Top Munich Attractions: Complete Guide to Bavaria’s Capital

For me, Munich was love at first sight. Filled with gorgeous, impressive architecture, oozing with history, and offering an abundance of Bavarian beer, it automatically felt like home. It has quickly become one of my favourite city breaks. The laid-back lifestyle and many awesome things to do in Munich made it feel like home.

Munich is famous for Oktoberfest. While this beer festival is a legendary experience, this cosmopolitan city is worth visiting any time of year. There are many things to see in Munich, but if you’re looking for an additional fix, make sure to check out the Bavarian Alps. Both Munich and Bavaria are underrated locations for any history and culture lover. Here are my top picks for the best things for first-timers in Munich.

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A quick intro to the Bavarian capital

Munich (München in German) is the capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third-largest city after Berlin and Hamburg. If you’re curious, Munich derives from the medieval German word “Munichen,” meaning “home of the monks.” For almost a century, those same monks ran a monastery and brewed beer in what is now Munich’s Old Town.

Bavaria, a state in southern Germany, has been home to the Celts, Romans, and many different tribes over the centuries. In 1255, the Wittelsbachs became the monarchs of Bavaria and ruled here until 1918. Many Wittelsbachs left a mark on Munich and Bavaria, including Ludwig I. With a team of architects, Ludwig planned out and designed modern Munich, giving it its characteristic appearance.

Munich’s growth and development took off during the 19th century. It was one of Europe’s culturally important cities, known for its musical and theatre scene. Ludwig II, the man behind the Neuschwanstein Castle, championed the famous composer Richard Wagner, adding to Munich’s allure.

Birth of The Free State Of Bavaria

The end of WWI marked the end of Wittelsbach’s rule. The new Free State of Bavaria attracted many extremists, eventually becoming home to the Nazi Party. It was in Munich that Hitler addressed the crowds and held his meetings, including the infamous Beer Hall Putsch. As much as it was the hotbed of the Nazi movement, there was a passive Bavarian resistance to the regime. Unfortunately, it was not enough to change history.

During WWII, Munich was heavily damaged by bombing raids. After the war, Munich’s residents chose to rebuild the city based on the old building plans. Walking around today, you wouldn’t know the extent of the damage. The city is beautiful and strongly reflects Bavarian traditions.

Munich and the beer culture in Bavaria

As the home of Oktoberfest, Munich is a place where you can fully embrace the beer culture. Beer, after all, was proclaimed as “liquid bread” in the Bavarian constitution. Today, the strict rules of beer-making follow the “Reinheitsgebot” – a Bavarian decree from 1516 that regulates beer-making ingredients. As there are over 4,000 Bavarian beer brands and about 40 types of beer, there is plenty to choose from for everyone.

Tourists and locals frequent the beer halls and gardens to eat giant pretzels with ubiquitous sausages and pork knuckles. You can even score your own Stein locker at the local beer hall. The beer halls are guaranteed a good time, from the traditional Bavarian oompah bands and live music to whip-cracking performers to giant pretzels and loads of sausages.

Beer halls and beer gardens (best Munich attractions for beer lovers)

• Hofbräuhaus: A must when it comes to Munich attractions. Established as the Royal Brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1589, Hofbräuhaus has been a staple of Munich’s history. Here, you’ll find all the traditional elements of Bavaria. It’s also known as the most famous beer hall in Munich.

• Augustinerkeller: This establishment has been tapping Edelstoff beer in wooden barrels since 1812. It has all the staples, including vaulted ceilings, wooden benches, chandeliers and old paintings. It’s also great for people-watching.

• Biergarten Viktualienmarkt: A lovely beer garden in the city centre of Munich. Great for people-watching and checking out the nearby market stalls.

• Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower): Located in the English Gardens, this is a great place to enjoy the sunshine and surrounding park while enjoying traditional Bavarian brews accompanied by Chinese food.

• Löwenbräukeller: Not only does Löwenbräukeller host one of Oktoberfest’s most popular tents, but it also was the first beer hall with napkins and tablecloths. It must have been quite the talk back in 1883.

• Paulaner Bräuhaus: Started by two brothers in 1889, the beer here is brewed in shiny copper tanks and served with traditional and seasonal dishes.

Main attractions and top things to do in Munich

With so much history and culture, Munich is a great place to explore on a city break or as a base for day trips. One of the best ways to get an introduction to Munich is with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. This is a great way to discover major landmarks and attractions. You also get an overview from the official tour guide on where things are and what they are. On a clear, sunny day, you can sit on the upper level of the bus with the whole city at your fingertips.

Recommended walking tours of Munich:

• Munich Old Town Walking Tour

• Munich Ghosts and Spirits Evening Walking Tour

• Third Reich Walking Tour Munich

Eisbachwelle

The one thing I definitely didn’t expect to see in Munich was river surfing. At the entrance to the Englischer Garten, you will likely see several onlookers. That’s where surfers tackle the waves of river Eisbach. The river is man-made, and the wave is created by a stone step. It’s fascinating to watch people in wetsuits zipping from one side of the river to the other. This Eisbach wave is an activity I recommend if you have surfing experience. Otherwise, you’re better off enjoying the show from the sidelines.

Englischer Garten

The Englischer Garten (English Garden) was designed to emulate the style of English landscapes popular at the time. What started off as swampy terrain transformed into a massive public park bigger than Central Park in New York.

The sprawling English Garden, with its open spaces, tree groves and walkways, is popular with locals and visitors. It’s a favoured spot for sunbathers (sometimes in the nude) and all outdoor lovers. This makes it one of the Munich attractions that locals adore as well. It’s the perfect place for a bike ride or a leisurely stroll.

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)

One of the largest Gothic buildings in southern Germany, the Frauenkirche’s iconic towers have been a symbol of Munich since 1525. It’s also one of the most famous attractions in Munich for those who love churches. The church was completed in 1488, but the domes capping the towers took another 37 years to complete. There is a law that says no building can obscure the view of the church. That means the views of the city and the Alps from the tower are spectacular.

Marienplatz

This is one of the most popular Munich attractions. Like probably every other person who comes here, I love the area around Marienplatz. The main square of the Old Town (Altstadt) is where the action is. Since the 12th century, Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich and the center of its historical events. This is also where the annual Christmas Market takes place.

Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) absolutely took my breath away. Although it was built between 1867 and 1909, it looks like something out of a Gothic novel. It looks one way when it’s sunny, transforms at night and takes your breath away when dusted with snow.

It’s hard to imagine that 24 houses were demolished to make space for this exquisite structure with six courtyards. The outside is decorated with sculptures from Bavarian history and legends. If that wasn’t enough, there is a massive clock tower that chimes its 43 bells while little bronze figurines dance out scenes from a wedding, honouring Duke Wilhelm V and his bride.

Nymphenburg Palace

To glimpse what a summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs looked like, head over to Nymphenburg. I must say, the Wittelsbachs had an eye for architecture. This Baroque palace is a stunner, and the surrounding beautiful gardens are like icing on the cake. It’s a must-see stop for your list of things to do in Munich.

Prince Ferdinand Maria built the castle in 1664 as a gift to his wife for giving birth to a long-awaited heir. It must have been some wait. The heir, Max Emanuel, played a significant role in the future expansions of the palace, as did many other Wittelsbachs. You can definitely spend a better part of the day. Don’t miss the water features and the gardens.

Odeonsplatz, Siegestor and Feldherrnhalle

The Odeonsplatz was the brainchild of Ludwig I. He envisioned the square as a grand entrance into Munich, marking the city’s main thoroughfare, the Ludwigstraße. Flanked by Neo-Classical buildings, Ludwigstraße is a feast for the eyes in itself. Today, Ludwig sits atop his horse, facing the street.

As you pass the monument, you’ll see the Feldherrnhalle, a loggia that seems like something straight out of Florence. Created as a focal point for Odeonsplatz, the loggia honours Bavarian heroes. Walking along the Ludwigstraße, you’ll come across Siegestor – a triumphal arch with three grand arches. Commissioned by King Ludwig I, as was the day’s fashion, the arch was completed in 1850 and is modelled on the Arch of Constantine in Rome.

Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church)

A church has stood in this spot since the 11th century. The church you see today has undergone reconstructions and extensions over the centuries, leaving it a fusion of styles. Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo elements blend to create the church we see today. You can climb the 299 steps for great city views, which is easier than I imagined. The views are amazing and worth the climb. It’s one of the best places to get a panoramic view of the city.

Viktualienmarkt

If you’re strolling around the Old Town, you’ll find your way to the Viktualienmarkt. As Munich’s most famous food market, this is a lively place. Do a little shopping, people watching and sit down to enjoy a beer with a snack. You’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, including fresh fruits and local specialties. It’s a great option for foodies and those looking to experience the local culinary scene.

Alte Pinakothek

Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the Alte Pinakothek was opened in 1836 by Ludwig I. It is one of the world’s most famous art museums, with an impressive art collection by 14th-18th century masters. Many of the works came from the Wittelsbach family collection, started by Duke Wilhelm IV in the 1500s.

Asamkirche (Asam Church)

The Asam Church started as a private chapel for its builders, the brothers Asam. They built the church in the mid-18th century in the Baroque style. The church, officially named after St. Johann Nepomuk, integrates itself between rows of houses. Lavishly decorated inside, the outside has its unique feature: two massive rocks at the base of the columns by the church’s entrance. This small church is a hidden gem with a unique ambience.

Bavarian National Museum

The Bavarian National Museum, founded by King Maximilian II in 1855, is one of Europe’s premier institutions for art and cultural history. Located on the elegant Prinzregentenstraße, the museum was originally created to house the Wittelsbach Collection. Today, it boasts an extensive array of artifacts spanning centuries, showcasing Bavaria’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum’s vast collection includes medieval sculpture, tapestries, and religious artifacts, as well as Baroque and Rococo decorative arts, such as exquisite porcelain, goldsmith’s work, and furniture. One of its standout features is the collection of Nativity scenes, which is among the most significant in the world. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of different periods and regions.

BMW Museum and BMW Welt

The BMW Museum is definitely a huge draw for car lovers. The futuristic-looking building houses BMW’s history as well as car parts and models. If you’re into cars, especially BMWs, this should be on your list of Munich attractions. Next door, you’ll find the BMW Welt, a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility of the BMW Group.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is a world-renowned technology museum. Its 269,000 sq ft (25,000 m2) of space houses over 30 exhibitions, including over 100,000 objects from the fields of science and technology. The museum is a great place for adults and children interested in the wonders of science and engineering.

Glyptothek Museum

Dedicated to ancient sculptures, the Glyptothek is Munich’s oldest public museum, founded by Bavarian King Ludwig I and opened in 1830. Located in Königsplatz, a neoclassical square in the city centre, the museum’s collection spans several centuries, featuring works from Archaic Greece to the Roman Empire. Highlights include the Barberini Faun, a masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture, and the exquisite Aegina marble. The museum’s architecture, designed by Leo von Klenze, reflects the grandeur of ancient Greek temples, providing an immersive experience of the classical world.

Haus der Kunst

The Haus der Kunst is a non-collecting art museum and exhibition venue renowned for its groundbreaking contemporary art exhibitions. Located near the Englischer Garten, it opened in 1937 and was initially used by the Nazi regime for propaganda purposes. Today, it stands as a symbol of transformation, featuring avant-garde exhibitions that challenge and inspire. It regularly hosts international artists and is known for its ambitious retrospectives, thematic exhibitions, and innovative programs. A must-visit for modern art enthusiasts, the museum also boasts a rich architectural heritage, with its monumental neoclassical building designed by Paul Ludwig Troost.

Lenbachhaus

The Lenbachhaus, a former residence of the artist Franz von Lenbach, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern artistry. After Lenbach’s widow sold the property to the city of Munich in 1929, it was converted into a museum that now houses an impressive collection of international contemporary art.

The museum is especially famous for its extensive collection of works by the Blue Rider group, including pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc, and Gabriele Münter. The Lenbachhaus also features temporary exhibitions, fostering a dynamic dialogue between the past and the present. The building itself, expanded with a modern wing by architect Norman Foster, provides a stunning backdrop to the eclectic art on display.

Neue Pinakothek

The Neue Pinakothek, established by King Ludwig I in 1853, focuses on European art from the late 18th to the early 20th century. Although the original building was destroyed during World War II, the museum reopened in 1981 in a new structure designed by architect Alexander von Branca.

The collection includes masterpieces by German, French and English artists, such as Caspar David Friedrich, Édouard Manet, and J.M.W. Turner. Highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and Francisco de Goya’s “Portrait of Don Juan Antonio Llorente.” It provides a comprehensive overview of the development of art through the periods of Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

Recommended reading: 15 Best Galleries and Museums in Munich

Pinakothek der Moderne

The Pinakothek der Moderne is one of the world’s largest museums for modern and contemporary art. It combines four museums under one roof: the Modern Art Collection, the Neue Sammlung (New Collection), the Architecture Museum, and the Munich Graphic Collection. Opened in 2002 and designed by Stephan Braunfels, the museum is a cultural hub, offering diverse exhibits from painting and sculpture to design, architecture, and works on paper.

The Modern Art Collection features works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. The Neue Sammlung is renowned for its design objects, the Architecture Museum offers insights into architectural history and contemporary practice, and the Munich Graphic Collection holds many drawings and prints. The museum’s interdisciplinary approach makes it a vibrant centre for exploring the interconnectedness of art, design and architecture.

Munich Residenz

Once the official residence of the Wittelsbach monarchs, the Munich Residenz is a massive palace comprising 10 courtyards and 130 rooms. This opulently decorated complex dates back to the 14th century, with many additions over the centuries. This is easily one of the Munich attractions you need more than a day to explore. As the largest city palace in Germany, it’s a true testament to the wealth and power of Bavaria’s former rulers.

Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism

The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism is a place of education and remembrance focusing on the history of National Socialism in Munich. It provides important historical context and is a sobering but necessary visit for those interested in understanding Munich’s past.

Olympic Park

The Olympic Park, built for the 1972 Olympic Games, is now a recreational area and events venue. You can visit the Olympic Stadium, climb the Olympic Tower for amazing views, or enjoy various sports activities. The park’s unique architecture and landscaping make it a perfect place for a leisurely day out.

Final thoughts on Munich attractions

There are so many exciting things to do in Munich. The city’s low-key vibe, cultural attractions, amazing museums and outdoor spaces make it a great place to explore. It’s also the perfect location for architecture lovers, history buffs and foodies. Even Munich’s dark past makes it an important place to explore.

Munich has a wealth of unique attractions, each offering a memorable experience. It’s also a great home base for exploring Bavaria. You can take many different day trips to explore the wonderful historic towns, castles and the Alps. Whatever you decide to do, Munich is the perfect destination for your German adventure.