10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Munich, Germany - Updated 2024

Shayan
Shayan 
Updated
| 5 min read

Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, Germany, is famous for its beautiful Italian style architecture, rich culture, and the annual beer festival called Oktoberfest. Munich also has some of the best museums in Europe, which in some ways is also believed to surpass even the ones present in Berlin. In a city like Munich filled with joie de vivre, happiness and joyfulness are never short lived. This is why the southernmost city of Gemrnay attracts so many young students and travelers. You might be familiar with the famous Marienplatz and other common itineraries that tourists visit on a daily basis. However, if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Munich, you have come to the right place. In this post, we have elaborated a list of non-touristy things to do while you’re in Munich, Germany.

1. Explore the Christmas markets in Old Town (from USD 22.0)

Celebrate Christmas in Munich by taking a two-hour tour of Munich’s Christmas Markets. Indulge in the local spirit and sync yourself with the holiday vibe. Here, you can sample some local delicacies such as the gingerbread cookie which has been a staple since the 14th century. You can also buy local handicrafts and whilst you’re at it, sip on some glühwein (mulled wine) and enjoy the local spirit.

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Munich Christmas Markets Tour

Duration: 2 hours

82 reviews

2. Party like a local at Munich Spring Festival (from USD 148.0)

If you have heard of the famous Oktoberfest, then consider this next festival as its sister. The spring festival is a celebration filled with lots of fun and entertainment. Spend your time singing, dancing and eating delicious Bavarian food. You can also get a mug of beer at carousel bar and become a part of the crazy horde of individuals celebrating the festival. Campers will receive a pre-erected tent, breakfast and dinner. For those looking for an international vibe, definitely consider visiting the spring festival in Munich.

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Munich Springfest Overnight Camping Package Including Breakfast

Duration: 3 to 7 days

3. Experience the Bavarian Culture at Tanzboden

HEIMATGRUPPE VIEHHOFEN
Source: Photo by Flickr user Schuhplattler Kids used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Bavarian dancing is not like your everyday dance. Unlike the dance form you’ve witnessed such as hip hop or salsa, Bavarian dance is a lot different. Here, performers stomp their feet and slap their hands, clap and rejoice over Bavarian folk music. If you find yourself at Tanzboden, head to the Hofbräuhaus and enjoy the Bavarian Culture. Hofbräuhaus is a famous tavern in Germany with over 500 years of history. The Hofbräuhaus hosts Bavarian dancing only four times in a year on the second floor of the building.

Hofbräuhaus

Address: Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany

Website: Hofbräuhaus

Opening hours: 9am - 11:30pm (daily)

Price: 10.70 USD

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4. Take a dip at the Müller´sches Volksbad


Although swimming is one of the many popular sports in Germany, it may not be suited for a non-tourist experience. But we’re here to tell you that it’s worth taking a dip at the Müller´sches Volksbad swimming pool. The swimming pool is located in a beautiful surrounding along the banks of river Isar and the Art Nouveau style building can never be missed. There is also a Roman steam bath and a Finnish style sauna. However, take note that swimwear isn’t allowed inside the pool. Taking a dip at the Müller´sches Volksbad will not cost you a lot but will leave you with a refreshing experience.

Müllersches Volksbad

Address: Rosenheimer Str. 1, 81667 München, Germany

Website: Müllersches Volksbad

Opening hours: 7:30am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 4.70 USD

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5. Face your fear at the Rocky Horror Picture Show

Posted by Museum Lichtspiele on Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Finding an authentic horror film these days is not so easy. But have you ever imagined yourself watching a retro horror film inside a 109-year-old cinema hall? Head to the Museum Lichtspiele cinema to watch the 1975 film ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. The film started screening originally in 1977 and still continues screening to this day (42 years to be exact!). The cinema may not jive with the conventional theatre but it surely delivers a spooky experience with its dark seat, chandeliers and Michelangelo’s David in its actual size. The spookiness combined with the cult ambiance will give you a run for your money.

Museum Lichtspiele

Address: Lilienstraße 2, 81669 München, Germany

Website: Museum Lichtspiele

Opening hours: 11:45am - 11:30pm (daily)

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6. Savour some traditional food at Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shoot Zürich used under CC BY 2.0

Experience the Munich food culture by sampling some traditional food at the Viktualienmarkt. The best part about this market is that its not a tourist frenzy spot. Locals love getting their groceries from Viktualienmarkt because the food supplies here are fresh and healthy. Let your taste buds do all the work while you munch on an array of Bavarian food. You can start your tour at the Viktualienmarkt by getting a mug of fresh beer tapped from the barrel.

Viktualienmarkt

Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München, Germany

Website: Viktualienmarkt

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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7. Enjoy comedy talk shows at Lost Weekend


Do you fancy comedy talk shows, live music and open mic comedy? If so, head to the Lost Weekend and experience a night filled with joy and laughter. The Lost Weekend is not just a cultural hub for comedy shows and music events. Actually, the place is a vegan coffee shop and a bookstore by day but transforms itself into a lively venue as the lights dim at night. The place also hosts Munich Sessions which is great for beginners trying to get a grip over the German language.

Lost Weekend

Address: Schellingstraße 3 Munich, Germany

Website: Lost Weekend

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 8:00pm; Sat: 10:00am - 8:00pm; Sun: 11:00am - 6:00pm

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8. Relax with a beer at Waldwirtschaft


Enjoy a glass of beer and experience laidback Munich at Walderwirtschaft. Situated in the suburban region of south Munich, the restaurant allows you to have an al fresco style dining experience. While you hog on your beer, try to enjoy the beautiful view of the Isar valley. Get some local snacks from the traditional food stalls and enjoy the Jazz music that is played on the weekend. If you’re looking for a quick escape from the frenzy and chaotic city life, you can head to the Waldwirtschaft restaurant and exploit the quiet side of Munich.

Waldwirtschaft

Address: Georg-Kalb-Straße 3, 82049 Pullach im Isartal, Germany

Website: Waldwirtschaft

Opening hours: 10:30am - 9:30pm (daily)

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9. Check out hand painted film posters


If you accidentally passed through Filmtheater Sendlinger Tor, you would definitely overlook the three-meter-high movie posters. However, these movie posters are not like any other posters. In fact, they are painted by René Birkner, one of Germany’s famous poster painters. The paintings are not made exactly as the film production posters. This way, the poster manages to stay away from the obtrusive bright colors, heavy marketing clippings, and sponsor images of modern-day movie posters. In fact, it makes one to realize the artistry and splendor that goes into making a public cinema. You can visit the Filmtheater Sendlinger Tor to look at the hand-painted marquee.

Filmtheater Sendlinger Tor

Address: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 11, 80336 München, Germany

Website: Filmtheater Sendlinger Tor

Opening hours: 3:00pm - 10:30pm (daily)

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10. Gaze at the night sky in Munich

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Bayerische Volkssternwarte München on Saturday, October 24, 2020

For anyone willing to see the magic of the night sky, you’re in for a treat. The Volkssternwarte München observatory may go unnoticed under the radar. But if you know where to look, you should be able to find this jewel of a spot. The Volkssternwarte München observatory houses a 1950’s planetarium, meteor collection and detailed images of the international space station. The planetarium is completely analogue and doesn’t include any digital components. The images produced are much sharper and vivid. The planetarium lets you see the sky both night and day, milky way, meteorites and more. The operator will also help you change the location of the night sky.

Volkssternwarte München observatory

Address: Rosenheimer Str. 145H, 81671 München, Germany

Website: Volkssternwarte München observatory

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9:00am - 11:00pm; Thur: 4:00pm - 5:30pm, 9:00pm - 11:00pm; Fri: 5:00pm - 7:00pm, 9:00pm - 11:00pm (Closed Wed, Sat, Sun)

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Enjoy local culture at Munich

If you want to eat local delicacies, watch Bavarian dance and drink a lot of beer, head to Munich, Germany. Indulge in the local culture and feel like a local resident of Munich. Become a part of the local life and experience fun and liveliness that Munich has to offer.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shayan is a hard working individual currently pursuing his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has a broad perspective about things around him and loves to offer his skills to the world. This has...Read more

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