Things to Do in Munich
Of the many hundreds of places of interest in the Bavarian city, we've selected the ones you shouldn't miss on your trip. Discover the most important monuments, churches, parks and palaces in Munich: what, where, when and how to visit them!
Munich is world-renowned for its timeless elegance and for hosting one of Germany's most popular festivals: Oktoberfest. The beer culture is very important in this destination, but so is its history: did you know that it hosted the 1972 Olympic Games, or that it was here that Hitler's failed coup d'état of 1923 took place?
To enjoy the city's charms and quirks and to learn about its exciting history, we recommend participating in a free tour of Munich or a private tour. If you're particularly interested in a particular element of the city, Civitatis also offers some more specialized tours. For example, take a look at this Munich Third Reich tour to gain a deeper insight into the Nazi's role in the history of the city.
The Most Iconic Landmarks in the City
The Marienplatz is the perfect starting point for any trip to Munich. This square is the city's central hub and home to some of its most important buildings, such as the 15th-century Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall, built around 360 years later. One of the highlights here is the famous Glockenspiel, whose music and animated figures have become a major tourist attraction.
But Munich is much more than just a postcard-perfect square. In the historic center, you’ll also find the Residenz, once home to the House of Wittelsbach—one of Germany’s oldest noble families. To explore its grand halls and uncover its fascinating past, a guided tour of the Munich Residenz makes for a fantastic experience.
No visit to Munich would be complete without seeing the Cathedral, Viktualienmarkt, Olympiapark, or the Theatine Church—each telling a unique part of the city's long and storied past.
To truly experience the flavors and aromas of this city, a visit to the Hofbräuhaus brewery is a must. Here, you can sample a variety of traditional Bavarian dishes and, of course, enjoy some of the local beer. Who’s up for a Munich beer tour?
Munich's Fascinating Museums
There are many diverse museums to explore in Munich, catering to all interests and ages, whether you're visiting alone or with the kids! To make the most of these exhibitions, the Munich City Card and Munich City Pass are excellent options for saving money, but also time and effort!
The Deutsches Museum stands out as the world's largest museum of science and technology, offering an incredible journey through innovation and discovery. Munich is also home to the BMW Museum, a paradise for automobile enthusiasts, showcasing the evolution of the brand along with many of its historic models. For those interested in art, the Bavarian National Museum and the Pinakothek der Moderne are perfect places to immerse yourself in the region’s rich artistic legacy.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss SEA LIFE® Munich, an impressive aquarium home to sharks, stingrays, turtles, and many other marine creatures from around the world.
Day Trips from Munich
If you're staying in Munich for a few days, you might consider taking a day trip! There are a number of diverse experiences to be enjoyed just outside the city:
- Day Trip by Train Neuschwanstein Castle or by bus – A perfect excursion to visit one of Germany’s most breathtaking castles, a fairytale residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, said to have inspired the Walt Disney Castle
- Trip to Dachau Concentration Camp – Located just 12 miles (20 km) from Munich, this site offers a sobering but essential experience to better understand recent history and the atrocities committed during World War II.
- Day Trip by Train to Salzburg or by bus – One of Austria’s most beautiful cities, just under two hours from Munich, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music, this UNESCO World Heritage city boasts baroque temples, grand palaces, and a stunning fortress overlooking the Salzach River.
When is the Best Time to Visit Munich?
While the best time to visit depends on your travel goals, spring is generally ideal for exploring Munich. The temperatures are mild, averaging between 57 and 72°F (14–22°C), and the longer daylight hours make sightseeing enjoyable. Summer brings slightly warmer weather, but also more frequent rain showers.
Autumn and winter, on the other hand, can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping below 32°F (0°C) for several days and occasional snowfall, especially from December onward. That said, it’s a magical time to visit if you’re looking to experience Munich at Christmas.
