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Munich travel guide
Guide me through Munich
With a fusion of modernity, majesty, and tradition, Munich boasts architectural gems, a rich cultural heritage, and delicious comfort food. A castle, a vast museum collection, large parks, and zünftige beer pubs – one thing is for sure… Whatever you expect from a city trip, you will find in Munich.
Not yet sure where to travel after Munich?
Munich Top 5
Indulge in local delicacies
Visit a museum
Have at least one unique experience
Stroll the historic center
Make a day trip
Best things to do in Munich
The Highlights
Top 5 • Specials • Museums • Unique Experiences • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation • Day Trips
After touring the city, take a well-deserved break in the English Garden. This massive and popular park is great for a picnic, people-watching, or a visit to the beer garden. Talking about Bavarian beer, don’t miss the chance to visit the world’s most famous beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus.
Shopping at Viktualienmarkt, a huge food market selling fresh produce and local treads in the middle of the city is essential on your trip to Munich as well. For those who are even more into shopping, go to Kaufinger Street and its side streets to find a mix of independent boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops.
By strolling through Munich’s historic part, many architectural gems can be spotted along the way, such as some beautiful elaborated churches that should be visited from the inside. Visit Frauenkirche, Asam Church, and St. Peter Church to see some real catholic treasures.
Royalty has left its mark all around Germany. No wonder the Bavarian capital and its surroundings boast several marvelous castles. The Nymphenburg Castle and the Munich Residence make are two lavishly decorated palaces and are well worth a visit!
Munich’s modern face is determined by the Olympiapark, an area full of fun activities and great to explore with children. Find a roof climb, a zip line, ice skating, a mini-golf course, a swimming pool, or an aquarium around the stadium. To get a view of the city, visitors can have a coffee on the top of the Olympia tower or can visit the observation deck. Another great birds-eye view can be gained by climbing the New Town Hall in the city center. A visit to Munich’s Hellabrunn zoo is a fun activity for young and old.
Seasonal things to see in Munich
Seasonal Activities
Top 5 • Highlights • Museums • Unique Experiences • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation • Day Trips
Who has not heard of Munich’s world-famous beer festival, Oktoberfest? If you happen to be around Bavaria during the end of September, you will be able to sample steins of beers and hearty comfort food in one of the many festival tents around the state, especially in Munich.
But don’t worry, there are more iconic and unique things to do in Bavaria’s capital. During the beginning of May, you can see traditional maypoles being erected all over the country amidst many festivities. In winter, on the other hand, a visit to one of the numerous Christmas markets will warm your heart and body – try the mulled wine!
Best museums to visit in Munich
Museums
Last but not least, a visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without seeing at least one of its fabulous museums. Whether your passion is art, ancient or Nazi history, food, or even more specific topics, Munich can deliver with over 80 museums to choose from. On Sundays, many museums charge only one Euro as an entrance fee.
Visit the Pinakothek, House of Art, or the City Gallery to marvel at fantastic art. The Bavarian National Museum shows decorative art and special exhibitions and will teach you how royal families have lived for centuries. For fans of science and technology, a visit to Deutsches Museum or the BMW Museum will pay off. The NS-Dokumentation Center Munich explains the origins of National Socialism and the city’s struggle after World War II. Learn about the history of Bavarian beer and the famous Oktoberfest at the Beer- and Oktoberfest Museum. If you are a fan of ancient history, don’t miss the Egyptian History Museum which lies entirely underground.
Top unique experiences in Munich
Unique Experiences
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One of Munich’s main attractions is the Glockenspiel, a chiming clock that tells old folklore and can be admired at Munich’s Town Hall (shows at 11 am, 12 am, and 5 pm). Watch people surf at Eisbach whatever the weather in the English Garden. Put your foot in Devil’s footprint at Frauenkirche, where legend has it that the Devil himself stamped his footprint out of rage into the floor. Relax at Müllersches Volksbad, a unique public swimming pool with lavishly decorated ceilings and walls in the art nouveau style.
Unforgettable entertainment is provided by a visit to Unterfahrt, a jazz club in an unfinished subway station, or the Bavarian State Opera, Munich’s opera performing pieces composed by Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss. A fun night out can be attending Blade Night, a giant street party on rollerblades taking place every Monday from May to September (equipment can be rented on-site).
Best food to try in Munich
Local Delicacies
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Munich is not the city for a low-carb diet – hearty comfort food, baked goods, and delicious beer are the base of any German food experience. Bavaria’s beer culture is best enjoyed in a typical beer garden, or one of the many traditional beer houses such as the Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner Keller, or Schneider Brauhaus, to name Munich’s most famous.
Kaffee und Kuchen is for the Germans like Afternoon Tea for the British – essential and usually accompanied by baked goods. Talking about baked goods, Munich’s bakeries are top-class. Eat your way through sweet and fluffy yeast buns, salty pretzels, dark rye or sourdough bread, exquisite cakes, and pastries.
For a warm and hearty food experience, try roasted pork knuckle, sausages, Klöße (dumplings), and cabbage. For the real deal, take a food tour to sample German favorites and learn about the history behind the local delicacies.
Best travel tips for Munich
Useful travel tips
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Unique Experiences • Delicacies • Transportation • Day Trips
Home to a charming historic center, a majestic castle, parks, and a lot of fun activities, Munich offers something for everyone. No wonder it is hard to decide on what to start. A tour can help to get to know the city. Fortunately, the Bavarian capital has a wide range of walking tours and specialty tours to offer.
Take a free walking tour (don’t forget to tip your guide at the end) or a cycling tour to learn about Munich’s rich history, or take a food or brewery tour to dive into German eating and drinking culture. Learn about German royalty or World War II on an exciting specialty tour.
Transportation tips for Munich
Transportation
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Unique Experiences • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Day Trips
After a German meal, it’s best to walk some calories off. This is also the best way to explore Munich’s city center – on foot. You can rent a bike for cheap as well. When it comes to public transportation, visitors can choose between the underground, the tram, and the busses. Get the Munich City Card if you plan on using public transportation a lot.
Best say trips from Munich
Best Day Trips
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Unique Experiences • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation
For those with more time on their hands, a visit to Dachau Concentration Camp located outside the city can be a remembered experience. Or take a hike in the surrounding mountains with well-marked paths and cottages serving beer and food while marveling at the breathtaking scenery. Another great day trip is to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but make sure to book your tickets in advance. If you still can’t get enough of Bavarian architecture, history, and culture, take a day trip to Nürnberg, Regensburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Bamberg, all beautiful destinations to visit by train.