Munich, Germany is a city that effortlessly marries old-town charm with cutting-edge modernity. As Bavaria’s capital, it offers visitors an enticing mix of historical landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant urban culture.
From traditional beer halls to urban surfing spots, the many things to do in Munich pack something special for every type of traveler.
1. Explore Historic Marienplatz

Most Munich adventures begin at Marienplatz, the beating heart of the city’s old town. This bustling square has been the city’s central meeting point since medieval times, when it hosted grain markets and tournaments. Today, it’s home to some of Munich’s most impressive architecture and a hub of activity.
The square’s crown jewel is the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), an architectural masterpiece that might make you think you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The building’s most famous feature is its Glockenspiel, an elaborate clock that puts on a show three times daily. At 11 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm (in season), crowds gather to watch as painted figures emerge to circle around while the bells play traditional tunes. Each performance lasts about 15 minutes and tells stories from Munich’s history.
2. Climb St. Peter’s Church Tower

Just steps from Marienplatz, you’ll find St. Peter’s Church with its 300-foot bell tower. While the church itself is beautiful, the real treasure here is the view from the observation platform at the top. The climb might leave you a bit breathless (there are 299 steps to conquer), but the panoramic views over Marienplatz, the twin-towered Frauenkirche, and Munich’s red rooftops make every step worthwhile.
For the best experience, try to arrive early when the tower opens. This helps you avoid crowds and gives you the best chance at unobstructed photos. The entrance to the tower is outside the church, where you’ll find a small kiosk to pay your fee.
3. Sample Local Delicacies At Viktualienmarkt

A short walk from Marienplatz brings you to the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s gourmet food paradise. This open-air market has been serving Munich’s residents since 1807, evolving from a simple farmers’ market into a sophisticated culinary destination with 140 stalls and shops.
The quality of produce here is exceptional, with every fruit and vegetable polished to perfection. While it might not be the cheapest spot in Munich, it’s perfect for assembling a picnic or sampling local specialties. The market features numerous water fountains and basins, remnants of the brooks that once crossed this location.
In the center of the market, you’ll find a cozy beer garden where you can rest under chestnut trees while enjoying local beer and traditional dishes. Following local custom, you’re welcome to bring food purchased from the surrounding stalls to enjoy with your beer.
4. Experience The Legendary Hofbräuhaus

No visit to Munich is complete without stepping into the famous Hofbräuhaus. This historic beer hall and brewery has become both a local institution and tourist attraction, yet somehow manages to maintain its authentic charm. Despite being one of the first stops for beer-loving tourists, the convivial atmosphere remains genuine.
Inside, you might spot groups of locals in traditional lederhosen mingling with visitors from around the world. There’s usually a Bavarian band playing traditional music, and the service is remarkably swift and efficient despite the hall’s massive size. When weather permits, the large courtyard beer garden offers a pleasant outdoor alternative under the shade of chestnut trees.
5. Relax In The English Garden

The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of the world’s largest urban parks, offering a peaceful escape from city life. Laid out in 1789 in the style of an English country park, this vast green space features everything from lakes and pavilions to beer gardens and trails.
One of the park’s highlights is the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) with its popular beer garden. On weekends, you can enjoy your beer while listening to traditional bands playing from the tower. The park is perfect for cycling, picnicking, or simply lounging on the grass on a sunny day.
6. Watch Surfers On The Eisbach

In an unlikely sight for a landlocked city, Munich offers world-class river surfing opportunities in Germany. The Eisbach (ice brook) wave has become a unique attraction where you can watch skilled surfers tackle a standing wave year-round. Located at the edge of the English Garden, this spot draws crowds who gather on the bridge to watch the spectacle.
The surfers line up on both sides of the river, taking turns to jump onto their boards and ride the wave. Unlike ocean surfing, there’s no paddling involved. Surfers must be ready to ride as soon as they hit the water. It’s a testament to Munich’s ability to surprise visitors with unexpected urban adventures.
7. Tour The Royal Residenz

The Munich Residenz is Germany’s largest city palace and a must-visit for culture lovers. As the former seat of government and residence of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers, the palace offers an impressive glimpse into royal life through the centuries.
One of the highlights is the Antiquarium hall, created in the 16th century to house Duke Albrecht V’s collection of antique sculptures. The lofty hall features floor-to-ceiling frescoes and serves as a popular spot for wedding photos. Don’t miss the Treasury, which houses the crown jewels and precious religious artifacts belonging to Bavaria’s rulers.
8. Visit BMW Welt And Museum

Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, BMW Welt (BMW World) is worth a visit. This free attraction showcases an impressive collection of cars and motorcycles, allowing visitors to get up close with some of Bavaria’s finest automotive engineering. The building itself is an architectural marvel, featuring stunning glass and steel design.
The museum, located just across the road, covers the evolution of BMW engines, cars, and motorcycles over 100 years. For the best photos, visit BMW Welt at dusk when the building lights up and glows with color like a jewel.
9. Wander Through The Hofgarten

Located right behind the Residenz, the Hofgarten is a gorgeous public garden that offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Munich. This tranquil space was once the private court garden for Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers, featuring elegant gravel paths, ornamental flowerbeds, and refreshing fountains at all corners.
At the center of the garden stands a beautiful ornamental pavilion, the Dianatempel, where you might catch the enchanting sounds of a violinist or cellist performing. The garden’s layout includes symmetrical walking paths and carefully manicured greenery, making it a perfect spot to rest your feet between sightseeing adventures. You’ll find plenty of benches where you can sit and soak up the sun while watching the world go by.
Along one end of the Hofgarten, you’ll discover a broad terrace with the Tambosi restaurant, which serves Italian-inspired food on its tree-shaded outdoor terrace. It’s a lovely spot to watch locals playing boules on the gravel boulevard while enjoying a relaxing meal or drink.
10. Discover Olympiapark

Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Olympiapark remains a vital part of Munich’s landscape. The park features several attractions, including the striking Olympic Tower, which offers spectacular views over the city. The modern architecture here provides a stark contrast to the traditional buildings of the old town.
The park hosts various events throughout the year and offers plenty of recreational activities. You can climb the roof of the Olympic Stadium through a guided tour, or for the truly adventurous, even try ziplining across the stadium.
11. Explore The Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is a paradise for science and technology enthusiasts. As the world’s largest science and technology museum, it offers enough exhibits to fill several days of exploration. The museum is particularly known for its transport and aviation halls, featuring everything from historic balloons to biplanes.
Located on a small island in the River Isar, the museum’s setting is as impressive as its contents. The exhibits are engaging and interactive, making complex scientific concepts accessible to visitors of all ages.
12. Visit Schloss Nymphenburg

Schloss Nymphenburg, formerly the summer residence of Bavaria’s rulers, is a magnificent palace set among extensive formal gardens and parkland. The palace was initially presented as a gift in 1662 to celebrate the birth of a long-awaited heir to the Bavarian throne.
The palace interior features stunning rooms, including the famous Gallery of Beauties commissioned by King Ludwig I. The formal French-style gardens offer beautiful walking opportunities, and you can even take a gondola ride on the central canal during good weather.
13. Enjoy Munich’s Beer Gardens

Munich’s beer garden culture is an essential part of city life, especially during the warmer months. These outdoor spaces offer more than just beer. They’re social hubs where locals and visitors alike gather under chestnut trees to enjoy good drinks, food, and company.
The beer garden at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden is one of the most popular, but there are numerous others throughout the city. Many allow you to bring your own food, though you must purchase drinks from the establishment.
14. Swim And Relax Along The Isar River

The Isar River provides a green corridor through Munich with walking and cycling paths, islands, and plenty of green spaces along its route. What’s remarkable is that the river is clean enough for swimming, making it a popular spot for locals during summer months.
You’ll find numerous pebble beaches along the river where people sunbathe and swim. The area near Mariannenbrücke features a huge gravel bar that’s particularly popular. It’s an amazing feature for a major city to have such accessible and clean swimming spots.
15. Experience Munich’s Art Museums

Munich’s Kunstareal (museum quarter) houses several world-class art museums. The Pinakothek der Moderne showcases contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dalí. The building itself is an architectural achievement, featuring an open atrium and central glazed dome.
The Alte Pinakothek houses an impressive collection of Old Masters, including works from Medieval German, Dutch, and Flemish masters, as well as 16th and 17th-century French and Spanish paintings.
16. Marvel At The Asamkirche

The Asamkirche is a jewel box of a church that packs incredible Baroque decoration into a relatively small space. Built between 1733 and 1746 by two brothers as their private chapel, the church of St. Johann Nepomuk (its official name) is considered one of the finest examples of late German Baroque architecture.
The church features rich colors, gilding, frescoes, and painted marble columns. Keep an eye out for the quirky golden image of death cutting the thread of life being spun by an angel near the entrance.
17. Take A Dip At Müllersches Volksbad

Opening its doors in 1901, Müllersches Volksbad is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture that offers a unique swimming experience. The building has retained many of its original features, including murals, statues, and rows of old changing cabins along the balconies.
The facility features two pools: a 100-foot-long pool (formerly men-only) and a smaller, slightly warmer pool (originally for women). Today, both pools are mixed. The spa area includes steam rooms and a Finnish sauna, making it a perfect retreat during Munich’s cooler months.
Now Go Explore!
Whether you’re interested in history, art, outdoor activities, or culinary adventures, the endless things to do in Munich ensure there’s something for everyone. From its historic center to its modern attractions, this German city maintains a perfect balance between preserving its rich traditions and embracing contemporary urban life.