The 26 best things to do in Munich!

Located in Bavaria, Munich is a city full of surprises. I’ve researched all the things to do in Munich and had to arbitrate to avoid writing an article worthy of a novel! In this article, I list the 26 best things to do in Munich.

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace is a historic gem on the outskirts of Munich. This majestic Baroque palace was built in the 17th century as the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family. With its impressive architecture, manicured gardens and works of art, Nymphenburg Palace is one of Munich’s most sought-after attractions.

In high season, you can take a guided tour with an experienced guide who will tell you more about the history of this Munich landmark.

 

A stroll along the banks of the Isar

A stroll along the banks of the Isar is a must in Munich. The river that runs through the city is a real link between the city and nature.

As you stroll along the riverbank, you can enjoy views of the city of Munich, soak up the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of the Isar, and admire the bridges that stand majestically over the river.

The banks of the Isar are also a meeting place for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. You’ll see runners, cyclists, and kayakers, as well as families enjoying a day’s picnic or an afternoon’s relaxation in the vast surrounding green spaces.

 

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is one of Munich’s most popular museums. It is a museum of science and technology, exhibiting many historic inventions and discoveries in the fields of physics, technology, transport, medicine and much more.

With over 28,000 exhibits, the Deutsches Museum is a veritable showcase for German innovation and scientific creativity.

The museum is divided into several sections, each devoted to a particular theme. For example, you can visit the aeronautics section, where you can learn about the history of German aviation, or the transport section, where you can admire historic trains and locomotives.

 

Munich Olympic Park

Munich’s Olympic Park is a magnificent park located on the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics. The park boasts a wide range of attractions, and exudes a strong sense of history and community, as evidenced by the Olympic Tower that still dominates the city.

The park is situated on a hill. Take a stroll and admire the park’s unique architecture and discover each of the buildings that make it so special: the Olympic Stadium, the Olympiahalle, the Water Park, the BMW Museum and many more.

In addition to its cultural and architectural heritage, Munich’s Olympic Park also offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including zip-lining through the stadium, climbing, swimming and other outdoor sports.

 

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is Munich’s iconic tourist attraction, located on Marienplatz, the city’s main square. It’s a huge clock that chimes at different times of the day. At eleven o’clock, twelve wooden figures adorn the balcony for 15 minutes, returning several times throughout the day in summer (at 12 and 5 p.m.) and less so in winter.

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is world-famous for its animated wooden figures depicting scenes from Munich’s history and traditions. The wooden figures are a mixture of knights, minstrels and monks who come to life and dance to the notes of the music.

The show is very impressive and takes place every day in front of a crowd of amazed tourists.

 

Munich’s Cathedral of Our Lady

Munich’s Cathedral of Our Lady is an architectural gem located on Frauenplatz, in the heart of the city. This imposing, majestic Gothic cathedral is the city’s largest church and one of the region’s most important places of worship.

Munich’s Frauenkathedral is famous for its Gothic architecture, with slender, elegantly presented arches. The cathedral’s interior is just as beautiful. Magnificent stained-glass windows let in colorful light.

The cathedral is also famous for its organ, one of the largest church organs in the world.

 

The Dachau camp

The Dachau concentration camp is an important place of remembrance, attracting many visitors every year. This concentration camp was one of the first to be established in Germany during the Nazi occupation. A visit to Dachau is an opportunity to remember one of the most tragic events of the 20th century.

During your visit, you’ll learn about the lives of the prisoners in the Dachau camp, who were held in disastrous conditions and subjected to unimaginable torture. You can also experience the horror of the gas chambers, the cremation of bodies and many other atrocities.

A visit to the Dachau camp will leave no one indifferent. It’s a poignant experience that prompts us to reflect and ponder. It shows the horrors suffered by political opponents, Jews, gypsies, homosexuals and all the other prisoners of the concentration camp.

Guided tours are available departing from Munich. If you prefer to visit on your own, there are buses from Munich to Dachau.

 

Herrenchiemsee Castle

Located on the secluded island of Herreninsel, Herrenchiemsee Palace is a sumptuous palace replica of France’s Château de Versailles. The palace was conceived by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the late 19th century.

Schloss Herrenchiemsee is renowned for its eclectic Baroque architecture, which recreates the magnificence of the old French royal courts. The walls are adorned with paintings inspired by Italian art. The galleries, grand staircase and Great Hall of the Guard are spectacular. A splendid park surrounded by panoramic sea views is also very pleasant to visit.

 

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a medieval romantic castle near Füssen in southwestern Bavaria. It is famous for its unique architecture and has inspired many writers and artists over the centuries, including Walt Disney.

The castle’s interior is just as splendid as its exterior architecture, with richly decorated rooms, frescoes, and medieval objets d’art.

A guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is a unique and unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, this is the only type of tour possible. You can’t take a self-guided tour.

 

Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle is also located near Füssen. Built in the early 19th century on the orders of King Maximilian II of Bavaria, the castle is rich in history and architectural beauty.

Hohenschwangau Castle is a spectacular blend of Gothic architecture and later styles, including a touch of Baroque. The interior walls are adorned with frescoes recounting German history and Celtic legends. The Knights’ Hall and the large doors of Palais Noël offer a breathtaking view of Lake Alpsee.

 

BMW Welt Museum

The BMW Welt Museum opened its doors in 2007. It offers a genuine exploration of BMW’s automotive innovation and design.

The BMW Museum is housed in a spectacular building designed by the firm of German architects. You’ll find 4 entire floors where you can immerse yourself in the exciting history of the brand: from original pieces dating back to the 1920s to the latest automotive creations.

The museum also features a wide variety of multimedia films highlighting the innovative technologies and projects that BMW puts into its automotive designs. Staff members can also arrange guided tours to find out all about vehicle development and production at BMW.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you’ll love this museum.

 

Hellabrunn Zoo

Munich’s Hellabrunn Zoo is one of Germany’s oldest and largest zoos. It is home to over 7,500 animals of just over 400 species, as well as a rich ecosystem of parks, gardens, and a wide variety of plants.

 

A guided tour of F.C. Bayern at the Allianz Arena

A guided tour of F.C. Bayern at the Allianz Arena is a wonderful way to discover the history of Germany’s biggest club. You’ll be able to see the pitch and sports facilities in the company of a guide.

Your journey begins with a stroll through the club’s official museum. You can then explore non-public areas such as the dressing room corridors and the trophy room.

This unique guided tour offers you a unique opportunity to discover F.C. Bayern!

 

Bayern-Park amusement park

The Bayern-Park amusement park offers visitors an incredible day filled with entertainment and fun. Located near Altötting, the park offers visitors attractions for all ages and styles.

Those with an appetite for adventure will be delighted by the famous “Hexen Express” roller coaster, which offers steep turns and descents at exhilarating speeds. For those looking for something a little calmer, there’s a wide choice of rides.

You can also see a variety of wild animals such as wolves, bears and bison when you visit the magnificent Bayern-Park wildlife park.

 

Munich’s traditional Christmas market

Munich’s traditional Christmas market is a must-see destination during the festive season. Held every year at Marienplatz, this wonderful market transforms the city center into a magical place filled with twinkling lights, delicious smells, and fun for young and old alike.

On site, you’ll find stalls selling handicrafts, handmade gifts, and the best of German regional produce. You can also enjoy several traditional amusements such as merry-go-rounds, refreshment stands and an ice-cream cart.

 

Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek is one of Munich’s leading museums dedicated to European art of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The magnificent neoclassical building housing the museum was built by König Ludwing I in the mid-19th century and is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful buildings.

The museum’s extensive collections feature works by artists such as Rubens, Mantegna, Dürer, Van Dyck and Vermeer. The diverse collection includes paintings, sculptures, miniatures, and other artistic objects dating from the Renaissance to the early 18th century.

 

Munich Film Museum

Located in the city center, Munich’s Film Museum houses a large collection of costumes and other props used on film sets over the years. You can also see original posters, the first still cameras and the cameras used to shoot some of the most famous films.

One of the main attractions is the original projection room built at the beginning of the 20th century, capable of taking you back to the golden age of European cinema. Several shorts and features are regularly screened here.

 

The Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz is one of the city’s largest and most famous tourist attractions. This impressive neoclassical building was built in the early 19th century on the orders of King Ludwig I, and today houses Bavaria’s artistic and cultural treasures.

The exceptional collections on display at the Munich Residenz bear witness to over 800 years of Bavarian history. Among the treasures are sculptures, furniture, tapestries, paintings, and other ancient works of art that tell the story of the region.

The complex also includes the Bavarian National Museum (renowned for its superb collection of Greek and Roman antiquities), a unique exhibition of archaeological and ethnographic objects from the Middle East, and a botanical garden.

 

The Brandhorst Museum

The Brandhorst Museum is dedicated to contemporary art. It houses a sumptuous collection of works by the greatest artists of the second half of the twentieth century, providing an original overview of modern art.

The museum boasts unique paintings, sculptures, and installations by famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly and Damien Hirst. The collection also includes more recent works documenting current trends in contemporary art.

 

A guided tour of Munich’s art district

A guided tour of Munich’s art district will introduce you to some of the city’s great cultural history. This vibrant, colorful district is home to art galleries, artists’ studios, studios, museums, and other cultural venues.

A guided tour of Munich’s art district is the best way to experience the artistic richness of this fascinating metropolis.

 

Munich Jewish Museum

The Munich Jewish Museum is a unique place where the memories and cultural heritage of German Jews are honored and celebrated. Founded in 2007, it stands on the boundary between the original building of an old shop and a new, modern structure designed by architect Vito Acconci.

The museum allows visitors to explore Germany’s vast Jewish history, spanning several centuries. From written archives to modern works of art, this unique collection reflects the rich cultural heritage of German Jewish communities, as well as their significant and pioneering contributions to contemporary society.

With a strong sense of commemoration and a deep commitment to humanity, Munich’s Jewish Museum offers visitors an authentic perspective on the complex history of its inhabitants. A visit to this magical museum is sure to be rewarding!

 

Sea Life Munich

Sea Life Munich is the largest aquatic attraction in the Bavarian Alps, offering visitors a rare and fascinating dive under the ocean. Located in Olympiapark, this entertainment center covers almost 2 hectares.

Marine wildlife enthusiasts can admire impressive coral reefs, colorful tropical fish and sharks thanks to an aquatic tunnel that allows in-depth observation of the colorful aquatics. The center is also home to endangered or rare species such as the terrestrial gharial, green turtles, and harbor porpoises.

 

Oktoberfest and Beer Museum

The Oktoberfest and Beer Museum celebrates one of Germany’s oldest traditions: brewing beer. Located near Munich’s city center, this unique museum offers visitors a variety of historical information related to the production and consumption of German beer.

The collection features a variety of exhibits on all forms of brewing, from traditional techniques to modern methods such as keg brewing. Detailed information is also provided on the German beer industry, including its development over the centuries.

The museum has 200 references to test the qualities of different types of beverages and explain their distinctive characteristics.

 

Motorworld Munich

Motorworld Munich is a museum of German automotive culture. Located just 20 minutes from Munich city center, this unique venue features over 50 vintage sports cars from Germany’s leading automakers.

The museum offers a diverse collection of exhibits to satisfy motoring enthusiasts and automotive history buffs alike. Each exhibit shows the evolving age and style of cars over the decades, as well as the different techniques used by each German car manufacturer.

 

Legoland Deutschland

Legoland Deutschland is Germany’s first theme park devoted entirely to the famous Lego building bricks. An hour’s drive west of Munich, the wide range of attractions is designed for young and old alike.

Legoland Deutschland offers attractions for all ages, LEGO go-karts and rides. There are also roller coasters, interactive play areas and a wide variety of special shows to delight young and old alike.

 

Drink Munich craft beers!

Drinking Munich craft beers is an authentic and intimate way to discover the city of Munich and its surroundings! Munich’s craft beers are known for being made from fresh local produce, giving them a unique taste. These beers are brewed according to Bavarian brewery law, which means they contain just 4 ingredients: water, barley malt and 2 varieties of hops.

When you explore the area around Munich, there are local craft breweries on almost every corner. Take the time to discover them and become a true Bavarian!