is a list of each site we’ll visit on the tour, as well as a map with directions to each location.

Click here to open the map in a new tab .

Marienplatz

St. peter’s church, jewish synagogue, asam church, st. michael’s church, frauenkirche, hofbräuhaus, max-joseph-platz, munich residenz, odeonsplatz.

The tour begins at Marienplatz near the New Town Hall and at one of the most central spots in Munich.

The tour will take you around the city in pretty much every direction, and you should wear comfortable shoes and socks for the walk.

You can also use public transportation or perhaps rent a bike to get around the city much easier.

If you’re looking for help from a professional guide, consider taking a pay-what-you-want Munich walking tour instead.

NOTE: This tour is loosely based on an audio tour from Rick Steves , and you can use that service while following the map above.

There are 12 stops on this self-guided Munich tour, and we will provide details about each location.

We will also include directions to help you find each stop on the tour. 

Don’t forget that there is also a free audio tour available .

If you have a smartphone and earbuds or headphones, this could be a great alternative.

This plaza has been the main central square of Munich since 1158. It wasn’t always just a public square, as it was originally called Markth (market).

The site became so well-known as a marketplace for grain that it eventually earned the title of Scranne (grain market), and then Schranneplatz (grain market square).

It wasn’t until the Scranne was moved to another location in 1853 that this public square earned its current name, which translates to Mary’s Square.

This plaza is named after Mariensaule, a Marian column located at the centre of Marienplatz.

This column depicts the Virgin Mary at the top and it was erected to celebrate the end of the Thirty Year’s War and subsequently the cessation of Swedish occupation in Munich.

Every December, this public square is transformed into a Christkindlmarkt for three weeks before Christmas where you can find festive gifts, foods, and drinks. 

If you face south in Marienplatz, you’ll find our next stop right down Rindermarkt street and to the left.

This Roman Catholic church is the oldest in Munich and the point at which the entire city originated.

Its 91-metre (299 ft) tower is colloquially known as “Old Pete,” and it’s a well-known site people will use to orient themselves while walking around the city.

Even before Munich was founded, there was already a Merovingian church at this location which was used by monks as early as the 8th century. At that time, the church was called Petersbergl.

Eventually, a new church took its place and was consecrated at the end of the 12th century.

Throughout centuries of different renovations done at St. Peter’s Church, several different architectural styles have been adapted into its structure including Bavarian Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

The interior includes a beautiful fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmerman, paintings by Jan Polack, and altars by Ignaz Gunther.

To reach the next stop, head to the back end of St. Peter’s Church and walk south down Peterspl. Turn right on Viktualienmarkt and keep walking south until you reach Prälat-Zistl-Straße.

Keep walking south on Prälat-Zistl-Straße until you reach Sebastianspl. Turn right and walk west to Sankt-Jakobs-Platz. Follow this road west until you reach the Jewish Synagogue.

This site is known as Ohel Jakob Synagogue, it’s actually relatively new and was built in 2006. There was another synagogue nearby, but it was sadly destroyed in 1938 upon the orders of Adolf Hitler.

Following WW2, the Jewish population of Munich was gone, but in the years since many Jewish people have moved back into the city and population levels are now where they were before the war.

The synagogue is closed off to all non-worshippers, but the Jewish Museum behind it is open to all visitors. They house a permanent collection and also offer temporary exhibits every few months on average.

Just north of the synagogue, you’ll also find the Munich City Museum. If you want to learn more about this city, the museum covers both its medieval and modern history.

To reach the next stop on this tour, walk northwest past St. Jakobs-Platz, past Oberanger Street and onto Dultstraße.

When you reach Sendlinger Street, turn left and head southwest past Herrmann-Sack-Straße. When you reach Singlspielerstraße, our next stop will be on the right.

Built between the years of 1733-1746, this Baroque church is one of the most unique in all of Germany.

Brothers Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam had the building constructed to serve as their own private church.

Since the construction was not under the control of a religious order, they had the opportunity to build this church with the design elements they wanted to see.

The Asam brothers were both artists. While Egid was a respected sculptor, Cosmas was one of the great painters of his time.

You can see some of his work in the fresco of the church, entitled “Life of Saint Nepomuk.” Many consider this one of his greatest pieces of art.

The two brothers both studied under Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest Italian sculptors of the 17th century.

Bernini is credited with creating the Baroque style, so the architecture you see on display here is among the most authentic you’ll find in the entire country.

When you’re done looking around, head back up Sendlinger Street until you reach Fürstenfelder Street. Turn right and then make a left on Rosenstraße. 

This street will take you back to Marienplatz, where you should turn left and walk west down Kaufingerstraße until you reach Ettstraße.

This is the biggest Renaissance church you’ll find to the north of the Alps, and its architectural style actually influenced early Baroque architecture in Germany.

St. Michael’s is one of the most notable Jesuit churches in the country.

Built in 1583 and consecrated in 1597, this religious structure has the second largest barrel-vaulted roof in the world, beaten only by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Many important people are buried in the crypt of St. Michael’s, including Bavarian royalty such as King Ludwig II, King Otto, and Prince Leopold.

To find our next stop, head back down the way you came on Neuhauser Street and turn left at Augustinerstraße. This street will lead you right to the next big church on the tour.

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, this is actually a somewhat common name for churches in Germany.

What sets the Munich Frauenkirche apart from others is its status as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, and the seat of its Archbishop.

It’s difficult to miss this church when walking around the city, as its towers are among the largest structures in the area at 99 metres in height.

If you’re interested, the south tower is usually open for visitors to climb to the top and enjoy great views of Munich.

This church features elements of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture because it was built in the late 15th century, but the domes of the tower were added in the 16th century.

There are a lot of beautiful works of art inside this church from notable artists such as Jan Polack, Hans Leinberger, Ignaz Gunther, and others. 

Many famous and important people were buried here including Roman Emperor Louis IV and King Ludwig III.

Our next stop is a few blocks east, so begin heading past Frauenkirche to Löwengrube, which quickly turns into Schäfflerstraße. We recommend walking through the Marienhof park and onto Hofgraben on the other side.

Eventually this street turns into Pfisterstraße, which will lead you to our next stop if you keep walking east.

This public square is named after the restaurant and theatre which were once located in the area. From 1368-1805, this location was actually referred to as Graggenau, roughly translated to “the Point.”

The Theater am Platzl stood here from 1901-1995, and it was mostly frequented by folk singers.

The most famous building here is the Hofbräuhaus, but that’s our next stop, so we’ll cover it a little later. 

Another notable site nearby is the Orlando House, a five-story home to the north of the square.

This house was built by Max Littmann, who also built the Hofbräuhaus. Today, the building is registered in the Bavarian List of Monuments.

There are several restaurants and plenty of outdoor seating for customers in the area, so you might want to stop and take a break while you’re here. That said, we recommend saving your appetite for beer if you plan to visit Hofbräuhaus.

This famous beer palace is the home of the Hofbräu brewery, and it’s definitely a popular stop for beer lovers around the world.

Constructed in 1589, this is one of the oldest breweries in the world which is still in operation today. 

If you’ve ever wondered why beer is so popular in Germany, it’s because hundreds of years ago it was actually considered a substitute for food due to its contents of barley, hops, and yeast. 

In other words, beer is almost like an essential part of a meal for many Germans.

Back in 1844, King Ludwig I actually set the price of beer lower than usual because he wanted to “offer the military and the working class a healthy and cheap drink.” Yes, beer was considered healthy!

The beer hall at Hofbräuhaus has space for about 1,000 people, and the ballroom can fit close to 1,500 guests. 

During the summer, the inner courtyard is usually turned into a beer garden. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, you might want to check and see if this beer garden is open.

Once you’ve had your fill of beer, head back up to the Platzl square and continue north onto Am Kosttor. Turn left when you reach Maximilianstraße and walk west until you reach a plaza on the right.

This public square was constructed at the same time as the nearby National Theatre in 1818. The plaza was named after King Maximilian Joseph.

The building to the north is the Königsbau of the Munich Residence, a former royal palace. We’ll talk more about this location later, as it’s the next stop on our tour!

To the south of the square you’ll see several Neo-Renaissance arcades that were once part of the former Palais Toerring-Jettenbach.

You’ll see a monument at the centre of the square which was erected in honor of King Maximilian Joseph. The statue could not be revealed until 1835 (10 years after the king’s death) because he did not want to be eternalized in a sitting position.

Head past this plaza and take a good look at the buildings lining its northern side as you walk up Residenzstraße to our next stop.

This is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. The Munich Residenz is an amalgamation of several different buildings constructed for royalty between the 14th-20th century.

With so many structures attached to the Residenz, it actually qualifies as the largest city palace in all of Germany, and it’s now open to the public.

This palace has a combined 10 courtyards, 130 rooms, and dozens of buildings. If you want to learn more about this location, consider visiting the Residenzmuseum in Königsbauhof.

Another notable site here is the Treasury, which contains the jewels of the Wittelsbach dynasty.

This building also includes important relics such as Emperor Charles the Bald’s prayer-book, the altar-ciborium of Emperor Arnulf of Carinthia, and many other historic artifacts.

The Munich Residenz also houses the Bavarian state coin collection with more than 300,000 coins, medals, and banknotes dating back to ancient periods in human history. This is one of the most impressive coin collections in the world.

Our next stop is just north on Residenzstraße, at the northern end of the palace.

This is one of the more historically relevant public squares in Munich. One of the most notable events that took place here was the gun battle that ended the march on Feldherrnhalle during the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923.

The square is named after a former concert hall called the Odeon located on the northwestern side. You can also see the northern end of the Munich Residenz on the southeastern end of the plaza.

On the southwestern side of the square you’ll see the Theatinerkirche, a Baroque church built in the 17th century.

Many notable people are buried here, including King Maximilian Joseph, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII, King Otto of Greece, and many others.

Our final stop is at the northeastern end of Odeonsplatz, the Hofgarten. 

Built in the 17th century, this Italian Renaissance garden is a great place to finish your tour. There is a pavilion for the goddess Diana at the centre of the Hofgarten.

On the east side of the garden you’ll see the Bavarian Staatskanzlei, also known as the State Chancellery. This was once an Army Museum, but it was repurposed in 1993.

If you choose to walk over to the Staatskanzlei, you’ll find the Kriegerdenkmal (War Memorial” in front of the building. This is a memorial to commemorate the people of Munich who were killed in action during WW1.

At the northeast corner of the garden, you’ll find a black granite memorial in honor of the White Rose group. This organization was executed for committing to non-violent action against Hitler’s regime. 

There are a lot of other things to see here including arcades on the southern side with wall paintings telling the history of Bavaria. 

We recommend taking a good look around the serene Hofgarten to see as much as possible before heading back toward the city centre. Take a break and enjoy a walk through a garden!

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The Ultimate Free Walking Tour of Munich (For 2023)

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Table of Contents

Ah… Munich. A city known for Oktoberfest, Munich offers more than just beer. Filled with museums and historical sites and surrounded by extravagant castles, Munich is one of the best cities in Germany. And there’s no better way to explore this delightful Bavarian city than on a free walking tour of Munich!

This self-guided Munich walking tour is not just doable — it’s called for. Where else can you find over a dozen historical monuments, breathtaking city views, and lively plazas packed into less than one kilometer?

And while some walking tours of Munich may be tiring, this one has a total walking distance of only 35 minutes . This means you’ll have plenty of time to take it easy, wander around, and dive into the legends of these unique Munich landmarks.

However, you should still set aside at least 1 day in Munich to do this tour, as there’s plenty to do at each stop.

Well, without further ado, let’s begin!

A Quick Summary of Your Free Walking Tour of Munich

• Karlsplatz-Stachus
• Bürgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)
• Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)
• Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
• Marienplatz
• Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
• Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
• Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
• Asamkirche (Asam Church)
• Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market)
• Hofbräuhaus München

Needless to say, this free walking tour of Munich will take you to all the top spots . So get your camera ready, put on some comfortable shoes, and prepare to spend one perfect day in Munich (one of the best places to visit in Bavaria !).

The Ultimate Free Walking Tour of Munich

1) karlsplatz-stachus.

• Opening Hours : None
• Cost : Free

Your Munich walking tour starts at Karlsplatz-Stachus, the most famous square in Munich.

It practically connects all the city’s transportation lines, making it one of the top hubs in Munich. In the mid 20th century, it reportedly had the most traffic in all of Europe ! This led to a saying that spread well beyond Munich: “Da geht’s ja zu wie am Stachus,” which is similar to the UK expression “It’s like Piccadilly Circus.”

Needless to say, there is always something to do at Karlsplatz-Stachus. On the eastern side, you can admire the gothic gate “Karlstor.” In the summer, you can enjoy some ice cream while sitting by the picturesque fountain. And in the winter, this fountain turns into a huge Munich ice rink!

There are also endless shopping opportunities, including:

• Kaufhof : Built in 1950, this was the first department store in Munich.
• Stachus Passagen for some underground shopping.
• Shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the square.
• The entrance to Neuhauserstraße and Kaufingerstraße , the two main shopping streets of Munich.

But before checking out the shops or continuing with our tour, take your time to soak up the atmosphere at Stachus. We will gradually head down Neuhauserstraße for the next stops on our free walking tour of Munich!

The Funny Story Behind the Dual Name of Karlsplatz-Stachus

The square was built in 1777 when the Elector Karl Theodor took over the government of Bavaria. Like any modest ruler, he named the new square after himself — Karlsplatz. But he was so unpopular with the residents that they refused to use that name . And so the square became known as Stachus, in memory of the tavern that was displaced for the square’s construction.

2) Bürgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)

• Opening Hours : Upper church: Monday-Saturday, 11 am-1 pm. Lower church: Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 2 pm-5 pm.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 4 minutes
• Website : https://www.mmkbuergersaal.de/

From Karlsplatz-Stachus, walk four minutes to our next stop: Bürgersaalkirche, otherwise known as the Citizen’s Hall Church.

From the outside, Bürgersaalkirche kinda looks more like a government building than a church. And, as a matter of fact, it was first built in 1709 as a “citizen’s hall” (hence the name), and was only consecrated in 1778. The church is also divided into an upper floor and a lower floor, with the exterior pink façade showing this division.

In the upper church, you’ll find the brightly lit, ballroom-like prayer room . Everywhere you look, there are works of art in the form of frescoes, paintings, and statues.

In the lower church, you can find the crypt of Ruper Mayer , a Jesuit priest known for his resistance against the Nazis. For a bit of history, I recommend walking around the small museum room containing memorabilia from his life.

If you’re planning to visit Germany but you’re still in school, click here to read my guide on how to travel as a student!

3) Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)

• Opening Hours : The Crypt is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am-4:30 pm, and the weekends from 9:30 am-2:30 pm.
• Cost : Free (or 2 euros to enter the Crypt).
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 2 minutes
• Website : https://www.st-michael-muenchen.de/en/

The next stop on our walking tour of Munich is St. Michael’s Church: an art gallery, an architectural masterpiece, and a place of worship all in one!

Built in the late 16th century, Michaelskirche was modeled after the Church of the Gesù in Rome. It’s best known for having the second largest vaulted roof (after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome).

If you look between the two entrances, you’ll see St. Michael, the Archangel, slaying a dragon-like creature, which was meant to symbolize Catholicism triumphing over Protestantism in the Counter Reformation era.

And hey, if you’re craving a little company, why not visit the “Mad” King Ludwig II in the crypt ?

4) Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)

• Opening Hours : Monday to Saturday 8 am-8 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-8 pm.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 3 minutes
• Website : https://www.muenchner-dom.de/

Next, head over to Frauenkirche, one of the most popular landmarks in Munich.

The original plan for Frauenkirche was a grand church of the likes of Stephansdom in Vienna. But budgetary constraints unraveled these plans into the plain red-brick construction that it is today.

In the end, this lack of funding is what shaped the church into the remarkable mix of styles that makes it so unique. By the time the towers were finally finished, the Renaissance era had started. Thus, domes were installed instead of the intended Gothic pointed towers.

These towers are an iconic part of the Munich skyline , jutting out far past any other building. The residents of Munich are deeply passionate about their city’s “mother church”; in 2004, they even voted to prohibit building anything taller than 98.57 meters — the height of Frauenkirche.

Inside, Frauenkirche has a remarkable capacity of 20,000 people. The decorations are simple, but there are still tons to admire, including:

• Gothic pillars
• Original stained-glass windows
• 14th-18th century artwork
• A 16th-century automaton clock
• The tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV

The Legend of the Devil’s Footprint

By the entrance, you’ll also notice a black mark resembling a footprint . Legend says the master builder Jörg von Halsbach struck a deal with the devil to ensure they had enough money for the church’s construction. In exchange, he promised to not build any windows, meaning the church could not be consecrated.

Stepping inside the completed church, the devil could not see the windows at first, as they were hidden from view by the columns and buttresses. But when he realized he’d been duped, he stomped his foot in anger and turned into the wind to try to blow the church down. If you stand outside the church, you can still feel the devil’s vain efforts!

If you’re planning to travel Europe in the fall, click here for my Europe fall packing list for women!

5) Marienplatz

• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/marienplatz.html

Next up on your Munich walking tour is Marienplatz, a plaza that will provide you with a short break from the stunning Munich churches and aerial city views!

This popular square dates back to the city’s founding in 1158 . It used to be a calm intersection where monks decided to settle, giving the city its name (“monks” in German).

The area soon became the city’s marketplace, then called “Schrannenplatz” (“grain plaza”). In 1854, the market outgrew the plaza and moved to Blumenstraße. The plaza was then renamed to Marienplatz after the Virgin Mary, for helping the city overcome a cholera epidemic.

The center of the plaza is marked by Mariensaule , the Virgin Mary column. It was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation of Munich. Its base depicts the city’s triumph over famine (the dragon), war (the lion), the plague (the basilisk), and heresy (the snake).

Events and Things to Do in Marienplatz

• June : Stadtgründungsfest, celebrating Munich’s birthday.
• December : a Christmas Market with 150 stalls.
• Year-round : Countless stores and restaurants — needless to say, it’s one of the best things to do in Munich on Sunday!

The Munich Marienplatz is where many of the free tours in Munich and walking tours in Munich start, so you’ll see lots of tourist groups here. The plaza itself has many interesting landmarks, which we are about to see!

6) Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

• Opening Hours : 10 am-7 pm Monday to Saturday, 10 am-5 pm on Sundays.
• Cost : 10 euros for tours, or 4 euros to access the tower.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 0 minutes
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/new-town-hall-neues-rathaus.html

To reach the next stop on your free walking tour of Munich, just turn around and look for the Neues Rathaus right at Marienplatz! Although it’s only one building, it has plenty to offer, including some fun things to do with kids in Munich.

It was built in the late 19th century when the old town hall was no longer able to accommodate the government. And this new one sure takes care of the space issue — 12 buildings had to be demolished to make room for it! It also holds 400 rooms and takes up over 9000 square meters of space.

Surprisingly, Neues Rathaus Munich survived WWII, so the carvings you see are original. Don’t miss the “Glockenspiel,” a storytelling music box on the exterior of the tower. It is still manually operated and uses 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures to perform two historical events, including:

• A 1568 tournament celebrating the marriage of Duke Wilheim V to Renata of Lothringen.
• “Schäfflertanz”, or Coopers’ Dance : After the plague epidemic, the barrel makers were supposedly the first to go out into the streets, where they danced to give courage and joy to the fearful citizens.

The show lasts about 15 minutes. It’s performed daily at 11 am and 12 pm, so make sure you’re there for the show!

Before you turn away, look all the way up to the top of the tower and wave hello to “the Munich child”, aka “ Münchner Kind .” This symbolic representation of Munich has had a prolific advertising career, as it’s been featured in Munich commercials for virtually everything under the sun.

The New Town Hall also offers several other things to do, including

• A 90-minute tour.
• A tourist office on the ground floor.
• An 85-meter-tall tower with a great view of the old town of Munich.
• Marienhof, a small garden at the back.
• The Ratskeller restaurant in the basement.

7) Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

• Opening Hours : 10 am-5:30 pm daily (for the Toy Museum).
• Cost : 6 euros for the Toy Museum.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop: 1 minute
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/altes-rathaus.html

Now that we’ve admired the New Town Hall, it’s time to check out the Old Town Hall! Walk over to the eastern end of Marienplatz to find Altes Rathaus, Neues Rathaus’ predecessor.

The building goes back as far as 1310 . But it has been damaged and rebuilt so many times that it has practically worn every architectural style since its founding. Its most recent restoration after WWII has brought it full circle to its original Gothic design . And with its plain façade, the Old Town Hall look more modern than the ornate New Town Hall Munich!

Altes Rathaus has a dark side as well. It was the location of the hate-filled speech by Joseph Goebbels that inspired Kristallnacht, “ the night of the broken glass” in 1938 . This is considered to be the start of the Holocaust.

Other things you can see at Altes Rathaus:

• A historic toy museum located on over 4 floors of the tower (it’s one of the best things to do in Munich with kids!).
• A ballroom on the second floor with an impressive ornate wooden ceiling.
• A Juliet Capulet statue on the side of the building, gifted to Munich by Verona in the 1970s.

8) Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)

• Opening Hours : 9 am-6 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Cost : Free for the church, 3 euros for the tower.
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/church-of-st-peter.html

Next on your Munich free walking tour is Peterskirche, the city’s oldest Catholic church dating back to the 12th century. Like many Munich landmarks, it has been reconstructed many times due to fires and wars. The inside reflects its many reincarnations with elements of the Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo styles .

The most notable aspect of Peterskirche Munich is the second chapel, as it holds the skeleton of Saint Munditia , lavishly decorated with a crown, precious stones, and luxurious clothing. You’ll also see many beautiful works of art, though most of them are restorations.

And if you haven’t had enough bird-eye views of the city yet, you can climb the 300 stairs up the tower. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps!

At the top, you’ll also find another peculiarity: no fewer than 8 clocks. The Munich-based comic Karl Valentin offered a whimsical reason as to why: “Well, of course, it’s so eight people can check the time at once!”

9) Asamkirche (Asam Church)

• Opening Hours : 9 am-6 pm
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 6 minutes
• Website : https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/asam-church.html

Compared to the gargantuan buildings you’ve seen so far, the 22-by-8-meter Asamkirche in München might seem ludicrously tiny. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in decoration.

Through the opulent wooden door, you enter a space filled with such an excessive amount of stucco and ornamentation, it’s downright overwhelming. There’s barely an inch left undecorated.

The church is divided into three vertical levels:

• The rather gloomy lower area, where visitors sit, symbolizes worldly suffering.
• The middle level, reserved for the Emperor, is decorated in white and blue.
• The top, dedicated to God, is brightly lit.

Naturally, the space gets brighter the closer to heaven it goes. The ceiling also has a lavish fresco portraying the drowning of Saint Nepomuk, to whom the church is dedicated.

10) Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market)

• Opening Hours : Usually 8 am-8 pm Monday to Saturday, but it depends on the stall.
• Cost : Depends on what you buy.
• Walking Time from the Previous Stop : 7 minutes
• Website : https://www.viktualienmarkt-muenchen.de/

Remember how Marienplatz used to be a marketplace? Well, Viktualienplatz is where it moved.

Viktualienmarkt, from the late Latin word for food, stretches over 22,000 square meters. About 150 stalls offer everything your fridge and pantry could desire, from vegetables to fish, through spices and pastries, and even kitchen accessories and other trinkets. Every Munich food guide will recommend visiting this famous market!

Halls and pavilions were added as even Viktualienmarkt Munich started lacking in space for its eager shoppers. At the center, you’ll find an authentic Bavarian Maypole displaying aspects of life in Munich.

If you need to rest your feet a little, you can relax in the beer garden . Then walk around to find the fountains with statues commemorating folk singers and comedians.

11) Hofbräuhaus München

• Opening Hours : 9 am-12 am daily.
• Cost : Depends on what you order.
• Website : https://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/hofbraeuhaus.html

Today, we associate Germany with tall glasses of beer, but 500 years ago, Bavaria was far from being a beer nation. At the time, beer was imported from Northern Germany, and boy, was it expensive! Like any beer lover, the rulers wanted more beer for less money, and commissioned their own brewery in 1589: the Hofbräuhaus München

It was initially reserved for royals , and they were only allowed to brew stout and white beer. The beer hall was then added in 1897 and eventually opened to the public.

You can take a look at the glass cellar or sit down for a refreshing drink — perhaps in the very same spot where Mozart or the Empress Elisabeth of Austria once sat! Adolf Hitler presented his “25-Point Program” in this very bar as well.

You can unwind here until as late as midnight — the Hofbräuhaus is hands down one of the best things to do in Munich at night!

If you’re also thinking of visiting Seville, Spain, click here to read my self-guided walking tour of Seville!

Got More Time to Explore Munich?

If you have time leftover after your Munich walking tour, consider adding these things to do in Munich, located close to where your tour left off:

• National Theater
• Theatine Church
• Munich Residenz

And obviously, if you’re visiting Munich in mid-September to October, you have to check out Oktoberfest! The largest beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest is a 17- to 18-day festival where you can drink tons of beer, enjoy some rides and carnival games, and wear Trachten, the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest .

Finally, if you’re wondering what else to do in Munich, here are the top attractions not yet mentioned:

• English Garden
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Alte Pinakothek
• Neuschwanstein Castle (one of the best day trips from Munich!)

And That’s It for our Free Walking Tour of Munich!

And so we have come to the end of your free walking tour of Munich. If you have 2 days in Munich or even just 1 day in Munich, this walking tour will help you make the very best of your time. Happy exploring!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip around Europe? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Around Europe
• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• My 5-Week Europe Itinerary
• The Minimalist Europe Fall Packing List for Women
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Europe
• Click here for more posts on Germany
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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The Best Munich Old Town Walking Tour for First Timers

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Taking the Munich Old Town walking tour from Radius Tours was the perfect way to spend my one day in Munich! I only had time for a quick way to see this fantastic city in Germany, so booking this tour online with Viator was time well spent. Unfortunately, the whole day I was in Munich was a holiday, so many of the places you’d typically see were closed. Luckily, the day I arrived, I had gone over to Nymphenburg Palace , so I fitted that in during the previous afternoon. If you have more time in Germany, make sure to check out some great day trips from Munich . The Radius Tours Munich Old Town walking tour was recommended to me by a friend, and I’m sure glad she did as it’s the best Munich Old Town walking tour!

Booking a Munich Walking Tour

It was super simple to book this tour in advance of my trip to Munich, Germany. I was able to visit the Viator website search for the Munich Old Town walking tour by Radius Tours. There are several different tours available on the Viator site, but this one had specifically been recommended. You can also buy tickets at the Radius Tours office, which also happens to be the starting point for this walking tour.

Tours in English are available at 10:15 am and 2:30 pm.

What to Expect on This Tour

If this is your first time in Munich, as it was mine, then this is the perfect tour for you. It is specifically geared towards people who have never visited Munich before. You get to see the highlights of the Bavarian capital during this two-hour walking tour of Munich’s Old Town.

The Old Town part of Munich consists of its medieval old town, the Altstadt. Primarily known for its pedestrian streets and shops, some of which sell those adorable traditional Bavarian costumes. It also boasts several architecturally gorgeous buildings such as the Frauenkirche and Rathaus-Glockenspiel. If you’re there on a non-holiday day, you can also check out the Viktualienmarkt, which is a lovely market.

Starting the Munich Old Town Walking Tour

On this tour, an expert guide accompanies you to each location while providing tons of fascinating facts about Munich’s history! Our lovely guide was a woman who had been doing the tour for a while, so she was very seasoned. She spoke English well (this Munich walking tour is available in English and Spanish) and was great about projecting her voice. We were mostly outside, so it can sometimes be hard to hear people in open spaces, but we had no issues hearing her.

We started the Munich Old Town walking tour at the Munich Central Station (or München Hbf). I’d show up a bit early, so you have time to find the Radius Tours ticket office within the station. It wasn’t super hard to find, but it is inside the station.

Departure Point Address

Arnulfstraße 3, 80335 München, Germany

Ending Point Address

Marienplatz, München, Germany

The first spot after the Radius Tours ticket office is Karlsplatz (Stachus). It’s a large square and the start of the city center of Munich. The reason that it has two names, Karlsplatz and Stachus, is that the former was named for the unpopular Charles Theodore, Elector of Bavaria. The later, Stachus, is what locals usually call it.

Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)

The next spot is Frauenkirche, also known as “Münchner Dom” (Munich Cathedral), a landmark and symbol of the Bavarian capital city. It’s gorgeous so you can absolutely see why!

One of the fascinating pieces of trivia that our guide mentioned was the legend of The Devil’s Footprint (Der Teufelstritt). According to the legend, in 1468, the architect of Frauenkirche went looking for money to build this new cathedral. He wound up making a bargain with the Devil, who agreed to provide the funds for the Frauenkirche. On the condition that it was a celebration of darkness, meaning there would be no windows to let in light.

Upon completion, von Helpach brought the Devil in to show him that he held up his end of the bargain. No windows, but still with light, this satisfied the Devil. He then took a step further in and realized that columns had blocked his view of the windows. He had been tricked and stamped his foot in anger. Marking the floor to this day with his footprint.

Rathaus-Glockenspiel

The next stop on the Munich Old Town walking tour was a personal favorite of mine! My Grandmother and Aunt had visited Munich many years ago, and I had recalled photos of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel from her trip. So getting to see it in person with my Mom was extra special.

You can hear the clock chime and see it’s re-enactments of two stories from the 16th century every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (and 5 p.m. in the summer). The top half of the Glockenspiel tells the story of the marriage of  Duke Wilhelm V (who founded Hofbräuhaus) to Renata of Lorraine . To honor them, a joust is held with life-sized knights on horseback representing Bavaria (in white and blue) and Lothringen (in red and white). As our guide pointed out, the Bavarian knight always wins as we are in Bavaria. This scene consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures!

The bottom half then starts the story of Schäfflertanz (the coopers ‘ dance). There is a myth that in 1517 a plague took place in Munich. The coopers (people trained to make wooden casks, barrels, vats, buckets, tubs, troughs and other containers) then danced through the streets to “bring fresh vitality to fearful dispositions.” Symbolizing perseverance and loyalty to authority through difficult times. Even today, the tradition continues with the dance being performed every seven years in Munich.

The two parts of the show last between twelve and fifteen minutes long. The end of the show is marked by a small golden rooster chirping three times at the top of the Glockenspiel.

A View from New City Hall (Neues Rathaus)

You can go to the top of Rathaus-Glockenspiel if you wish to. As I’m afraid of heights, I wasn’t super keen on this, but I figured I should. You can go up 255 feet (85 meters) in an elevator to the tower of New City Hall (Neues Rathaus). There’s an observation deck that offers a view of the city. As it started raining and thundering while I was up there, I didn’t see the Alps, which you can supposedly see during better weather. All I saw was those dark clouds rolling in!

This was not part of the Munich old town walking tour, my Mom and I did this afterwards.

Marienplatz

Marienplatz has been Munich’s main square since 1158. It is also where Rathaus-Glockenspiel, New City Hall (Neues Rathaus), and Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) are located, as you can see on the Munich walking tour map below.

Viktualienmarkt

Again, unfortunately, the Viktualienmarkt was closed on the day I went as it was a holiday. However, if you’re there on a non-holiday day, then you’ll be able to check out the largest and most famous market in Munich! It’s also where you can find the best beer garden in Munich.

St. Peter’s Church

As 299 feet (91 meters), St. Peter’s Church (also known as Alter Peter or Old Pete) is the oldest recorded parish church in Munich. It is also supposedly the origin point for the whole city.

The Alter Hof (Old Court) is the former imperial residence of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor , and the first royal residence of the Wittelsbach family. You can visit its museums, und Schlösserinformationsstelle (“Museum and Castle Information Center”) and “Münchner Kaiserburg” (“Munich’s Imperial Castle”) after the walking tour.

Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria and the largest city palace in Germany. Thought it was closed on the day I visited, it’s usually open to visitors showcasing its rooms and displays from the former royal collections.

Odeonsplatz

The Odeonsplatz is another square developed in the early 19th century. It’s important to the city of Munich as it has been the site of several parades and public events. Including funeral processions, victory parades, and the Oktoberfest annual parade follows this route.

Ending at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl

The Hofbräuhaus am Platz isn’t the official ending of the Munich Old Town walking tour. We had only passed by it earlier as you can see on the Munich walking tour map below. However, since the majority of places were closed for the holiday, my mother and I found ourselves here. This famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall was initially built in 1589 as an extension of the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München brewery.

If you’re looking for a great traditional Bavarian place to eat and drink, I highly recommend Hofbräuhaus am Platz. Its menu features traditional favorites such as  Brezn (soft pretzel), Obatzda (cheese dip), Hax’n , and sausages such as Bratwurst and Weisswurst . Grab yourself a large stein of beer while listening to traditional Bavarian music!

Munich Walking Tour Map

Below you’ll find a Munich walking tour map of the locations I’ve mentioned above. The entire tour was on flat ground should you have any issues with hills, steps, etc. It was a pretty leisurely walk around Munich at a comfortable pace. I never felt as if we were running from one place to another.

Starting Point:  Munich Central Station

.4 miles to Karlsplatz (Stachus)

.3 miles to Frauenkirche

.2 miles to Rathaus-Glockenspiel / Marienplatz

.2 miles to Viktualienmarkt

.1 miles to St. Peter’s Church

.2 miles to Alter Hof (Old Court)

.2 miles to Munich Residenz

.1 miles to Odeonsplatz

.5 miles to Hofbräuhaus am Platz

Tour Details

Per person, you can book this tour for $17.94 (as of posting). For an approximately two hour tour of Munich’s Old Town, this was a steal. Again, this Munich walking tour is offered in English and Spanish. As it was my first time in Munich, I got to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time doing this. Our guide was very helpful and filled with interesting information. She gave advice, directions, and offered her help during and even after the tour ended. I would highly recommend this tour as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Michelle is a nerdy wanderluster with a love of history. A thirty-something traveler and occasional female solo traveler who you’ll find road-tripping across the United States or hostel-hopping in Europe. Currently residing in Southern California with a day job in marketing.

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Touring Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s 900-Year Old Castle

When visiting Salzburg, it is impossible to miss the Hohensalzburg Fortress as it sits high atop a mountain called Festungsberg. If you’ve seen the skyline of the Austrian city of Salzburg in pictures, you’ve likely seen a marvelous view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. At 1,778 ft (542 m), Hohensalzburg Fortress (sometimes know as Salzburg Castle), is one…

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Free Walking Tour of Munich

Join me on a fun and informative free walking tour to learn about the origins of the old city, fun legends, cool King’s, Third Reich history, Bavarian culture, beer and more!

The ‘Altstadt’ (old city) might be a small area but around every corner you will find interesting history and architecture spanning the last 860 years.

My free tour is currently the highest rated in Munich with an average rating of 5 stars from over 1300 reviews. You can read some of the reviews further down the page.

The free tour concept is very popular now. Anyone is free to join and at the end you pay what you think the tour was worth. That means the guide will always be working hard to deliver the best possible experience.

The free tour runs daily at 10.30am and from March to December, also at 2pm. Please check the calendar further down the page for availability and to reserve a space.

Morning tours will include watching the famous Glockenspiel and at the end of the tour you will get a list of great recommendations for restaurants and places to visit during your stay.

Area’s we usually visit: Marienplatz, New town hall, Frauenkirche (Cathedral), Odeonsplatz (Third Reich), Royal Residence Palace & Gardens, Hofbräuhaus and the Viktualienmarkt (food market).

Meeting point: In front of Mary’s column on Marienplatz. I’ll be holding a white umbrella. Please note that the meeting point will be different during the Christmas markets, so please check the FAQ further down the page.

Thank you for supporting a local, independent tour operator.

2.5 hour walking tour

Suitable for all ages, what will you see on the free tour, reserve now.

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Frequently asked questions.

The tour starts and ends at Marienplatz, the centre square of Munich.

We meet in front of Mary’s column in the middle of the square. The guide will be holding a white umbrella that says ‘Free tour’ and ‘Heart of Munich Tours’. You can use the map at the bottom of the page to see the meeting point.

Due to the Christmas markets we have to move the meeting point slightly. Please meet me in front of the ‘Hugendubel’ bookstore on Marienplatz. I’ll be holding the usual white umbrella saying ‘Free tour’ and ‘Heart of Munich tours’.

Please arrive 5/10 minutes before the tour starts, so that you can find me. If you are late then I will be somewhere with the group on Marienplatz for the first stop of the tour.

The average city tour in Munich cost around 15-20€ but you get to decide what the tour is worth. Guests usually tip anything from 10 – 25€ per person. Value is an individual thing so you get to decide.

Please note, the tour is not free. It is only free to join. We are a business and very passionate about what we do.  These tours are based on trust and honesty. We ask you kindly not to abuse our good faith.

We will do a circle of the old city, taking you through the back streets and passages as well as the main squares.

We will also stop for a short 15 minute break and if  you book the 10.30am tour then we also watch the glockenspiel at 11am.

Depending on the time of year and what events are going on in the city, the size varies between 10 – 30 people max. We take bookings first and extra walk ups if people don’t turn up for the tour. 

Yes! We run it all year round. In winter I will either get you indoors or under cover for most of the stops on the tour. Tours change slightly through the seasons and depending on the weather. What’s important is making sure you are comfortable throughout the tour.

Between January and February the free tour runs daily at 10.30am.

Make sure you prepare accordingly in winter as average temperatures are sometimes as low as -5C/23F. (December – March)

Absolutely! I make sure my tour is interactive for children and show lots of pictures and photos on my tablet.

Comfortable walking shoes, a camera/phone to take pictures and a bottle of water.

Munich is a very flat city and almost completely pedestrianised, so this tour is wheelchair accessible.

I like to think this is obvious but if you are not sure then the answer is…

…English!

All my tours are only in English but if you want to book a private tour then I can provide a guide in German or Spanish.

I personally give out a list at the end of the tour. You are always welcome to ask during the tour for an specific advice or suggestions. Most of my guides also give out recommendations during the tour or on a list at the end.

Meeting Point

In front of mary's column in the center of marienplatz. look for the white umbrella, which says 'free tour' and 'heart of munich tours'., let's talk, meeting point change during christmas markets, from the 27th november to 24th december the meeting point for our daily free tours will be in front of the 'hugendubel' bookstore on marienplatz. you will find further information in our faq and booking confirmation emails..

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English Free Walking Tour of Munich - Fun & Informative

Overview of the tour in Munich

Join me for a fun and informative free walking tour around the beautiful old city of Munich. Along the way, you'll learn about the city's origins, local legends, crazy kings, Third Reich history, Bavarian culture, traditions, and beer! Around every corner, you will find fascinating history and architecture spanning the last 860 years in Munich's old city. Therefore, I will take you through a mixture of main squares, alleyways, and backstreets. I want you to learn but emphasize having a good time, so I teach history by telling engaging and fun stories. This is an interactive tour, so expect lots of questions. The tour includes a 15-minute break, and at the end, you will get a list of great recommendations and things to do. Group sizes can be anywhere from 10 to 30, depending on the season and events in the city. NOTE: - I run most of the free tours myself, and my fantastic team of guides covers the rest of them. Please note that each guide has its own style of guiding. - Meeting point during Christmas markets - 27th Nov - 24th Dec. - Please meet me next to the T-Mobile store, underneath the 'Hugendubel' sign. Look for the white umbrella.

This activity includes:

• New Town Hall
• Odeonsplatz
• Frauenkirche
• Marienplatz
• Munich Residenz
• Hofbräuhaus München
• Viktualienmarkt
• 2.5 hour tour
• 15 minute break
• Highest rated free tour in Munich

Meeting point

At the column in the centre of Marienplatz.

You'll find us standing in front of Mary's column in the center of Marienplatz. The guide will be holding a white umbrella which says 'Free tour' and 'Heart of Munich Tours'. Don't be late! Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the tour starts, so that we can sign you in. We start the tour on time. If you are late, find the group and join. After the first stop is over, go to the guide so that we can sign you in. Meeting point during the Christmas markets - 27th Nov - 24th Dec. Due to the Christmas markets, we have to move the meeting point every year. Please meet me next to the T-mobile store, underneath the 'Hugendubel' store. Look out for the white umbrella and my company name, 'Heart of Munich tours'.

Things to note

I've been a professional tour guide in Munich since 2017 and, during this time, have received hundreds of five-star reviews across multiple platforms. Tours run all year round. In Summer, I will keep you in the shade, and in winter I will get you indoors or undercover during parts of the tour. What’s important to me is making sure you are comfortable. Please prepare in winter, as temperatures can be as low as -5C/23F. (December – March) Also, please be aware that I run most of the free tours myself but occasionally another great guide will work for me. Meeting point during the Christmas markets - 27th Nov - 24th Dec. Due to the Christmas markets we have to move the meeting point every year. Please meet me next to the T-mobile store, underneath the 'Hugendubel' store. Look out for the white umbrella and my company name, 'Heart of Munich tours'.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN MUNICH

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Free Tour of Munich

Book the original Munich free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guid ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Munich Third Reich Tour

Learn about the Nazi’s history in Munich and see scars on the city from these dark days

Discover the many faces of Munich with a passionate local guide

Ernest Hemingway famously said that once you’ve seen Munich, “everything else in Germany is a waste of time”. We’re not sure about this but it is true that as far as history, beauty and German beer goes, Munich really does have it all. Join us to see this incredible city through the eyes of Munich’s best local tour guides.

The original  Free Tour of Munich  starts in the Marienplatz and covers many of Munich’s top attractions, including the Church of St Peter and Höfbrauhaus. After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us!

No visit to the Bavarian capital is complete without a day trip to the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle. Being so close to the Austrian border, you may also be interested in joining the day trip to Salzburg. If you are interested in Nazi history, we have two tours that focus on the darkest period of Munich’s history, including the Third Reich Tour, and a day trip to the former Nazi concentration camp Dachau.

However, if you are more interested in the Bavarian beer, you might be interested in joining our Beer Tour, with an overview of the local breweries, and a visit to one of the most popular beer halls in the city. One thing’s for sure, the top things to do and see in Munich can all be found on a SANDEMANs tour!

What is the SANDEMANs Partner Network?

Tours in Munich are offered by a partner, not SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

We only work with partners we know, trust, and who have been vetted by us to ensure they meet the same standards you are used to enjoying in SANDEMANs’ own cities.

We are proud to partner with Todo Tours and are sure you’ll love their tours as much as we do.

Book a tour with one of our partners

• SANDEMANs only works with partners that meet the same quality standards as we do
• Tours are chosen by our specialists from an array of offers based on their quality and value
• We connect the best local guides with travelers from all around the world

Things to do in Munich

Ready to start exploring Munich? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Munich

The best places to eat in Munich

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Munich recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from Bavarian beer to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Munich

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Munich

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, its staff members, nor any of the freelance guides we work with will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides and tour leaders reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Munich Walking Tour

Discover Munich's old town in just two hours

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Clock Start Time: 10.15 am
• User Ages: Ages 6+
• Book Tour Language: English
• Frauenkirche Cathedral.
• Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus city hall and the Glockenpiel.
• Munich Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall – the world’s greatest beer palace.
• Viktualienmarkt old town market.
• Royal Munich – Munich Residenz, Hofgarten.
• The Nationaltheater – Munich’s world famous Opera House on Max-Joseph-Platz.
• Englischer Garten
• Munich and the Third Reich.
• Personal advice, tips, and recommendations on how to explore Munich further, and where to eat and drink.

Munich Walking Tour of the Old Town in English

Munich is Germany’s greatest walking city, and our Munich Walking Tour is the best way to experience it. The largely pedestrianised historic town centre can be experienced in a causual stroll. Ideal for a walking tour. Discover Munich with us on our short and comprehensive English language walking tour. We’ll walk you through the key sites in Munich’s historic Old Town, one of the most beautiful spots in Germany and Europe. See it all in just two hours in the company of one of our many experienced tour guides – the best introduction to Munich and its many attractions you can get.

Our Munich Walking Tour brings you through the past and present of Germany’s most loveable city. Munich Old Town is the beautiful medieval and baroque gateway to the Bavarian Alps. Our Discover Munich walking tour brings our home town to you. Your guide will be a long term Munich resident with an intimate knowledge of this special place. The tour takes approx. 2 hours, and is short, fun and comprehensive. We’ll guide you through the most important sites, and together we’ll visit the key historic locations, see the most famous beer halls, and hear the most interesting stories. Our professional Munich guides are welcoming, informative, and expert in helping you have fun while you discover Munich.

Discover Munich is our original Munich walking tour. Walk with is and let us help your discover Munich. We know the best way to walk you through the past and present of Munich, because we have been doing it for a long time.

Munich has so much to offer in its compact and walkable historic old town. It is made for walking tours. Beautiful medieval and baroque churches, grand royal squares and palaces, parks and riverside walkways, and also Europe’s greatest central park, the English Garden. And of course, the world’s most famous drinking spots and beer gardens. There is a reason why Munich, the home town of Oktoberfest, is known as the world capital of beer. Even in Germany, Bavarian beer is considered the best. Your guide will tell you why.

At the conclusion of the tour, your tour guide will be there to give personal advice: the best shopping around Marienplatz, the best traditional Bavarian places to eat and drink, their personal favourite attraction to visit, and so on. Just ask!

Some other great tours of Munich and Bavaria:

• Chevron down Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip.

Neuschwanstein Castle is “mad” king Ludwig’s fairytale castle in the Alps. A must do tour. Neuschwanstein is Bavaria’s most famous attraction.

Book Neuschwanstein Castle here .

• Chevron down Salzburg Day Trip.

Travel just across Austria’s border with Bavaria for a sightseeing day in Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful old towns.

Book Salzburg Day Trip here .

• Chevron down Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

Travel to the former notorious concentration camp in Dachau, now preserved as a memorial site. A deeply moving and educational experience for everyone who wants to understand Germany’s tragic 20th century history.

Book Dachau tour here .

Dachau can be combined with our Third Reich walking tour .

• Chevron down Other Munich Tours and great Sightseeing opportunities.

Book our Bike Tour here .

Details of our Beer Tour here .

You can combine our Bike Tour and Beer Tour .

If you loved Neuschwanstein, you’ll really love Herrenchiemsee. Book here .

Try our day tour to historic Nuremberg .

All of the above are available as a private tour. Find out about private Munich Tours, or reserve a Private Tour of Bavaria and beyond here .

Or simply email us to find out more about of Day Trips, Oktoberfest, Private Tour offers (Berchtesgaden, English Garden, City Tours, Bavarian Beer, Third Reich Munich, Sightseeing Tours, Small-Group tours, or any of our large variety of English-speaking Day Tour packages). We are private tour specialists.

• Chevron down Why Radius Tours?

We have been giving tours for a very long time, and we are very good at it! Discover Munich, Germany’s Secret Capital, with us.

• Chevron down Why Munich?

Munich is perfect for tours. There are so many reasons to visit Munich, and so much to do in the Bavarian capital because it is such a diverse city. A mixture of modern and traditional, with beautiful urban spaces sitting alongside parks, beer gardens, riverbanks and boating lakes. You can even surf in Munich, just a short walk away from Marienplatz! Our daily tour takes you through a town with many faces: The beer capital of the world. A great centre of medieval Europe. A grand 19th century Bavarian royal capital. Thee “northernmost Italian city.” A city infused with Bavarian tradition. The most liveable city in Germany. And the notorious home of the Nazi Party.

Throughout its history, Munich has hosted kings, emperors, popes, conquerors, dictators, world famous scientists, thinkers, painters, writers and musicians. It is, however, above all a city of ordinary people. Every year, Munich attracts million of visitors who come to experience its famous warmth and sociability in its cafes and beer halls. And to go on its celebrated tours, the best in Germany!

• Chevron down Are the tours fully guided?

Yes. We give you the opportunity to explore fascinating Munich with experienced, professional guides who are long-term local residents of our beautiful city and have been giving tours for many years. During the main season, our tours runs at least once daily.

• Chevron down Is it a walking tour?

Yes. We specialise in walking tours. Our Munich walking tours cover approx. 2 km in a gentle walking pace, with lots of stops along the way. The historic centre of Munich is flat, largely pedestrianised, and very walkable. So much can be seen on our tours in an hour or two. The perfect city for tours.

• Chevron down Where do the tours begin?

All our tours meet in the Radius Tours Office, located at Dachauer Straße 4, 80335 Munich.

• Chevron down When should I be at the meeting point?

Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the starting time for our tours? Our tours depart promptly at the advertised time.

• Chevron down What do I need to bring for the tours?

Be sure to wear suitable clothing and comfortable shoes, as our tours mainly take place outside and on foot. For most of the year, Munich has a very pleasant climate, and perfect for tours, but it can be cold in winter, and the warm summer months experience occasional rain showers. Please consult the weather forecast before coming on our tours, and dress accordingly. We advise you to bring water on hot summer days. Our tours go, no matter what the weather.

• Chevron down Should I tip the guide?

Yes, please! It is customary to tip in Munich, and our tour guides certainly appreciate your generosity. They work hard to make our tours perfect, and tips are an important part of their income.

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Munich Old Town: Altstadt City Walk

Before doing anything on your visit to Munich, we absolutely recommend that you first take a walk throughout the Munich Old Town (Altstadt).

You’ll gain a fantastic orientation of the city, discover amazing places to eat, drink and relax, and best of all, you’ll grasp a good sense of the city’s decadent and historical past.

Munich barely managed to escape total destruction in World War II, and many buildings from the Renaissance era remained standing and undamaged in the aftermath of the Allies bombing efforts over the city.

As such Munich – and in particular the Munich Old Town – is noted as being one of the most beautiful cities in Bavaria.

Being free travellers ourselves, most of us likely won’t want to experience a fully structured walking tour (Unless it’s a particularly difficult to navigate destination), so in this post on the Munich Old Town , we’ve chosen a few highlighted spots, leaving the rest up to you to discover.

What is the Meaning of Altstadt?

Altstadt translated simply means Old Town or Historic City Center.

Certainly, as you weave your way through and around the small cobbled streets of this ancient part of the city, you’ll both wonder and admire the beautiful architecture of the Munich Altstadt.

Trust us when we say that you’ll definitely start to really FEEL the history of this magnificent city.

Sendlinger Tör & around

A great place to begin your discovery of the city and Munich Old Town is at Sendlinger Tor .

This is one of the three city gates ( Tör ) that remain from medieval times.

What was once the main trade road to Italy, is now a pedestrian shopping street with small boutiques and high-street fashion outlets.

This is a pleasant area to stroll around and you can also try one of our favourite Cafes, Patolli here.

Photo credit : creativecommons.org

Not far from Sendlinger Tor you’ll find the A samkirche .

This small decadently outfitted chapel is considered one of the most important buildings from the late Baroque era in southern Germany.

Don’t be deceived by the small size though as you’ll be super impressed when you see the interior.

Behind the extravagant detailed interior, you’ll start to appreciate the powerful concept behind the vision that inspired the Asam Brothers creation here .  

Clever use of the gradation of light from the lower ground to the brightly lit ceiling is the basis for the supposed depiction of a sense of transcendence, of one “arising from dark to glory”. 

A big plus here is that the Asamkirche is another of the Munich Old Town sights that are totally free to visit!

Marienplatz : The Hub of Munich Old Town

Feeling a little overwhelmed? The next stop will cheer you up!

In the heart of the city, Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), you’ll feel an energetic vibe with the fusion of the past and the present coming together.

Although no longer serving its original purpose as a grain market and as a field for tournaments, Marienplatz is now one of the most popular shopping areas of the Munich Old Town

The square is an important place for various city celebrations such as Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market).

Here you can also celebrate and enjoy the party vibe with FC Bayen fans after any of their Champions League matches (and they’ve played in plenty of them).

The most remarkable sight here is the new town hall.

Famous for the Glockenspiel, you can watch the 32 puppets reenacting the wedding fest of Herzog Wilhelm V. and Renate from Lothringen and the dance celebration ( Schläfflertanz ) after the horrific plague in the 1500s.

Top Alstadt Tip: To catch a better view of the Glockenspiel , book yourself a window seat at Café Glockenspiel just opposite. Catch the best view while enjoying a Bavarian meal without the crowd!

The Glockenspiel is played every day at 11:00, 12:00 and 21:00. (From March till October, an additional showing at 17:00)

Around Marienplatz, you can easily spend half a day exploring and looking at different historical statues and decore.

You may have visited the New Town Hall, but you should also check out the wonderfully white Munich Old Town Hall as well and perhaps if you’re interested, the Munich Toy Museum within!

A significant statue you’ll find here is the M äriensäulen (Mary’s column). This golden sculpture was built to honour Mary for keeping Munich safe from the Swedish during the Thirty Years’ War. It was, however, not until 1854, that the square was renamed as Marienplatz, to give hope to the end of the cholera epidemic.

To get a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle, you can head to the Viktualienmarkt for some gourmet goodies. There you’ll find a great variety of small stalls selling local delicacies such as cheeses, olives and deli goods.

An ideal spot to fill your picnic basket! Another awesome cafe here (and another of our favourites), found next to the soup kitchen, is Kaffeerösterei Viktualienmarkt .

Frauenkirche: Munich's Amazing Cathedral

Not far from Marienplatz , the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady) is another iconic building that you would have recognized from many Munich postcards and other souvenirs of the city.

Distinguished by two “onion towers”, it’s one of the most important churches in Munich. Not only you can visit the cathedral itself, but you can also go up to the south tower (by lift or walking) that is close to 100m high.

It offers one of the best city viewpoints of Munich. Of course, the visit is not complete without checking out the legendary devil’s footprint at the entrance.

Wondering what the legend of the Devils Footprint is all about? Then please check out our recent post on the Frauenkirche to fulfil your curiosity and gain more insights about the cathedral!

Photo credit :  creativecommons.org

Since we are on the topic of worship, there is a bazaar pilgrimage just a block away from the Frauenkirche called Promenadeplatz (Walking Square).

Here, amongst important historical statues like the pictured statue of the elector and king of Bavaria Max Emanuel (Maximilian II), you’ll also find the “Michael Jackson Memorial”.

Not an actual official memorial site established by the government, but an initiation set up by his fans after his sudden death in 2009.

Up to this day, you’ll still find posters, fresh flowers and candles attributed to the 90’s King of Pop.

Surprisingly, although this shrine to MJ is at the foot of the statue of Orlando di Lasso , a renowned composer and conductor in the Renaissance, no one seems to mind.

Odeonsplatz: Witness the Passage of Time

Wandering further north from Promenadeplatz in the Munich Old Town you’ll find yourself passing small boutiques and cafes before arriving at Odeonsplatz .

This landmark brings a great sense of the historical background of Munich from the renaissance period to modern history.

The Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshall’s Hall) is guarded by two marble lions. They stand proudly between the war heroes, Count of Tilly and General von Wrede from the Thirty Years’ War in the 1600s and the battle against Napoleon respectively .

The centre statue at the back was later added to celebrate the victory from the Franco-German War of 1870/71, which led to the unification of Germany.

Beyond the glory, this square also has a dark history. In 1933, after the Nazi’s gained power, the hall became a memorial from the failed Beer Hall Putsch that took place ten years earlier.

A monument was installed with martyrs’ name on it and was fully guarded by the SS. Anyone who wanted to pass must give the Nazi Salute ( Deutsche Gruß ). Many eventually found a back way to bypass it.

This so-call  Drückebergergasserl , roughly translated as “dodgers’ alley”, is now marked in gold as a reminder of this resistance. The monument was also smashed into pieces shortly after the war ended.

These days, Odeonsplatz has a much more relaxing vibe. It’s a local meeting point, and throughout the year, various events are held here.

Look out for the Open-air classical music concert in July and the Streetlife Festival in September.

Whilst in Odeonsplatz, you can also visit the majestic Munich Residenz just right next to the plaza. This Versailles -like palace started life as a humble castle in 1385, but throughout the long reign of the powerful Wittelsbach dynasty, was transformed into an opulent residence and government administration center.

Here, you can see the extravagant lifestyle of the Kings and Dukes of Bavaria over the past centuries. The museum showcases different rooms with varied décor from Baroque, Rococo to Neoclassicism. Precious jewels and reliquaries are also on display.

By the end of the museum visit, you’ll probably feel you need a bit of time to absorb everything. So what a better way to relax in the court garden, and just let time pass by.

Is There An Old Town In Munich?

You bet there is, and we’ve only touched on some of the amazing sights that you can visit here in the Oldest part of Munich .

There are still many more points of interest in the Altstadt to be discovered –  but there’s no need to squeeze it all in one walk, right?

The places we suggested are just starters to inspire you to walk around the city and explore the wonderful Munich Old Town .

It can also be nice to rent a bike to snake around the city. If you don’t have your own bike, you can easily rent a city bike. Here , you can see how the city bike rental system works.

As the Altstadt captures so many layers of history, no matter if you are a visitor or a local here, there are always unexpected surprises around the corner just waiting to be discovered.

What's Your favourite spot in the Altstadt?

This post was updated in June of 2022.

We’d love to hear from you guys with any comments you have, or perhaps topics or points of interest in the Munich Old Town that you’d like us to write about.

Please send us a message via our CONTACTS PAGE .

Cheers and thanks for reading.

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Munich Walking Tour

• 8.60 / 10 13 reviews | 143 travellers Perfect ! Good pace, good explanations! 10 Léna Bequin
• Free cancellation up to 1 hours before the service starts

Discover the Bavarian capital's history from the late medieval period to its infamous political past , on this Munich walking tour. You'll explore important locations around the diverse city.

The guide will meet you at 10:15 am at Munich Central Station to start the tour. From here you'll go to notable points of interests around Munich, and discover the secrets surrounding the German Empire, the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich.

The tour around Germany's third largest city will include a step into the past, admiring the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel in Marienplatz in the heart of Munich . It chimes 2-3 times a day while reenacting stories from the 16th century. We'll get a taste for Bavarian traditions by stopping at the long-standing Munich market, Viktualienmarkt , dating back to 1807 when it was moved after becoming too big for the central Marienplatz. 

Following on, we'll head to the Italian inspired  Odeonsplatz  central square, where you'll be able to admire the beautiful scenery of the Nationaltheater Opera House  ​and the  Residenz.  Here we'll learn about the monarchy in Munich by visiting the former palace belonging to the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria.  

We'll also stroll along  the mile long   Maximilianstrasse , one of four royal boulevards in the city. The exclusive shopping avenue was designed to create a new architectural style which combines history with modernity.

Another important stop on the tour will be the world famous Hofbräuhaus , commissioned in the 16th century because beer in Bavaria had become too expensive. In fact, in the 17th century sales from the brewery contributed up to 50% of Bavaria's income, and it was even an important meeting place which bore witness to historical events such as Hitler's presentation of his 25 point programme. 

This walking tour of Munich will last 2 hours.

Important information

It is recommended to wear suitable clothing and comfortable footwear. 

Covid-19 measures

Application of the 3G rule (vaccinate, recovered or negative test). This means having a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a document to certify that you have had Covid  or a negative antigen or PCR test performed up to 48 hours maximum prior to the tour. 

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

Entry to monuments and museums

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.

Radius Tours Munich Show more

Corporate name: Radius Tours GmbH

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Radius Tours Office Dachauer Straße 4 80335 Munich

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A traditional tour covering the most important attractions: explore the most beautiful corners of the historic old town with an official City of Munich tour guide.

From Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) and Frauenkirche to the Residenz palace and Viktualienmarkt market – this walking tour will introduce you to all the key landmarks in Munich’s old town.

As well as interesting facts, the tour is also packed with plenty of funny and surprising anecdotes, highlighting what makes Bavaria’s capital city and its history so unique.

Our guides will be happy to discuss any special requests directly.

Photo: Jörg Lutz; Video: Redline Enterprises 

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Make The Most Of A Layover in Munich, Germany

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

When I first traveled through Europe in 2000, I passed through Munich, Germany three times…yet, I never left the train station. That European trip was a spontaneous one and a few missteps had us slightly zigzagging through countries. Munich wasn’t on our original itinerary, so we had done little research on the city.

When we arrived at the Munich train station, we had no map, no guidebook and no idea how close we were to the city center. My one and only memory of our layover in Munich is that a train station vendor refused to sell us sausages. Instead, our layover in Munich was spent – without sausage or beer – simply waiting for the next train.

Best Things To Do in Munich on a Layover

Fast-forward many years later (and numerous times since) and I was faced with another layover in Munich. Kris and I were traveling from the United States to Bohinj, Slovenia and our most practical option was a red-eye flight from Philadelphia to Munich, then a train to Lake Bled and a bus to Bohinj . This time, however, I was prepared to make the most of our layover in Munich – complete with top sights, sausage on a roll and a stein of German beer!

At first, we had considered just spending a few hours in the Munich Old City between our arriving flight and departing train, but the more we researched Munich, the more we wanted to see of Munich. In the end, we booked a hotel room, extending our layover in Munich to 26 hours, giving us ample time to see the sights.

However, it is possible to see the Munich highlights with less time, so we’ve outlined two self-guided walking tours in Munich – a 4-6 hour walk and a 2-3 hour walk – for travelers who are passing through Munich and want to see more than the inside of the airport or train station. 

Our Guide To Top Munich Sights

The city center of Munich is compact, making it easy to see many sights in a short amount of time. Munich was founded in 1158 and in 1175 the small city, with Marienplatz at the center, was fortified with protective walls.

By 1330, Munich had outgrew the fortifications. The walls were expanded and eight city gates were built, three of which still stand today. Munich was further strengthened in the early 1600s, but by the 18 th century, the walls were seen as useless and destroyed.

The main sights of Munich remain in a centralized area that was once confined by those city walls. Historic churches, squares and lanes, beautiful buildings and Munich beer gardens are all within the Old City center. Throughout history, both fire and war destroyed many of Munich’s buildings so that today there is a mix of style and more than a few replicas.

Our Tour For A Layover in Munich

Make the most of your Munich layover with this 4-6 Hour Self-Guided Walking Tour. The Munich walk takes in the highlights of the city! 

#1 Karlsplatz, Munich

Karlsplatz, a square that emerged when the city walls were torn down and named for the man who ordered the destruction, is on the western edge of the Munich city center. On the east end of the square is Karlstor Gate, which was used as an entrance into the fortified Munich town until the 18 th century.

Walk through the arched Karlstor Gate onto the pedestrian promenade, Neuhauserstrasse, to…

#2 Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)

The pink façade of Burgersaalkirche is hard to miss and resembles a government building more than a church. That’s because it was built in 1709 as a ‘citizen’s hall’ and not consecrated as a church until 1778.

On the ground floor is the crypt of Pater Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit priest who was known for his resistance against the Nazis. On the second floor is the glittering church, beautifully decorated with frescoes.

Continue walking east to…

#3 Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)

The 400-year-old Michaelskirche, originally built as part of the Jesuit College, is known for two things: first, for being the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps and, second, for having the second largest barrel-vaulted roof after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Inside the expansive church is a crypt containing royal tombs, including that of “Mad” Kind Ludwig II.

Retrace your steps on Neuhauserstrasse a short distance to Eisenmannstrasse and walk south to…

#4 Damenstiftskirch (St. Anna’s Church)

Damenstiftskirche was built in 1733. The interior was designed by the Asam brothers two years later. While the church façade is quite plan, the interior is in the late Baroque style, which was the style in which the Asam brothers excelled.

What exists today is a replica, as only the outer walls of the church remained after World War II. The church is often referred to as St. Anna’s for the convent next door, which is now a girls’ school.

Continue walking south to…

#5 Allerheiligenkirche am Kreuz (Church of All Saints)

Allerheiligenkirche was built in 1478 of simple red brick, including the bell tower. The interior was embellished in the Baroque style in 1620. It was the first Munich church with a cemetery for the St. Peter parish.

Across the street from the church is the entrance to…

#6 Asamhof Passage Munich

Strolling down Asamhof Passage makes the busy city seem miles away. Outdoor cafes draped in flowers line the shaded alley, making it a perfect spot for a coffee or tea.

Continue through the passage to Sendlinger Street. Turn right (southwest) and walk to…

#7 Asamkirche (Asam Church)

Asamkirche, known officially as St. Johann Nepomuk Church, is one of Munich’s most interesting churches. The small space measures just 72 feet long and 26 feet wide. It was built between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers as a private chapel.

As such, they had full control over the design, covering nearly every inch of the small church in the Baroque style.

From the church, continue walking (or just look) further down the road to…

#8 Sendlinger Tor (Sendlinger Gate)

Built as part of Munich’s second city wall, Sendlinger Tor was erected in 1318. The towers on either side were added in 1420, creating 3 separate arches. They were replaced in 1906 with a single arch, which suffered only slight damage in World War II. Even part of the original Munich city wall remains on Sendlinger Tor.

Retrace your steps on Sendlinger Street heading northeast to Dultstrasse. Turn right (south) and continue across the street into Sankt-Jakobs-Platz. Pass by the museums (or stop in if you have time) curving to the left. At Sebastianspl, turn right onto the narrow alley and walk to Pralat-Zistl-Strasse. Turn left and follow it to…

#9 Viktualienmarkt (Victual’s Market)

The sight was first used as an outdoor market in 1807 when Marienplatz could no longer accommodate the size of the market. Today, there are 140 stalls selling unique and traditional products at Viktualienmarkt.

A blue and white striped Maypole stands in the center near the expansive beer garden. The shaded outdoor space is a fine place to stop for a sausage on a roll and a Bavarian beer.

Walk northeast through the center of the market on Viktualienmarkt Street to…

#10 Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church Munich)

Heiliggeistkirche was built in the late 1300s for the order of the Hospice of the Holy Ghost, but was remodeled in the 1700s. The choir buttresses and north wall of the nave are the only remaining portions of the original church. Inside are several works of art.

From the front of the church (the opposite end from the bell tower) facing the street, turn left on Viktualienmarkt. Walk along the brick-arched shops (which will be on your right) to Peterspl. Turn right and walk to…

#11 Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church Munich)

In the 11 th century, long before Munich was a city, a church stood where Peterskirche is today, on the only ‘hill’ in the area. Peterskirche is the oldest parish church in Munich, although destruction, re-building and expansions of the actual church have occurred. In the 17 th century, the 300-foot-tall spire was added.

The Peterskirche bell tower – which has 306 steps – can be climbed for 5 Euro and provides spectacular views over the Munich. Inside the church are several altars (including one of a blinged-out skeleton of St. Munditia; find it in the second altar on the left) and many paintings.

Find Rindermarkt Street near the door of the church (and entrance to the tower). Turn left and walk to…

#12 Rindermarkt (Cattle Market Munich)

Not much of a market today, Rindermarkt was once where cows were sold. The only remnants of such is the cow fountain and perhaps a few stalls selling local products. The tower to the south, Lowenturm, is a Munich water tower that dates to the 15 th century. Ruffinihaus, a group of homes at Rindermarkt #10, date to the early 1900s and are exquisitely decorated.

Leave the square on the north side on Furstenfelderstrasse. Walk a short distance to the glass doors on your right that lead to Kaufingertor Passage and walk through to Kaufingerstrasse. Cross the pedestrian street and continue on the alley, Mazaristrasse, to…

#13 Frauenkirche (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady, Munich)

Frauenkirche, also called Munchner Dom (Munich Cathedral), has a capacity of 20,000 and is an easy-to-spot landmark in the city. The Cathedral, made of brick in the Gothic style, was built within 20 years, starting in 1468. The onion-domed towers rise 325 feet into the skyline; the originally planned Gothic spires were too expensive to complete, so the more affordable domes were used instead and not finished until 1525. The church suffered damage during World War II, but the towers never fell.

Walk to the east end of the church to Filserbraugasse Street and find…

#14 Andechser am Dom

Andechser am Dom, a small restaurant with a beer garden, serves beer from the Andechs Monastery Brewery. Beer was first made at the monastery in 1455 by seven Benedictine monks. While the brewery, still run by monks, is a distance from Munich’s city center, the restaurant offers the opportunity to taste the monks’ brew.

Continue down Filserbraugasse to Weinstrasse. Turn right (south) to…

#15 Marienplatz (Mary’s Square Munich)

The city center of Munich since 1158, Marienplatz has been used for tournaments, as an outdoor marketplace and today as a gathering place. It’s also the site of the Munich Christmas Market during the month of December. In the center is Mariensaule, Mary’s Column, which was placed in Marienplatz as a celebration of the end of Swedish occupation in 1638. The gold statue of Mary at the top dates to 1590.

On the north side of Marienplatz is the…

#16 Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel (New Town Hall and Carillon)

The 400-room Nues Rathaus is home to Munich’s city government. The building was constructed between 1867 and 1908. The exterior is intricately decorated in the Gothic Revival style and extends 328 feet along Marienplatz.

The Munich Glockenspiel, a storytelling music box on the tower, plays three times a day: 15-minute shows at 11am and 12noon – also at 5pm in the summer. The 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures spin around to tell the story of a Duke’s marriage in 1546, complete with a jousting tournament, and the story of Schafflertanz – the Coopers’ Dance – which is said to have begun in 1517 during the plague. The dancing was to give hope to the citizens of Munich.

On the east end of Marienplatz is the…

#17 Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

On the east end of Marienplatz is Altes Rathaus, where the local government met until 1874 when the New Town Hall was opened. The building dates back to the 1300s, but was redesigned in the 1400s in the Gothic style. The two tunnels that run through it were created in 1877 and 1934. The tower marks the former Talburg Gate, one of the original entrances to Munich through the city walls.

At the base of Altes Rathaus (before going through the tunnel), turn left (north) on Burgstrasse. Walk to…

#18 Alter Hof Palace (Old Court)

The Alter Hof Palace in the center of Munich was once the residence of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV and dates back to the 12 th century. The five-winged palace had to be completely reconstructed after World War II. Now it’s a popular gathering spot on warm summer days in Munich.

Walk through the palace courtyard to Pfisterstrasse. Turn right (east) and walk to Sparkassenstrasse. Go right (south) and walk to Munzstrasse. Turn left (east) to…

#19 Hofbräuhaus Munich

The origins of the Hofbrauhaus date to 1589 when plans for the brewery were first established by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, as a place to make brown ale for the royal household. Today, the beer hall – which was built in 1897 – is a place of gathering for locals and tourists from around the world.

Live bands play traditional German folk songs. Wooden picnic tables are shared with new-best-friends, enormous pretzels are sold by staff in traditional Bavarian dress and waiters effortlessly carry multiple liters of Hofbräuhaus beer to thirsty patrons. Prost!

Short On Time in Munich for a Layover?

Have even less time in Munich? Follow our footsteps in this 2-3 hour Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour. 

Even with extremely limited time, it is possible to see many of the best sights in Munich. This quick Munich walking tour could be done in less than an hour without stopping at all, but at least two hours are needed to see the inside of churches, climb the Munich bell tower and have a beer at the Hofbräuhaus.

Karlsplatz (Karl’s Square)

Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)

Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)

Continue walking east to Augustinestrasse. Turn left (north) and walk to…

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)

Walk to the east end of the church to Filserbraugasse. Walk east to Weinstrasse. Turn right (south) and walk to…

Marienplatz (Mary’s Square)

Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel (New Town Hall and Carillon)

Exit Marienplatz to the south (opposite New Town Hall) on Rindermarkt and walk to…

Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)

Leave the church to the south on Peterspl. Turn left (east) on Viktualienmarkt. Curve around to the north to the large intersection and on the left is…

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Continue walking north (the name of the street changes to Sparkassenstrasse) to Munzstrasse. Turn right (east) and walk to…

Hofbräuhaus

Prost(still)!

Tips To Make The Most Of Your Layover in Munich

• The times indicated for the Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours is the time needed to see the sights starting at Karlsplatz and ending at Hofbrauhaus. Factor in extra time to get to and from the train station or airport.
• If making the trip into Munich from the airport, trains depart about every 15 minutes and take about 50 minutes to get to Munich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
• Luggage lockers are available at the Munich Hauptbahnhof to store your bags for the day.
• From the Munich Hauptbahnhof, it’s a short walk – or one stop on either the U-bahn or S-bahn – to Karlsplatz, where both of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours begin.
• If staying for a night, there are many Munich hotel options in the city center. We stayed at Buddy Hotel . It was a 5-minute walk to Karlsplatz, clean, has free wifi , early check-in and free pretzels and rolls in the lobby. The rooms were extremely small, yet efficient.
• Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes . I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia , New Balance and Reef . Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk .
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Europe . Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera ).
• If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Munich, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Munich Walking Tour Map

CLICK HERE for a printable, text route and map of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours.

Visiting other cities in Germany? Read more of our detailed guides to Berlin , Frankfurt , Dusseldorf , Freiburg  and Dresden !

Start planning your trip to Germany ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Germany > Munich > English Garden Walking Tour

Top 10 Munich Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Munich

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• English Garden Walking Tour
• Oktoberfest
• Dachau Memorial
• More Sights
• Overview & Dates
• Top 25 Oktoberfest Tips
• Best Beer Tents
• How To Dress
• Most Popular Songs
• Table Reservations
• Beer and Wine Tips
• History Of Oktoberfest
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Tourist Tips
• Suggested Itineraries for Munich
• Transportation Tips
• Historical Overview

English Garden Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location :  English Garden ( Englischer Garten ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Museum and sight costs below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided )  Start :  Hofgarden ( Odeonplatz Subway Stop ) End :  Victory Gate ( Universität Subway Stop ) Walking Distance :  2.3 miles ( +2 miles for upper park stops ) Time :  90 Minutes for Walk ( Full tour 4+ hours with all stops ) Fun Scale :  9.5 out of 10

Overview of the English Garden:

Established in 1789 by Elector Karl, the English Garden was formed out of the large Schönfeld Meadow and Royal deer hunting grounds to become one of the best urban parks in the world.  Munich’s massive green space is not only one of the biggest in Europe, but it is more than  twice the size  of both New York City’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park.

On Summer days there can be over 100,000 people in English Garden, but the park is so vast it never seems crowded.  While you may be tempted to skip this English Garden walking tour if cramped for time, it is too unique to miss and serves as an excellent stop to both rest and recharge your batteries.  Did we mention the park has a beer garden and naked people?

1. Royal Court Garden ( Hofgarten ):

About The Hofgarten :  Originally laid out between 1613-17 on the North side of the Residenz Palace, the Hofgarten was a private garden  for members of the Wittelsbach Royal Court.  At the time the Royal Court Garden was outside of Munich’s moat and the outer wall, but was quickly protected by a double wall and moat built in 1618 to protect the city during the 30 Years War.  It is said that the new fortifications around the city took a workforce of over 40,000 people 13 years to complete.  To get an idea of what we are talking about, these new fortifications with starred ramparts can be seen around the Hofgarten HERE in a drawing from 1740.  The Hofgarten was opened to the general public in 1780 as the 1st public park in Munich.   With Hofgarten open to the public, the Royal Family then used a private park on East side of the Residenz Palace near their horse stables called Lustgarten which had been laid out in 1550, but later ruined in WW2.

While the open spaces and beer garden are nice, the main draw to the flower lined Hofgarten park is the  8 portal pavilion in the center.  Built in 1615 in honor of Diana, the Greek Goddess of Hunting , the green domed pavilion is a little plain, but a great place to people watch.  The large building on the East side of the Hofgarten that looks like a green house is actually Bayerische Staatskanzlei  which is home to office of Bavaria’s Governor and is still the state’s government seat.  Also located adjacent to the Hofgarten is the Munich War Memorial . The most striking inscription is the one covering the 22000 dead, 11000 missing Munich soldiers and 6600 citizens from WWII.   360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .   Photos : ( Garden in 1740 ).

2. Prince Karl’s Palace :

About Prince Karl’s Palace : This columned mansion was built in 1806 for Abbé Pierre de Salabert, the former teacher of King Maximilian I Joseph.  Salabert only got to live here for a year before he died and King Maximilian took it over.  Later when the King died in 1825, the home was willed to his son King Ludwig who quickly gave it to his brother Prince Karl.  Unlike his brothers Ludwig ( King of Bavaria ) and Otto ( King of Greece ) who became rulers, Karl dedicated his life to service in the military.  Karl became a successful commander and served until the age of 71 when he died in battle during the Austro-Prussian War.  After Karl’s death, the home served as the diplomatic outpost for Austria-Hungary for almost 50 years before becoming home to each new Bavarian Prime Minister in 1924.  Palace Website : ( HERE ).

3. House of Art ( Haus der Kunst ):

About The House Of Art : The House of Art which opened in 1937, was one of the first major building projects of the Nazi party.  It house some of Germany’s best art as well as new acquired master pieces.  As horrible as a person as Hitler was, he had a keen eye for the arts and actually had tried getting into art school before getting into politics.  Today the museum doesn’t have any permanent exhibits, but often has some worthwhile temporary ones.  If the current exhibits don’t interest you, don’t worry as Munich’s best art museums are very close to the English Garden which we will touch on below.  Hours : Daily 10am-8pm; on Thursday until 10pm.  Cost : 12€ for all exhibits or you can also pick and choose for less.   Museum Website : ( HERE ).

4. Eisbach River Surfing :

About The River Surfing : There aren’t many places in the world where you can find World-Class river surfing , but right in the middle of the English Garden is one of them.  Although the Eisbach River is fairly tame, a water pumping mechanism creates great surfing waves as it pushes the water over a slab of concrete.  With the water being pumped at a rate of 20 tons a second the waves are powerful and consistent.  There are almost always groups of surfers going surfs up even though skull and cross bone warning signs dramatically say you will die.  In peak season there will be in upwards of 100 surfers a day.  Wetsuits are a must in the chilly water which makes sense as the name Eisbach literally means Ice Stream .  The waters rarely get above 60 degrees even in the middle of Summer.  The danger doesn’t stop die-hards and experts from showing off their stuff and as a tourist you’ll be happy for the show they put on.

5. Bavarian National Museum :

About The Museum : Just the building itself at the Bavarian National Museum is amazing, let alone the works of art.  The original museum started by King Maximilian II of Bavaria in 1855 before getting its current grand building in 1900.  Even the outside of the museum is awesome as parts resemble Renaissance castles and inside is a sea of marble.  The focus of the museum is on the declarative arts of Bavaria from folklore items to historical pieces.  The historical wing is filled with carved wood items, textiles, armor, ivory and gold works, plus tapestries from ancients times through the late Middle Ages.  While the folklore section has some great Christmas pieces, the best hidden gem of the museum is the Bollert Collection of sculptures.  Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; Thursdays until 8pm, Closed Mondays.  Cost : €7; to add on the Bollert Collection it’s €1.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

6. Sammlung Schack Gallery :

About The Gallery : King Maximilian II invited poet and literary historian Count Adolf Friedrich von Schack to Munich in 1856 to work on his staff promoting the art.  Schack, who was also a collector, started opening up his personal painting collection to the public in 1865 which officially started his gallery.  Schack later willed his collection to the Royal family and when he dies in 1894 it became part of the collection of Wilhelm II.  The amazing collection had some of the best paintings from the era of Romanticism ( late-1700 to mid-1800s ) and Wilhelm II knew it needed to be in a proper gallery.  Finally in 1909 a new building was finished which is now the current home of the Sammlung Schack Gallery.  Hours : Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; every 1st and 3rd Wednesday they stay open until 10pm; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.  Cost : 4€; only 1€ on Sundays; they have a great combo ticket for 12€ which also includes all 3 Pinakothek Museums during the same day.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

7. Nude Sunbathers :

About The Sunbathing : As a huge culture shock to the Americans, it is legal to be nude in the the English Garden and sun bathers by the masses take advantage of this freedom.  Most people enjoying this amazing park do it with clothes on, but be prepared to see quite a few baring it all even if it’s far from peak sunbathing hours.  It is not uncommon for nudist parents to bring their entire family to the park while in the buff.  The first time we saw it we felt like immature teenager gawking at the naked people, but the next time we strolled through it seemed perfectly normal somehow.

8. Monopteros Pavilion :

About Monopteros : One of the best subtle elements of the English Garden walking tour is the small hilltop acropolis called the Monopteros.  Not only does it create a great backdrop, but the views from the hill it sits on are unmatched as you can see the tops of all of Munich’s historic buildings.  Upon closer inspection, the underside of the acropolis is also very beautiful from a number of angles.  The Monopteros is a popular photo stop for couples of all ages and should be a stop for you too.

9. Chinese Tower Beer Garden ( Chinesischer Turm ):

About The Beer Garden : This large famous beer garden, complete with its ionic Chinese Tower, is the perfect place to get a huge glass of beer and an authentic lunch in your belly.  The food lines are cafeteria-style and the community seating encourages friendly socializing. People who find German beers halls a bit claustrophobic will love the open air park setting and 6,000 seats that the Chinese Tower Beer Garden has to offer.  Hours : Daily 9am-Late.   360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .  Beer Garden Website : ( HERE ).

10. Victory Gate ( Siegestor ):

About Siegestor : Built by King Ludwig I in 1852, this massive Northern gateway into the city was dedicated to the great Bavarian victory of 1815 .  Capping the gateway is Lady Bavaria and 4 lions, which is the animal symbol of Munich’s royal family the Wittelsbachs.  While not as big as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Siegestor is almost an exact copy of the Arch of Constantine in Rome .  It was heavily damaged in WW2, but resorted with the added inscription of “ Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, reminding of peace ” in German.

11. Fine Arts Academy :

About The Fine Arts Academy : The Fine Arts Academy was started in 1808 making it one of Germany’s oldest art schools.  The main building was opened in 1887 and we really like its long French palace look.  Even cooler is the neighboring new building from 2005 which is a mash-up of modern glass and steel.  There isn’t much to do here as a tourist, but the outside of the buildings are impressive.  If the new building is open take a peek inside the impressive glass and steel beam lobby.

12. Saint Ludwig’s Church :

About Saint Ludwig’s Church : Construction stated on the twin tower church of Saint Ludwig in 1829 and they made sure to do it right.  The 232 foot tall towers and surrounding series of archways may be impressive, but it is the Church’s interior that is the main draw.  As you enter the Saint Ludwig’s you’ll be amazing by the colorful frescoes lining almost every inch of the walls and ceiling.  At 38 feet wide by 63 feet tall, the fresco above the alter is said to be the 2nd largest altar fresco of the world.  Adding to the beauty of St Ludwig’s are the exposed bright red bricks and the blue ceiling panels above the door that even have gold accents.  On an interesting note, you may notice that the layout of the church makes a perfect cross shape.   360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .  Church Website : ( HERE ).

The Upper English Garden:

To add the Upper English Garden ( stops 13-17 ), continue North from the Chinese Beer Garden working your way around to the Münchner Freiheit metro stop.  This longer route adds 2 miles to your walk but you can still pop out of the subway at the Universität Station to see the Victory Gate on your way to Old Town.

13. Seehaus Restaurant & Paddle Boats : Sitting on the shore of the English Garden’s Kleinhesseloher Lake, the Seehaus Restaurant is a hidden gem of gourmet food.  Try to get a seat in the Bavarian Stueberl to get the feel of old Bavaria.  During some times of the day indoor seating may require a reservation, but the lakeside beer garden is also available.  Right next to the beer garden if a decent beach and a spot to rent paddle boats.  We really like paddling around Lake Kleinhesseloher and its group of small islands.  Hours : 10am-1am.  Restaurant Website : ( HERE ).

14. Hirschau Beer Garden : If you are looking for a more laid back place to eat or grab a drink the Hirschau Beer Garden is for you.  This cozy beer garden, opened in 1840, is a favorite among locals and we love the authentic feel you get from not having many tourists around.  Tourists are still welcome with open arms to both the restaurant and 1,800 person beer garden so make sure to stop by.  After visiting Hirschau, consider popping over to the Tivoli Kraftwerk Museum along the river if you aren’t too tired as it is a wonderful old water wheel power plant from 1895.  Restaurant Hours : Daily 11am-11:30pm.  Beer Garden Hours : Daily in good weather from 11am-11:30pm; opens at 10am on weekends.  Beer Garden Website : ( HERE ).

15. Trausaal Mandlstraße Mansions : The area on both sides of the Upper English Garden once held the finest mansions in all of Munich.  Before WW2 this neighborhood, known as Schwabing, was a self governing town separate from Munich.  Bombings in the war ruined some houses and many more got tore down after being vacant fr years.  Along Trausaal Mandlstraße, especially the Southern end of the road, is a small glimpse into what the former mansion neighborhood once was like.

16. Schwabing Seidlvilla Manor : One of our favorite homes in the neighborhood is the Schwabing Seidlvilla Manor.  When the owner of the famous Spaten Brewery died, he left his widow Franziska all of the family wealth, which of course she used to build this mansion for herself and her 2nd husband in 1904.  At the time the Schwabing neighborhood was actually considered the countryside if you can believe it.  The architect, Emmanuel von Seidl, was already famous for designing many stately homes and even the Augustinian Brauhuas in the heart of Old Town.  Franziska loved it so much she name her home after him calling is the Seidvilla.  When she died the home sat vacant for a long time until the City of Munich finally bought it.  Today it hosts more than 2,500 public events a year and is usually open.

Office Hours : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10am-Noon; Wednesday 3-5pm.  Event Times : Programs and events vary but the 2nd Tuesday of every month they host Jazz, and each Sunday they have a coffee and art program.  Visiting : During office hours is the best time to sneak a peek unless there is a public event going on.  Manor Website : ( HERE ).

17. Schloss Suresnes : This is one of our favorite homes in Munich.  It was built in 1718 for Elector Max Emanuel, the noble cabinet secretary of Versailles when he spent time exiled in Munich. The home is now run by the Catholic Academy of Bavaria as a conference venue and cannot be toured, but it is still pretty cool given its age.

Other Sights Near The English Garden:

18. Old Town Walking Tour : The historic core of Munich known as Old Town should be the main focus of your time in town.  Most of the best sites are tucked into this compact, largely pedestrian only, city center.  Although it was heavily bombed in WW2 there is still a ton of history plus a new found mix of new and old that adds to Munich’s flavor.  Follow our Old Town Free Walking Tour to get the most out of your time and make sure you track down all the hidden attractions that most tourists miss.

19. Angel of Peace Statue ( Friedensengel ): One of our favorite monuments in Munich is the Angel of Peace which opened in 1899.  Built as a reminder of the 25 peaceful years after the Franco-German war of 1870, the golden angel looks on toward Munich from the top of a 125 foot tall column.  Originally the angel was made out of bronze, but after it started tipping off the column in 1981 the City gave it a golden makeover.  Today the 20 foot tall angel is actually a version of Nike, Goddess of Victory, and is stretching out a olive branch as a symbol of peace.  As you climb up the twin stair case to the large viewing platform overlooking town, make sure to inspect the beautiful altar at the base of the column.

20. Villa Stuck Museum : What a beautiful mansion from 1898.  It remained a private home until it was turned into a museum in 1992 featuring the works of painter Franz Stuck who was a head of his time in the early 1900’s.  You can tour numerous areas with the artists paintings as well as a bunch o historic period rooms of the mansion.   Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 11am-6pm; open late until 10pm on Fridays; Closed on Mondays. Cost : 9€ for the entire house or just 4€ for the historic rooms.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

21. Pinakothek Museums : The powerful Wittelsbach Royal Family ruled Bavaria from the 1100’s through 1918 and during their reign also produced 2 Holy Roman Emperors, a German King, a King of Greece, King of Rome, and Kings of Scandinavia.  As you can imagine with such vast influence the Wittelsbachs  accumulated a trove of wealth and art.  In the early 1800’s King Ludwig I had a huge art complex built to hold the Royal family’s vast painting collection.  When the Pinakothek building opened in 1836 it became the largest museum in the World .  One of the huge galleries was built just to house Rubens’s “Last Judgment” from 1617 which was one of the largest canvasses ever painted.

Known today as the Alte Pinakothek , the Wittelsbach’s first major museum build now focuses on the Old Master painters.  Two other World-class museums were later added to the Pinakothek including the Neue Pinakothek in 1981 which covers the painters of the 1800’s and the Pinakothek Moderne which covers modern art from the early 1900 as well as post-1960 contemporary art.  Alte Hours : Daily 10am-6pm; open until 8pm on Tuesdays.  Neue Hours : Daily 10am-6pm; open until 8pm on Wednesdays.  Moderne Hours : Daily 10am-6pm; open until 8pm on Thursdays.  Museum Cost : Each museum is from 5-10€ each; they have a great combo ticket for 12€ which also includes all 3 Pinakothek Museums during the same day plus the Sammlung Gallery.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

22. Königsplatz Square Museums : The large Königsplatz Square was originally laid out in the early 1800’s by Kind Ludwig I to be a Roman Forum-like complex.  Building started in 1816 with the large Glyptothek Museum done in the Ionic style to house the Wittelsbach Royal Family’s Greek and Roman sculptures.  Building went really slow as the Glyptothek Museum didn’t open until 1930, just 6 years before Ludwig’s painting museum opened at Pinakothek.  The 2nd major building in the Square, called the Propylaea Gate , was also supposed to start being built in 1816 but just couldn’t get off the ground.  Finally in 1848 King Ludwig I paid for the gate out of his own pocket in honor of his son Otto who was the King of Greece.  The gate, modeled after the entrance to the ancient Athenian Acropolis, was built in the Doric style and took 14 years to slowly build.  At the same time as the Propylaea Gate, the Corinthian style columns of the State Museum of Antiques was started to house the royal family’s antiques.  In 1887 a huge mansion was built on the West side of the square by Franz von Lenbach which was later turned into the Städtische Galerieafter his death.  Even if you don’t go inside, check out the amazing garden courtyard from the road.

While the full Roman Forum vision the King Ludwig had was never realized, the buildings and museums around Königsplatz Square are still impressive.  The Square gained even more historical context when the Nazi Party made their headquarters, called the Brown House, right next to it in the 1930’s.  In 1935 they even added 2 large Greek Temples to enshrine the remains of 16 members killed in a beer hall raid.  In the height of the Third Reich, mass rallies were commonly held in the square.  After WW2 the rallies platforms and Nazi-made Greek temples were all tore down.  Museum Hours : Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; Glyptohek open until 8pm on Thursdays; Antiques open until 8pm on Wednesdays.  Museum Website : ( HERE ).

23. Bavarian Parliament ( Maximilianeum ): Home of the Bavarian Parliament, Maximilianeum is a great example of renaissance architecture. While there isn’t a ton to see inside Maximilianeum, the atmosphere at neighboring Wienerplatz and it’s beer garden Hofbrau Keller make it worth the trip.  Wienerpatz is a cute square located just Southeast of Maximilianeum which has a quaint old-world feel, complete with it’s own Maypole. A favorite backdrop for photos on the square fits the square, the May Pole, and the towering St Johns church all in one picture.  360 Degree Panorama : Click Here .  Photos : ( Wienerplatz ).  Building Website : ( HERE ).

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City Walk and English Garden

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Start time:

Feb. 1st – April 30th

Tue 10:40 and

Fr + Sa + Su at 14:40

May 1st – Oct. 31st

daily 10:40 am

Fr + Sa + Su 14:40

Nov. – Jan 31st

no tour on 24.+31.12

approximately 2 hours

20.00 € + 18.00€ for <26 and 67+

children younger than 12 years old are free

Although our guides are paid, it is still customary in Munich to tip your tour guide as it is an important part of the guide’s income.

Tour language:

Meeting point:

The tour starts on Marienplatz right in front of the Tourist Information for the City of Munich in the Gothic town,see map on page meeting point.

Private Tour:

Are you looking for a more personalised City Walk with your own guide and starting time of your choice? Would you like to get picked up from your hotel? Would you like us to make a restaurant reservation?

Whatever you like, we can arrange it:  Private City Walk 

There is no better way to discover Munich than on foot. Let us take you on an informative and entertaining walk through the heart of the city and fill you in on Munich’s colourful history and culture. On our easy-paced, short walking tour, we will show you all the key attractions and historical sites and share the most famous stories as well as lesser-known intriguing facts on Munich’s most popular and recommended walking tour.

Whatever you like, we can arrange it: Private City Walk