What to Do in Munich?

You've decided to choose Munich as your destination in Germany? It's not surprising since the capital of Bavaria is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany to visit. Famous for its festive atmosphere, especially during Oktoberfest, Munich is full of monuments and magnificent palaces. Therefore, if you're looking for things to do in Munich, this guide highlights the must-see places to visit ☺️

Located in the historic district of Munich, Marienplatz is the beating heart of the German city, known for its architectural beauty and constant activity! During your visit to Munich, you'll inevitably pass through this large plaza dominated by the Gothic-style town hall. It also houses a tower 100 meters high that offers a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings from the top!

Marienplatz is the perfect place to relax over a drink and enjoy the sun as there are many cafes and restaurants, as well as shops for shopping. Of course, the streets around the square are also full of all kinds of stores and typically Bavarian little markets.

This plaza is also the nerve center for events and festivals that take place in Munich throughout the year. From outdoor concerts to Christmas markets, and New Year's celebrations in Munich, this historic square hosts various celebrations of all kinds!

The Munich Residence is a true architectural masterpiece and is one of the most beautiful things to see when planning a visit to Munich. Built in the 14th century, it was the main residence of dukes, electors, and kings of Bavaria. This impressive palace clearly symbolizes the wealth and power of Bavarian sovereigns, consisting of no less than 10 courtyards and 130 rooms over nearly 40,000 square meters!

The architecture of the Grand Palace of the Residence is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles, with richly decorated interiors. The rooms reveal monumental frescoes, sculptures, and luxurious furniture. Among the must-see rooms, the Antiquities Hall houses an impressive collection of Roman sculptures, while the tapestry room is adorned with beautiful Flemish tapestries. The Throne Room is one of the most remarkable rooms, featuring the Hall of Mirrors.

Finally, the Residence Garden in Munich is a peaceful and calming place that you'll love to discover, especially if you visit Munich in spring. Located next to the Odeonsplatz, this beautiful Renaissance garden is situated around the Temple of Diana, a charming pavilion built in 1615.

You can buy entry tickets on-site. Visit the official site for pricing!

Your stay in Munich is approaching, and you're still wondering what activities you could do there? Don't worry, Munich is a city full of must-see places to visit and things to do! Between its old town, museums, shopping boutiques, churches, parks, and points of interest outside the city like Neuschwanstein Castle, you really won't have time to be bored. Be sure to book your activities well in advance so you don't miss any upon your arrival

Click here to see all the activities to do in Munich.

Where to shop in Munich? Without a doubt, Maximilianstrasse is one of the most prestigious streets in the city, stretching about a kilometer, connecting Marienplatz to Isartor, a must-see historical gate in Munich! This iconic avenue is known for its luxury shops, high-end hotels, and remarkable historic buildings, so be sure to take a stroll here!

Lined with trees, Maximilianstrasse is an excellent place for a walk, favored by both locals and visitors, offering an elegant atmosphere with brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton catering to affluent customers. If you're not here for shopping, you can linger at St. Luke's Church, the largest Protestant church in Munich, which has remained virtually intact.

What to do in Munich? Why not enjoy a moment of tranquility at the Englischer Garten? It is one of the largest and most famous urban parks in the world, located in the heart of the city.

Munich's English Garden stretches over 375 acres, offering a generous space to accommodate visitors wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. Created in the 18th century, this park is renowned for its natural beauty and varied landscapes, including lush meadows, groves of trees, streams, and even an artificial lake where you can row a boat. Another unique feature is the Eisbach river where surfers can enjoy the waves created by an artificial current!

The park is also home to several attractions, such as a Chinese pagoda built in the 18th century and the Monopteros Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire garden and the city. For food lovers, several cafes and beer gardens are scattered throughout the park, so take advantage of that! Of course, bike paths, running trails, and soccer fields occupy this vast green space.

The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest and oldest science and technology museums in the world, welcoming no less than 1.5 million visitors every year! Founded in 1903 by Oskar von Miller, this museum offers an immersive exploration into various scientific fields. You can find a collection of exhibits spread over several floors ranging from astronomy to chemistry to computer science!

Each section offers hands-on demonstrations, historical models, and original equipment, including a section dedicated to aviation. Here, you can admire historic airplanes and even try flight simulators! As for the computer science section, it traces the evolution of computers from their inception to the present day. It's definitely one of the best museums to visit in Munich!

If you're visiting Munich with family, the Deutsches Museum is perfect for children with its collection of over 100,000 objects. So remember to book your entry ticket online to save time.

Built between 1733 and 1746 in Baroque and Rococo style by the Asam brothers, Asamkirche is also known as St. Johann Nepomuk. It is considered a true masterpiece of Southern Germany and Bavaria, characterized by its curved lines, exuberant sculptures, and stunning detailed frescoes; despite a rather plain façade, you'll be surprised by its interior!

Indeed, the interior of Asamkirche is exceptional, adorned with Rococo stuccos, colorful frescoes of sacred artwork. The main altar is the centerpiece of the building, topped with a statue of St. John Nepomuk, the church's patron saint. The ceiling frescoes depict biblical scenes and celestial motifs, which is why Asamkirche is one of the most beautiful churches in Munich.

Access to Asamkirche is free.

Are you visiting Munich and wondering where to drink the best beers? Bavarian culture is based on a few specifics, including beer halls which are real institutions. These establishments offer a way to discover German beer, often accompanied by traditional dishes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Some places are quite famous in Munich, so here are a few.

If you're interested, then I recommend taking a 3-hour tour of Munich's beer halls and breweries. During this guided excursion, you'll learn more about the history of beer production in Munich while you can taste beer at Hofbräuhaus. Expect to pay €43 per person for this tour.

Click here to book your tour of Munich's beer halls and breweries.

Oktoberfest is undoubtedly the largest beer festival in the world! It takes place every year in Munich and attracts millions of visitors wishing to celebrate Bavarian culture. The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Since then, the event has transformed into an annual tradition.

Generally, the event lasts for 16 to 18 days, from the last weekend of September to the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest is mainly known for its large beer tents where the most renowned breweries serve their beer in abundance. It's no surprise that visitors can taste a wide variety of beers, including Märzen, in an atmosphere of camaraderie!

Of course, Oktoberfest also offers a multitude of attractions, rides, and food stands serving sausages, pretzels, and roasted chicken to the rhythm of traditional Bavarian music! To learn more about upcoming dates, I encourage you to visit the official Oktoberfest site.

What can you do on a trip to Munich? Among the best activities available, the Viktualienmarkt market is a must for food lovers. This historic farmers' market dating back to 1807 covers an area of about 22,000 square meters and has over 140 stalls. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM, noting that not all stalls are available on Mondays.

At Viktualienmarkt, you'll find a wide range of fresh products, cheeses, charcuterie, spices, and various other items, even including crafts. It's also here that foodies can enjoy the central beer garden of Munich. No less than 6 breweries serving beers in turn, not to mention the food stalls, cafes, bars, and inns all around.

Walking through Viktualienmarkt is also a way to meet locals, learn more about Bavarian culture, and discover the Maypole. This is usually painted white and blue, decorated with typically local patterns. In Bavaria, this tradition dates back to the Celts who celebrated the imminent arrival of summer by erecting a tree around which they danced to drive away evil spirits.

Iconic, I highly recommend dedicating a day to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic landmark located near Füssen, in southern Bavaria. This must-see castle located 120 km from Munich was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, featuring neo-Romanesque architecture and a romantic atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale.

Louis II designed Neuschwanstein as a personal retreat inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner, of whom he was a fervent admirer. The design elements of the castle incorporate themes from Germanic legends and Wagner's operas. Perched on a steep hill, it offers spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps and the surrounding valley, perfect for taking great photos

As for the interior of the castle, it features richly decorated rooms, detailed murals, and sumptuous furnishings, although Louis II never got to see its completion, having died before its finishing touches. However, you'll have the chance to discover one of the most beautiful castles in Germany by booking your entry ticket online. I recommend combining this outing with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle!

Neuschwanstein Castle is only accessible via a guided tour or an excursion:

To book your guided visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, click here

If you're wondering where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle, I have an article for you

The plane is the best means of transportation to reach Munich, as the Bavarian city has a large airport, one of the most important in Europe. Therefore, you can easily reach Munich from major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Miami!

Among the airlines operating several flights to Munich are Air France, Lufthansa, Vueling, as well as various low-cost carriers like EasyJet, offering attractive prices. Expect to pay around $100 for a flight from New York to Munich, with a travel time of about an hour and a half.

To find your flight at the best price, I highly recommend checking a flight comparator like Ulysse ✈️

Click here to access the Ulysse flight comparator.

Although summer in Munich is a great time for festivals, outdoor activities, and visiting Bavaria, I encourage you to favor spring and autumn. During the months of May, June, September, and October, temperatures are ideal for visiting Munich and taking excursions. Tourist attendance is lower, accommodations are cheaper, and you'll find better flight deals.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Munich are Altstadt (the old town), Schwabing for its vibrant atmosphere, Haidhausen for tranquility, and Glockenbachviertel if you're looking for a base to enjoy the nightlife. To learn more about the location, activities, and available accommodations in each of these neighborhoods, I encourage you to read the guide where to stay in Munich!

That's it for this article! I hope you enjoyed it and now know what to do in Munich If by any chance you want to visit the capital and wonder what to do in Berlin, feel free to continue your reading!