20 Amazing Things to Visit in Munich, Germany

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modern charm. Famous for its rich history, grand architecture, world-class museums, and of course, the legendary Oktoberfest, Munich has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re admiring Gothic churches, wandering through royal palaces, relaxing in sprawling parks, or enjoying a Bavarian beer in a lively beer hall, the city is filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.

Here are the 20 best things to visit in Munich on your next trip:

Aerial view of Munich Old Town with Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus clock tower, and Frauenkirche twin domes/Depositphotos

1. Marienplatz

At the heart of Munich’s Old Town, Marienplatz is the city’s most famous square. Surrounded by historic buildings, street performers, and bustling cafés, this lively plaza has been the city’s main gathering place since the Middle Ages. It’s the perfect spot to start your Munich adventure, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the world go by.

Munich, Marienplatz in Munich Old Town, with the Gothic New Town Hall and Glockenspiel overlooking the bustling central square filled with cafés and visitors/Depositphotos

2. Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

Dominating Marienplatz, the New Town Hall is a Gothic Revival masterpiece. Its highlight is the Glockenspiel clock show, which comes alive with colorful figures reenacting Bavarian history. Crowds gather daily to watch the performance, making it one of Munich’s most iconic attractions.

Munich, main square Marienplatz surrounded by historic buildings, lively cafés, and crowds enjoying the heart of the Old Town /Depositphotos

Munich, Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its Gothic Revival façade and famous Glockenspiel overlooking Marienplatz in the heart of Munich Old Town /Depositphotos

3. Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Standing proudly with its tall white tower, the Old Town Hall is a reminder of Munich’s medieval past. Inside, you’ll find a charming toy museum featuring antique dolls, model trains, and historic games — a delightful stop for families and curious travelers alike.

4. St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)

Munich’s oldest parish church, St. Peter’s, offers some of the best views in the city. Climb the 300+ steps to the tower and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Munich’s rooftops, church spires, and even the Alps on clear days. The climb is steep, but the view is unforgettable.

Munich, interior of St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) with ornate altars, Gothic arches, and historic religious artworks inside the city’s oldest parish church /Depositphotos

5. Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral)

The twin towers of the Frauenkirche dominate Munich’s skyline. This Gothic cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with an interior filled with soaring arches and centuries of history. Don’t miss the mysterious “Devil’s Footprint” embedded in the floor, which comes with a fascinating local legend.

Munich, Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral) with its iconic twin domes rising above the Old Town skyline, a landmark of Gothic architecture in Bavaria /Depositphotos

6. Viktualienmarkt

A paradise for food lovers, the Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s bustling open-air market. Here you’ll find fresh produce, flowers, cheese, sausages, and authentic Bavarian specialties. Many stands even have seating areas where you can enjoy a traditional lunch with a refreshing beer in one of the market’s cozy beer gardens.

Munich, Viktualienmarkt open-air market with colorful stalls of fresh produce, flowers, Bavarian specialties, and a lively beer garden atmosphere in the city center /Depositphotos

7. Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall

Dating back to 1589, the Hofbräuhaus is the world’s most famous beer hall. With long wooden tables, lively folk music, waitresses in traditional Bavarian dress, and frothy beer served in liter steins, it’s the ultimate cultural experience. Pair your drink with a giant pretzel or a hearty plate of sausages for a true Bavarian feast.

Munich, Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall with traditional Bavarian beer steins, wooden benches, pretzels, and lively folk music in the world’s most famous beer hall /Depositphotos

8. Munich Residenz

Once home to Bavarian royalty, the Munich Residenz is one of Europe’s largest and most ornate palaces. Wander through opulent halls, golden chambers, and treasure-filled rooms that showcase the wealth and power of past kings. The Residenz also includes beautiful courtyards and gardens, making it a highlight for history and architecture lovers.

Munich, Munich Residenz palace with opulent Baroque and Renaissance interiors, golden halls, and historic royal chambers showcasing Bavaria’s royal heritage /Depositphotos

9. Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche)

Located on Odeonsplatz, the Theatine Church dazzles with its bright yellow Baroque façade and elaborate white-and-gold interior. Built in the 17th century, it is one of Munich’s most striking landmarks and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy square outside.

Munich, aerial view of Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche) with its bright yellow Baroque façade and domes standing out on Odeonsplatz in the historic city center /Depositphotos

10. Alte Pinakothek

Art lovers will be enchanted by the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world’s oldest galleries. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by European greats such as Dürer, Rubens, and Rembrandt. The collection spans centuries, offering an unforgettable journey through art history.

Munich, interior of the Alte Pinakothek art museum with grand gallery halls displaying European masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Dürer /Depositphotos

11. Pinakothek der Moderne

For a modern twist, the Pinakothek der Moderne houses works of contemporary art, architecture, and design. Its strikingly minimalist building is as impressive as the exhibits inside, making it a must for fans of 20th- and 21st-century creativity.

Munich, front view of the Pinakothek der Moderne with its modern architectural façade and glass entrance, a landmark contemporary art museum in Bavaria /Depositphotos

12. Asam Church (Asamkirche)

Tucked away on Sendlingerstraße, the Asam Church may be small, but it’s one of Munich’s most breathtaking sights. Built by the Asam brothers, this Baroque gem overflows with golden details, dramatic frescoes, and ornate decoration — every inch is a work of art.

Munich, interior of Asam Church (Asamkirche) with ornate Baroque decorations, golden altar details, and dramatic ceiling frescoes in a small historic chapel /Depositphotos

13. English Garden (Englischer Garten)

One of the largest urban parks in the world, the English Garden stretches across Munich with lush meadows, lakes, and shaded walking paths. Locals and visitors come here to picnic, cycle, or even surf on the Eisbach river wave. Be sure to stop at one of the park’s beer gardens for a truly Bavarian experience.

Munich, English Garden (Englischer Garten) with lush green meadows, tree-lined paths, and people relaxing by the Eisbach river wave in one of the world’s largest city parks /Depositphotos

14. Olympiapark (Olympic Park)

Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Olympiapark remains one of Munich’s most popular recreational areas. With its futuristic architecture, sports arenas, lakes, and panoramic Olympic Tower, the park is a hub for concerts, festivals, and outdoor activities.

Munich, Olympiapark (Olympic Park) with futuristic architecture, Olympic Tower, and green park landscape built for the 1972 Summer Games /Depositphotos

15. BMW Welt & Museum

Right next to the Olympiapark, BMW Welt is a futuristic exhibition space showcasing the latest car models, while the BMW Museum takes you through the brand’s history and innovations. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the sleek design and interactive exhibits are fascinating.

Munich, aerial view of BMW Welt & Museum with its futuristic architecture, glass showroom, and BMW headquarters tower next to Olympiapark /Depositphotos

16. Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest science and technology museum. With interactive exhibits covering aviation, astronomy, energy, and more, it’s a fantastic stop for both kids and adults who love hands-on learning and discovery.

Munich, Deutsches Museum on the Isar River, the world’s largest museum of science and technology with historic architecture and educational exhibits /Depositphotos

17. Bavarian National Museum

For a deep dive into Bavarian culture, the Bavarian National Museum offers a treasure trove of art, folklore, and traditional artifacts. The museum’s impressive collection includes everything from medieval sculptures to ornate costumes, giving a vivid picture of Bavaria’s heritage.

Munich, Bavarian National Museum with its grand historic façade and cultural collections showcasing Bavarian art, folklore, and decorative treasures /Depositphotos

18. Beer and Oktoberfest Museum

Housed in a historic 14th-century building, the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum celebrates Munich’s world-famous beer culture. Learn about the history of Oktoberfest, brewing traditions, and the role beer plays in Bavarian life — all in an authentic and atmospheric setting.

Munich, Beer and Oktoberfest Museum exhibit with traditional Bavarian foods like pretzels, sausages, and beer steins showcasing the region’s culinary culture /Depositphotos

19. Nymphenburg Palace & Gardens

Step into Baroque grandeur at Nymphenburg Palace, once the summer residence of Bavarian rulers. The palace’s lavish halls are matched by vast gardens filled with fountains, canals, and charming pavilions. It’s an ideal half-day trip just outside the city center.

Munich, Nymphenburg Palace & Gardens with grand Baroque architecture, reflective canals, fountains, and landscaped gardens surrounding the former royal summer residence /Depositphotos

20. Day Trips Around Munich

Munich is perfectly located for exploring Bavaria. From the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle to the alpine lakes of Tegernsee, or the historic city of Salzburg just across the Austrian border, the options for day trips are endless. Each offers a chance to experience Bavaria’s natural beauty and cultural richness beyond the city.

Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle perched on a hilltop with fairy-tale towers surrounded by forests and the Bavarian Alps, one of Germany’s most famous landmarks /Depositphotos

Best Time to Visit Munich

Munich is a year-round destination, but each season has its own charm.

• Spring & Summer – Parks turn green, the English Garden comes alive, and outdoor beer gardens are buzzing with life.

• Autumn – The city glows with golden leaves and hosts the world-famous Oktoberfest, drawing visitors from across the globe.

• Winter – Cozy Christmas markets, festive lights, and snow-dusted rooftops give Munich a magical feel.

Best Places to Stay in Munich

Where you stay depends on the experience you’re after:

• Altstadt (Old Town) – Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be close to history, Marienplatz, and iconic landmarks.

• Maxvorstadt – Known as the art and university district, ideal for museum lovers and cultural explorers.

• Schwabing – Trendy and bohemian, with cafés, nightlife, and a youthful atmosphere.

From budget hostels to five-star hotels, Munich offers options for every traveler.

Getting to Munich

Munich International Airport (MUC) is one of Europe’s busiest hubs, with direct connections across the continent and worldwide. For regional travel, high-speed trains link Munich to Berlin, Vienna, Salzburg, and Zurich, making it easy to combine Munich with other European cities.

Getting Around Munich

Munich is very walkable, especially in the Old Town where most attractions are clustered. For longer distances, the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses are efficient and easy to use. A day pass is a great option if you plan to explore multiple areas. Cycling is also popular, with plenty of bike paths across the city.

Is Munich Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Munich’s unique blend of history, culture, food, and festivals makes it one of Europe’s most exciting and welcoming cities. From grand palaces and Gothic cathedrals to lively beer halls and world-class museums, there’s something here for every traveler.

Is Munich a Walkable City?

Yes — most top attractions in the Old Town are within walking distance. Combine walking with trams, bikes, or short U-Bahn rides, and you’ll have no trouble exploring both central Munich and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Munich Travel Essentials

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Language: German (English widely spoken in tourist areas)

• Popular Foods: Pretzels, Weißwurst (white sausage), schnitzel, and Bavarian beer

• Festivals: Oktoberfest (Sept–Oct), Christmas Markets (Dec)
  Travel Tip: Reserve accommodation well in advance if visiting during Oktoberfest or the Christmas season.

Final Thoughts

Munich is a city that shines in every season, but Munich in October is especially unforgettable. Between the world-famous Oktoberfest, golden autumn parks, cozy beer halls, and day trips to fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein, it’s a destination that captures the very best of Bavarian culture. With a camera in hand and a stein of beer in the other, every corner of Munich feels like a memory worth keeping.