In this article, you will find beautiful things to do in Munich Germany, whether you are traveling alone or in a group, with your family, or on business. Munich is also known globally as the cosmopolitan city with a heart – and with good reason: the city of Munich was first mentioned in writing in the 12th century.
For more travel articles about Germany check this category and for all articles about Europe check this list. On the one hand, the city is full of history, art, and culture and, on the other hand, it is a vibrant metropolis that has a lot to offer, especially for young people and families. It offers so many sightseeing highlights, and places worth seeing away from the tourist. You can go luxury shopping, stroll through one of the largest parks in the world, or simply make yourself comfortable in a rustic beer garden and enjoy the Bavarian mentality. Below we have collected the list of the most beautiful things to do in Munich Germany.
1. Marienplatz Munich
Marienplatz is the center of the Bavarian state capital. The square is dominated by the mighty New Town Hall in a neo-Gothic style. Right next to it is the old town hall, which is over 400 years older. The Marian Column sits enthroned in the middle of Marienplatz.
From here you can watch the historic carillon, which takes place twice a day (at 11 a.m. and at 12 p.m.). For a good 100 years, 43 bells have been ringing out here to commemorate the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V. The Marienplatz in Munich’s old town is definitely a must-see when visiting the city.
2. Nymphenburg Palace
About 5 km northwest of Munich’s old town you will find a castle. The Bavarian kings spent their summers here for almost 300 years. Inside Nymphenburg Palace is an impressive ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.
For many visitors, however, the main attraction is the 180 hectares of landscaped gardens surrounding the castle. You can even ride a real gondola in the Schlosskanal and experience Munich from a different perspective.
3. Munich Residence
The Residenz is another palace in the middle of downtown Munich and even the largest inner-city palace in Germany. The residence grew to its splendor and grandeur over 600 years.
Accordingly, you can see equipment from very different eras on a tour of the castle. Particularly magnificent halls and artistically decorated rooms with elaborate decor, paintings, and gold come from the Baroque and Rococo periods.
4. St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is just behind Marienplatz and its tower, the Old Peter is one of Munich’s best vantage points. From here you can have a wonderful view of Marienplatz with the town hall, the Frauenkirche and the entire old town without any hustle and bustle. The Church of St. Peter is one of the oldest parish churches in the city. Its history goes back to the 12th century.
5. The Marian Column
The Marian column was erected on Marienplatz in 1638 by Elector Maximilian I as a thank you to God and the Virgin Mary, after Munich had been spared the Thirty Years’ War. It is made of marble and crowned with a gilded statue of Mary carrying the baby Jesus.
On the base, there are four so-called heroic putti fighting four plagues in the form of animals and mythical creatures. The Marian column has always been a place for religious ceremonies such as processions, litanies or public prayers – even today.
6. Olympic Park of Munich
In the city of Milbertshofen is the 85 hectare Olympic Park, which was created on the occasion of the 1972 Summer Olympics . Today it is one of the most visited attractions in Munich. In the middle of the area is the Olympiasee, where you can pursue various water sports activities.
In addition to an indoor swimming pool and an ice rink, there is also a tennis court and even a soccaFive arena. Many of the most spectacular concerts and sporting events take place annually in the large Olympic Hall. From the viewing platform at the top of the Olympic Tower you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Munich.
7. Frauenkirche
The landmark and famous sight of the Isar metropolis is the Frauenkirche with its two characteristic onion domes. Every year it attracts countless tourists. The late Gothic Frauenkirche is open to visitors outside of church services.
There are many legends surrounding the Munich Cathedral. The best known is the legend of the devil’s step. It is said that the devil made a bet with the master builder that he would build the church without windows. When the devil came to check this out, at first he actually saw no windows and stamped the ground with joy. His footprint can still be seen today.
8. German Museum Munich
The Deutsches Museum – actually the Deutsches Museum of the Masterpieces of Science and Technology – is one of the most visited sights in Munich. Around 1.5 million let themselves be carried off into the wondrous world of science every year. There are more than 30 exhibitions on over 25,000 square meters.
The range of topics covers astronomy, chemistry, physics, mining, computer science, mathematics, photo & film, aerospace, metals, telecommunications, tools, musical instruments, machines of all kinds, robots and much more.
9. English Garden
The English Garden stretches over 375 hectares from the Altstadtring to the north-east. This makes it not only one of the largest parks in the world, but even larger than the famous Central Park in New York. Another special feature of the English Garden is the Eisbach wave, which is considered the world’s best river wave in the middle of a city.
10. The Hofbrauhaus am Platzl
Hofbräu houses can be found in many cities around the world, but the original is in Munich. Be served by waiters and waitresses in traditional costume, enjoy typical Bavarian dishes such as knuckle or roast pork and try the world-famous Hofbräu beer. Beer was brewed here according to the Purity Law as early as 1589. A visit here should be high on your list.
11. BMW MUSEUM MUNICH & BMW WELT
The BMW world with its museum and factory is not only one of the most popular sights in Munich for car lovers. Take a look at the technologies of the future and be inspired by the history of the global brand BMW. The futuristic building alone will amaze you.
Little explorers really get their money’s worth here, because the BMW world offers workshops and holiday programs for children, in which you can program robots and design your own vehicle. It is recommended by us as one of the places to visit in Munich Germany.
12. Hofgarten Munich (Little paradise to relax)
The Hofgarten has existed in its current size since the early 17th century.In the courtyard garden you can relax on one of the comfortable park benches. You can also visit the Munich Residence, the largest inner city palace in Germany.
13. Food market of Munich
This market is situated in the heart of the old town. This place was created originally by farmers. The locals still came to the neighboring Marienplatz to stock up on grain, fruit and vegetables, fish, or eggs.
There are around 100 stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, fish and meat to bread, spices, and delicatessen, as well as nice gifts and souvenirs. Strolling through the Viktualienmarkt you can see the figured fountain and the magnificent Heilig-Geist-Kirche.
14. National Theatre Munich
This is home of the one of the largest opera stages in the world. The National Theater was reconstructed again from 1958. The aim was to rebuild the building in Karl von Fischer’s original version. An absolute highlight in June and July of each year are the opera festivals with international stars of the opera scene. Guided tours of the National Theater take place several times a week, lasting around 60 minutes. There are also regular children’s tours, group tours and exclusive individual tours.
15. Odeonsplatz Munich
The magnificent boulevard forms an architectural and planning unit with the Odeonsplatz. The Roman-classical style of the buildings to the left and right of Ludwigstrasse is reminiscent of Italy, such as the elongated bazaar building in the east or the Palais Leuchtenberg in the west, which is based on the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.
16. Allianz Arena
Allianz Arena has more than 300,000 LEDs illuminating the diamond-shaped membrane cushions. Up to 75,000 people can be seated here, and thanks to the steep grandstands, the view of the action from every single seat are excellent.
Of course, there are also guided tours: Arena tours offer a glimpse into the interior of the stadium, from the team changing rooms to the players’ tunnel to the main stand. The FC Bayern Museum is also definitely worth a visit: Germany’s largest club museum offers an emotional journey through time from the founding of the football club in 1900 to the current triumphs.
Beautiful Things to do in Munich Germany
- Marienplatz
- Nymphenburg Palace
- Munich Residence
- St. Peter’s Church
- The Marian Column
- Olympic Park
- Frauenkirche
- German Museum
- English Garden
- The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl
- BMW World
- Hofgarten
- Food market of Munich
- National Theatre Munich
- Odeonsplatz
- Allianz Arena