Considering a trip to Munich? There’s more to this city than Oktoberfest.
If you’re planning on visiting Bavaria’s capital, we’ve got the lowdown on all the cool things to do in this vibrant city.
Already in Germany? Getting to Munich is a breeze – even from as far as Berlin in the northeastern part of the country, the quickest train service can get you to Munich in 3h 50m.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Munich, Germany.
Top things to do in Munich, Germany
Cycle
Munich is super bicycle-friendly, especially from May through September. You can rent a bike from Munich's bikeshare system, MVG Rad, or one of the many rental shops. There are even guided bicycle tours, so you can explore the city like a pro on two wheels.
Eat and drink at Viktualienmarkt
This open-air market, the heart and soul of Munich, is where the culinary action is at. You’ll find fresh local produce, Bavarian sausages, cheeses, and more. It's also perfect for grabbing snacks or picnic supplies. If you're in the mood for a sit-down meal, there are some fantastic restaurants around the market too.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: Platzl Square, Munich, Germany.
Visit the old town
Exploring Munich's old town is like stepping back in time. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the iconic Rathaus-Glockenspiel mechanical clock at Marienplatz square.
You can climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church for panoramic views of the city. The church itself is a gorgeous mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles.
And don't miss the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, one of the world's most famous beer halls. It might get a bit noisy and crowded, but it's an authentic Bavarian experience you've gotta try.
Englischer Garten
The English Garden is a massive urban park – even bigger than Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York. You can watch surfers on the man-made Eisbach river, chill by the lake, or visit the traditional beer garden at the Chinese Tower, which looks like something out of a fairytale – a wooden, pagoda-like structure from the 18th century.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Bilderbuch. Image Location: Nymphenburg, Palace, Munich, Germany.
Palaces galore
Munich is all about palaces. The Munich Residenz used to be the royal hangout for Bavarian monarchs. You can wander through its opulent chambers, check out the jewels in the treasury, and take a leisurely stroll in the Hofgarten (court garden).
Then there’s Nymphenburg Palace, another royal residence with enchanting gardens and the Marstallmuseum, home to a mind-blowing collection of royal carriages.
Deutsches Museum
For the science and tech geeks among us, the Deutsches Museum is heaven on earth. It’s one of the world’s biggest and most interactive science museums, with exhibits covering everything under the sun.
Kunstareal
If you're an art and design buff, head to Kunstareal, Munich’s museum quarter and a university neighborhood. And for some extra knowledge, not far from the Kunstareal are places like the Palaeontological Museum and the Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism (the latter only opened in 2015).
Just don’t forget to check local listing times before you go – most museums are free on one day of the month or have a reduced entrance fee of 1 euro on Sundays.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Werner Schnell. Image Location: Hohenschwangau Castle, Schwangau, Germany.
Day trips from Munich
If you ever need a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider these day trips from Munich, most of them easily accessible by train:
Castles
Neuschwanstein Castle, near the Bavarian town of Füssen, is like something out of a fairytale – it is believed to be Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella Castle. Don't forget to explore the other wonders in the nearby area: the crystal-clear waters of the Alpsee lake and Hohenschwangau Castle.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Take a sobering and educational journey to the Dachau Concentration Camp, just under 10 mi from central Munich.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Image Location: Zugspitze Mountain, Germany.
Wetterstein Mountains
Hop on a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and conquer Germany's highest peak, the 9,718ft Zugspitze.
Salzburg
Spend a day in Salzburg where you can explore the historic city center, check out Mozart's birthplace, or visit the famous Salzburger Festspiele venue.
To Munich and beyond
Download the Trainline app and venture out to the Black Forest. Filled with waterfalls and dense forest land, Germany has so many diverse regions to explore.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikada. Image Location: Munich, Germany.