Munich is a delightful city in the southeast of Germany. This city is the second largest in Germany, so there’s plenty to do here. In winter, many tourists visit Munich to enjoy currywurst and mulled wine at the famous Christmas markets, but the city’s most renowned event is undoubtedly Oktoberfest!
The capital of Bavaria has a charming historic center where you can enjoy shopping and sipping drinks on the terraces. Of course, this large city also has plenty of attractions, so read on for the best Munich attractions for your city trip.
The top 12 Munich attractions (including map)
1. Frauenkirche
In an old German city, you’ll often find many churches, and Munich is no exception! The Frauenkirche is located in the historic center of the city, close to Marienplatz (which you’ll read more about shortly). This Gothic church dates back to 1468 but had to be rebuilt after the attacks in World War II. You can climb the church’s southern tower for a stunning view of the city all the way to the Alps.
2. Nymphenburg Palace
The grand palace in the west of Munich was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs. Five generations of rulers were involved in the construction of this beautiful palace, which houses several remarkable collections. With its richly decorated interior and the famous “Gallery of Beauties” commissioned by Ludwig I, the palace is one of the favorite Munich attractions. Highlights include the former bedroom of King Ludwig II and the impressive banquet hall with ceiling frescoes. An entrance ticket to the palace is €8.
3. Marienplatz – Neues Rathaus
Since the city’s inception, Marienplatz has been the heart of the center. Here you’ll find historical attractions like Neues Rathaus, and in summer, various events take place. Neues Rathaus is the stunning town hall of Munich. You can visit the town hall, and from the tower, you’ll have a beautiful view over the city. The famous Glockenspiel also plays on the town hall’s balcony at 11:00, 12:00, and 17:00.
4. Englischer Garten
This is the largest city park in Europe, and when you’re in it, you wouldn’t realize the center is so close. There’s plenty to do in this park, and many locals come here to relax or exercise.
One of Munich’s largest beer gardens, Biergarten at the Chinese Tower, is located in the park. This beer garden is surrounded by large trees, and many students come here to have a beer, making it a lively spot!
5. BMW Welt
If you’re a true car enthusiast, BMW Welt is one of the most exciting Munich attractions for you. In this fantastic building (as if it came from the future), you can learn all about BMW’s development and admire many cars. BMW Welt is divided into a museum and the factory. An entrance ticket to the museum costs €10, and the factory €8.
6. Munich Zoo Hellabrunn
Munich Zoo Hellabrunn is a beautiful zoo located in Munich. The park covers 40 hectares and is home to over 750 animal species from around the world. It is also the first zoo in the world to focus on creating natural habitats for the animals, instead of traditional cages and enclosures. Besides admiring animals, the zoo also offers educational programs and activities for children and adults.
7. National Theatre of Munich
The National Theatre of Munich, also known as Bayerische Staatsoper, is an iconic opera house. Established in 1653, it offers a wide range of performances today, including operas, ballets, and concerts. The theatre is renowned for its impressive architecture and stunning decor, making every performance an unforgettable experience. In addition to the amazing performances, the theatre also offers tours of the building, where you can learn more about the history and workings of the theatre.
8. Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is an annual folk festival held in Munich. It usually begins at the end of September and lasts about 16 days, ending in early October. It is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year. The festival is all about drinking beer, enjoying traditional Bavarian food, wearing lederhosen and dirndls, and enjoying live music and attractions. The festivities take place at the Theresienwiese grounds in Munich and officially begin with the opening of the first beer barrel by the mayor of Munich. If you’re in Munich during this time, it’s definitely fun to join in the celebrations. Oktoberfest is one of Germany’s most famous cultural events.
9. Kunstareal: museum district in Munich
Kunstareal is a museum district located in the city center. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious museums and art collections, including the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, and the Museum Brandhorst. You can enjoy an abundance of art and culture, from old masterpieces to contemporary art and design. The district also offers a variety of cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year. Kunstareal is a must-visit destination if you’re an art lover!
10. Peterskirche
Peterskirche, also known as St. Peter’s Church, is a beautiful Baroque church located in the heart of Munich’s old town. The church dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest churches in Munich. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes, sculptures, and paintings, including the famous St. Peter’s altarpiece from the 18th century. Climb the tower for a spectacular view over the city, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and architecture of this historic church.
11. Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is a famous open-air market located in the city center. The market covers an area of 22,000 square meters and offers an abundance of fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and flowers. You can also enjoy traditional Bavarian delicacies such as pretzels, sausages, and beer. The market is an important part of the local culture and provides an authentic experience for both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Munich!
12. Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is a technical museum where you can learn all about science and technology. Founded in 1903, it is now one of the largest and oldest technical museums in the world.
There are more than 50 exhibition areas where you can see all sorts of interesting things, such as machines, fascinating inventions, and scientific experiments you can try yourself. For example, there’s an area about space travel, where you can see a real rocket and even try a flight simulator!
But the museum also has other areas, like chemistry and physics, where you can learn all about how the world around us works. It’s a place to learn and have fun.
Explore the city by bike
There’s no more enjoyable way to explore a city than by bike. During our Munich Highlights Bike Tour, a local guide from Baja Bikes will take you past all the city’s attractions.
The guide makes regular stops during the tour to share interesting facts about each location. In 3 to 3.5 hours, you’ll truly experience Munich on a beautiful bike tour. Of course, the guide is happy to answer your questions and there’s time for photos!
