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It didn’t take much time for Munich, one of Germany’s most charming cities to grow from a small market place to a proper city. Thanks to its advantageous locations like; historic sights, world-class museums, stunning architecture, sleek BMW Welt and lively beer gardens, they all have contributed a great deal to get this recognition. If you’re planning a visit, our guide to the best things to do in Munich will make your trip truly worth it.

Top Things To Do In Munich 

Be it the old town charm or its cutting edge modern technology, this beautiful city has something for everyone. Below are some of our top picks that cannot be missed while visiting Munich.

1. Walk Around Marienplatz Square

munich weather is cold during winters
Beautiful reflection of the city on the river.

Walking around Marienplatz square is one of the best things to do in Munich as there is always something going on here. From historic buildings to lively Christmas markets, from street performers to great cafés, Marienplatz is literally the heart of Munich. This square was found in the year 1158 by Henry the Lion and this is where all the celebrations have been happening since then. The square looks exceptionally beautiful around evening time when the whole place is lit. 

2. Admire Architecture At Odeonsplatz

top munich attractions
Majestic lions on the stairs of the Feldherrnhalle.

Due to its abundance of beautiful historic buildings, Odeonsplatz is one of the most popular things to do in Munich after Marienplatz. The Munich Residenz’s entrance is located on one side of the square, while Theatiner Church, a stunning example of 17th-century Baroque architecture, is located on the other. Additionally, there are other lovely avenues that branch off the square, including Ludwigstrasse, Briennerstrasse, and Leopoldstrasse, as well as the majestic lions that flank the stairs of the Feldherrnhalle, better known as the Field Marshall’s Hall.

3. Feel Royal At Nymphenburg Palace 

one of the must places to visit in munich
The palace’s majesty endures even tourists even today.

This palace is situated in Munich’s lovely Neuhausen-Nymphenburg neighborhood, a residential area, just a half-hour’s drive from the central S-bahn station. Built in 1664 with baroque design, the palace’s majesty endures even today. The palace was once the summer residence of Bavarian monarchs, hence Baroque architecture is at its best here. The boating lake, expansive gardens, museums, chandeliers, ornaments, and exquisite artwork on the walls and ceilings are a must see. 

4. Take A Guided Tour Of Olympiapark

Olympiapark was constructed for the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972
Aerial view of the Olympiapark in Munich.

Olympiapark, which was constructed for the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972, continues to draw large crowds of people all year long. The park was an architectural wonder when it was built, and its futuristic spaces are still breathtaking to see. While many of the facilities are accessible to the general public, you can engage in a variety of water sports, including zip-lining, ice skating, and skiing. One activity that is well worth your time is taking one of the guided tours, particularly the Architec-Tour, which teaches you about the incredible construction of the Olympic buildings. Olympiapark was also the site of the horrific slaughter of eleven Israelis that occurred during the 1972 Olympic Games.

Click Here To Book Your Munich Olympiapark Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Activity

5. Visit The BMW Museum And Welt

well-known automaker BMW
Well-known automaker BMW museum.

Munich sightseeing should not be limited to history and architecture, at least not in the conventional sense. Munich’s economy has been greatly impacted by the well-known automaker BMW, which was established in the city just over a century ago. When the BMW Museum first opened in the 1970’s, it was a hugely popular destination. The museum was closed for renovations from 2004 to 2008 in order to make room for the new BMW Welt, which was built nearby. Today, these locations draw large crowds of tourists each year, so seeing them should be on your list of top places to visit in Munich.

6. Relax At The English Garden

Famous English Garden in Germany
English Garden is called as the Englischer Garten in German.

The English Garden, also known as the Englischer Garten in German, is the most well-known park in the city and a popular destination in Munich. You won’t know where to begin because there are so many things to do here. Both locals and tourists visit the place for jogging, cycling, picnic, river surfing, paddle boating or simply to unwind. After exhausting with all the activities, you may unwind and rejuvenate at one of the cafés or beer gardens. Additionally, you can also go to the Greek Temple, the Chinese Tower, and the Japanese Teahouse.

7. Have A Mug Of Beer At Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall

Hofbrauhaus am Platzl, one of the city's oldest beer halls
Hofbrauhaus am Platzl is one of the city’s oldest beer halls.

As previously stated, beer plays a significant role in Munich’s cultural life, therefore visiting one of the city’s many beer halls must be at the top of your list of things to do in Munich. Hofbrauhaus am Platzl, one of the city’s oldest beer halls and a former royal brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria, has seen many famous people pass through its doors. Mozart, the classical composer, lived nearby and frequently visited the beer hall, as did Russian terrorist Vladimir Lenin during his time in Munich before World War I. Your trip to Munich is incomplete if you have not tasted the traditional Bavarian food and beer here. 

8. Attend The Oktoberfest

popular oktoberfest munich
Huge crowd of people enjoying the festival.

Munich’s culture is heavily reliant on festivals, the most well-known of which is Oktoberfest Munich. The festival, which spans 16 to 18 days from mid- to late-September, is the world’s largest Volksfest, which combines a traveling funfair with a German beer festival. It draws about six million visitors annually. People with traditional Bavarian costumes such a lederhosen for men and dirndl for women can be seen wearing throughout the festival. There will also be lively live music from both traditional brass bands, dancing on the tables, a ton of delectable Bavarian food, and, of course, a ton of beer.

Also Read: Visiting Munich During Oktoberfest

9. Stroll Through Viktualienmarkt

Munich's top food market
Vegetable and local products for sale at Viktualienmarkt in Munich, Germany

Visit Munich’s food market, Viktualienmarkt, if you’re a little sick of spending all of your time in beer halls. The market was first located in Marienplatz, but in the early 19th century it was transferred to its current site because it had grown too large for the main plaza. There are about 140 indoor and outdoor vendors selling a variety of fresh products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, and even specialty items. It’s a terrific spot to visit and see residents buy all their supplies for the week. At the end of the day get yourself a satisfying meal by selecting your preferred fare from a variety of vendors.

10. Hit The Waves With River Surfing

surfers may be seen getting ready and hitting the waves
Surfers getting ready and hit the waves.

The strange sport of river surfing originated in Munich, making it a cool thing to do when visiting the city. This is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Munich that you wouldn’t expect to be on the list. Many surfers may be seen getting ready and hitting the waves on their surfboards along the Eisbach Canal, which runs along the edge of the English Garden. The best thing about river surfing is that it’s not a season-specific activity as people do it all year long, even in the bitterly cold winter months. 

11. Book A Customized Sightseeing Tour

popular tours to choose from
Hop-on-hop off red tour buses.

With a tour that you may tailor to your preferences, discover the hidden treasures and secrets of Munich’s old town. The best thing about customized tours is, you get to pick the landmarks you wish to see and fix the duration of the tour. Other popular tours to choose from are walking tours, hop-on hop-off bus tours, day trips of your choice and historical tours. 

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Munich?

The best time to visit Munich attractions is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these months Munich weather is very pleasant, which is great for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

What is the most famous thing in Munich?

Munich is known for a variety of famous landmarks and cultural attractions. Some of the most well-known include the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Marienplatz (city center), English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, and Deutsches Museum. Beyond these, the city also boasts the Allianz Arena (football stadium), BMW Welt, and Olympiapark.  

What are the best day trips from Munich?

Listed below are some of the most popular day trips from Munich: 
– Neuschwanstein & Linderhof – Fairytale Castles Tour
– Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest Day Trip
– Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail
– Romantic Road, Rothenburg, and Harburg Day Tour
– VIP Day Trip Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle 
– Full-Day Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour
– Munich Old Town Walking Tour

Are museums and public attractions in Munich open on Sundays?

Most of the museums and tourist attractions are open on Sundays. However some of the small shops have a different opening time for Sundays, so make sure to check before planning a visit.

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