The Best Things To Do In Munich

Munich is the capital of the German state Bavaria, which presents unique culture and customs, representing what the world sees as typically German. Walking through its streets you may see flower boxes of geraniums, beergardens shaded by big chestnut trees and at times people in Dirndl (traditional dresses) and Lederhosen (leather pants). But that’s not all Munich is about: this big but laid-back city provides great architecture, museums, art galleries and a vivid nightlife. Its numerous tourist attractions and rich history make it one of Germany’s most popular cities to visit.

Dating back to the middle ages it features many beautiful buildings: visit the royal palace of the Residenz and stroll through beautiful Baroque architecture of the city center making a stop in one of the many street cafes. See the big Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), visit the recreational complex of Olympiapark or the Baroque castle Schloss Nymphenburg. Go see the Viktualienmarkt, a centuries old eating area and produce market, and walk over the central square Marienplatz to see the New Town Hall with the world-famous carillon. After the cultural experience, take a walk through the lovely English garden, a huge park with a small river flowing through, featuring a man-made wave to surf on!

Munich is a rich city, offering many luxurious shopping opportunities, exclusive restaurants, bars and clubs, yet it holds a rustic and relaxed feel. It hosts the annual Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk fair, which attracts millions of visitors every year! If you’re not there during that time of year, visit the Hofbräuhaus, a famous beer hall, and taste the sausages, pretzels and roast while having a big jug of beer called a stein.

Take a day trip to nearby lake Starnberger See or the world-famous Schloss Neuschwanstein, a beautiful castle sitting on a mountain top. This dreamy palace was used by Walt Disney to create the Disney castle!

Exploring Munich’s many treasures will reward you with a rich cultural and culinary experience in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a must-see on your journey!

HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUNICH…

Marienplatz

Get your bearings in Munich with a visit to Marienplatz, the hub of the city centre since the twelfth-century. Originally the square was busy as a marketplace, today it is the location of the New Town Hall, and is bordered by boutique shops and restaurants. Visit the square at 11am, 12pm or 5pm, and join the crowds in witnessing the Glockenspiel chime, with 32 characters acting out historical events of the past!

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Whilst being very confronting, a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site provides a fascinating insight into this terrible chapter in history. Established in 1933, more than 40,000 were murdered here, and over 200,000 more were imprisoned, until its liberation in 1945. The visit will take you through the fate of those imprisoned, through to either death or liberation.

Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

Step back in time to the opulence of the past, with a visit to the Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg), which dates to the seventeenth-century and was the residence of the ruling families of the past. Explore the palace, and absorb the magnificent history as you admire exquisite ornaments, tapestries and portraits. Stroll through the buildings that house carriages and relax in the perfectly manicured gardens, or take a gondola ride on the lake!

Neuschwanstein Castle

When you visit Neuschwanstein Castle, childhood memories of the Disney classic, “Sleeping Beauty”, will come flooding back to you, as this was the place which inspired the design of the castle used in that movie! Enjoy the fairy-tale charm of this magnificent castle, explore the fabulous decorations, and take in the spectacular views. Guided tours last around 30-minutes and it is best to buy advance tickets!

English Garden (Englischer Garten)

Take a break from exploring the city and relax in the expanse of the English Garden (Englischer Garten), which is spread over 370 hectares. Why not have a picnic, and people-watch as the locals go about their day, or stroll along the walkways and take a paddle boat ride on the lake! Enjoy a meal and a drink at the Japanese Teahouse and Chinese Tower, and of course have a beer while listening to traditional Bavarian music. What a way to relax!

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) is an architectural gem, located in the heart of the Old Town. Admire the beautiful architecture and explore the magnificent tower to enjoy spectacular views over the city. If that’s not enough, the tower is also home to the marvellous Toy Museum, which has a special collection of a wide range of antique toys!

Linderhof Palace

Take some time to visit Linderhof Castle, the smallest of the palaces built by King Ludwig II, which dates back to the 1860’s. The gardens are exquisite, and as you stroll through the grounds, there are many grottos and huts to admire. The palace itself is ornate, and modelled on a “mini Versailles”, and the guided tour will provide you with the fascinating story of its long and extensive history.

Beer & Oktoberfest Museum

A visit to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum takes you into a one of the oldest town houses in the city – dating back to the 1300’s – and explores the history of the drink and the festival, that is so very intertwined with the life of Munich. Explore the art of brewing beer and learn how Oktoberfest evolved from a small festival of the past, to the massive annual event it is today, with six-million beer lovers flocking to the city each year.

Herrenchiemsee

Located on the island of Herreninsel, take a ferry to visit Herrenchiemsee, a palace built by King Ludwig II in the late 1800’s. The palace was only partly completed when the king died, so there is a mix of opulent spaces, as well as rooms that are incomplete, which provides great insight into the construction. The guided tour will provide a fascinating look into the history of the times, and also take you through the magnificent gardens!

Fraueninsel (Frauenchiemsee)

Take a relaxing trip to the island of Fraueninsel – located on the Chiemsee – and enjoy a day of history, arts, crafts, and great meals. Dating back to the eighth-century and rebuilt in the eighteenth-century, explore the Benedictine convent and stroll the streets where the local artisans, pubs and cafes have their wares. Then stop for a while and people-watch as you soak up the magnificent beauty of this island!

Hofbrauhaus

As you explore the city of Munich, right in the centre, you will find the iconic Hofbrauhaus; surely one of the most famous beer halls in the world. Join locals and tourists alike, and enjoy a stein or two of fantastic German beer, while you relax and listen to traditional music! It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the city!

The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road leads through unspoiled areas, picturesque villages and past medieval castles. This attractive area gives the travelers a taste of typical German scenery and culture. As a former trade route built in the Middle Ages, the road has retained its medieval charm and distinctive character to this day. Take a half-day trip to Heidelberg, the old university town at the banks of Neckar River, including a visit of the inner courtyard of Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive historic landmarks of Germany.