10 Best Things To Do In Munich, Germany

things to do in munich, germany
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Munich is the capital of the German state Bavaria. The third largest city in Germany, Munich is known for its historic buildings, museums, and of course Oktoberfest. From beer halls to parks to the BMW Museum, there’s plenty to enjoy on your trip to Munich. Read on to see our top ten places you must see on your trip to Munich.

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Pamela

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Old town of Munich Old town of Munich Alte Pinakothek
Another one of Munich's best museums to visit is Alte Pinakothek, an art museum with more than 700 pieces of artwork between the 14th century and the 18th century. But if you want to discover so much more history and great recommendations for the city, I recommend joining a free walking tour of the old town of Munich.

1. Nymphenburg Palace

Construction began on Nymphenburg Palace in 1664. A baroque palace, it has been a favorite summer home for the rulers of Bavaria. In fact, it is still a residence for the house of Wittelsbach, though it is very much a tourist destination and open to the public.

Visitors to Nymphenburg Palace, or Palace of the Nymph, can tour the room, the garden, and view various exhibitions. This includes the room where King Ludwig II of Bavaria was born, the Gallery of Beauties, which features portraits commissioned by King Ludwig I, and the former royal stables.

To fully experience the garden, plan to spend the better part of the day here. With so many rooms and galleries, you don’t want to feel rushed. Don’t skip the garden. It’s stunning, and an excellent place to stroll and unwind after seeing all the splendor indoors.

Nymphenburg Palace

Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 Munich

Website: Nyphenburg Palace

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2. English Garden

München, englischer Garten, Der Monopteros im letzten Licht der Mittsommernacht -- Munich, English Garden, The monopteros in the last light of the midsummer night (14292865008)
Source: Photo by user Heribert Pohl ---... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Speaking of gardens, you’ll definitely want to plan a trip to the English Garden while in Munich. It’s a large public park in the centre of the city, and offers plenty to do. There are plenty of paths to walk, jog, and cycle on, and meadows of grass on which you can sunbathe and relax.

There’s a lake at the centre of the park, and you can whet your whistle at one of the park’s four beer gardens. There’s even a Japanese tea house, originally built for the 1972 Olympics. Once a month, traditional tea ceremonies take place. There’s even a place to surf! Yes, you read that right: you can catch a wave in the English Garden. The Eisbach is a man made river that runs through the park, with a surfing spot. You’ll catch locals surfing and tourists watching on.

The park is the perfect spot for a bit of relaxing during your trip. Take a paddle boat on the lake, walk through the wooded trails, or sun bathe on the grassy meadow.

English Garden

Address: 80805 Munich, Germany

Website: English Garden

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3. Pinakothek Der Moderne


The Pinakothek Der Moderne is Germany’s largest museum of modern art. The museum features art, architecture, and design of the 20th and 21st centuries.

In the State Gallery of Modern Art, you’ll find work by big names like Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Joseph Beuys. In the New Collection, you’ll find designs from the industrial revolution to today. This includes items like Eames chairs, early Apple computers, and furniture from the 1960s. In the State Graphics Collection, you find art on paper, including prints by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Paul Cézanne. Last but not least, the Architecture Museum has drawings and blueprints by architectures, including Le Corbusier.

If you’re an art lover, this is an excellent way to spend some time in Munich. There are two other Pinakothek museums, all within walking distance, and you can get a ticket which allows you to visit all of them.

Pinakothek Der Moderne

Address: Barer Straße 40, 80333 Munich, Germany

Website: Pinakothek Der Moderne

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4. Oktoberfest

München, Schützen-Festzelt, Oktoberfest 2012 (01)
Source: Photo by user Bayreuth2009 used under CC BY 3.0

Oktoberfest is perhaps what Munich is most well known for. The world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest is held annually from mid to late September to early October. It’s been held since the Middle Ages, and attracts more than six million people each year.

Multi-floored tents are hosts to numerous long tables, where festival goers sip down more than 6.5 million liters each year. The Brewer’s Parade starts things off, traveling through the city centre to the festival meadow. The Lord Mayor opens the virgin barrel, starting off the festivities.

There’s a drinking competition, carnival rides, and there are even family days on Tuesdays. If you’re in Munich during the festival, stopping by for a liter of beer and a pretzel is a must!

Oktoberfest

Address: Thereisienwiese, Bavariaring, Munich

Website: Oktoberfest

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5. Marienplatz

Neues Rathaus und Marienplatz München
Source: Photo by user Chris 73 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Marienplatz is Munich’s main square. Shopping, restaurants, and historic buildings line the square, making it an excellent spot to stop. Visitors love seeing the Glockenspiel, a clock tower with motorized figures. A few times a day, the figures dance and twirl around, putting on a 12 minute performance, which ends with a visit from a chirping cuckoo bird.

You can also visit the New Town Hall, a gothic office building which houses the city council and mayor’s office. There’s also the Old Town Hall, built in the late 1400s with an accessible tower offering stunning views of the city. The Marienplatz buzzes with activity, so head to the square, watch the glockenspiel chime, and wander the area.

Marienplatz

Address: Marienplatz 1, 80331 München, Germany

Website: Marienplatz (in German)

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6. Olympiapark

Olympiapark München
Source: Photo by user Tobi 87 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Constructed in 1972, Olympiapark was built for the Summer Olympics held in Munich that year. Today, it draws people in for concerts, festivals, and sporting events. The swimming hall and ice skating rink are open to the public.

The Olympiaturm is a tower on site where you can see the city with the Alps in the background. Head to the Info-Pavilion when you first enter for information about the complex, maps, and an MP3 player which plays a guided tour.

Olympiapark

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 München, Germany

Website: Olympiapark

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7. Hofbrauhaus

Hofbräuhaus, München
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user InSapphoWeTrust used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Hofbrauhaus is a three story beer hall which dates back to the 16th-century. Many types of beer are brewed here, using recipes handed down by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria and founder of the Hofbrauhaus.

It’s a popular location for events, putting on 500 musical acts per year. You can eat typical German beer hall food, including sausages and pretzels. It’s a loud and busy place, so prepare to mingle with locals and tourists alike. Hofbrauhaus is one of Munich’s must-see places, so be sure to stop in for a beer and a pretzel, and be quick to nab one of the 3,500 seats.

Hofbrauhaus

Address: Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany

Website: Hofbrauhaus

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8. Linderhof Palace

Linderhof-1
Source: Photo by user Softeis used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Linderhof Palace is Ludwig II’s small, but extremely lavish palace. Finished in 1878, it was inspired by Versailles, and was the only palace Ludwig II lived to see the completion of.

Located near a hillside, gardens and fountains surround it. Inside you’ll find ornate rooms, including a 108-candle chandelier in the private bedroom. Outside the window of this room is an artificial waterfall, intended to cool the room in the warmer months. Guided tours of the palace last about a half hour.

The palace is 96 km (60 miles) from Munich. If you’re driving, it will take about an hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train or go on a coach tour.

Linderhof Palace

Address: Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal, Germany

Website: Linderhof Palace

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Linderhof Palace

Photo of Linderhof Palace shared by content creator from the Philippines, Bojo Macaraig.

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9. BMW Museum


Last but not least on our list is Munich’s BMW Museum. The museum shares insight into its production process, tells BMW’s history and puts on various exhibitions. Guided tours are available.

Both new and old cars are on display, and car lovers will enjoy this chance to explore the history of the company. It’s a good spot to spend a couple of hours, and there’s even a cafe to relax in with a cup of coffee.

BMW Museum

Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München, Germany

Website: BMW Museum

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BMW Museum
Photo of the BMW Museum shared by content creator from Singapore, Pamela Loh
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10. Asam Church

things to do in munich, germany | asam church
Source: instagram

Asam Church, or St. Johann Nepomuk, was built in the 1700s by brothers. The brothers, one a painter and one a sculptor, built this Baroque beauty as their own private church.

The space is covered in ornate decor. Gold cherubs, mosaics, columns, sculptures and frescoes—plenty to feast your eyes on! It’s a short walk from Marienplatz, so plan to stop by and take in the opulence.

Asam Church

Address: Sendlinger Str. 32, 80331 München, Germany

Website: Asam Church

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Explore Munich

From beers to BMWs and palaces to parks, Munich has loads to keep you entertained. Plenty of sites will keep you on your feet, whether you want to explore an art museum or tour a historic palace. But there’s plenty of ways to relax as well: sunbathe in a park or enjoy a brew at a beer hall. Use our guide to plan your perfect Munich holiday today!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nicole is an American expat living in London, England. When she moved from the midwest to London in 2012, it was her first time leaving the US. She has traveled steadily since then, making trips...Read more

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