Munich Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Munich, the Bavarian capital, is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant beer gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Key attractions include the historic Marienplatz with its iconic Glockenspiel, the sprawling English Garden, and the world-renowned Oktoberfest. Visitors can explore the opulent Nymphenburg Palace or indulge in local cuisine at the bustling Viktualienmarkt.
With 300+ hand-picked places to explore, Munich rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Munich
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Mariensäule — a striking column featuring a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing peace and resilience in Munich. Just as worthwhile is Marstallplatz: a historic square that enhances a day of exploration in Munich, especially during cultural events at the nearby opera. Max-Joseph-Platz completes the picture: located in the heart of Munich, this historic square highlights the city’s cultural significance.
Mariensäule
Munich • Monuments & Statues
A striking column featuring a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing peace and resilience in Munich.
Marstallplatz
Munich • Historic Squares & Plazas
A historic square that enhances a day of exploration in Munich, especially during cultural events at the nearby opera.
Max-Joseph-Platz
Munich • Historic Squares & Plazas
Located in the heart of Munich, this historic square highlights the city’s cultural significance.
Monopteros in the English Garden
Munich • Scenic Viewpoints & Lookouts
A neoclassical temple that offers scenic views over Munich’s expansive English Garden and its skyline.
Museums & Culture in Munich
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Alte Pinakothek: ideal for art enthusiasts and culture seekers, this museum showcases European masterpieces. Locals will also point you to Asam Church — lavish Baroque decoration distinguishes this small church from others in Munich's historical landscape. And for something different, there's Gärtnerplatztheater: a historic 19th-century building houses a dynamic mix of opera, ballet, and musicals.
Alte Pinakothek
Munich • Museums
Ideal for art enthusiasts and culture seekers, this museum showcases European masterpieces.
Asam Church
Munich • Historical Sites
Lavish Baroque decoration distinguishes this small church from others in Munich's historical landscape.
Gärtnerplatztheater
Munich • Theaters
A historic 19th-century building houses a dynamic mix of opera, ballet, and musicals.
Lenbachhaus
Munich • Museums
Explore the Lenbachhaus as part of a cultural day in Munich, showcasing German expressionism through the Blue Rider group.
Best Things to Do in Munich
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Climbmax Boulderhalle — ideal for families and groups looking for a fun, active indoor experience in Munich. Eisbachwelle earns its reputation too — experience urban surfing at Eisbachwelle, a unique spot in Munich where city life meets adrenaline. Round out the shortlist with Isar River Rafting — ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to explore Munich from the water.
Climbmax Boulderhalle
Munich • Sports
Ideal for families and groups looking for a fun, active indoor experience in Munich.
Eisbachwelle
Munich • Sports
Experience urban surfing at Eisbachwelle, a unique spot in Munich where city life meets adrenaline.
Isar River Rafting
Munich • Outdoor
Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to explore Munich from the water.
Theresienhöhe Escape Room
Munich • Indoor
An engaging stop for adventure seekers looking to solve puzzles in Munich's Theresienhöhe area.
Where to Eat in Munich
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Geisels Werneckhof — start your culinary journey at Geisels Werneckhof, where Japanese finesse meets Bavarian flavors. Just as worthwhile is EssZimmer: located within BMW Welt, this restaurant pairs fine dining with striking architecture. Tian completes the picture: ideal for couples and special occasions seeking a unique vegetarian dining experience in Munich.
Geisels Werneckhof
Munich • Fine Dining
Start your culinary journey at Geisels Werneckhof, where Japanese finesse meets Bavarian flavors.
EssZimmer
Munich • Fine Dining
Located within BMW Welt, this restaurant pairs fine dining with striking architecture.
Tian
Munich • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Ideal for couples and special occasions seeking a unique vegetarian dining experience in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt
Munich • Casual Dining
Experience a lively market atmosphere at Viktualienmarkt, where traditional Bavarian flavors meet contemporary dishes.
Munich After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Bahnhof Soul: a nightclub featuring a state-of-the-art sound system and top international DJs in Munich's nightlife scene. Locals will also point you to HopDog — innovative beer collaborations define this craft beer bar in Munich, appealing to true beer enthusiasts. And for something different, there's Hopfenhacker: enjoy a cozy stop for artisanal craft beers after a day exploring Munich's lively streets.
Bahnhof Soul
Munich • Nightclubs & Discos
A nightclub featuring a state-of-the-art sound system and top international DJs in Munich's nightlife scene.
HopDog
Munich • Craft Beer Bars
Innovative beer collaborations define this craft beer bar in Munich, appealing to true beer enthusiasts.
Hopfenhacker
Munich • Craft Beer Bars
Enjoy a cozy stop for artisanal craft beers after a day exploring Munich's lively streets.
Frisches Bier
Munich • Craft Beer Bars
Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts seeking a taste of local microbreweries in Munich.
Where to Stay in Munich
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Hotel Pension Am Siegestor — steps from the iconic Siegestor, this bed-and-breakfast welcomes guests to a tranquil atmosphere. The Charles Hotel earns its reputation too — this luxury hotel suits couples and business travelers seeking comfort and style in Munich. Round out the shortlist with Bed & Breakfast Zeevat — a family-run bed and breakfast offering a peaceful retreat in a quiet Munich neighborhood.
Hotel Pension Am Siegestor
Munich • Bed & Breakfast
Steps from the iconic Siegestor, this bed-and-breakfast welcomes guests to a tranquil atmosphere.
The Charles Hotel
Munich • Luxury Hotels
This luxury hotel suits couples and business travelers seeking comfort and style in Munich.
Bed & Breakfast Zeevat
Munich • Bed & Breakfast
A family-run bed and breakfast offering a peaceful retreat in a quiet Munich neighborhood.
Hotel Bayer's Boardinghouse & Hotel
Munich • Spa Hotels
Located on Schwanthalerstraße, this hotel provides a blend of comfort and convenience in Munich.
Shopping in Munich
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Kleiderei München — incorporate a stop at this innovative thrift shop during your day of exploring Munich. Just as worthwhile is Auer Dult: experience a lively blend of shopping and culture at this traditional Bavarian market in Munich. Münchner Bauernmarkt completes the picture: a lively stop for fresh produce, ideal for immersing yourself in local Bavarian life.
Kleiderei München
Munich • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Incorporate a stop at this innovative thrift shop during your day of exploring Munich.
Auer Dult
Munich • Markets
Experience a lively blend of shopping and culture at this traditional Bavarian market in Munich.
Münchner Bauernmarkt
Munich • Markets
A lively stop for fresh produce, ideal for immersing yourself in local Bavarian life.
Münchner Wochenmarkt am Wiener Platz
Munich • Markets
Ideal for families and groups looking to explore traditional Bavarian flavors and local produce.
Parks & Green Spaces in Munich
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Palmengarten München: ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a tropical experience in the city. Locals will also point you to Alois-Günther Botanical Garden — the Alois-Günther Botanical Garden features a diverse collection of plant species across thoughtfully designed landscapes. And for something different, there's Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg: one of Europe's largest orchid collections thrives in this expansive botanical garden in Munich.
Palmengarten München
Munich • Botanical Gardens
Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a tropical experience in the city.
Alois-Günther Botanical Garden
Munich • Botanical Gardens
The Alois-Günther Botanical Garden features a diverse collection of plant species across thoughtfully designed landscapes.
Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg
Munich • Botanical Gardens
One of Europe's largest orchid collections thrives in this expansive botanical garden in Munich.
Englischer Garten
Munich • Parks
A sprawling park in Munich, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation amidst nature's beauty.
79 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Munich that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Munich list:
- Isarauen Nature Reserve· Nature Reserves & Wildlife
- Munich City Walks - Historic Old Town Tour· Walking
- Aloisium Lounge· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
- Escape Room München· Indoor
- Atelier· Fine Dining
Planning where to stay in Munich?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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