For those who haven’t been to Munich you’re lacking out! The capital metropolis of Bavaria is crammed with historical past and beer halls, inexperienced areas, and loads of museums. Whether or not you’re visiting Munich for its famed Oktoberfest or just having fun with its beer gardens and upbeat vitality, you’re going to love your time in Munich. These are one of the best issues to do in Munich, Germany that you simply can’t miss!
Greatest Issues to Do in Munich
Munich is the capital and largest metropolis of the German state of Bavaria, positioned within the southeastern a part of the nation. With a inhabitants of over 1.5 million folks, it’s the third-largest metropolis in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. Munich obtained its title from the monks who based it. München means monk in German, therefore the title Munich.
If you’re planning a highway journey by way of Bavaria or just touring round to see one of the best cities in Germany, you’re going to love Munich. We’re highlighting one of the best locations to go to in Munich that you just can’t miss! You may additionally like: The Important Information to Germany’s Romantic Highway
With its lengthy historical past relationship again to the center ages to its fashionable achievements being a hub of innovation and know-how, Munich blends the outdated and new with ease. The town is dwelling to many worldwide firms, together with BMW and Siemens, and is dwelling to many world-class universities and analysis establishments.
Would you like quick access to all the highest locations to go to in Munich? Reserving the hop-on-hop-off-bus permits you to select from a 1 or 2 day ticket to see the highest sights in Munich. The bus stops at sights within the metropolis middle, Previous City, English Backyard, and outdoors together with Nymphenburg Palace and Olympic Park.
1. Marvel at Marienplatz
One of many first locations you will need to go to in Munich is Marienplatz. It’s the guts of the town and the assembly level for many excursions. Marienplatz obtained its title from the Marian column that was erected to rejoice the withdrawal of Swedish troops after the 30 Years’ Warfare. You possibly can see the golden statue of Mary on the prime of the altar. It additionally homes the Previous City Corridor (Altes Rathaus) and the New City Corridor (Neues Rathaus).
That is the place to be within the night in quest of procuring and cafes, however we recommend visiting within the morning when the crowds are at their least.
The easiest way get acquainted with a metropolis is to take a strolling tour, this extremely rated Munich metropolis strolling tour begins in Marianplaz the place you’ll see the outdated and new city halls earlier than strolling to see the town middle highlights comparable to Frauenkirche and the Munich Residenz. You’ll then make your strategy to see a few of Munich’s well-known beer halls and the English Backyard. You possibly can e book your tour upfront with simple cancellation (full refund) inside 24 hours of exercise.
2. Neues Rathaus (New City Corridor)
Neues Rathaus is a stand out of the sq. with its imposing Neo-Gothic facade standing entrance and middle. Accomplished in 1905, it changed the outdated metropolis corridor because the headquarters for native authorities when Munich’s inhabitants boomed through the last a long time of the 1800s. Guests can go inside to climb to the highest of the statement tower for a panoramic view of the town.
The New City Corridor includes a clock tower that stands at 85 meters tall. It serves because the seat of the Munich metropolis council and the mayor’s workplace, and it homes numerous administrative places of work. The constructing additionally consists of a big ceremonial corridor that’s usually used for public occasions and concert events.
3. The Glockenspiel at Neues Rathaus (New City Corridor)
One of the crucial notable options of the New City Corridor is its Glockenspiel, which is a mechanical clock that performs music and options transferring figures. The Glockenspiel chimes twice every day at 11 am and at 12 pm, and from March to October moreover at 5 pm. On daily basis at 9 pm the evening watchman blows his horn whereas the angel blesses the Münchner Kindl.
Situated within the tower of Neues Rathaus, the Glockenspiel is a set of 43 bells and 32 figures. The collectible figurines inform tales from Munich’s historical past together with the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V and the dance of the barrel makers who helped maintain spirits alive through the plague.
Whereas the New Metropolis Corridor stands out as the largest constructing in Marienplatz, probably the most well-known attraction in Marienplatz (and maybe all of Munich) is definitely the Glockenspiel.
4. Previous City Corridor
The Previous City Corridor, or Altes Rathaus can be discovered within the space and is value trying out. Relationship again to 1310 and is taken into account one of the crucial vital landmarks within the metropolis. It has undergone many renovations over the centuries touchdown at its present neo-gothic fashion in 1864.
Distinctive options of the constructing embody the pass-throughs on the bottom flooring that have been created within the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to permit for visitors.
It was initially used as a gathering place for the town council and served as the middle of political energy in Munich for a few years till 1874.
5. Christmas Markets
For those who journey to Munich in December, you’ll expertise the Christmas Markets of Marienplatz. It’s tough to prime the Christmas markets of Germany and Munich has a number of the finest. Marienplatz is the most important and most well-known market to go to in Munich however there are Christmas markets all through the town.
Others embody Tollwood Winter Competition within the Theresienwiese space of Munich, Christmas Market on the Munich Residenz, the Christmas Market on the Chinese language Tower and the Schwabing Christmas Market.
These markets are crammed with distributors promoting all the pieces from mulled wine, at hand made toys, Bavarian presents and crafts and Bavarian food and drinks. Learn: Christmas Markets and European River Cruise Ideas
6. English Backyard – Englischer Garten
It’s simple to get out to nature in Munich. Simply on the sting of city is the English Backyard (Englischer Garten) which is the most important backyard in continental Europe. You possibly can simply spend a day enjoyable within the solar and taking within the scene. It was modeled after an English Backyard to perfection.
Every little thing is handmade to create a way of calm with artifical ponds, rivers, waterfalls, and hand-planted bushes to recreate the royal English gardens. You are able to do all the pieces from biking the paved paths to taking part in soccer, and slacklining, and you’ll even sunbathe within the nude. Sure, Englischer Garten is a clothing-optional park.
7. Watch River Browsing on the Eisbach River
One of many coolest issues to do in Munich is to make your strategy to the Eisbach River close to the English Backyard to observe river surfers. River browsing could be very common in Munich however be warned, don’t try it if you happen to don’t have expertise. Through the day you’ll see professional surfers using the waves in downtown Munich.
The surfers have been doing this since 1972, nevertheless it solely grew to become authorized in 2010 after Munich handed the Frequent Sense Legislation. The Ice River was fashioned by diverting the primary river to wash up all rivers within the park.
Willy Wonka
If you’re a film buff then it would be best to try some film places in Munich. The unique Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit was filmed in Munich and there are a number of places to go to in Munich the place the well-known film was filmed. all through the town the place you’ll be able to see movie places.
We stopped at a number of places together with the gates the place Charlie is peering into the manufacturing unit imagining the superb thigns occurring inside at München Gaswerk. Try Reelstreets for places and you are able to do your individual self guided tour.
8. Hop on a Bike with Radius Excursions
If you wish to take pleasure in lots of the finest locations to go to in Munich is a short while, a bicycle tour is the way in which to go. We took a biking tour with Radius Excursions and noticed all the highlights in a brief half day journey. (ask for Tim!) Biking is a superb strategy to see the town of Munich as this metropolis could be very bike pleasant.
It’s simple to get round, the town middle has a small downtown core and you’ll see lots in a brief quantity. You possibly can e book your tour with them right here.
Munich has nice biking trails, and bike paths so don’t have to fret about visitors. You possibly can hire bikes for about $30 USD to take a self-guided tour or e book a guided tour with Radius Tour. We actually beloved the perception and knowledge we obtained from our guided tour.
9. Royal Residenz
The Royal Residenz is one in all Europe’s nice residences and one of many largest museums in Bavaria. The Munich Residenz is huge palace that homes 10 inside plazas crammed with historical past.
The Residenz served because the seat of presidency and royal residence from 1508 to 1918. Spanning the centuries, this magnificent palace showcases rooms crammed with artwork and furnishings from the Renaissance by way of Baroque, and Neoclassicism.
10. store on Maximillianstrasse
Whereas exploring the Royal Residenz, make certain to take a stroll alongside the costliest road in all of Germany. Maximillianstrasse has all the high-end procuring, luxurious boutiques, galleries, and designers. You’ll discover Gucci, Chanel, Fendi..all the standard costly manufacturers.
It’s right here that you simply’ll additionally discover the historic Resort Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München. If you’re searching for a luxurious keep in Munich, that is the place!
11. Müller’sches Volksbad (Müllersches Public Baths)
If river browsing is a bit a lot however you continue to need to get moist, try the Müller’sches Volksbad swimming pool. The Artwork Nouveau design is value seeing alone however this public swimming pool additionally has a sauna, steam baths, and therapeutic massage. It’s a good way to calm down these travel-weary muscle tissue in Munich’s oldest public pool which dates again to 1901.
12. Odeonsplatz
One other sq. that you will need to see in Munich is Odeonsplatz. King Ludwig I modeled the sq. after the squares of Italy. The Roman-inspired neoclassical buildings make you’re feeling as if you’re in a bit slice of Rome. Within the sq., you’ll see Feldherrnhalle (Subject Marshalls’ Corridor), a monument devoted to the Bavarian military by Ludwig I Residence on one aspect, and Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church) devoted to the start of Prince Max Emanuel in 1662.
13. Memorial Alley
When visiting Odeonsplatz, remember to discuss a stroll across the nook in quest of the Golden cobblestones. This unassuming monument pays tribute to those that defied the Third Reich. This alley is positioned in entrance of what was on the time the headquarters of the Third Reich and other people have been required to provide the Nazi salute when strolling by.
Folks averted strolling in entrance of the constructing by taking a shortcut by way of this alleyway and when the Reich caught on to what was occurring, they killed those that dared to defy Hitler. This memorial pays tribute to those that paid the last word worth.
14. Documentation Centre
It’s not probably the most uplifting of issues to do in Munich, however we really feel that it is vital. The Documentation Centre is a museum and memorial of remembrance that paperwork and addresses the crimes of the Nazi dictatorship.
We should be taught from the previous and the folks of Munich and Germany don’t draw back from the previous and as an alternative be taught from it. The Centre sits on the Former nazi headquarters that have been both demolished or left empty.
15. Hoffbrauhaus
It could be touristy and it could be busy, however if in case you have one beer in Munich, you will need to go into Hofbraeuhaus. Hofbraeuhaus is among the most well-known taverns on the earth, and no journey to Munich can be full with out going inside to really feel its vitality and enjoyable! Get pleasure from Bavarian leisure, pretzels, and a large pint of Bavarian beer.
The usual-size beer is served in a 1-liter mug! This 500-year-old tavern was based in 1589 by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria, and sits within the coronary heart of Munich. It has been a gathering place for hundreds of years and it feels as if in case you have stepped again in time to a wild Bavarian occasion. Servers are wearing conventional Bavarian Lederhosen, and Bavarian bands are taking part in as crowds sit in traces alongside the wood tables.
16. Oktoberfest
Talking of beer, Munich is famed for its beer celebrations. If you’re fortunate sufficient to go to in September, you’ll be able to participate in Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer pageant. Oktoberfest was began by King Ludwik I in 1810. He was the primary king of Bavaria and as a present to his spouse, he invited the folks of Bavaria to come back and rejoice.
That they had horse races, dancing, performances, and celebrations. Oh, and beer. Numerous beer. The custom continued and Oktoberfest was born. It has grown into an 18-day pageant attracting 6 million guests a 12 months.
17. Oktoberfest Museum
If you wish to be taught extra about Oktoberfest (and never visiting through the pageant) you’ll be able to try the Oktoberfest Museum positioned in Munich’s oldest townhouse at #2 Sterneckerstrasse.
18. Beer Gardens
If you’re not in Munich throughout Oktoberfest, by no means concern, beer remains to be a big a part of the tradition. Two of the world’s largest beer gardens are positioned in Munich. The beer backyard was born in Munich out of necessity. Beer was initially brewed underground to maintain the casks heat.
White gravel was then positioned above the tunnels to replicate the solar and Chesnut bushes have been planted to create shade. Their low root system was appropriate to not destroy the underground storage because the roots wouldn’t penetrate too deeply. Again within the day, the one issues served have been beer, pretzels, and radishes. At this time, you’ll be able to convey your individual meals so long as you buy a beer.
19. Chinese language Tower (Chinesischen Turm)
Chinesischen Turm (The Chinese language Tower) is the second-largest beer backyard positioned within the English Gardens. It is a great spot to cease for a pint as you sit beneath the shade of its chestnut bushes. Modeled after a Chinese language pagoda, this can be a actually cool place to go for a pint.
If you’re questioning what the most important beer backyard on the earth is, it’s Hirschgarten additionally positioned in Munich. Hirschgarten is the most important beer backyard in Munich with 8000+ seats and it’s common with the locals.
20. Frauenkirch
You possibly can’t miss seeing Frauenkirche – the Cathedral Church of Our Woman. Its excessive spires tower over Munich’s Previous City. These towers truly survived common bombings of WWII and nonetheless stand at the moment due to the truth that no highrises might be constructed round it. Guests can climb as much as the highest of the towers for a fowl’s eye view of Munich.
Whenever you do go inside, remember to maintain a watch out for The Satan’s footprint. It was believed that the satan stomped his foot on the entrance after changing into irritated with yet one more constructing that was made in God’s title.
21. Viktualienmarkt
Even Munich’s farmers market has a beer backyard. Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s most important meals market with greater than 100 distributors promoting fruit and greens, a butchers’ corridor, fish corridor, and flower retailers. When the market grew too huge in Marienplatz, King Maximilian I moved the market in 1807. It has expanded and grown over the centuries and is Munich’s favourite procuring and gathering place.
22. Asam Church
Whereas Frauenkirch stands out as the largest and most imposing church in Munich, Asam Church is probably the most fascinating church to go to in Munich. The Rococo Asam Church was designed by the well-known Asam Brothers in 1746. They have been a painter and a sculptor who modeled it within the Baroque fashion. Its ornate facade attracts guests, however as soon as inside is if you actually see the murals. Its ornate gold finishings and work make it one of many must-see issues in Munich.
23. St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Munich housing the oldest bells in Munich in its clocktowers. Situated within the coronary heart of the town’s historic district, St. Peter’s Church dates again to the twelfth century.
The church has a definite Baroque fashion and options stunning frescoes, ornate altars, and complicated stucco work. Contained in the church, guests can see the ornate excessive altar, which dates again to the 18th century and includes a gorgeous sculpture of St. Peter.
Take a stroll alongside its exterior to see the outdated graves on the partitions and ensure to stroll as much as the highest of its 56-meter-high viewing platform for views of Marienplatz (Munich’s Central Sq.) and Metropolis Corridor (New Rathaus) plus Frauenkirche (Church of Our Woman) and panoramic vistas of Previous Munich.
The tower of St. Peter’s Church is accessible by way of a slender spiral staircase and is certainly definitely worth the climb for the panoramic views. St. Peter’s Church has among the best views of Munich and presents that iconic scene that’s you realize from so many information books.
St. Peter’s Church remains to be an lively place of worship and holds every day companies for the area people. Guests are welcome to attend these companies or to easily discover the church and its stunning structure and art work. The church additionally presents guided excursions, which give guests with extra details about its historical past and significance.
24. Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera)
The Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) is among the world’s main opera corporations and is positioned in Munich, Germany. The corporate was based in 1653 and is positioned within the Nationwide Theatre. If you’re searching for issues to do in Munich at evening, the corporate performs a variety of operas from the basic repertoire, in addition to modern works and new productions. The Bayerische Staatsoper additionally hosts ballet performances and concert events all year long.
Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich presents guided excursions of its services, together with the Nationwide Theatre, the place the opera firm is predicated. The excursions present guests with a behind-the-scenes have a look at the theater, together with the stage, the orchestra pit, the costume and make-up rooms, and different areas not usually accessible to the general public. The excursions can be found in a number of languages and are led by educated guides who can reply questions and supply perception into the world of opera.
25. Olympic Park
Situated exterior of city, Olympic Park is to not be missed when visiting Munich. Munich was host to the 1972 Olympics and this stunning park is an incredible strategy to spend the afternoon. There are parks, waterways, lakes, and the Olympic stadium.
26. Olympia Tower
A spotlight for us was going up Olympia Tower. It has one of the crucial stunning views in Munich with a 360-degree vista of Munich and the Alps. It’s the highest viewpoint in all of Munich and if you end up up there, you’ll not solely see views however there’s a museum that showcases the acts which have carried out at Olympic Stadium over time, a restaurant.
27. BMW Museum – The BMW Welt
When you are out at Olympic Park remember to cease in on the BMW Museum. Situated on the BMW manufacturing unit and headquarters, the BMW Welt isn’t solely a museum, it’s an architectural surprise. There are 125 makes and fashions of BMW vehicles and bikes spanning the large complicated.
28. Michael Jackon’s Memorial
If you’re searching for one thing quirky to see in Munich, try the Michael Jackson Memorial. Michael Jackson frequented Munich and in entrance of his favourite lodge there’s a makeshift memorial to Jackson on the Orlando de Lace monument. His statue has been taken over by Michael Jackson memorabilia left by adoring followers.
29. Museums in Munich
One may spend weeks exploring all of Munich’s museums and artwork galleries. In reality, there are 126 museums in Munich. There are artwork museums, historical past museums, fashionable museums, and science. Munich museums that aren’t to be missed are Alte Pinakothek (Previous Image Gallery), the Neue Pinakothek (New Image Gallery, The Pinakothek der Moderne (Trendy Artwork Museum), the Museum Brandhorst and the Sammlung Schack.
30. Deutsches Museum
Selecting museums to see in Munich might be overwhelming with so lots of them, however the Deutsches Museum is a cool place to go to in Museum to take a stroll by way of time. This museum of know-how is the most important of its form in Europe taking you from early improvements to the high-tech world of at the moment. One cool factor to see is a duplicate of the Crimson Baron’s aircraft from WWI.
31. Oldest Museum in Munich
The Glyptothek is the oldest museum in Munich and is value trying out. We talked about King Ludwig’s love for Italy above and this museum homes his assortment of classical Greek and Roman sculptures. It dates again to 1830.
32. Bavarian Nationwide Museum
No journey to Munich can be full with out a go to to the Bavarian Nationwide Museum. Based by King Maximilian II in 1855 it is among the most vital museums in Bavaria showcasing its cultural historical past and artwork and artifacts relationship again to prehistoric occasions.
Scorching Tip: Each Sunday, some museums price €1: Museums embody the Alte Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne or the Brandhorst Museum, the Bavarian Nationwide Museum, and the Museum of Man and Nature and plenty of extra. Examine the official web site to see what museums supply €1 entry.
33. Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)
Nymphenburg Palace is an attractive sprawling palace that was used as the primary summer time residence for the former rulers of Bavaria of the Home of Wittelsbach. Locations of word to see are The Corridor of Mirrors, Grand Corridor, Carriage Home, and the Royal Searching Lodge.
Schloss Nymphenburg is positioned half-hour exterior the town middle and you will get there by tram. Or Nymphenburg Palaces is a cease on the hop on hop off bus that makes it simple to get across the metropolis to see the highest locations to go to in Munich at your individual tempo. You possibly can then e book a guided tour to see inside Nymphenburg Palace as you be taught in regards to the historical past of the cancel.
Greatest Day Journeys from Munich
When visiting Munich, you will need to not neglect to discover Bavaria. This is among the finest locations in Germany for out of doors adventures, stunning fairytale castles, and interesting historical past. When you want weeks to actually discover it, a number of the finest day journeys from Munich are only a quick drive away.
34. Neuschwanstein Citadel
Neuschwanstein Citadel is the epitome of the fairytale castles one involves count on from Europe. In reality, Walt Disney modeled Cinderella’s fort after Neuschwanstein Citadel. Situated simply 90 minutes from Munich, that is the fort is to not be missed.
35. Linderhof Palace
Set throughout the rolling Bavarian countryside Linderhof Palace is one in all three separate nation palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II. The palace incorporates sculptures and statues, a fountain that reaches 25 meters excessive from stress alone and gardens. It is a stunning palace modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France.
36. Dachau Memorial Web site
The Dachau Focus Camp is a somber memorial to those that died through the Nazi Regime. It was the primary focus camp constructed by Nazi Germany and serves as a reminder of the atrocities that have been dedicated by the regime. It is a historic website that’s to be revered when visiting to honor those that suffered tremendously throughout World Warfare II.
37. Salzburg
Wish to pop into Austria? Make sure that to go to the town of Salzburg if in case you have the time. We all the time love including a rustic to our record when touring and that is a simple day journey from Munich. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and is considerably recognized for its Baroque structure. In reality, due to this, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
And these are one of the best issues to do in Munich Germany. Munich is one in all Germany’s most fun cities. It took us a number of visits to Germany earlier than visiting Munich and we want we did it sooner. It has simply turned shot to the highest of our record of one of the best cities in Europe to go to in your lifetime.
Getting Round Munich
It’s simple to get round Munich with public transport. Their public transit system goes in all places, actually economical. You possibly can simply interchange from one mode of transportation to a different with a legitimate ticket. Notice: make certain to validate your ticket earlier than getting on the practice
- The U-Bahn (underground railway) is quick and environment friendly avoiding visitors and congestion.
- Straßenbahn (tram) – This is a superb mode of transportation in Munich with many stops.
- S-Bahn (aboveground railway) – much like the U-Bahn nevertheless it runs above floor.
Strolling – Downtown Munich is a really walkable metropolis and you’ll see a number of the highest sights in Munich by foot.
Biking – Biking is certainly our favorite strategy to get round Munich when the climate is good. With 1,200 kilometers of biking trails, Munich is certainly a bike-friendly metropolis.
For exploring Bavaria, we rented a automobile and this actually was one of the best ways to get round this stunning part of Germany. See CarRentals.com for worth comparisons
The place to Keep in Munich
We stayed on the Hilton Backyard Inn at Munich Metropolis West. It’s near the metro and is simply two stops from the primary sq.. However there are numerous nice locations to remain in Munich to take advantage of your time within the metropolis.
Altstadt
That is Munich’s historic middle and is a good alternative for guests who need to be near the town’s most important sights, comparable to Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and the Hofbräuhaus. Resorts on this space could be a bit costlier, however the comfort is value it for a lot of vacationers.
The Mandarin Oriental – The Mandarin Oriental is the premiere luxurious lodge in Munich Altstadt. It’s 5-minute stroll from Marienplatz Sq. and close to Maximilianstraße. Handy location with 5 star luxurious.
Maxvorstadt
This fashionable neighborhood is dwelling to lots of Munich’s finest museums, galleries, and universities. It’s an ideal alternative for tradition vultures who need to be near the motion and expertise the town’s vibrant artwork scene.
Schwabing
This bohemian neighborhood is thought for its laid-back vibe, colourful road artwork, and charming cafes and bars. It’s an ideal alternative for vacationers who need to expertise Munich’s extra offbeat aspect.
Haidhausen
This historic neighborhood is positioned simply throughout the river from the Altstadt and is thought for its picturesque streets and charming structure. It’s an ideal alternative for vacationers who need to expertise Munich’s quieter aspect whereas nonetheless being near the town middle.
Glockenbachviertel
This hip neighborhood is thought for its fashionable cafes, bars, and boutiques. It’s an ideal alternative for younger vacationers who need to expertise Munich’s nightlife and see how the locals dwell.
And there you have got it, one of the best issues to do in Munich, Germany.
