Last updated on April 8th, 2024
Visit Munich – Top 10 Things to See and Do
Marienplatz, © Can Stock. / shalamov
Siegestor Victory Gate, © Can Stock / Boarding1Now
Munich, the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany, offers a wealth of attractions, from historic landmarks to cultural experiences and scenic parks. Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Munich:
1. Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel: Visit Marienplatz, Munich’s main square, to admire the iconic Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). This ornate clock tower puts on a charming show with its mechanical figures dancing to chimes and music. Explore the charming streets and squares of Munich’s Old Town, where medieval architecture blends seamlessly with modern amenities. Don’t miss landmarks like the Karlstor Gate, the Frauenkirche, the Residenz Palace, and the Asam Church.
2. Englischer Garten: Escape the city hustle and bustle in the expansive Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics by the streams or even surfing at the Eisbach Wave.
Karlstor Medieval Old Town Gate, © Can Stock / anshar
3. Hofbräuhaus: Experience Bavarian culture at the legendary Hofbräuhaus, one of the world’s most famous beer halls. Enjoy hearty traditional food, live music and of course, beer served in iconic steins. The Hofbrauhaus is within walking distance from the main train station with a stop at the Marienplatz along the way.
4. Nymphenburg Palace: Explore the opulent Nymphenburg Palace, a Baroque masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. Don’t miss the chance to visit the palace’s lavish interiors and the Marstallmuseum, which showcases royal carriages and sleighs.
5. Viktualienmarkt: Wander through the vibrant stalls of Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s beloved outdoor market. Sample local delicacies, browse fresh produce, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this culinary paradise.
6. Deutsches Museum: Delve into the world of science and technology at the Deutsches Museum, one of the largest and oldest science museums in the world. Explore interactive exhibits on everything from aerospace to astronomy and discover the wonders of innovation.
7. Alte Pinakothek: Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Alte Pinakothek, home to one of the world’s most important collections of European Old Master paintings. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Dürer.
Odeonsplatz Square, © Pixabay / ddzphoto
8. BMW Welt and Museum: Experience the fascinating world of automotive engineering at BMW Welt and Museum. Discover the latest innovations in mobility, test drive BMW vehicles and admire classic cars and motorcycles in the museum’s exhibits.
9. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: Pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, located just outside of Munich. Take a guided tour to learn about the camp’s history and reflect on the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
10. Munich Oktoberfest: Visit Munich at the end of September and into October for its famous Oktoberfest at Theresienwiese in Munich. Savor the tastes of German beer, radler (half beer half, half soda or lemonade), bockwurst, bratwurst, sauerkraut, spätzle (egg noodles), schweinebraten (pork dumplings) and potato dumplings.
From historic landmarks to cultural treasures and scenic parks, Munich offers a wealth of experiences that capture the essence of Bavarian hospitality and charm.
Bavarian Musicians, Hofbrauhaus
Oktoberfest Tent, Theresienwiese, © Can Stock / Paha_L
Visit Munich – Old Town
The Marienplatz is the main attraction in the Old Town. You can reach it on a short walk from the main train station. First you enter the Old Town through the medieval Karlstor Gate. Then you pass the Frauenkirche church, which was finished in 1488. Right beside the Frauenkirche is the Marienplatz. See the figurines dance when the clock (glockenspiel) in the New Town Hall tower rings at 11, 12 and 5pm. The Marienplatz has been the center of the Old Town since the Middle Ages.
More Old Town Sights
Odeonsplatz – located at the square are the Theatine Church of St. Cajetan and the Residenz Museum with its gardens (Hoftgarten).
Königsplatz – center for the city’s museum quarter, including the Pinakothek and the Glyptothek with its Greek and Roman collection.
Isartor – medieval city gate to the Old Town.
Visit Munich – More Sights
Olympic Park and Olympic Tower – site of the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Nymphenburg Palace – royal summer residence from the 1600s with extensive grounds and buildings.
German (Deutsches) Museum – one of the largest science and technology museums in the world.
Glyptothek Museum, © Can Stock / Paha_L
Day Trips from Munich
- Half hour train ride to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the Zugspitze and Linderhof Palace
- Innsbruck and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds
- Fussen for a Neuschwanstein Castle Visit
Visit Munich – Hotels
Bayerischer Hof – luxury hotel in the heart of the Old Town, near the train station
Hotel Schlicker – farther from the train station, but in the Old Town
Hotel Alfa Zentrum – at the central train station
Munich Weather
Average temperatures for Munich weather in July and August are 75 F (24 C), while lows are about 55 F (13 C). By December and January average highs are 37 F (3 C) and average lows are 25 F (-4 C). Rainfall peaks in June.
Munich Weather Graph
August is likely the best month to visit Munich for good weather. September is also a good choice. October is popular for the beer festival known as Oktoberfest.
Nymphenburg Palace, © Pixabay / holzijue
Get to Munich
Most people get to Munich through Munich’s International Airport (MUC). Munich is one of the major airline centers for Trans Atlantic flights to Europe. The central train station is about a half hour cab ride from the airport. The trip by rail is about 45 minutes, with trains departing frequently.
The Munich central train station is gigantic just like the airport. After traveling through smaller cities of Germany by rail, the Munich station seems like a place to live instead of travel through. The rail station has lots of coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and other shops. From the central train station, it’s less than a 15 minute walk to the Marienplatz and the Frauenkirche.
Visit Munich – Background
Munich is the third largest city in Germany. About 3 million people live there. Munich isn’t a major tourist attraction, but its international airport is the start of many visits to Europe. A stop at the Hofbrauhaus for beer and Bavarian music has become traditional for many tourists. Even more well known is the October beer drinking festival called Oktoberfest. Munich has major universities, museums and theater venues. The city was largely rebuilt after World War II. The 1972 Olympics held in Munich is remembered for the Israeli athletes assassinated by Palestinian terrorists.
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