places to visit in munich

Munich   Travel Guide

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24 Essential Things to Do in Munich, Germany ( + Day Trips)

Munich may be famous for its beer gardens, beer halls and annual Oktoberfest, but these beer-fueled attractions aren’t the only reasons to plan a visit to this cosmopolitan city. Art and culture lovers will be satisfied with the city’s variety of

• All Things To Do

Marienplatz Marienplatz free

The Marienplatz square, accessible by a U-Bahn station of the same name, is considered the heart of Munich, and has been since the city was founded in 1158. In medieval times, it hosted markets and jousting tournaments. Today, busy Marienplatz is a must-visit for its two town halls, and is also a great spot to stop for coffee and watch the world go by. For Munich day trippers, it’s the perfect starting point for a tour of the city’s main central attractions, as well as the square’s surrounding pedestrianized area, home to foodie paradise, the Viktualienmarkt , and countless restaurants, cafes and shops. At Christmastime, Marienplatz fills with vendors selling festive food, mulled wine and holiday gifts at the popular Christkindlmarkt.

Recent travelers say spending some time in this city square is a must-do, noting the distinctly Bavarian feel. Past visitors also recommended timing your visit for the daily glockenspiel shows at the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) , which take place at 11 a.m. and noon. The square is free to visit 24/7, though individual businesses operate their own hours.

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

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you need a break from the crowds, hop on the U-Bahn to the Westpark to enjoy fewer tourists, more locals and in spring, some 20,000 roses. The Westpark is also home to Chinese and Japanese gardens and a Nepalese pagoda. – Christie Dietz

This large public park, which stretches from the city center to the northeastern city limits, is one of Munich's must-dos. Named for the informal English style of rolling hills and open landscaping, the Englischer Garten contains four popular beer gardens, jogging and biking paths, several kiosks for buying drinks and snacks, a boating lake, and monuments, including a Greek temple, a Japanese tea house and the Chinese Tower, or Chinesischer Turm. Head to the tower for one of the city’s largest beer gardens and several seasonal events throughout the year, such as a Christmas market and a traditional Bavarian dance event. One of the park’s biggest draws is the Eisbach wave (Eisbachwelle) at the garden entrance, a human-made standing wave that allows surfers to try their hand at river surfing almost all year.

Munich Residence (Residenz München) Munich Residence (Residenz München)

What originated in the late 1300s as a small, moated Gothic castle was transformed over the centuries by the Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty to become the largest city palace in Germany. From 1508 to 1918, the Munich Residence (Residenz Munich) was the residence and seat of government of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings. Today, it’s an impressive mix of Renaissance, Baroque, rococo and neoclassicism styles – and what many travelers describe as a must-see when visiting Munich.

Inside, you can explore more than 150 ornately decorated rooms filled with tapestries, paintings, sculptures, clocks and furniture. Highlights include King Ludwig I’s neoclassical royal apartment and the treasury, which comprises 10 halls displaying a magnificent collection of exhibits, such as crowns, goblets, swords, jewelry and tableware. The Court Church of All Saints (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), the Rococo Cuvilliés Theater (Cuvilliés-Theater) and Hercules Hall (Herkulessaal) are today all used as performance venues. The palace is surrounded by the Court Garden (Hofgarden), a beautiful park filled with courtyards, fountains, statues, pavilions and water features.

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

U.S. News Insider Tip: Head to the palace late in the day to enjoy fewer crowds and a peaceful sunset in the beautiful gardens. – Christie Dietz

Located in the northwestern district of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) was built as a gift for the wife of Elector Ferdinand Maria, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, on the birth of their long-awaited son. Designed by Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also designed Munich’s Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche), the Baroque-style palace was completed in the 1670s. Over the centuries, it was extended and embellished with Rococo and Neoclassical elements.

Viktualienmarkt Viktualienmarkt free

The Viktualienmarkt, located off the Marienplatz U-Bahn and S-Bahn stops, began as a farmers market in 1807. Today, the 100 or so permanent stands offer everything from freshly baked bread to sausages and honey to fresh flowers. There are also several fountains featuring statues of local comedians, actors and singers, and a towering maypole decorated with emblems depicting various aspects of Munich life. You can also enjoy a locally brewed beer in the shade of the chestnut trees at the Viktualienmarkt beer garden.

Travelers say this market is perfect for an afternoon stroll, noting visitors should stop to buy and sample some of the goods available (especially the pretzels and white sausages), and finish their day with a cold drink at the beer garden.

Old Town (Altstadt) Old Town (Altstadt) free

Located in the heart of Munich, the city’s Old Town ( Altstadt ) is a hive of activity that’s as popular with tourists as it is with locals and packed with sights and attractions.

The Marienplatz is at the center of the Old Town, a former market square named, along with the victory column – St. Mary’s Column ( Mariensäule ) – in its center, after Bavarian’s patron saint, Mary. Travelers love both the sights and the atmosphere here and are impressed by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall ( Neues Rathaus ), famous for its glockenspiel and the location of both the Lord Mayor’s office and Tourist Information. During Advent, there are several Christmas markets in the Old Town, but the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is the most traditional, dating back to the 14th century.

Asam Church (Asamkirche) Asam Church (Asamkirche) free

Munich is full of hidden gems, and the Asam Church (Asamkirche) is no exception. Nestled between stores and cafes on the city's popular shopping street Sendlinger Straße, this 18th-century church, which is officially called St.-Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche, is an unexpected masterpiece. 

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

Glockenspiel in the New City Hall (Rathaus-Glockenspiel) Glockenspiel in the New City Hall (Rathaus-Glockenspiel) free

In the tower of the New City Hall ( Neues Rathaus ) on Marienplatz is Munich’s world-famous glockenspiel. With its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures, the large solar-powered mechanical clock first sounded in 1908 and reenacts scenes from two famous 16th-century Munich stories twice a day; from March to October, there’s an additional reenactment at 5 p.m. The glockenspiel has a repertoire of 22 pieces of music, mostly folk songs, that are played on rotation, with four reserved especially for Advent. The only time the glockenspiel is silent is on Good Friday.

The first of its two scenes depicts a moment from a jousting tournament that took place on Marienplatz in 1568 during two weeks of celebrations held in honor of the wedding of the local Duke Wilhelm V to Renate of Lorraine: A Bavarian knight triumphs over his French opponent by thrusting him off his horse with his lance. The second scene illustrates the dance of Munich’s barrel makers ( Münchner Schäffler ), who are celebrating being allowed to venture out onto the streets again for the first time after a severe plague epidemic in 1517 and began dancing to entertain the city’s plague-ravaged residents. In a third performance every evening between March and October, a night watchman comes out to blow his horn and a guardian angel stretches a protective hand over the Munich Child ( Münchner Kindl) , the symbol on the city’s coat of arms.

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Pinakothek Museums Pinakothek Museums

Amongst the outstanding collection of museums in Munich’s art district – Kunstareal – are the three Pinakothek museums. All are within walking distance of one another and are part of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Picture Collection), along with several other museums.

The Alte Pinakothek – translated as the “Old Picture Gallery” – is regarded by experts as one of Europe’s most significant art museums. With walls lined with works from Titian, Rembrandt and Rubens, the museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of 14th- to 18th-century paintings. Visitors appreciated the incredible collection of masterpieces and the audio guide, which can be accessed via your smartphone – so remember to bring headphones!

Deutsches Museum Deutsches Museum

A science and technology museum like no other (according to travelers), the Deutsches Museum brims with exhibits on everything from robotics and aviation to bridges and musical instruments. Sprawling across more than 200,000 square feet of space, the museum reopened in 2022 after a yearslong renovation. Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore 19 new and redesigned exhibits. There’s also Kids’ Kingdom ( Kinderreich ), a section geared toward 3- to 8-year-olds that houses interactive exhibits, including a marble run, a hall of mirrors and a giant guitar that kids can crawl inside and actually play. Beyond the exhibits, the museum also boasts a rooftop restaurant and a gift shop.

There are also two other branches of the Deutsches Museum (accessible via additional admission fees). In the west of the city, the affiliated Center for Transportation ( Verkehrszentrum) offers three exhibition halls filled with transport-related exhibits, including vintage cars and locomotives. Meanwhile, Flugwerft Schleissheim is all about aviation, and it’s located about 13 miles north in Oberschleißheim.

Olympiapark Olympiapark free

Originally constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich's Olympiapark is now a popular tourist attraction. It houses a massive recreation center complete with skating rinks, an indoor pool, mini golf courses, tennis courts and, of course, the 77,337-seat Olympic Stadium. The stadium hosts concerts and other large-ticketed events throughout the year, but many visitors come to the park to explore the plethora of activities in and around the stadium.

The park sprawls across more than 200 acres, meaning you likely won’t see it all during one visit. If you’re limited on time, opt for a 20-minute tram tour of the grounds for 7 euros (around $7.60). Some visitors preferred this comfortable sightseeing method, but others said they wished the tram tour passed more interesting sights. For a 360-degree view of the park, city and the nearby Alps, climb up the grassy mound known as Olympic Hill (Olympiaberg). It’s one of the highest elevations in the city and a popular picnic spot in the summer. During warm weather, you can also rent rowboats and pedal boats to take out onto the park’s lake.

Augustiner-Keller Augustiner-Keller free

Augustiner-Keller, one of few remaining traditional beer gardens left in the city center, is Munich’s oldest brewery, and the last remaining one that’s owned privately. It was first mentioned in 1812 on the Munich city map as a beer storage facility, and was acquired by the owner of the Augustiner brewery in 1862.

The beer garden took its current form in 1896 and has changed very little since. Today it has some 5,000 seats and is very popular in summer, in part thanks to the shade of its 100 or so chestnut trees. You can sample traditional Bavarian food here, such as sausages or roast pork, opt for lighter international dishes and salads, or if you want to cut costs, do as the locals do and bring a picnic. In winter, the historic brewery building has a network of cozy rooms and larger beer halls to drink and dine in.

Odeonsplatz Odeonsplatz free

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

The Field Marshals' Hall (Feldherrnhalle) – a three-arch monument built in the 1840s – stands at the south end of the Odeonsplatz square and is almost identical to  Florence 's Loggia dei Lanzi. Deeply embedded in pre-World War II history, the monument is perhaps best known as the site of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup by the Nazi Party following which Hitler was arrested. Nowadays, the Feldherrnhalle's steps provide an ideal spot for Munich residents and visitors to lounge. 

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

St. Peter's Church  (Peterskirche) is Munich's oldest place of worship. Its stunning white and gold interior is filled with treasures, but its tower – fondly known as Old Peter (Alter Peter) by locals – is the real draw. Adorned with eight clocks and eight bells, the tower stands at nearly 200 feet tall. From its viewing platform, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of Munich, including City Hall (Rathaus) and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Dear Lady) .

Recent travelers were impressed by the church's glittering altar, not to mention the gold, jewel-bedecked, glass-enclosed skeleton of St. Munditia, a revered Christian martyr. Reviewers also said the view at the top of the tower is a must-see and worth the effort.

Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche) Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche) free

Officially called the Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady (Zu Unserer Lieben Frau) , this Munich landmark is also known locally as Munich Cathedral (Münchner Dom) and the Frauenkirche. The Gothic-period cathedral is a unique part of the city skyline, thanks to its two dome-topped towers. The dual towers stand at around 323 feet, though one is slightly higher than the other – and no one knows why! Thanks to a law passed in 2004, no buildings within Munich’s city limits are allowed to be constructed taller than the towers.

The main part of the church and two towers were constructed in the late 1400s, built with red bricks in order to save money as there were no local stone quarries. The domed tower roofs were added in 1525. The cathedral was severely damaged by bombing during World War II, and although the initial restoration was simpler than the original design, more ornate embellishments were added later.

Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)

Neuschwanstein Castle ( Schloss Neuschwanstein ) famously served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built on a rock ledge over the Pöllat Gorge on the site of two smaller castles, the medieval-style Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1868. Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, and just a two-hour train ride south of Munich.

Even if you’re not interested in touring the inside of the castle, travelers say it’s still worth the trip for the views of the exterior and surrounding area. You can admire the photogenic setting on one of the many wooded trails, or from Marienbrücke, a bridge suspended over a waterfall that offers spectacular photo-ops of the castle and Bavarian Alps.

Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum) Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum)

The Bavarian National Museum ( Bayerisches Nationalmuseum ) is one of Germany’s largest museums and one of Europe’s largest art and cultural history museums.

Founded in 1855 by King Maximilian II, it was dedicated to the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the culture and history of the people they ruled. The museum was originally situated between what is today Karlsplatz and Marienplatz , but its collection quickly outgrew its space. In 1900, the museum was moved to a historic building complex on Prinzregentenstraße, close to the River Isar. Much of the museum required reconstruction following severe damage during World War II.

The Hirschgarten The Hirschgarten free

Located in the Nymphenburg district in Munich’s west, the approximately 100-acre Hirschgarten park was created in 1780 by Elector Carl Theodor as a hunting ground for the nobility. Though it’s no longer used for hunting, the park does shelter a wild animal enclosure, which is home to fallow deer and wild sheep that visitors can feed (just pay attention to the signage listing what the animals are allowed to eat). The Hirschgarten park also houses several playgrounds, including a water playground for hot summer days, a small skate park, barbeque areas and various walking trails.

The Königlicher Hirschgarten restaurant and beer garden , which dates back to 1791, is also situated in the park. With seating for more than 8,000 people, it’s the largest traditional beer garden in the world. Stop by for some hearty fare, such as white sausages with sweet mustard, käsepätzle (egg noodles with cheese and onions), or a large platter of bread, cold cuts and cheeses. Recent travelers say the beer garden has a great ambiance, excellent service and a fantastic location, and that the park is a peaceful place to escape the packed downtown area.

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

Situated in Munich’s pedestrian zone halfway between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche) is considered to be the first Renaissance church built north of the Alps. According to past travelers, it is a must-see in Munich.

The Jesuit church was built in two stages. Commissioned by Duke Herzog Wilhelm V and modeled on the Jesuits’ mother church in Rome, its foundation stone was laid in 1583, but a vaulting system was used that turned out to be unstable and in 1590, the church’s tower collapsed and destroyed the choir, which had just been completed. In a second stage of construction, the plans for the (now towerless) church were expanded to incorporate a new choir and transept, resulting in the impressively proportioned building that still stands today.

Cuvilliés Theatre (Cuvilliés-Theater) Cuvilliés Theatre (Cuvilliés-Theater)

Named after its Belgian-born architect François de Cuvilliés, the plush Cuvilliés Theatre ( Cuvilliés-Theater ), originally called the Residence Theatre ( Residenztheater ), was built in rococo style in the mid-18th century as a theater for Elector Maximilian Joseph III and used for grand opera performances for members of the royal court.

The building was destroyed toward the end of World War II, and the theater was rebuilt in one of the wings of the Munich Residence (Residenz München) . The theater’s ornately carved wooden box paneling had been dismantled and security stored during the war and could be reused in its meticulous reconstruction and decoration in magnificent red and gold. It reopened under its new name, the Cuvilliés Theatre, in 1958. It’s also known as the Old Residence Theatre ( Altes Residenztheater ) to distinguish it from the New Residence Theatre ( Neues Residenztheater ), which was built on the Cuvilliés Theater’s original site.

NS-Dokumentationszentrum NS-Dokumentationszentrum free

The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism (NS-Dokumentationszentrum), abbreviated to “nsdoku,” explores the history of National Socialism and the longstanding effects of the Nazi dictatorship.

The museum is located on Königsplatz on the site of the Brown House ( Braunes Haus) , the former headquarters of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – the Nazi Party – which was almost destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. More than any other city, Munich is most closely associated with the rise of National Socialism, and between 1933 and 1945, the area surrounding the nsdoku became a primary location for the Nazi Party and home to many of its administrative offices.

Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) free

Bordered by the Munich Residence (Residenz München) , the Bavarian State Chancellery ( Bayerische Staatskanzlei ) and Odeonsplatz , the Munich Court Garden ( Hofgarten ) is an enjoyable place to stroll around as part of a visit to the palace, but with its plentiful benches, also makes a great spot to take a break from sightseeing and shopping.

Plans for the garden date back to 1613, when various new buildings and extensions of the palace were being constructed. It was designed in the style of formal Italian Renaissance gardens, but was redesigned several times according to changing fashions, and needed rebuilding after it was destroyed during World War II.

Bavarian State Opera House (Bayerische Staatsoper) Bavarian State Opera House (Bayerische Staatsoper)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If your Munich visit coincides with the opera’s annual summer festival and you’d like to attend a free live broadcast from the National Theatre/open-air concert at Max-Joseph-Platz, do as the locals and bring a picnic and something to sit on. – Christie Dietz

The Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper) is one of the world’s most acclaimed opera houses. Its history goes back some 350 years and today, it has its own orchestra, the Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsorchester), and ballet company, the Bavarian State Ballet (Bayerische Staatsballett).

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BMW World (BMW Welt) and the BMW Museum BMW World (BMW Welt) and the BMW Museum

On the east side of the Olympiapark , situated a few minutes’ walk from each other in a complex shared with BMW’s corporate headquarters and main plant, the BMW Museum and BMW Welt (which translates as “BMW World”) are dedicated to one of Germany’s most famous exports.

Housed in a strikingly modern building, the BMW Museum documents the brand’s 100-year history through temporary and permanent exhibitions that feature collections of cars, motorcycles and engines, as well as displays highlighting BMW’s technological advances and achievements from its inception to today. Directly opposite, the futuristic-looking BMW Welt is home to the newest BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as exhibitions showcasing BMW’s latest innovations. Many travelers said it the site was worth visiting, if not for the cars then for the building's contemporary architecture.

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The 20 best things to do in Munich, Germany

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

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

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

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

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

1. Marienplatz

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

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

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

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

2. Munich Residence Palace

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

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

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

3. Church of Our Lady

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

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

4. Alte Pinakothek

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

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

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

5. BMW World & museum

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

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

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

6. Nymphenburg Palace

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

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

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

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

7. Bavarian National Museum

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

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

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

8. English Garden

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

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

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

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

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

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

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

10. Königsplatz

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

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

11. Hofbräuhaus

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

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

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

12. Lenbachhaus

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

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

13. Viktualienmarkt

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

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

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

14. Theatinerkirche & Odeonsplatz

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

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

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

15. Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

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

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

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

16. Alter Peter

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

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

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

17. Deutsche Museum

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

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

18. Friedensengel & Art Nouveau houses

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

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

19. Cuvilliés Theatre

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

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

20. Asamkirche

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

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

[Bonus] Oktoberfest

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

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

Other things to do in Munich

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

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

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

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

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

Best time to visit Munich

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

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

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

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

1 thought on “The 20 best things to do in Munich, Germany”

Great list. I’ve been before but learned plenty of new things from this post!

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The 12 best things to do in Munich

Pork knuckles or river surfing? Biergartens, museums and more fill our guide to the best things to do in Munich

Whether you’re here for Oktoberfest or not, Munich packs a punch. This city has everything you need for a city break, and we’d say three days is enough to really get stuck in. And sure, it’s best known for the festival, but there’s plenty more to explore while you’re here. 

Discover an Olympic park, fantastic museums and even where to drink beer at breakfast (yes, really). Oh, and make sure to keep your eyes peeled when you’re wandering the streets; you’ll spot grand buildings, elegant facades, street art and contemporary architecture, the result of reconstruction following the devastation of World War II. Here are the best things to do in Munich right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 Our guide to where to stay in Munich 🍻 The best places to drink beer in Munich 🍴 The best restaurants in Munich 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Munich

This guide was last updated by Kate Mann , a writer based in Munich. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best things to do in Munich

1.  Go for breakfast at Schneider Bräuhaus

• Bars and pubs
• price 2 of 4

There aren’t many places in the world where beer for breakfast is practically mandatory. To enjoy the full experience of Weisswurst , a pale and tender Bavarian sausage in which minced veal, pork and seasonings are crammed into pork casings, head to Schneider Bräuhaus, and pair your meat with a pillowy-soft Brezn (pretzel) and a glass of Weissbier (wheat beer). Best dunked in süßer Senf (sweet mustard), the sausages are traditionally made fresh and not eaten after midday, meaning you won’t find the locals ordering them in the afternoon. Follow suit if you want to blend in.

📍 Discover more of the best restaurants in Munich

2.  Stroll around the old Olympic Village

Built for the 1972 games, the Olympiapark is well worth a visit with several attractions, lots of green space, a hill offering fantastic views and a beer garden or two. On the northern end you’ll find the former women’s Olympic village. The blocky bungalows here, most of which were rebuilt in 2007, are now much sought-after student accommodation. With the tenant of each given creative control of the exterior, you’ll find a sea of colourful and ever-changing paintings, a number influenced by pop culture  –  don’t miss the flat with a ‘Central Perk’ theme. 

3.  Discover local labels at HIER Studio

Run by textile designer Stephanie Kahnau, this stylish shop close to Wiener Platz showcases creations from her own fashion label as well as products from other Munich-based brands. With a strong focus on craftmanship and design, HIER Studio is a great place to pick up sustainable and local gifts, all with a story behind them. The mix of clothing, jewellery, accessories, ceramics and stationery is displayed in a minimalist space with exposed concrete walls and high ceilings. Regular pieces include bags and wallets from Vanook , chains and earrings from Cocii and the eyewear collection from Jules & Mel . 

4.  Explore the stalls at Viktualienmarkt

Dating back over 200 years, open-air food market Viktualienmarkt offers a handy (and relatively inexpensive) pit stop if you’re exploring Munich’s historic centre. Some 100 stalls offer a wide range of German and international delights from Monday through Saturday. You’ll find barrels of pickles, cheeses from around Europe and locally roasted coffee, as well as more recent additions such as the FIRST8 Kombucha stand and the newest branch of Munich-based deli Coucou Food Market . Come hungry!

5.  Go surfing on the Eisbach

• Rivers, lakes and ponds

Surfing seems an unlikely sight in a landlocked city – but watching surfers master the main wave in the Eisbach (‘ice brook’) has become a pastime for locals and visitors alike. Special boards and skills are needed for this cold-water sport, which was banned until 2010 and now draws brave professional and semi-professional athletes in wetsuits all year round. Unlike ocean surfing, there’s no paddling to catch the wave, which is artificially created on a concrete break. This means surfers must be ready to ride as soon as they hit the water. Fall and their turn is over. 

6.  Check out the art at Kunstlabor 2

Munich is home to some of the most revered galleries in Germany, such as the Neue Pinakothek and Haus der Kunst, but try this former health department building for something a little different. Since 2021, Kunstlabor 2  has been coordinated by the owners of MUCA (the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art) and hosts artists from around the world who use the space as studios. It’s open to the public at weekends, while the stylish AMARi Kantine & Bar on the ground floor is open Tuesday through Sunday. Swing by to try their small plates and signature drinks.  

7.  Tuck into local fare at the Max Emanuel Brauerei

In business since 1880, this Bavarian Wirtshaus in the district of Maxvorstadt recently had a makeover. Run by a young team, this sleek and modern pub focuses on its food menu just as much as its beer. At Max Emanuel Brauerei , you can try classics from Bavaria and Austria, such as Krustenbraten (roast pork with dumplings and dark beer sauce) or Wiener Schnitzel with potatoes and cranberry sauce, along with more brunchy dishes at the weekend. When the weather in fine, those in the know head straight to the secluded beer garden out the back. Shade is provided by beautiful old chestnut trees. 

8.  Discover Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Umschreibung’

In the inner courtyard of an office building, a spiral steel staircase reaches up into the sky – only to return to earth again. A study of movement without purpose by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson , ‘Umschreibung’ is a sculpture comprising two spiral staircases merging to create a double helix. You’ll find it at Ganghoferstrasse 29. Worth a look, if only to admire the engineering required to balance the structure on a single point.

9.  Mooch around the trendy Glockenbachviertel

Gentrification is well underway in the once-edgy beating heart of Munich’s LGBTQ+ scene. The vibrant Glockenbachviertel remains one of Munich’s prettiest districts, brimming with chic boutiques, cosy cafes and buzzing bars.  Tushita  tea house on Klenzestrasse makes a cup of tea a spiritual affair with its assortment of 150 traditionally prepared blends and collection of kettles, teapots, cups, bowls, plus just about everything else in the tea arena (they also have a daily-changing vegan menu and excellent homemade cakes). Summer draws locals and visitors alike to the terrace of the  Flushing Meadows Bar  on the fourth floor of the hotel of the same name, where artisanal cocktails come with sweeping views of the city.

10.  Go for a dip at Müllersches Volksbad

• Public spaces
• price 1 of 4

Open since 1901, this impressive indoor pool on the banks of the river has retained many of its original features. There are murals and statues, as well as rows of old changing cabins along the balconies. When it comes to swimming, there’s a 100-foot-long pool which was once for men only, and a smaller, slightly warmer one which was originally for women – both are now mixed. Many locals head straight for the spa area complete with steam rooms and a Finnish sauna, or the hairdresser which has been in business since 1905. There’s a cafe too but we suggest heading to new hotspot Boazn , a bar in an old public toilet, instead. It’s right next door. 

11.  Grab a snack from bakery Bageri

Bageri is probably one of the city’s smallest and most unusual bakeries. Since summer 2023, a talented team has been making focaccia and cardamon buns in the confines of an old shipping container. All the products are available to go and best enjoyed with a coffee – yes, they found space for an espresso machine too. Look for somewhere to perch outside and take in the surroundings, which include more shipping containers and an abundance of street art – all part of an alternative cultural centre known as Bahnwärter Thiel .  

12.  Watch the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz

• Monuments and memorials

Last but not least. In Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, a famous clock depicts different events from the city’s history with the help of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. With two or three shows daily (depending on the season), the Glockenspiel on the tower of the Neues Rathaus always sees a crowd gather below. We recommend grabbing a coffee and settling in a few minutes early, before making a wager on which tiny knight will win the adorable duel. Take the lift up to the Café Glockenspiel for the best views. 

More great things to do in Munich

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

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

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

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

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

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

1. Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München

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

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

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

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

Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 München

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

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

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

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich

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

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

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

Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München

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

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

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

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

Address: Am Olympiapark, München

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Tierparkstrasse 30, 81543 München

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

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

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

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

Read More: Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Germany

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

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

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

Address: Königsplatz 1, 80333 München

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

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

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

Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München

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

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

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

Address: Sendlinger Straße 32, 80331 München

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

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

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

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

Address: Frauenplatz 12, 80331 München

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

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

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

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

Address: Neuhauser Straße 6, 80333 München

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

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

Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80539 München

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

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

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

Address: Salvatorplatz 2a, 80333 München

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

Luxury Hotels :

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

Mid-Range Hotels:

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

Budget Hotels:

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

Castle Tours:

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

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site :

• The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Small Group Tour from Munich is a five-hour trip with a professional guide to this memorial site, set on the grounds of the former concentration camp. The tour includes round-trip transportation and a guide.

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Top Munich tips

Here are our top tips for experiencing Munich and getting to know the city. This overview includes all of our insider tips and highlights for a short trip, long weekend or a whole week in the city.

Our tips for your trip to Munich

There is always something new to discover in Munich, regardless of whether you’re staying for 4 or 24 hours, for a long weekend or even an entire week. Some suggestions.

Beautiful beer gardens in and around Munich

While in other cities people sit at pavement cafes, when the sun comes out in Munich you'll find the locals in a beer garden enjoying a Mass of beer and a bite to eat. We know the best places to go.

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Discover Munich consciously and mindfully and make a contribution to a sustainable future. Our suggestions for a sustainable visit to Munich.

Exclusive tips to enjoy Munich

Stopover, short trip, long weekend or a whole week: here are some exclusive tips to enjoy Munich.

Great activities for those who love art

Stopover, short trip, long weekend or a whole week: here are some ideas for those who love art.

Tourist information at the main station

The tourist info of Munich Tourism is located one minute from the main station in Luisenstraße 1, close to the exit Arnulfstraße.

Tourist information at Marienplatz

The Tourist Information on Marienplatz is open again. We are looking forward to your visit!

Our brochures

City map, tips for cycling in Munich and the current city guide of Munich Tourism: here you can find brochures and leaflets about the city of Munich for download.

Frauenkirche: Visit of the South Tower

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

Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Justizpalast Tour

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

Romantic Road: Rothenburg and Harburg

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

New Town Hall Tour

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

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

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

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof

Immerse yourself in the world of the fairytale king!

Visit of the Law Library: Juristische Bibliothek

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

Pedicab tour through the old town and nature

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

Hofbräuhaus Tour

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

City trip incl. Munich Card and Tower Ascent

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

Old Town Tour

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

Spaten Brewery Tour

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

Hop-On Hop-Off Grand Circle 24h

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

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

Private guided tour through Munich's Old Town

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

Berchtesgaden area and Eagle's Nest

The day trip takes you along the Alpine Road to Berchtesgaden area with its dreamlike scenery.

Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Oktoberfest Shop

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

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof VIP

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

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

Rental bike 1 day

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Munich Card & City Pass

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

Free Public transport

Reduced or included!

Public transport is included

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

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich for lovers: 20 tips

Discover the most romantic places in Munich and have a lovely time together. 

Great activities for families

Munich is one of the most popular destinations with children. These are our suggestions for families at any time of year and in any weather!

Great activities for those who love sports

Stopover, short trip, long weekend or a whole week: here are some ideas for those who love sports.

Great activities for nature lovers

Numerous parks, beautiful lakes in the surrounding area, many excursions into the countryside - here are some great activities for nature lovers.

Munich in all weathers: the best time to travel

We can tell you the best time to travel to Munich to help you plan your trip to the city.

Guide to Munich on the Cold Days

Munich is one of Germany's top travel destinations – even in winter! Here are our suggestions for cold days in Munich!

The best tips for summer

Whether stopover, short trip, long weekend or a whole week: our suggestions for a relaxed summer trip to Munich.

Good ideas for bad weather

Inclement weather lures visitors to museums and cafés. And it provides a nice opportunity to discover other thrilling places.

Experience Munich at first hand

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

• Book excursions
• Book the Munich-Card
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Munich: The sightseeing highlights from Marienplatz to English Garden

Munich Guide: 20 Top Sights

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

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

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

Nymphenburg Palace

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

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

Frauenkirche

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

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

Explore Munich the local way

Unforgettable city tours and sightseeing tours by Radius Tours Munich – your local guide

Munich museums

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

Marienplatz

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

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

Deutsches Museum

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

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

Platzl in the old town with the Hofbräuhaus

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

Tierpark Hellabrunn

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

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

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

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

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

English Garden

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

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

Karlsplatz (Stachus)

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

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

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

Viktualienmarkt

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

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

Olympiapark

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

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

Odeonsplatz

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

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

Alter Peter

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

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

Allianz Arena

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

Munich Pinacotheca

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

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

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

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

Königsplatz

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

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

Oktoberfest

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

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

Bayerische Staatsoper

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

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

Botanical Garden

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

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

More sights in Munich

The most beautiful viewpoints in Munich

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

One day in Munich

Sights for a short visit of 24 hours to Munich

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Home » Europe » Germany » Munich

15 BEST Places to Visit in Munich (2024)

The capital of German Bavaria, Munich is a lively city with a modern and forward-thinking attitude combined with a historic appearance. It is known for its splendid architecture, especially the charming Old Town that has been reconstructed to appear almost exactly as it did at the end of the nineteenth century. It is also one of the most cultural cities in all of Germany and hosts the yearly Oktoberfest beer festival, which draws large crowds from all over the world. There are definitely plenty of reasons to travel to Munich.

Munich is a large and sprawling city. As Germany’s third-biggest city, it can take a long time to figure out your Munich itinerary—there is simply so much to see and do and the distances are large.

There’s no need to lose tons of time planning your trip, though. We’ve created this awesome list of the best places to visit in Munich to help you out. Your travel planning will be a breeze and you won’t need to miss any of the hotspots in Munich, even if time is limited.

Warning: some of the best places in Munich are certain to surprise you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Munich:

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Schwabing is one of the most eclectic and coolest places to stay in Munich. It is Munich’s artistic quarter as well as its wealthiest and most desirable district. This contrast is what makes Schwabing quite unique.

• Enjoy pints in the sun at Aumeister, one of Munich’s best beer gardens that’s located at the north end of Englischer Garden.
• Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the lawns of the stunning Englischer Garten.
• Rent a bike and cruise along the trails that weave throughout this gorgeous neighbourhood.

We’ve got one more travel tip for you before we start: make sure to figure out where you want to stay in Munich . Choosing the area wisely will guarantee a great trip! A bit of research is essential. Now let’s get to it…

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#1 – Marienplatz – A great place to see in Munich if you love architecture

• Historic area
• Olde-worlde vibe and appearance
• Gorgeous architecture
• See one of the quirkiest attractions in Munich

Why it’s awesome: Located in the Old Town, or Altstadt, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Munich, Marienplatz was a market in the late 1150s. The whole Old Town area is a historical monument on the Bavarian historical monument list. While lots of the historic buildings were destroyed during World War Two, the area has been rebuilt in keeping with its former appearance.

Fairytale-like buildings line the medieval-style streets and it is home to many of the most famous places in Munich. The appearance is very different to many other cities around Germany and visitors can spend several hours simply wandering around and admiring the pretty sights. Marienplatz is definitely an Old Town highlight.

What to do there: Stand in Marienplatz and marvel at the stunning and impressive Neues Rathaus (New City Hall). The Munich must see is a neo-Gothic treasure and you can take the elevator up the tower for splendid city views. Don’t miss watching the delightful Glockenspiel in action with its charming dancing and jousting figures. See the Altes Rathaus (the Old Town Hall) at the other side of the elegant square and gaze up at the Mariensäule column, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In the heart of the square, you can admire the handsome Fischbrunnen, which is surrounded by old bronze figures. Afterwards, discover the many gems of the Old Town, noting the remains of the old city walls and three of the original city gates: Karlstor, Isartor, and Sendlinger Tor. If you visit in December, you’ll definitely want to add this stop to your Munich itinerary , and you can browse in the jolly Christmas Market that breathes even more life into the picturesque square.

#2 – Englischer Garten – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Munich

• Expansive public park
• Dazzling lake
• Interesting structures
• Various leisure and relation options

Why it’s awesome: A huge public park in the heart of the city, the Englischer Garten is a gorgeous spot to enjoy time outdoors when visiting Munich. Created in the late 1780s, it is spread across 910 acres (370 hectares) and is one of the biggest urban parks in the world. It features sweeping lawns, tree-shaded pathways, a lake, meadowlands, and various structures and statues. It’s a top place to visit in Munich with kids and can also be a great place for a romantic afternoon. There’s no admission fee.

What to do there: Get away from the crowded city streets and spend a few hours exploring the Englischer Garten. Sunbathe on the grass, sit on a bench, stroll around the lake, go boating on the water, walk along wooded pathways, and wander through the wildlife-rich meadows. If you want an all-over tan check out the Schönfeldwiese; the grassy field is known for nude sunbathers. Have a go at one of the most surprising activities in the park—surfing on the Eisbach River!

See the 18th-century Chinese Tower, visit the 1838 Greek-style temple, and relax in the Japanese tea house. If you fancy something a bit stronger there are also several beer gardens throughout the park and you’ll also find a number of restaurants where you can keep hunger at bay.

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#3 – Au-Haidhausen – A great place to visit in Munich at night

• Wide choice of places to eat
• Diverse bars
• Exciting nightclubs
• Interesting buildings

Why it’s awesome: Au-Haidhausen is one of the most famous nightlife neighbourhoods in Munich. Once an area of cheap accommodations for tradespeople, the riverside area also featured a number of breweries. Over the years many bars and clubs have sprung up, and there are cute side streets where a strong sense of history still prevails. It’s a multicultural area with a youthful vibe.

What to do there: Take a walk through the narrow lanes and admire the charming buildings and visit the French Quarter with its lovely buildings and streets named after places where battles occurred during the German-French War. Get dressed up and head to Au-Haidhausen in the evening for a fun night of partying. You can start your night with a tasty meal in one of the many restaurants before hopping between energetic bars. End your night dancing in one of the numerous discos and nightclubs.

#4 – Volkssternwarte München – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Munich!

• Lesser-visited attraction
• Historic planetarium
• Fascinating displays
• Gaze at the skies

Why it’s awesome: Volkssternwarte München is among the cool but unknown attractions in Munich . Hidden away, the lesser-visited observatory and planetarium see few visitors—meaning that those who do visit can enjoy an unhurried air. It’s an especially great place for fans of astronomy when visiting Munich. Demonstrations are conducted in German on most days, though English talks are held too on certain days of the week. There are several large telescopes from throughout the ages as well as exhibits and displays related to the skies.

What to do there: Discover the fascinating meteor collection and be awed by the astronomical photos on display and see the impressive collection of telescopes, some of which are several decades old. Join a daily tour and cast your gaze skywards as you peer through telescopes to study the stars and planets. The planetarium is old school, operated manually and built in the 1950s. The equipment offers terrific views of the skies and you can observe planets, the Milky Way, and more, with day and night views available.

#5 – Frauenkirche – One of the most religious places to see in Munich

• Symbol of Munich
• Eye-catching building
• Religious air
• Amazing views

Why it’s awesome: One of the major points of interest in Munich, the huge Frauenkirche is a striking symbol on the city skyline. The red-brick Gothic beauty dates back to the 15th century, standing on the site of an older, and smaller, church. The soaring dome-topped towers can be seen from far and wide, towering over the landscapes at almost 100 metres (325 feet) tall.

Although fairly simple in its exterior design, the church is still statuesque and impressive. The insides are also quite remarkable and it houses the tombs of several eminent people from the city’s past. There are also some unusual features. It remains an active place of worship today.

What to do there: Admire the building from the outside before entering through the large doors to be wowed by the size of the hall, complete with splendid pillars and elegant arches. There are many religious statues and carvings to see too, including wooden busts of saints, apostles, and prophets and a huge statue of St Christopher.

Pay your respects in the small chapels, gaze upon the beautiful stained glass window behind the altar, and see the bronze reliefs of Mother Theresa, Kaspar Stanggassinger (a revered German priest), and Rupert Mayer (a German priest known for his opposition against the Nazis). Climb to the top of one of the towers for soaring city views. Don’t miss seeing the footprint embedded in a tile, now known as the Devil’s Footstep.

#6 – Olympiapark – A perfect place to visit in Munich if you are on a budget!

• Sporting history
• Great views
• Observation tower
• Free summer concerts

Why it’s awesome: Olympiapark is among the most famous landmarks in Munich and is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to visit and hangout. There’s no fee to enjoy the park either, making it a great choice for budget travellers who want to enjoy being outdoors and mingle with locals. Built for the Summer Olympics in 1972, it was put to good use after the world-famous sporting event and is used today for various social, cultural, sporting, and leisure activities.

What to do there: See the buildings that were used for the Olympic Games, including the main stadium, Olympic Hall, and small hall. There are various sporting facilities throughout the site (additional fees apply), including a swimming pool and an ice rink. One of the most popular things to do in the Olympic Area is to go up the Olympiaturm. Standing at 290 metres (951 feet) tall, there are two viewing platforms from where you can enjoy splendid vistas.

There’s also a revolving restaurant if you wish to stay for longer and soak up the views over a meal. Alternatively, climb the hill in the park for more sweeping views. In the summer there are often free concerts on top of the hill too. Relax alongside the sparkling lake and enjoy nature and fresh air.

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#7 – Deutsches Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Munich

• Fascinating science and technology museum
• Many exhibits
• Great for people of all ages
• Learn lots of fun things

Why it’s awesome: The gigantic Deutsches Museum is one of the biggest science and technology museums across the globe, with more than 25,000 items on displays. Open since 1903, it’s a Munich must-do for anyone with a curious mind. The main museum building is located on an island in the River Isar, and there’s a further location in the city centre. There are exhibits related to astronomy, machines, aerospace, agriculture, electronics, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, hydraulics, glass, mining, and more.

What to do there: Learn tons of new things as you view the huge array of exhibits in the popular Deutsches Museum. See how humans have made massive leaps and bounds over the years when it comes to technological developments and feel impressed as you see inventions, tools, and machinery. From robots and space probes to windmills and ships, there are so many things to inspire your interest. Furthermore, there are hidden underground mines to explore too. It’s a fabulous Munich attraction for old and young alike.

#8 – Königlicher Hirschgarten – Cool place to see in Munich with friends!

• Delicious cuisine
• Relaxed ambience
• Gigantic beer garden

Why it’s awesome: The fun Königlicher Hirschgarten has one of the biggest beer gardens in the world. There are indoor dining areas too, where visitors can savour an assortment of delectable Bavarian dishes along with specialities from other parts of the country too. The establishment has a long history, having originally been used as a hunting lodge. The restaurant dates back to the late 1700s and was a popular place for important societal functions and special events. Serving lunch and dinner, patrons are also free to visit the Königlicher Hirschgarten for just a drink in the lovely outdoor setting.

What to do there: Take a seat in one of the restaurant’s six classy dining rooms, each decorated and furnished to a high standard for both comfort and visual appeal. Peruse the menu and order tempting dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce. Alternatively, dine and drink outdoors in the expansive beer garden—it can seat almost 8,000 people! If you plan to spend an afternoon or evening drinking you can also take your own favourite snacks along with you to enjoy with tasty brews from brewhouses like Herzogliches Brauhaus Tegernsee, Schloßbrauerei Kaltenberg, Tegernseer Ducal Brewery, and King Ludwig. You can also catch all the happening sporting action on the big-screen TVs and see the deer in the adjacent deer park.

#9 – Viktualienmarkt – A must-see for foodies!

• Historic marketplace
• Huge selection of food and drink
• Beer garden
• Sample Bavarian cuisine

Why it’s awesome: Open each day and located in the heart of the city, Viktualienmarkt is the oldest farmers’ market in Munich. Trade has been taking place here since the early 1800s. It has expanded lots since its early days when it mainly focused on fresh produce, and today sells meats, pastries, cheeses, sweets, fish, snacks, ready-to-eat dishes, fruit juices, and much more too. There are also a number of stalls that sell fresh-cut flowers and plants as well as sit-down restaurants. The market is one of the best places to eat in Munich for an authentic local experience, the vibe is lively, and there are many great photo opportunities.

What to do there: Make sure you’re hungry when you explore Munich’s vibrant Viktualienmarkt as there are many things that are sure to catch your eye and appeal to your taste buds. Sample a range of delicious Bavarian items; whether you grab something to go from one of the stalls, sit down for a more formal meal in a restaurant, or take your purchases to enjoy over a mug of beer in the beer garden, you’re sure to be more than satisfied. Immerse yourself in local life and take plenty of cool pictures to brighten up your Instagram feed. Don’t miss seeing the central maypole adorned with figures that display local crafts and trades and the lovely fountains throughout the market.

#10 – Bavaria Film Studios – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Munich

• Cool 4D cinema
• Learn more about producing films and shows
• Go behind the scenes
• Interesting displays

Why it’s awesome: One of the coolest attractions in Munich for families and groups of fun-loving friends, the large Bavaria Film Studios has been in operation for almost a century, producing movies and popular TV shows. The complex has large indoor studios and various sets. Tours take people behind the scenes to learn more about the production process and see various items from the big screen. There’s also a 4D cinema where you can throw yourself right into the action.

What to do there: Join a 90-minute tour to step into the world of movies and TV. Your backstage tour will include studios, sets, props, outfits, and furnishings, post-production studios, and workshops. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you lots of stories about productions made onsite, anecdotes, and the history of the studios. Engage your senses in the exciting 4D cinema and take part in various interactive activities.

#11 – Neuhausen-Nymphenburg – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Munich

• Lesser-visited part of the city
• Food and drink
• Relaxing neighbourhood
• Palace and gardens

Why it’s awesome: Neuhausen-Nymphenburg is one of the most laid-back neighbourhoods in Munich. It sees relatively few tourists when compared with other parts of the city, yet there is plenty to please those who do make the trip. There are plenty of places to shop, including charming small boutiques with unique finds and one-off items, and a wealth of places to eat and drink. From quaint cafes to high-class restaurants and lively bars, there’s something to suit most moods. The area also has good sightseeing opportunities too.

What to do there: Stroll through the pleasant and relaxing neighbourhoods, being sure to stop at the attractive districts of Gern and Neuwittelsbach with their elegant villas. Visit the Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, a former summer residence that’s now one of the architectural hotspots in Munich. The gardens are colourful, peaceful, and pretty. The botanical gardens are also lovely and a great place to go with that special someone for a romantic afternoon. Looking for a spiritual experience? Why not visit BuddhaHaus, a Buddhist meditation centre? There are beer gardens, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs to enjoy throughout the day and night too.

#12 – Tierpark Hellabrunn – Awesome place to visit in Munich with kids!

• Family-friendly attractions
• Many animals
• Petting zoo
• Conservation programs

Why it’s awesome: Located on the banks of the River Isar, Tierpark Hellabrunn is a large zoo that spans some 99 acres (40 hectares) and houses animals from around the world. It’s a favourite destination for families with kids when they travel to Munich and has been rated as one of the best zoos in Europe. It first opened in 1911 and was among the world’s first geo-zoos, where animals from the same parts of the world are kept together.

Many of the animals roam semi-freely, with moats rather than cages to stop them from escaping. Enclosures try to replicate, as much as possible, the natural habitats of different creatures. The zoo is actively involved in conservation programs, educational activities, and breeding efforts.

What to do there: Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the large zoo and observe more than 750 fascinating species. Some of the creatures housed in the zoo are rare or endangered, and you can learn more about how the zoo tries to breed certain animals to ensure survival and growth of different species. Call by Hellabrunn’s Species Conservation Centre for more information. Diverse animals that call the zoo home include elephants, tigers, gorillas, giraffes, monkeys, alligators, zebras, penguins, polar bears, kangaroos, and wolves.

Aviaries contain interesting avian species and there are watery displays of aquatic animals. You can watch various creatures being fed, including fearsome piranhas, and attend talks to learn more about your favourite animals. The petting zoo is often popular with younger members of the family, and you’ll find a good choice of places to eat, drink, and pick up souvenirs.

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#13 – Munich Residenz – One of the most amazing places in Munich!

• Huge palace
• Stunning architecture
• Beautiful art-filled interiors
• Fascinating museum

Why it’s awesome: One of the most breath-taking and spell-binding landmarks in Munich, the Residenz is an old royal palace. It’s Germany’s biggest city palace. The large architectural marvel has around 130 rooms and ten beautiful courtyards. The earliest palace buildings were constructed in the 1380s, with many additions made over subsequent years. There are three main sections to the palace: the Old Residence, the Festsaalbau, and the Königsbau. Other features include a church, a concert venue, royal stables, and a theatre. The grounds are stunning and inside there is a terrific museum that includes several unusual items.

What to do there: Explore the huge complex, with its various buildings, fortifications, and splendour. You’ll likely note several architectural and artistic designs, including Baroque, Renaissance, Neoclassicism, and Rococo. The interior details are sure to dazzle, with lashings of gold, colourful walls, an abundance of art, opulent chandeliers, and myriad treasures. Walkthrough the splendid Antiquarium, a former grand banqueting hall filled with marble busts. Peek inside former private quarters, see where royalty used to entertain their guests, and look inside formal rooms. Admire the huge collection of antiques and antiquities, and don’t miss visiting the reliquary room.

One of the most unusual things to do in Berlin, the room contains various human remains, including what is said to be the skull of John the Baptist! Marvel at the many jewels in the Treasury; spread over ten halls there are crowns, goblets, gold, royal symbols, swords, and lots of other precious regalia. After enjoying the many interior charms, take a walk around the gorgeous gardens and courtyards.

#14 – Asam Church – One of the more unique places to visit in Munich!

• Interesting back story
• Feast for the eyes
• Spiritual ambience

Why it’s awesome: Built in the mid-1700s, the Asam Church is a gleaming Munich must-see. While the exterior it elegant, it gives away little clue as to the richness and opulence that is hidden inside. Nestled between homes along the bustling Sendlingerstraße, the place of worship was created by two devout brothers seeking a closer connection with the divine. Originally intended to be used as a personal chapel, the creative brothers adorned every interior surface with stunning statues and paintings.

The church may be small but the excellent use of space and lighting makes it appear much larger than it actually is. It also contains a number of confessional areas. There’s no charge to look inside the church. Although visitors can’t walk around, it’s easy to admire the beauty through the railings.

What to do there: Notice the significance of light in the chapel: the seating area is darker, representing earthly suffering, the middle section is brighter, created in honour of the Emperor, and the upper section is positively radiant, the bright lighting symbolising God and heaven. Feast your eyes on artistic and religious splendour, including a marvellous ceiling fresco, statues that represent the trinity, the ornate altar, many allegorical scenes, angels, stunning reliefs, and more. It’s difficult to know where to look first when admiring the colourful and detailed interiors.

#15 – Alte Pinakothek – A great place to visit in Munich if you are alone/traveling solo

• Elegant building
• Rich collection of art
• See works by Masters
• World-renowned collection

Why it’s awesome: Open since the 1830s and established to house the rich collection of art owned by royalty, the Alte Pinakothek is among the world’s oldest art galleries. When built, it was also one of the largest. The Neo-Renaissance building houses many grand works of art, including those by well-known masters. The collection itself is older than the building, having been started in the 1500s. Works include those commissioned by royalty, pieces taken from places of worship, and items obtained from elsewhere.

What to do there: Marvel at striking art from throughout the ages. Take time to view the extensive collection of paintings by early masters, with German, Flemish, Dutch, Spanish, French, and Italian among the artists represented. Indeed, the collection is seen as being one of the most important across the globe for historic European art. Feast your eyes on work by leading names like Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and Peter Paul Rubens.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Munich

Is Munich worth visiting?

As the capital of Bavaria, it is 100% worth a visit. There’s a ton of things to see and do there.

What is Munich famous for?

It is famous for its number of breweries and the world-famous annual Oktoberfest celebration.

What places should I see for a day in Munich?

No trip to Munich would be complete without seeing Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Deutsches Museum.

What is a free place to visit in Munich?

If you want to see Munich’s fabulous architecture, make sure to head over to Marienplatz and wonder the streets.

There are many marvellous places to visit in Munich, with something to appeal to most interests. Spend a fun-filled day at the nearby Allgäu Skyline Park, home to rollercoasters, water rides, and other attractions. Admire Munich’s many glorious churches , including the Theatine Church of St. Cajetan, St. Peter’s Church, and Michaelskirche. Pay homage to the local automotive industry at the BMW Museum, and soak up different artistic genres at art museums like the Lenbachhaus, the State Gallery of Modern Art, the Neue Pinakothek, and the Glyptothek. Watch a performance at the National Theatre, and take day trips to nearby places like the moving Dachau Concentration Camp, Nuremburg, Herrenchiemsee, and the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle.

Armed with this list of the best places to visit in Munich, you’re sure to have a memorable time in one of Germany’s most enchanting cities.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Must-see attractions in Munich

Schloss Nymphenburg

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

Residenzmuseum

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

Alte Pinakothek

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

Englischer Garten

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

Pinakothek der Moderne

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

Bayerisches Nationalmuseum

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

Deutsches Museum

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

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

Museum Brandhorst

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

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

Cuvilliés-Theater

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

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

Münchner Stadtmuseum

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

Olympiapark

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

Königsplatz

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

Marienplatz

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

Neue Pinakothek

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

Munich Residenz

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

Allianz Arena

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

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

DenkStätte Weisse Rose

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

Feldherrnhalle

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

Frauenkirche

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

Alter Botanischer Garten

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

Bavaria Filmstadt

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

Lenbachhaus

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

Michaelskirche

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

Deutsches Museum – Verkehrszentrum

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

Jüdisches Museum

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

Schatzkammer der Residenz

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

Viktualienmarkt

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

Antikensammlungen

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

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

NS Dokuzentrum

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

Ost-West Friedenskirche

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Bier & Oktoberfestmuseum

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Museum Villa Stuck

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Altes Rathaus

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Bavariastatue

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Kulturzentrum Gasteig

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

25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany)

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

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

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

1. Alte Pinakothek

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Munich Residenz

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

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

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

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

3. Neues Rathaus

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

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

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

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

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

4. Englischer Garten

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

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

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

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

5. Neue Pinakothek

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

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

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

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

6. Marienplatz

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. St Peter’s Church

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

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

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

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

8. Deutsches Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Lenbachhaus

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Asam Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Frauenkirche

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Theatine Church

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

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

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

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

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

14. Bavarian National Museum

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

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

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

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

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

15. BMW Museum

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

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

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

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

16. BMW Welt

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

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

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

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

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

17. Glyptothek

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

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

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

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

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

18. Olympiapark

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

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

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

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

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

19. Allianz Arena

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended tour : FC Bayern München Football and Allianz Arena Tour

20. Munich National Theatre

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

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

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

21. Müller’sches Volksbad

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

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

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

22. Hofbräuhaus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tip : Included in the Munich Third Reich Tour

23. Viktualienmarkt

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

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

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

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

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

24. Hellabrunn Zoo

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

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

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

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

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

25. Oktoberfest

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book online : Munich: Oktoberfest

Suggested day trips from Munich :

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

25 Best Things to Do in Munich (Germany):

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

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Top Museums in Munich

Munich's English Garden

Complete Guide to Oktoberfest

Top Restaurants in Munich

Best Beer Halls

Top Beer Gardens

Guide to Munich's Hofbräuhaus

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Munich International Airport Guide

Best Munich Hotels

Public Transportation

Day Trips From Munich

Top Things to Do

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

From Lush Gardens to Beer

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

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

Listen to the Clock in Marienplatz

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

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

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

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

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

Drink a Beer at the Biggest Folk Festival in the World

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

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

Practice Your "Prost!" Year-Round

TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja 

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

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

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

Find the Devil's Footstep

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

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

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

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

Get Nude in the English Garden

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

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

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

Try Surfing at the Eisbach Canal

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

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

Drink Your Beer Outside

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

Live Like a King at the Residence Palace

TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja

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

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

Shop the Farmers' Market

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

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

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

Look at New, Old, and Modern Art

TripSavvy / Faye Strassle

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

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

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

Reflect at Dachau Concentration Camp

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

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

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

Feel the Olympic Spirit

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

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

Discover the World's Largest Museum of Technology

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

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

Jump in a Lake

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

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

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

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

Summer Like Royalty at Nymphenburg

GettyImages / Franz Marc Frei  LOOK-foto

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

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

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

Take a Ride on the Real Falkor

 TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja 

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

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

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

Sunbathe Along the Isar River

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

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

Study Immigration at Germany's Jewish Museum

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

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

Admire the Historic Odeonsplatz

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

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

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

Worship at St. Peter's Church

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

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

Feel the Speed at BMW Welt

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

Day Trip to the Most Famous Castle in Germany

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

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

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

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20 Top Tourist Attractions in Munich

By Carl Austin · Last updated on April 3, 2024

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

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

Map of Munich

20. Hofgarten

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

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

19. Pinakothek der Moderne

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

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

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

18. Olympiapark

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

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

17. St. Peter’s Church

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

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

16. Allianz Arena Stadium

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

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

15. New Pinakothek

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

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

14. Eisbach Wave

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

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

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

13. Odeonsplatz

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

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

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

12. Asam Church

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

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

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

11. Neues Rathaus

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

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

10. Viktualienmarkt

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

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

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

9. Alte Pinakothek

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

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

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

8. Deutsches Museum

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

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

7. Munich Residenz

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

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

6. BMW Welt & Museum

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

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

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

5. Nymphenburg Palace

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

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

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

4. Munich Frauenkirche

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

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

3. Hofbrauhaus

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

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

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

2. Englischer Garten

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

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

1. Marienplatz

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

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

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The Best Things to Do in Munich, From River Surfing to Fine Art Museums

By Charlie Hobbs

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Munich, the German city with a population of 1.4 million, is not Berlin ; nor does it want to be. The Bavarian capital is one that often feels more like a charming cluster of cobblestoned towns—in fact, its cozy sprawl has earned it the nickname “Millionendorf”, or, “The Village of a Million People.” Oktoberfest, the beer festival that runs from late September to early October and which draws masses of (largely lederhosen-clad, American, and college-aged) tourists—but locals too—is perhaps Munich's most (in)famous offering. As a boy Einstein himself, who grew up down the road, helped his father wire the first electricity to an Oktoberfest tent in the massive field it occurs—take this as your first indication that there's also innovation bubbling in the city year-round. In fact, it's well worth a visit they when drinking for sport is just one of many pastimes; a plethora of art galleries, fine dining, museums, bike routes, and verdant gardens await.

Munich has the best Bavarian cuisine just about anywhere (come in the spring for the seasonal white asparagus), a vast and verdant English Garden (it's larger than Central Park, and positively pastoral despite its urban setting) and a nightlife scene distinct from its northern neighbor. There's the aforementioned tech and industry bringing an artful edge to the city's outskirts in contract to the classical center. The many museums are unmatched—with one such entry, the Lenbachhaus, houses Maria Franck-Marc's aptly titled Tanzende Schafe , or Dancing Sheep . One of my favorites, done in gouache, chalk, watercolor, and pencil; sheep dance against a gray-green industrial background—mostly in pairs, balancing upright on each other's shoulders, their front legs crossing like matchsticks. It's this easy contentment and simple serenity, that I felt in Munich; dancing like those sheep from one beautiful sight to the next.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Eisbach wave is a manmade entry point to the park’s Eisbach River where surfers shred year-round.

The best things to do in Munich: museums, history, and gardens

The aforementioned Kunstareal museum district is a great place to start. The northwest neighborhood houses eight major museums (and plenty of galleries), all of them excellent and easy to choose between if you have limited time and decided interests. The Big Three Pinakothek (meaning “picture gallery,” from the Latin “pinacotheca”) flank two blocks of Theresienstraße like great houses: Alte Pinakothek is the joint of this L-shape—Alte means “old,” and the applications are twofold; this is one of the oldest galleries in Germany, having opened in 1836 and housing art from the fourteenth to nineteenth centuries, and its walls largely showcase the works of the Old Masters. (One could kill hours staring into the depths of each Peter Paul Rubens hanging in the dedicated Rubens Hall.) Go straight to the Pinakothek der Moderne , and take in four mediums under one roof: art, graphics, architecture, and design (Die Neue Sammlung, or the Design Museum, is particularly excellent). There's also the Neue–which, unfortunately, is closed to the public through 2029 due to renovations. 

Once you’ve had your fill, stroll on over to the Lenbachhaus to see the dancing sheep: Franck-Marc’s work hangs alongside those of her husband, the prolific Franz Marc (his  Blue Horse I is a strong second, in terms of animal portrayals within these walls). The Marcs’ compatriots—Kandinsky, Münter, Kawlensky, and more—can also be found here. Lastly, check out Museum Brandhorst —eye-catching for its stunning ceramic facade, and just as much so for its massive collection of Cy Twombly canvases. 

The inner courtyard of the temple-style sculpture museum Glyptothek holds the most worthwhile of the museum cafés—ivy covers the walls of the structure, and visitors can relax beneath umbrella-clad tables on what feels like sacred ground. In the summer, theatre troupes put up productions in the tranquil space. 

To acknowledge the area's important history, the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism offers a thorough (and free) journey through Munich’s history as a major hub of Nazi Germany, with each floor taking on a different decade and detailing Munich's citizens various roles in what was once a fascist stronghold. In the center of town, admire the beauty of the Ohel Jakob synagogue before visiting the adjacent Jewish Museum Munich to learn about the city's Jewish community up to present day.

Outdoor escapes and cultural spots

Munich has plenty of outdoor activities in store. Find your way onto a bicycle–any hotel worth its salt here will have some to loan out—and head to the water. It's safer along the Isar River (Munich is known for its cycling collisions), where you can fly with great abandon from the technology museum sector—a small island where the highlight is the Deutsches Museum —to the art nouveau public swimming pool and spa Müller’sches Volksbad , and from there up north and back into the city to reach the mouth of the English Garden. There surges the Eisbach wave, a manmade entry point for the park’s Eisbach River where you’ll find surfers shredding year-round. If you can bear to rip your eyes from their feats after however long, wander deeper into the park and find Munich’s second largest biergarten Chinesicher Turm (so-called for its odd, towering Chinese pagoda), as well as the hilltop temple Monopteros, the loveliest spot in town on a sunny day. 

The coolest place to hang out in Munich is Schlachthofviertel , the meatpacking district. This is an active slaughter zone—expect a slight smell—that has as of late gained a reputation as being the coolest place to dine in the city. Before you eat, take in a show at the newly headquarters of the Münchner Volkstheater (the artistic director of which is famous for his work on the Oberammergau Passion Play at the turn of the past two decades) or wander around the Bahnwärter Thie l, a cultural center with great shopping and artisan studios and a vast indoor-outdoor nightclub open in the summer months with a vast amount of seating available throughout.  Graffiti is legal here, and you can kill an hour or two just watching the artists at work—over piles of empty spray-paint cans, gathered in towering mesh enclosures, they are sculptures in and of themselves.

Outdoors at Alte Utting, a ferry that's been transplanted to a disused railway bridge and transformed into one of the city's best bars.

In addition to full bar service, Alte Utting has several food stands offering pizza and more.

Where to eat in Munich

In Werksviertel-Mitte, dine on seafood at a sexy little red restaurant called  Atlantik Fisch —the compact brick building abuts the slaughterhouse and transforms into a minor disco at the weekend. It sounds a bit brutal, but this is where, it seems, everything cool is happening. Right across the street, Wirtshaus im Schlachthof is a classic Bavarian beer hall famous for its live music and comedy shows. A 10-minute stroll will lead you from these spots to Alte Utting . Once a ferry boat beloved for cruising a nearby Bavarian lake in the summertime, the MSS Utting was transplanted upon its retirement to a disused railway bridge by a pair of brothers and turned into one of Munich’s finest bars. Here, you’d do well to enjoy a Hugo in their wood-clad cabin to the tune of live music—there’s also a bevy of food stands serving up everything from pizza to Indian in the land-locked garden annex. 

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Back in the center of the city, the best Bavarian fine dining in the Michelin Guide can be found at Pfistermühle —dine on salted cod and tenderest veal beneath the vaulted ceiling of this 16th-century mill, or sitting outside on the picturesque cobblestone street. Nearby,  Zum Dürnbräu is a more casual option for classic Bavarian dishes (the succulent duck is not to be missed). Other major mainstays for fine dining include Little London grill for your good German steaks and Brenner Grill , a vast open grill that feels ripped from the ‘90s (positive!) for its vast dining room and see-and-be-seen professional air. 

I’d be remiss not to mention the Viktualienmarkt , a bustling daily food market just off Marienplatz with stalls upon stalls of local produce and food made from that produce and biergartens in which you are encouraged to eat that food alongside a nice cold beer. The highlight stall here is Caspar Plautz , which has a sweet origin story. The market is zoned into little neighborhoods, and each neighborhood honors within its bounds a no-compete agreement—there will be no stand that sells the same produce. In Caspar Plautz’s case, the only ware not already on sale was the humble potato. Not to be discouraged, the enterprising duo who sought to open a market stand of their very own took the potato and ran with it—here, you can buy seasonal potato-of-the-week dishes (past examples include the Papa Pataca, featuring mashed topinambur topped with creme fraiche, roasted shiitake, and capers, and a baked potato stuffed with feta cream, cucumber, and cilantro) so long as you’re willing to brave an ever-growing line of fans.

The living room of the Mandarin Oriental, Munich's one-bedroom Panoramic Suite, located on the hotel's six floor.

Where to stay

Munich’s hotel scene is diverse and accommodating of a variety of price points. In the realm of the four-star, Platzl Hotel would be the traditional choice. Warm wood interiors extend from the lobby paneling to the rooms’ built-in closets—it’s sleek and home-y at the same time, very comfortable but in a dynamite location. Spread across the city are the Cocoon hotels— Hauptbahnhof , Stachus , and Sendlinger Tor , the latter being between central Marienplatz and Werksviertel-Mitte in the young, student-forward neighborhood of the same name. These are extraordinarily clean and stylish options for the budget traveler—you’ll find young couples, solo travelers, businessmen, even families enjoying the fabulous hotel breakfast.

Of the usual luxury suspects, there are many to choose from. The Mandarin Oriental, Munich has the sexiest cocktail bar in town in the form of Orly, bright airy rooms, and a roof garden for summertime mahjong. The 300-room Hotel Bayerischer Hof is a proper, old-school Grande Dame, and The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel is a beloved contemporary white sculptural outpost on the edge of the Botanical Garden. Also, keep an eye out for the Rosewood Munich opening in town in late 2023. 

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Top Things to Do in Munich, Germany

Places to visit in munich.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Marienplatz

2. English Garden

3. Residenz

4. Nymphenburg Palace

5. BMW Museum

6. Asamkirche

7. New Town Hall (Neus Rathaus)

8. Allianz Arena

9. Viktualienmarkt

10. Alte Pinakothek

11. Olympiapark

12. BMW Welt

13. Deutsches Museum

14. St. Peter's Church

15. Eisbach Wave

16. Oktoberfest

17. Lenbachhaus

18. Munchener Tierpark Hellabrunn

19. NS-Dokumentationszentrum Muenchen

20. Rathaus-Glockenspiel

21. Alexander Krist Theater

22. Botanischer Garten Muenchen-Nymphenburg

23. Olympic Tower

24. Theresienwiese

25. BMW Headquarters

26. Bayerische Staatsoper

27. Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan

28. Michaelskirche

29. Staatliche Museum Ägyptischer Kunst

30. Frauenkirche

What travellers are saying.

This German City Is Officially The Most Walkable In The World As Of 2024

You don't need a car to explore Munich, one of the liveliest places in Germany, as it's the most walkable in the world.

• Munich, Germany, is the most walkable city globally with vast bike trails and pedestrian zones.
• With 86% living in car-free areas, Munich has a safe public transport system and reliable infrastructure.
• Enjoyable tourist spots like Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the English Garden make Munich a must-visit.

Germany is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and in 2023, the country welcomed 183.3 million visitors (both local and international travelers), which is an increase from the previous year. The European nation offers fabulous travel experiences for every taste, and its scenic natural beauty, spirit-lifting culture, and many of its most enchanting cities are big tourist draws.

However, many people prefer living in walkable communities, which not only leads to high levels of art and creativity but also contributes to overall happiness and quality of life. Moreover, the world is home to approximately 1.47 billion vehicles, which means 182 cars for every 1,000 people . This is proof that many vacationers will choose to explore a city on foot.

A recent study conducted by Compare the Market AU just revealed the most walkable cities in the world; nine out of ten all in Europe, with Munich topping the list. Discover why this German city is officially the most walkable in the world, as of 2024.

To come up with the most walkable cities in the world, Compare the Market AU ranked 53 locations based on factors, such as bike trail distance, number of walking trails, safety score, and public transit score.

10 Reasons Why Digital Nomads Need To Move To This Beautiful City In Germany

Munich is the most walkable city in the world, this german city has the second-highest worth of bike trails in the world and much of its population lives within a .6-mile car-free space.

Walking and cycling are the most sustainable ways to get around a city, and the total distance of bike trails shows how a city is walkable. According to the study, Munich has an impressive total of 912,560 miles (1,468,623 km) worth of bike trails, which is the second-highest on the globe.

Moreover, 86% of Munich's population live within a .6-mile (1-km) car-free space, including city squares, pedestrianized streets, and parks — which is also the second-highest in the world. As a matter of fact, sufficient pedestrian infrastructure is among the things that make a city walkable for tourists , and Munich is home to a good number of pedestrian zones, including Kaufingerstrasse, which is the most popular shopping street in the city.

The incredible sidewalks, which are well-maintained, allow pedestrian tourists to enjoy a comfortable experience as they explore some of the best things to do in Munich .

Munich's sidewalks are spacious and some of them are accessible. However, when strolling down these pathways, it is important to be mindful of cyclists riding their bikes in the designated bike lanes.

Munich has the fourth-safest public transportation system

Munich's public transportation is among the safest, which doesn't come as a surprise, especially since this is one of the safest cities in Germany. Vacationers walking around can always rely on public transportation when their feet grow weary.

Public transportation is also very efficient, easy to use, clean, and well-maintained. So, despite being one of the costliest in the world, it is the most reliable way of getting around if you don't feel like walking.

• Public transportation options in Munich: S-Bahn. U-Bahn, Bus, and Tram

The cost of getting around Munich on public transportation depends on the zone and starts at about $4.20 for a one-way ticket and $10 for a day ticket.

The city is home to several crosswalks, which have signage and traffic lights to guide pedestrians and drivers. This way, travelers are safer crossing the roads. Munich also ensures the safety of pedestrians by installing speed bumps and traffic islands, which are designed to ensure that locals and visitors both enjoy a beautiful walking experience as they explore the most walkable city in the world.

Munich is one of the German cities that vacationers will find the easiest to navigate. However, a map is still recommended, especially for first-timers.

Beautiful Walkable Attractions You Have To Visit In Munich

Take a self-guided tour of marienplatz, the city's central square.

There are plenty of attractions that vacationers can explore on foot in Munich, and Marienplatz is one of them. There are many of the most beautiful city squares in the world , and Munich's central square is also interesting. There are plenty of things to see here, including the New City Hall , which is on the north part of the square.

One can tour the Old City Hall , a must-see for architecture lovers, history buffs, as well as tourists visiting for educational purposes. The square is also home to Fischbrunnen , a fish fountain whose history dates back to the Middle Ages, and is now a wonderful meeting place in the city's center.

Another reason Munich is an interesting city is its location near some of the most famous historical sites, which one can explore as a day trip from the city .

Stroll through Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt is an open-air market occupying the heart of Munich's old town. It is nestled just a turn away from the city's central square, and although it started as a farmer's market, it is a major draw for foodies. It is home to about 100 stalls, where one can buy almost everything, from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods to colorful gifts and souvenirs.

Visitors can try some tasty beers at the central beer garden , a food stall, but one is allowed to bring their food, usually purchased from the surrounding food stalls. It is a perfect spot to take a break from after spending time shopping at the market.

• Opening hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Escape the city's hustle and bustle at the English Garden

Larger than the world-famous New York City's Central Park, the English Garden is one of the awesome things you can do in Munich . It is one of the largest urban parks on earth and a perfect retreat for travelers seeking an escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

The city is an outdoor lover's dream, and cyclists and hikers can explore several miles of paths, while swimmers and boating enthusiasts can enjoy the peace and the serenity that comes with the Kleinhesseloher See, which surrounds the English Garden on the northern side.

• Size of the park: 926 acres

Pack comfortable footwear if you are coming to explore Munich by walking, as the streets can be quite challenging to stroll through.

Step Into Fairytale World: 10 Must-See Castles Of Germany To Visit

The best time to visit munich, spring is when the weather is comfortable enough to walk down the streets.

Munich is a beautiful city with plenty of amazing things to explore almost throughout the year. However, Spring, which begins in late March and ends in mid-May, is when the weather is most comfortable for enjoying the great outdoors. There will also be plenty of things to do, including attending festivals .

Furthermore, this is outside the peak season, which means vacationers will enjoy a quieter and calmer city. Travelers who want to visit Munich without crowds should avoid visiting in summer, Christmas, and New Year.

A visit to Munich, the most walkable city in the world, is always going to be worth it, because not only do pedestrians feel safe and comfortable strolling down the streets, but they also have access to many beautiful attractions that make this city an amazing travel destination in Germany.

StarsInsider

The world's top places to visit in 2024

Posted: 25 March 2024 | Last updated: 25 March 2024

The holiday season brings with it thoughts of travel, a Christmas vacation perhaps, or somewhere memorable to chime in the New Year. But where in the world are the coolest, hotly-tipped places to visit in 2024?

Click through and check out these top destinations, referenced by Travel + Leisure as the most popular places to go in 2024.

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The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship will be hosted in Germany this summer, between June and July. Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf are not only soccer venue cities, but world-class tourist destinations in their own right.

Munich, for example, exudes Bavarian flavor and thrills the visitor with an appetizing mix of distinguished landmarks, engaging museums, and a countryside overlooked by the Alps.

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Alternatively, anyone staying in Cologne has the city's stunning medieval cathedral to explore between fixtures. This is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, and it's more than deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. So besides Germany, where else in the world is worth visiting in 2024?

Ålborg, Denmark

For a memorable cultural immersion, why not explore Ålborg? This is Denmark's northern architecture hot spot, renowned for a collection of half-timbered 17th-century merchant's mansions and an attractively refurbished waterfront.

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Cartagena, Colombia

Equally rewarding is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, must-see tourist attractions include the late 16th-century church and cloister of San Pedro Claver and the eerie Palace of the Inquisition.

Southeast Asia by train

Looking to explore Southeast Asia in style? Well, the good news is that, in April 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury passenger train will once again be offering travelers a range of themed excursions, for example the Essence of Malaysia journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.

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Métis Crossing, Canada

Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. It's one of Canada's most compelling Indigenous tourism projects, with various themed attractions and displays taking place year round depending on the season.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, USA

Ocmulgee is a prehistoric Indian site boasting more than 12,000 years of continuous human habitation. It's named for the burial mounds people constructed to bury their elite. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is set to become the first national park in Georgia and the first in the US to be co-managed by a nation, the Muscogee.

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Rajasthan, India

The northwestern state of Rajasthan has long been a destination of choice for those visiting India. Jaipur, a World Heritage Site, and Jodhpur (pictured) challenge the senses with their wealth of historic buildings and vibrant character. In 2024, Jaipur especially is readying the inauguration of several new hotels.

Mustang, Nepal

Believe it or not, Nepal's remote Mustang district only opened to outsiders in 1992. Today, a select collection of stunning hotel properties cater to the more discerning traveler, visitors who, while appreciating a touch of luxury, still want to trek the surrounding mountains or discover the countryside on horseback.

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Tallinn, Estonia

Tallin is often included on "best of" lists, and for good reason. Next year, the Estonian capital is Europe's Capital of Culture for 2024. UNESCO long ago declared its walled Old Town a World Heritage Site for showcasing some of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture found anywhere.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw melds an attractive historical hub with a contemporary cityscape marked by steel and glass skyscrapers and Stalinist towers. The big news in 2024 is that the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw will open in new premises as a feature of the city's funky arts district.

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Austrian countryside

The Austrian countryside is being lauded as one of 2024's premier destinations for food and drink, regions such as Styria and Burgenland, home to Lake Neusiedl (pictured)—another wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both these regions enjoy a rich history of winemaking, reason enough to head off into the interior.

Mérida, Mexico

Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. A former American Capital of Culture, the city contrasts this historic canvas with a wealth of designer boutique hotels and noted culinary hotspots.

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Sonoma County, USA

California's Sonoma County may not be as instantly recognized as Napa, but at twice the size of its celebrity-soaked neighbor there's plenty to see and do. Connoisseurs come for the wine, but the region is also known for its glamping, spa resorts, and some truly appetizing restaurants.

Bangkok, Thailand

For those seeking big city excitement, Bangkok is hard to beat. The city's nightlife is notoriously heady, but Bangkok is also becoming known as a center of wellness and as an "emerging self-care" destination, according to luxury travel network Virtuoso.

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Cleveland, USA

On April 8, 2024, at 3:13 pm, Cleveland will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. If you need any other reason to visit the largest city on Lake Erie, check out among other attractions the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the nation, established in 1915.

Fort Worth, USA

Looking for a memorable Western experience? Things like stock shows, cattle drives, and bull riding? Then head over to Fort Worth, Texas. And here's a tip: the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will host a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Saddle up, ladies!

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Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul never fails to mesmerize. Lying in both Europe and Asia, Turkey's style capital lures tourists with numerous historic buildings (including the just re-opened Basilica Cistern), world-class museums, and an enviable portfolio of designer restaurants and hotels.

Kansas City, USA

Kansas City, Missouri, is currently in the celebrity spotlight after the pairing of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. In March 2024, the city will celebrate the opening of the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women's pro sports. Visitors can also look forward to a string of new hotel and shopping facilities, including the brand new Rock Island Bridge entertainment complex.

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Las Vegas, USA

What more can be said about Sin City? Quite a lot, actually. The Las Vegas Grand Prix came to town in November 2023, and will again burn rubber in 2024. Meanwhile, the city's newest entertainment venue, the Sphere (pictured overlooking the F1 circuit), has already hosted Adele, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and U2.

Louisville, USA

Louisville, Kentucky, has plenty to look forward to in 2024. First off is the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby, which falls on May 4. Sports fans can also catch 'Ali,' a musical about the Louisville boxing icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. And there's always the engaging Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, recognized for the giant baseball bat adorning the facade.

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Montreal, Canada

Several new hotels are earmarked to open in this most European of North American cities in 2024—all convenient stopovers if you plan to catch the eclipse in its path of totality. Complementing these overnight sensations are new attractions in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower and a new automated light rail system.

Paris, France

When is Paris not on a best places to travel list? The French capital is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, and, as such, visitors can expect an exciting program of sports-related events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the summer.

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Coastal Alaska

The grandeur that is Alaska is simply breathtaking. And it's from the water that some of the most spectacular views of this remote US state are best appreciated. Cruising the coast allows passengers up close and personal views of places like Prince of Wales Island and Skagway, home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Coastal Norway

Similarly, coastal Norway unveils itself in spectacular fashion when viewed from the deck of a cruise ship. And for landlubbers, there's an enviable choice of luxury hotels to check into serving cities like Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen.

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Douro River, Portugal

Away from the ocean but still on water, river cruises on Portugal's Douro River combine a leisurely voyage along one of Europe's most picturesque waterways with wine tourism (demarcated in 1756, the Douro is one of the world's oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.) Hugging the riverbank are numerous quintas , or wine estates, as well as some of the region's trendiest hotel properties, including Six Senses Douro Valley.

Faroe Islands

Not a vacation destination that immediately springs to mind, the Faroe Islands are nonetheless a world-class adventure tourism hotspot. This remote North Atlantic archipelago affords some of the most rewarding hiking found in northern Europe. And get this: foodies can enjoy top-tier dining at restaurants such as Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands' snug capital.

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Kimberley, Australia

The Kimberley was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia. Indeed, its Aboriginal history is believed to be rooted in the world's oldest continuous culture. This is a wild and remote region. Ancient dinosaur tracks are in evidence, found across a landscape more akin to an alien planet. Trekking this untamed wilderness requires courage and a high level of fitness. But Kimberley can also be explored by boat, with a number of specialist cruise companies plying the coastline from May to September.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi is served by a fleet of cruise ships operated by various companies, each offering different packages and cabin categories. Many operations are year-round experiences, with cities like Memphis, St. Louis, and New Orleans providing passengers with exciting excursion options.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

A safari is a dream vacation for many, and especially for nature lovers. Crowned by snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular reserves. Besides the iconic mountain, the park is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants. Among the overnight options for tourists is the recently opened Angama Amboseli safari lodge.

Aspen Mountain, USA

Aspen, Colorado, needs little introduction. It's quite simply one of the most celebrated ski destinations in North America. Known for its high-altitude skiing, Aspen Mountain is as much about discovering nature as negotiating its network of steep, sidewinding runs.

Big Sky, USA

Big Sky, Montana, is a year-round adventure playground offering fishing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing in wide-open spaces. This Rocky Mountains community is just one hour from Yellowstone National Park, thus affording visitors the best of both worlds.

Hokkaido, Japan

On the other side of the world, Japan is well placed on the winter sports calendar. Those in the know head for Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's main islands. Blessed with exceptional snowfall, this is one of the world's premier ski destinations.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal's natural wonders extend to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the magnificent iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park (pictured). Expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and black rhinos, among other splendid beasts.

Mababe, Botswana

Nature lovers have long regaled Botswana as the country of choice for its amazing safari offering. The land is scattered with five-star low-profile lodges set in enclaves known for their sizeable populations of wildlife, for example Mababe, which is also famed for its amazing variety of birds.

New Zealand

New Zealand, it seems, is on everybody's lips. This is the long-haul destination of choice for 2024, according to many travel experts. A compelling year-round destination (remember, the country's peak summer months are from December to March), New Zealand can be as wild or as luxurious as you wish, depending on what you're looking for. A good starting point is Queenstown (pictured), known for its appealing adventure and ski tourism.

Anna Maria Island, USA

Beach vacation destinations to seek out in 2024 include Anna Maria Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast. Unlike many of the state's tourist brochure beaches, Anna Maria's broad expanse of sand is still very much under the radar. Pine Avenue, the island's main thoroughfare, is lined with affordable shops, galleries, and eateries.

Coastal Campania, Italy

Italy's delightfully scenic Amalfi Coast falls within the country's Campania region, an area of exceptional beauty blessed with small, out-of-the-way beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The traditional picture-book veneer is contrasted by some fabulous boutique hotel properties and a focus on fine Italian food and wine.

Costa Rica is another stand-alone country winning plaudits as a destination of choice for 2024. And why not? This rugged, rain-forested Central American nation is renowned for its pristine ecosystems and incredible wildlife. Several new hotels have opened their doors, catering variously to golfers, surfers, and those seeking rest and relaxation in a spa environment.

Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, the verdant island nation of Dominica is an ocean paradise blanketed with rainforest and textured by cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and golden sand. Its eco-friendly hotels and resorts are the envy of the region.

Hawaii Island

Also known as Big Island, Hawaii's reputation as a luxury Pacific Ocean getaway was established decades ago. The devastating fires that impacted both Hawaii Island and Maui in 2023 still resonate, but the destination's environmental credentials and cultural clout already have returning visitors booking early for 2024.

Los Cabos, Mexico

A home from home for many Californians, Los Cabos on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula has long been a firm favorite for those seeking a dreamy, sun-kissed vacation. This is A-list territory, with the plushest five-diamond hotels catering to Hollywood royalty. Golf is a big deal here, as is game fishing.

Mallorca, Spain

Back in Europe, 2024 will see Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, expand its five-star resort and luxury boutique hotel product. While a hugely popular summer holiday destination, it's still possible to get lost on purpose on Mallorca. Its interior is peppered with historic ruins, and the Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

For the truly adventurous, Saudi Arabia conjures up images of remote deserts and ancient civilizations rarely spoken about by those in the West. And while restrictive, this fascinating country is slowly embracing a more ambitious tourism program. AlUla, for example, is an enchanting destination. The resort is set near Hegra, famed for its archaeological wonders, and features a stylish and contemporary hotel and a smaller eco-property.

Bahia, Brazil

When people think of Bahia, they usually focus on Salvador, the capital city. And while Bahia is a coastal state, it's the interior and especially Chapada Diamantina National Park that attracts those seeking an adventure fix. It's where to go off-grid to connect with Mother Nature.

Northern Pakistan

Solo travelers to Northern Pakistan trek through this region as experienced and well-seasoned adventurers. For the less initiated, the best way to explore this untamed corner of the planet is by joining a guided tour.

Peru's trekking routes

Peru's myriad of walking routes take in some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the world. And there's much more to discover beyond the well-trodden Inca Trails and over-Instagrammed Machu Picchu. New for 2024 is an Indigenous-owned company offering high Andes all-women hiking trips that include cooking classes and farm trips.

South Australia

Down under, meanwhile, South Australia is New World wine territory. And while thousands flock to the state's vineyards every year, the recently opened Nilpena Ediacara National Park is providing an exciting diversion for those interested in viewing the oldest fossils on the planet, with some dating back 550 million years.

Sri Lanka is also being touted as a singular destination to investigate in 2024. A small island nation anchored in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka entices with a variety of landscapes, anything from beautiful beaches and lush jungle to cloud-tipped mountains and historic, temple-clad cities.

Sources: (Travel + Leisure) (UNESCO) (Virtuoso)

See also: People, places, and surprising things that 100 in 2024

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