What should you do in Munich?
With its grand royal palaces, lush beer gardens, and traditional Bavarian charm that brings historic squares to life, Munich never stops enchanting you. Break up your explorations with a frothy Weißbier and a giant salty pretzel, or a hearty plate of Weisswurst and sweet mustard. Stroll through the bustling Viktualienmarkt to admire the famous Glockenspiel at Marienplatz, then climb the towering spire of St. Peter's Church for sweeping views over the city and the distant Alps.
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel
The bustling, historic heart of Munich
Nymphenburg Palace
A magnificent Baroque retreat for Bavarian royalty
English Garden
A sprawling green oasis famous for river surfing
What are the must-see sights in Munich?
Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
The bustling, historic heart of Munich, Marienplatz is framed by the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of the New Town Hall. Stand in the square to watch the famous Glockenspiel chime and its life-sized figures dance, reenacting scenes from Bavarian history. It is the perfect starting point to feel the energetic pulse of the city.
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Nymphenburg Palace
A magnificent Baroque retreat for Bavarian royalty, this sprawling summer residence is surrounded by serene lakes and elegant parklands. Wander through the lavishly decorated pavilions and the opulent Gallery of Beauties, commissioned by King Ludwig I. It’s a breathtaking escape into the grandeur of Munich's regal past.
English Garden (Englischer Garten)
One of the largest urban parks in the world, the English Garden is a sprawling green oasis where locals come to unwind. Stroll past the iconic Chinese Tower, relax in a shaded, lively beer garden, or watch daredevil surfers ride the continuous standing wave on the Eisbach river. It perfectly captures Munich's laid-back, outdoor-loving spirit.
Munich Residenz
The opulent former palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs, this massive complex in the city center is a treasure trove of art and architecture. Walk through the dazzling, frescoed Antiquarium hall and marvel at the royal jewels in the Treasury. Every room offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Bavarian power and wealth.
Hofbräuhaus
The world's most famous and festive beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus is an essential Munich experience. Grab a seat at a long wooden table under painted vaulted ceilings, order a massive liter of traditional Bavarian beer, and listen to the lively oompah band. It is a joyful, noisy celebration of local culture and Gemütlichkeit (coziness).
Viktualienmarkt
A vibrant daily food market packed with local flavors, this sprawling outdoor bazaar is a feast for the senses. Meander through stalls overflowing with fresh produce, exotic spices, artisan cheeses, and warm, salty pretzels. Grab a quick snack or sit down in the central beer garden to enjoy the lively, authentic atmosphere.
St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter)
Munich's oldest parish church stands proudly just off Marienplatz, hiding a spectacularly ornate interior. The real highlight, however, is the climb up its narrow, winding tower. Once at the top, you are rewarded with an unbeatable, panoramic view of the red rooftops below and, on a clear day, the snow-capped Alps in the distance.
Deutsches Museum
Situated on a small island in the Isar River, this is the world’s largest museum of science and technology. Get lost in vast halls dedicated to everything from early aviation and maritime navigation to space exploration and physics. It is a massive, interactive wonderland that fascinates visitors of all ages.
Olympiapark
Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, this park is celebrated for the striking, tent-like glass canopies that cover its main stadiums. Today, it’s a beautifully landscaped area perfect for a leisurely walk, a boat ride on the lake, or climbing the Olympic Tower for sweeping views. It represents a bold, modern chapter in Munich's architectural history.
Alte Pinakothek
A sanctuary for art lovers, this world-class gallery houses one of the most significant collections of Old Master paintings in the world. Wander through spacious, naturally lit halls to admire timeless European masterpieces by Rubens, Dürer, and Rembrandt. It is a quiet, contemplative space that celebrates centuries of artistic genius.
BMW Museum & Welt
A sleek, futuristic celebration of automotive history, this striking complex sits just across from Olympiapark. Explore the iconic "four-cylinder" building to trace the evolution of BMW’s engineering, then head to the stunning, glass-paneled BMW Welt to see the latest cutting-edge designs. It’s a must-visit for design enthusiasts and car lovers alike.
Asam Church (Asamkirche)
Tucked away on a busy shopping street, this relatively small church is a hidden masterpiece of breathtaking late-Baroque design. Step inside to be instantly overwhelmed by intricate frescoes, gilded statues, and dramatic lighting that creates a theatrical, almost mystical atmosphere. It is a stunning, intimate jewel box of a church.
Practical information for your trip
Munich and the surrounding Bavarian countryside are incredibly popular, especially iconic sights like the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. These world-famous palaces require timed entry tickets that frequently sell out weeks in advance. Rather than spending your vacation worrying about logistics and standing in ticket lines, your Tourlane Travel Expert secures all your priority entrance tickets and guided tours early. We handle the complex scheduling, including seamless transportation into the Alps, so you can simply arrive and step straight into a Bavarian fairytale.
Munich often feels like a collection of distinct, charming villages, and each district offers its own wonderful atmosphere. The Altstadt (Old Town) is perfect for first-timers who want to be steps away from Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus. Schwabing offers a lively, artistic vibe near the English Garden, while Haidhausen charms visitors with its quiet, tree-lined streets and authentic local cafés.Because finding the perfect home base is key to an unforgettable trip, we take the time to understand your personal travel style. We’ll match you with a hand-picked, vetted boutique hotel in the exact neighborhood that fits your vibe, keeping you close to the sights you care about most.
Absolutely! Munich’s fantastic location makes it the perfect gateway to the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, sparkling alpine lakes, and historic towns along the Romantic Road. However, navigating regional train schedules or mountain transport on your own can be time-consuming. When you plan your trip with us, you don't just get a city stay; your dedicated expert can seamlessly weave in spectacular day trips—whether it's a scenic drive to Linderhof Palace or a journey up the Zugspitze mountain—complete with all transfers and expert local guides.
Yes! Munich’s central location in Europe and excellent high-speed rail network make it a fantastic anchor for a broader adventure. You can easily reach Salzburg in under two hours, or connect comfortably to Vienna, Zurich, Prague, or Berlin. Planning seamless multi-destination trips is our specialty. Instead of spending your free time coordinating cross-border train schedules and navigating hotel transfers, your Tourlane expert will craft a flawless, multi-country journey and handle every single logistical detail for you.
