Munich, the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany, offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modernity. Renowned for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, Munich also boasts stunning architecture. While Oktoberfest is famous here, Munich has many other attractions to explore.
As you walk around Munich, keep your eyes open. You’ll see impressive old buildings, stylish new architecture, and interesting street art. After World War II, the city was rebuilt, so there’s a mix of history and modern creativity to discover. There are also fantastic museums to visit, where you can learn a lot about art, history, and culture.
So, whether you’re here for the festival or just exploring, Munich promises a memorable experience with plenty to see and do right now.
1. Olympiapark München
The Olympiapark in Munich was built for the 1972 Olympic Games. It’s a great place to visit because there are many things to see and do. You can explore several attractions, relax in large green areas, and climb a hill to enjoy amazing views of the city. There are also a couple of beer gardens where you can try local beers and food.
On the north side of the park, you’ll find the former Olympic village for women. The buildings here are now used as student housing. In 2007, they were rebuilt and now look very modern. Each student who lives there can decorate the outside of their building however they want. Many of them have painted colorful and creative designs, inspired by things like movies and TV shows. One of the flats even has a theme from the show ‘Friends’ called ‘Central Perk’. It’s a fun place to explore and see all the different designs!
2. Marienplatz
Marienplatz square is at the heart of Munich, reachable via the U-Bahn station of the same name. It has been central to the city since its founding in 1158. In the past, it hosted markets and tournaments. Today, Marienplatz is bustling with visitors who come to see its two town halls and enjoy coffee while watching the lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring Munich, with nearby attractions and the pedestrian area surrounding it. The Viktualienmarkt nearby is a food lover’s paradise, with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. During Christmas, Marienplatz is famous for its festive market selling food, mulled wine, and gifts.
3. English Garden (Englischer Garten)
The Englischer Garten is a vast public park in Munich, stretching from the city center to its northeastern edge. It’s a must-visit, known for its rolling hills and open landscapes inspired by English-style gardens. Inside, you’ll find four popular beer gardens, paths for jogging and biking, kiosks selling drinks and snacks, a lake for boating, and various monuments like a Greek temple, a Japanese tea house, and the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm). The tower hosts one of Munich’s largest beer gardens and hosts seasonal events like Christmas markets and Bavarian dance shows. A major attraction is the Eisbach wave, where surfers can try river surfing almost year-round.
4. Residenz Palace
Originally a small Gothic castle with a moat, the Munich Residence grew into Germany’s largest city palace under the Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty from the late 1300s. It served as the residence and governmental seat for Bavarian rulers from 1508 to 1918. Today, it showcases a stunning blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles—a top attraction for Munich visitors. Inside, over 150 lavishly adorned rooms display tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and historic furniture. Highlights include King Ludwig I’s neoclassical apartment and a treasury with crowns, swords, and jewelry. Surrounding the palace is the Court Garden, featuring courtyards, fountains, and pavilions.
5. BMW Museum and BMW Welt
The BMW Museum showcases the history and innovations of BMW cars and motorcycles through interactive exhibits. Nearby, BMW Welt is where visitors pick up their new BMWs and explore showroom cars. Both places offer a fascinating look into BMW’s world of engineering and design.
6. Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s famous open-air market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and flowers. It’s perfect for exploring Bavarian cuisine with numerous food stalls offering local specialties like sausages and pretzels.
You can also enjoy a meal at one of the market’s beer gardens. The lively atmosphere, traditional foods, and cultural experience make Viktualienmarkt a must-visit for anyone in Munich.
7. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site near Munich is a solemn place honoring those who suffered during World War II. It offers exhibits and preserved barracks showing life in the camp. Visitors can reflect at the memorial and see the crematorium and gas chamber. It’s a somber reminder of history’s horrors and an important place to learn about the past.
8. Pinakothek Museums
The Pinakothek Museums in Munich consist of three art museums: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne. They house a vast collection of European art from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. Each museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and other artworks by renowned artists like Albrecht Dürer and Wassily Kandinsky. The museums offer a rich cultural experience, providing insight into the evolution of art through different periods and styles.
9. Beer Gardens
Munich is renowned for its traditional beer gardens, offering a quintessential Bavarian experience. These outdoor settings are perfect for enjoying a sunny day with friends and family. You can bring your own picnic or purchase delicious food from the onsite vendors. Choose from a variety of beers served by the liter, and relax amidst the cheerful atmosphere. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Munich’s culture while savoring local brews and Bavarian specialties like pretzels and sausages.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle, near Füssen in Bavaria, Germany, is a fairy-tale-like palace famous for inspiring Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built by King Ludwig II, it features stunning architecture and scenic views of the Bavarian Alps. Visitors can tour the lavishly decorated interior rooms and learn about the castle’s history. It’s a must-see destination for those captivated by romantic architecture and royal history.