The first time I walked into Munich’s Marienplatz, I couldn’t stop grinning. The massive Gothic town hall was straight out of a fairy tale, and the smell of fresh pretzels from nearby beer halls hit me like a wave. Within an hour, I was sitting in the Hofbräuhaus with a giant stein, wondering why I’d waited so long to visit this place.
Look, there are so many incredible things to do in Munich that I barely know where to start. From getting my mind blown at the BMW Museum to wandering through the insanely gorgeous Residenz Palace; this city had me hooked. Let me show you why Munich quickly became one of my favorite spots in Europe (and no, it wasn’t just the beer).
Top Must-See Places in Munich
Visiting Munich? Spend the day at Marienplatz, explore the vast English Garden, or immerse yourself in history at the Deutsches Museum. Stroll through Viktualienmarkt for shopping and dining, enjoy a leisurely walk, or indulge in some traditional Bavarian treats. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or local culture, Munich has plenty to offer.
1. Marienplatz
It’s hard to visit Munich and not end up in Marienplatz, the city’s historic central square. I first stopped by around noon and found a crowd already gathered in front of the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), cameras ready. A few moments later, the Glockenspiel show started—figurines spinning and chiming out a Bavarian story high above us. It was kitschy in the best way, and I was grinning the whole time.
Beyond the Glockenspiel, the square is surrounded by shops, cafés, and landmarks like St. Peter’s Church, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views of Munich. Just steps away, the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) adds even more historic charm.
If you’re visiting during December, this spot turns into a full-blown Christmas market—complete with mulled wine and holiday stalls. Marienplatz is lively, walkable, and always buzzing with something interesting.
2. English Garden
It’s easy to forget you’re in a major city when you’re wandering through the English Garden (Englischer Garten). Spanning over 900 acres, this green oasis offers everything from shady picnic spots to unexpected river surfing. One of the coolest moments from my trip was watching surfers take turns on the standing wave at the Eisbach River—locals cheer from the bridge like it’s a regular sporting event.
Further into the park, you’ll find Kleinhesseloher See, where paddle boats drift lazily across the lake. Nearby, the Seehaus beer garden serves up cold beer and bratwurst with views of the water. The Chinese Tower, another popular spot, often has live oompah bands and a festive beer garden below.
Whether you’re cycling, sunbathing, or sipping a Radler under the trees, this park perfectly captures Munich’s relaxed, outdoor-loving vibe.
3. Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum, perched on an island in the Isar River, is the kind of place that turns casual curiosity into full-on fascination. With exhibits covering aviation, mining, robotics, astronomy, and more, you could easily spend an entire day here. I barely scratched the surface and still managed to walk through a full-sized U1 submarine, test physics experiments, and sit in a flight simulator.
One of the most impressive displays is the hall of historic aircraft and early automobiles, including the first Benz car. For families, the Kinderreich section is full of hands-on learning for kids, while adults can dig into the science behind energy, communication, and medicine.
There’s also a planetarium and rotating live demonstrations that break down complex topics in surprisingly fun ways. Whether you’re a science nerd or just curious, this place is packed with wow moments.
4. Viktualienmarkt
Right behind Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt is where Munich’s food culture comes alive. What started as a farmers’ market in the 1800s is now a daily open-air market with more than 100 vendors. My personal highlight? Snacking on Weisswurst and mustard with a fresh pretzel while perched on a beer garden bench beneath the maypole.
From seasonal fruits and flower stalls to cheese shops, butchers, and international ingredients, there’s something for every appetite. At the heart of it all is a shaded Biergarten, where locals gather to eat, drink, and socialize.
It’s also a great place to pick up picnic supplies before heading to the English Garden or Isar River. The mix of locals and visitors, plus the colorful vendor displays, make this one of the most authentic and flavorful places to hang out in the city center.
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5. Nymphenburg Palace
You don’t have to be a history lover to enjoy Nymphenburg Palace—this place is just flat-out impressive. Once the summer home of Bavarian royalty, the palace stretches across a massive estate west of Munich. Inside, the Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall) stands out with its giant chandeliers and elaborate frescoed ceilings. I spent way too long admiring portraits in the Gallery of Beauties, which was commissioned by King Ludwig I.
Outside, the sprawling palace gardens are just as grand. You can wander past canals, fountains, and even smaller palaces like the Amalienburg, which has over-the-top rococo interiors.
Don’t miss the Marstallmuseum, housed in the old stables, where you’ll find ornate carriages and royal sleighs. Whether you’re here for the art, architecture, or just a peaceful walk, this is one of those places where everything feels a little larger than life.
6. BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the BMW Museum and BMW Welt are absolutely worth a visit. Just north of the city center near Olympiapark, these two sleek buildings showcase everything from vintage motorcycles to futuristic electric cars. The museum layout is chronological, and it was wild seeing how far car design has come since the early 1900s.
Inside BMW Welt, which is part museum, part showroom, you can get up close to the brand’s newest models or even watch people picking up their custom BMWs. There are interactive exhibits on design, engineering, and sustainability, plus rotating exhibitions and events.
The architecture alone is something to see—it’s all glass curves and clean lines. Whether you’re into engines or just love sleek design, it’s a cool peek into one of Germany’s most iconic brands.
7. Olympiapark
Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Olympiapark is more than a relic of the past—it’s one of Munich’s most dynamic public spaces. I climbed to the top of Olympiaberg one afternoon and was rewarded with wide-open views of the skyline and distant Alps. The tent-like architecture of the Olympiastadion still feels futuristic, even today.
You can take guided tours, rent pedal boats on the lake, or just wander the park’s trails. One of the most popular activities is heading up the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower), which has a panoramic observation deck and even a revolving restaurant.
During winter, people sled down the hills; in summer, there are concerts and festivals. Whether you’re chasing views, fresh air, or fun events, Olympiapark is one of the most flexible and family-friendly spots in the city.
8. Asam Church
Tucked between shops and apartments on Sendlingerstrasse, the Asam Church (Asamkirche) is easy to miss—but it’s one of the most jaw-dropping places I visited in Munich. Built in the 1700s by the Asam brothers as a private chapel, this tiny baroque church packs an incredible amount of detail into a very small space.
Inside, every inch is layered with gold leaf, dramatic sculptures, and rich frescoes. The ceiling alone could keep you staring for twenty minutes. The contrast between the dark lower section and the glowing, heaven-like upper level creates a powerful atmosphere.
It’s quiet, often uncrowded, and feels like a secret most people walk right past. For architecture lovers or anyone wanting to experience something uniquely intimate and ornate, the Asam Church is an unforgettable stop that proves small spaces can leave a big impression.
9. Hofbräuhaus München
There’s no way you can visit Munich without stepping into the Hofbräuhaus München—even if it’s just for one drink. This 16th-century beer hall is the city’s most iconic spot for Bavarian food, beer, and energy. Inside, the vaulted ceilings, live oompah music, and clinking steins create a vibe that’s equal parts touristy and authentic.
I grabbed a seat at one of the massive communal tables and ordered a Helles beer and pretzel bigger than my head. The menu’s full of traditional staples like Weisswurst and Schweinshaxe, and the servers are dressed in full dirndl and lederhosen. It’s loud, friendly, and easy to get caught up in the fun.
Whether you’re here for the beer, music, or just people-watching, Hofbräuhaus isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience that throws you straight into Munich’s social heart.
10. Pinakothek Museums
If you’re even mildly into art, set aside at least half a day for the Pinakothek museums. This trio—Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne—offers a walk through centuries of European art. I started with the Alte, which focuses on classics like Rubens, Dürer, and da Vinci.
The Neue Pinakothek (currently under renovation but with select works displayed nearby) includes 18th and 19th-century artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt. The Pinakothek der Moderne feels like a different world—sleek, modern, and filled with contemporary art, design, and architecture. You’ll find everything from Bauhaus chairs to abstract sculptures.
Each museum has its own vibe, but they complement each other beautifully. The surrounding Kunstareal district is also great for café hopping and bookstore browsing. If you want culture without the crowds, this is your zone.
11. Tierpark Hellabrunn (Munich Zoo)
Tierpark Hellabrunn isn’t your average zoo. Located along the Isar River, it’s the world’s first “geo-zoo,” which means animals are grouped by continent in naturalistic habitats. I spent most of the afternoon wandering from Africa to Asia to the Arctic without ever leaving the city.
Some highlights? Watching penguins dive underwater, feeding goats at the petting zoo, and spotting tigers through the trees. The layout is open and lush, and the animals have plenty of space, which makes the whole experience feel more relaxed than typical zoos. There are also playgrounds, food stands, and shady paths—perfect for kids or just escaping the city noise.
It’s both educational and a fun way to spend half a day. If you’re looking for one of the more unexpected things to do in Munich, this is a solid pick.
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12. Allianz Arena
Whether or not you’re a soccer fan, Allianz Arena is one of Munich’s most impressive modern landmarks. It’s home to FC Bayern Munich, and its glowing exterior—made from thousands of light-up panels—is hard to miss, especially on game nights.
I took a behind-the-scenes tour, which included the players’ tunnel, locker rooms, and pitch-side view. The sheer size of the stadium hits differently when you’re standing where the team walks out. You can also visit the FC Bayern Museum, packed with trophies, jerseys, and the club’s full history.
If you’re lucky, catch a match—the energy inside is electric. Even if you’re not into football, the design and atmosphere here make it worth checking out. Located just outside the city center, it’s an easy ride on the U6 subway line and a great way to experience Munich’s passion for the sport.
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