Munich, Germany is a city where Bavarian tradition, modern culture, and scenic charm come together effortlessly. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is famous for its grand architecture — from the iconic Marienplatz and its Glockenspiel to the historic Residenz and the impressive Frauenkirche towers that rise above the skyline. Visitors can wander through elegant boulevards, explore world-class museums like the Alte Pinakothek, and enjoy the cozy beer gardens that define Munich’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. Each neighborhood has its own personality, from the upscale streets of Schwabing to the lively markets and cafés around Viktualienmarkt.
Beyond its landmarks, Munich offers a blend of culture and outdoor living that makes the city feel both vibrant and relaxed. Locals and visitors alike spend sunny days in the sprawling English Garden, where you can watch river surfers ride the Eisbach wave or simply enjoy a peaceful walk. Munich also hosts some of Germany’s most famous events, including the legendary Oktoberfest, which fills the city with music, food, and Bavarian spirit. Whether you’re touring Nymphenburg Palace, sampling traditional dishes in a historic beer hall, or taking a day trip to the nearby Alps, Munich offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. For travelers wanting an authentic Bavarian experience with a modern twist, Munich is a city that truly has it all.
Munich Things to do
Things to do outside
Walking Tours I highly recommend beginning your visit to Munich with a walking or bicycling tour around the center city. This is an ideal way to see the highlights, orient yourself, and combat jet lag with a little exercise and (hopefully) sunshine. Many tours depart from Marienplatz – simply look for someone with a sign. If you want to plan ahead, consult one or more of the following.
Radius Tours
www.radiustours.com
I have had very good experience with Radius. They offer a city tour (approximately 2 hours) and an excellent Third Reich tour that runs about 2.5 hours. The Third Reich tour is truly one of those don’t
Munich Walk Tours
www.munichwalktours.de/en/
This group offers a number of different tours as well – City, Englisher Garten, Third Reich. This is also a reliable operator.
Sandeman’s Walk Tours
www.newmunich.com
Sandeman’s provides free three-hour tours through city center.
Lennys Bike Tours
http://www.discovermunichnow.com/bikeTours/index.html
Roughly 3.5 hours of history, witty comedy, relaxing beach cruiser bikes, and an hour for food and beverage at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden. Only 15 Euros…the best value in town!
Rent-A-Bavarian Tour
www.rent-a-bavarian.de
A local fellow named Herbert Krippner also offers private guided tours. I don’t have direct experience with him but he is also very well reviewed.
Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus (New City Hall)
www.aviewoncities.com/munich/marienplatz.htm
S/U-Bahn Marienplatz Marienplatz is the heart of Munich. A lively town square bordered by restaurants, beer gardens, and the New and Old City Halls, you are guaranteed to find something interesting to see here! The Carillon (sometimes called the Glockenspiel) runs daily at 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm. This massive mechanical clock plays four different tunes on 43 bells while 32 almost life-size carved figures present scenes from Munich’s history, including the jousting match at the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V with Ranate of Lorraine in 1568, and the Coopers dance of 1517 celebrating the end of the Black Death. The viewing platform (accessed via a lift) at the top of the tower provides a fantastic view of the inner city, but do it when the Carillon is running to avoid the large crowds at all other times. There is a good tourist office located on the ground floor of the Neues Rathaus. Pedestrian Zone (Fussgangerzone) S/U-Bahn Marienplatz or Karlsplatz The area between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz in the center of town was turned into a pedestrian area in 1972. Stroll along and enjoy the flowers, fountains, shopping, beer halls, and the general atmosphere. During good weather the area attracts numerous street performers. The fountain at Karlsplatz is spectacular so don’t miss it Architecture Viewing and Upscale Shopping Fabulous buildings (and expensive boutiques) abound along the royal avenues of Theatinerstrasse, Maximillianstrasse, and Residenzstrasse. This is also a great area for people-watching and yet more beer halls and restaurants. Wikipedia has a good description of Maximillianstrasse at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilianstrae_(Munich)
Englischer Garten
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Englischer_Garten
One of the largest city parks in the world (larger than New York’s Central Park), the Englischer Garten spans 920 acres and runs for 3 miles along the River Isar. It is a beautiful walk or bike from one end to the other. The Seehaus is here (on the northern end) as is the Chinese Tower beer garden. There is also a Japanese tea house. On warm and sunny days around noon, many German office workers head to the southwest corner of the park, take all their clothes off, and eat their sack lunches! The diversion of the Isar through Englischer Garten has an interesting “side show” that’s well worth seeing. The river diversion flows underground for about a mile and exits at Eisbach between the Bayerishes Nationalmuseum and the Haus der Kunst art museum. The flow is so rapid that surfer are able to practice here. See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisbach
Nymphenburg Palace
http://www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/englisch/
Open 10 to 4 daily Tram 12 or 17 (westbound) to Schloss Nymphenburg stop I
am listing Nyphemburg Palace in the “Outside” section because the parks and grounds surrounding the palace are stunning and well worth a visit. The Palace is located about 15 minutes west of city center and is easy to reach using public transport. Take either Tram 12 or 17 to the Schloss Nymphenburg stop. Exit the tram to your right and cross the street [west] at the light for a short walk to the Palace. On your return trip, catch the tram at the stop just south of the stop used for arrival. Five generations of Bavarian royalty were involved in the construction, starting with Elector Ferdinand Maria. Thrilled by the birth of his heir Max Emanuel, he had the central section built in the style of an Italian villa for his wife. Each succeeding ruler added to the building, which now stretches 550 yards from one wing to the other. The central structure contains galleries and lots of porcelain. The parks and botanical gardens are fantastic and include two very interesting out buildings – a hunt lodge and a “sea” lodge. There are two restaurants here – one just behind the Palace and the other in the garden. There is also a small Lowenbraeu beer garden just across from the tram stop. It is a relatively short walk from Nymphenburg to Hirschgarten, the largest beer garden in Munich, which would make a great lunch spot. You can then return to center city via S-Bahn at the Laim station.
Viktualienmarkt
S/U-Bahn Marienplatz
Open daily except Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Only a few steps from the Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s most popular open air market, bustling with 140 shops and stalls offering flowers, fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, and crafts. There is a cool, shady beer garden in the middle of it all, making this a great spot for a picnic lunch and people-watching
Olympia Park
www.olympiapark.de/en/home
U-Bahn Olympiazentrum
OlympiaPark was constructed as the site of the 1972 summer Olympics and today operates as a sport, concert, entertainment and museum destination. Running, Nordic walking, tennis, mini-golf, and boat rentals are available on the large grounds. You can tour Olympic Stadium and travel to the top of Olympic Tower (190 meters). On a clear day you can see all of Munich and to the Alps from the top of the Tower which also features a revolving restaurant and a rock and roll museum. You can easily spend a half or even a full day here. Wikipedia has a good description at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OlympiaparkFestivals There are numerous festivals (“Volksfeste”) in and around Munich throughout the year.
Things to do inside
Munich is chock-full of museums, art galleries, and gorgeous churches. You could spend weeks here and not see all of them. Following are some of my favorites.
Residenz
www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/index.htm
Residenzstrasse/Max-Joseph-Platz 3.
S-Bahn Marienplatz/U-Bahn Odeonsplatz or Marienplatz
Open daily 10 to 4 If you only have the time (or the interest) to do one palace, this should be it. The Residenz is a grand palace that served from 1508 to 1918 as the seat of the Bavarian government and the residence of five centuries of royalty of the Wittelsbach dynasty. It is the largest city palace in Germany. The complex of buildings contains ten courtyards and the museum displays 130 rooms Over-the-top Rococco and Renaissance architecture are the highlights. Wikipedia has a user-friendly overview at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_Residenz
Deutsches Museum
www.deutschesmuseum.de
Museumsinsel 1 S-Bahn Isartor
Open daily 9 to 5 The Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest museum of technology and science, with approximately 1.5 million visitors per year and 28,000 exhibited objects from 50 fields of science and technology. There is a new branch devoted exclusively to transportation, the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum, located at Theresienhohe 14a, U-Bahn U4 and U5 to ‘Schwanthalerhohe’. Featuring everything from old bikes and the first Mercedes Benz, to the sleek ICE trains of today. There is also a flight museum, the Flugwerft Schleissheim, with more than 50 planes and other flying machines in an historical aerodrome on a former military airfield. It’s a 25 minute S-Bahn trip from Marienplatz. Take S-1 direction Freising Flughafen and get off at Oberschleissheim. You need the Gesamtnetz (entire network) train ticket for this.
Alpines Museum
http://www.alpenverein.de/Kultur/Museum/
Praterinsel 5 S/U-Bahn Isartor or Lehel
Open Tues – Sat 1 to 6:
Everything you want to know about mountaineering in the Alps from 1760 until today. Oil paintings and graphics, documents and equipment.
Lenbachhaus
www.lenbachhaus.de
Luisenstrasse 33 U – Bahn Koenigsplatz
Open Tues – Sun 10 to 6
The City Art Gallery was built in the 19th century as a Tuscany villa in Renaissance style for the Munich artist and “painter prince” Franz von Lenbach, darling of the German aristocracy and the most fashionable Bavarian painter of his day. It is a tribute to works largely by Munich-based artists. It has gained international fame as the home of the Munich-based expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider) which utilizes a unique color-spraying art method.
Bayerisches Nationalmuseum
www.bayerisches-nationalmuseum.de
Prinzregentenstrasse 3 U-Bahn Lehel
Open Tues – Sun 10 to 5
One of Europe’s leading folk art museums, providing a comprehensive survey of German cultural history, both sacred and secular, from the early Middle Ages to the present. Displays include art collections of the Wittelsbachs, a series of rooms authentically decorated in rustic Bavarian style, a model of the medieval city, and specialized departments with tapestries, stained glass, porcelain, Trachten (traditional Bavarian dress), and the largest ivory collection in Europe.
Alte Pinakothek
www.pinakothek.de
Barerstrasse 27 U-Bahn Koenigsplatz
open Tues – Sun 10 to 6
The Alte Pinakothek (Old Art Gallery) features more than 850 Old Master paintings from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 19th century. Emphasis is on German, Dutch, and Flemish paintings. The gallery was commissioned by Ludwig I to replace the gallery in the Residence which had become too small to house the Royal Collection. Modeled on the Renaissance places of Venice it took ten years to complete. It was nearly destroyed in WWII and has been restored to its original state.
Neue Pinakothek
www.pinakothek.de
Barerstrasse 27 (across the street from Alte Pinakothek) U-Bahn Koenigsplatz
Open daily 10 – 6 except Tuesday
The largest post-war gallery in Germany with over 1,000 works, the Neue Pinakothek (New Art Gallery) houses collections through the 19th and early 20th centuries. One focus is on the German art of the 19th century including the private collections of King Ludwig I. There is also a large collection of French impressionists.
English-language bookstores
Hugendubel has two bookstores with a selection of English language titles, one at Marienplatz 22 (across from the Neues Rathaus), another at Salvatorplatz 2, near Odeonsplatz U-Bahn station. The latter has a larger selection (at one point it was all English titles, maybe still is) and is open 10 – 7 Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays. At the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), Internationale Presse has a fairly large selection of books, magazines, and newspapers in English and many other languages. The shop is located near the main platforms. For another alternative, the largest English-language second-hand book shop in Germany, with over 20,000 titles, is in Munich. They also offer free wi-fi with the purchase of any book
The Munich Readery
www.readery.de
Augustenstrasse 104 Corner of Schellingstrasse in Munich Maxvorstadt U-Bahn U2 to Theresienstrasse, then walk two blocks north along Augustenstraße Open 11 – 8 Monday to Friday and 10 – 6 Saturday, closed Sunday Tel.: 089 12192403
Munich Beer Gardens and Halls
One of the best reasons to go to Munich is to sample Bavarian beer. In my opinion it is the best beer in the world. You cannot go to Munich and not spend time in at least one beer garden or hall, even if you’re not a drinker. The atmosphere is quintessential Bavaria. Also if you want a great source of information I recommend you buy the Beer Drinkers Guide to Munich Book. This book breaks down all the beer gardens with reviews and maps. It also has coupons in the book that pays for itself in less than two coupons. Also visit the website www.beerdrinkersguide.com for a complete list of beer halls and gardens in the Munich area along with reviews, pictures, and ratings see.
There are six brewers in Bavaria: Lowenbrau, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hofbrau, Hacker-Pschorr, and Spaten. Any other beer, such as Erdlinger, Warsteiner, etc, comes from outside of Bavaria and is not nearly as good. Typically you can choose between “Dunkles” (dark), “Helles” (lager-style), and Weissbier (a light wheat beer). Many beer gardens and halls also serve a “Radler”, which is half lemonade, half beer. Ostensibly this beverage was developed for bicycle riders who want a drink with a lower alcohol level, but it’s become somewhat popular with others as well. I find it rather disgusting, but to each his own. All beer halls and gardens also serve soft drinks and some serve wine. Beer gardens, in particular, are quite family-friendly; many provide playgrounds for children and all provide good food and snacks. Weekends bring out the locals and you will likely see multi-generational families picnicking and making a day of it.
There are a few simple rules you need to know. In beer gardens/halls (and in restaurants), tables with cloths are full service, those without are self service except where noted. Look for the “Stammtisch” signs on or over tables and those tables are reserved for regulars. Finally, all beer halls/gardens serve wonderful large pretzels (“Brezel” or plural “Brezeln”). Some establishments sell them from food stands or via roaming staff who take payment from you on the spot. Others provide Brezeln in baskets on each table; at the end of your visit you will be asked to tell the number you have consumed and will be charged for the total (i.e., the Brezel basket is not like the free bread basket you encounter in the U.S.)
Munich Recommended Restaurants
There are two types of restaurants in Munich:
Restaurants are focused primarily on food, although beer and other alcohol is served. Reservations are typically required and you must almost always wait to be seated. Gaststatte are more casual places where emphasis is equally on food and beer (in other words, you can go here just to drink). They are often owned by one of the Bavarian breweries, therefore only that particular beer is served. Although these are full-service affairs you typically pick your own seat and often share tables with others if it is crowded. A good example of Gaststatte can be found in the cul-de-sac Dreifaltigkeitsplatz on the south west end of the Viktualienmarkt – there are three Gaststatte here, each serving beer from different breweries. All Bavarian eating and drinking establishments serve Brezeln (pretzels) which are a great accompaniment to beer. Brezeln usually come in a large basket at restaurants and Gaststattes. You are charged by the piece and the server will ask you the number you’ve eaten at the end of your visit.
Zum Alten Markt www.zumaltenmarkt.de/
Dreifaltigkeitsplatz 3
Am Viktualienmarket
Reservations (recommended): +49 (0) 89 29-99-95
S-Bahn Marienplatz
Zum Alten Markt ties with Brenner Grill (below) as the best restaurant in Munich, in my opinion. If you have only one night in Munich, this is the place to go. The food is fantastic, featuring ultra-fresh cuisine with ingredients from the nearby market. The style is Bavarian with a creative, lighter touch. The interior decor, with its intricately coffered wooden ceiling, came from a 400-year-old Tyrolean castle. They feature Spaten beer and have a nice wine list. It’s a small restaurant that is very popular with locals so reservations are recommended. The owner, Herr Josef Lehrner is out-going, fun, and speaks English perfectly. The phone number shown above is his cell phone; he’s accustomed to receiving reservation calls from the U.S. Although the website is all in German, the staff here is proficient (enough) in English so no worries.
Brenner Grill
www.brennergrill.de
Maximilianstrasse 15
Reservations (recommended): +49 (0) 89 452288-0
S-Bahn Marienplatz, U-Bahn Odeonsplatz
Brenner Grill is a new, modern, upscale Italian bistro located within easy walking distance of Marienplatz. The meats, risotto, and salads are over-the-top outstanding; in my opinion Brenner ties with Zum Alten Markt for best restaurant in Munich. (If you’re in town for two nights, go here the second night.) The wine list is good for reds but has limited choices for whites unless you’re a Pinot Grigio fan. The interior is simple but very well done with soaring ceilings. It is quite popular with the locals so reservations are advised. Although the website is all in German, everyone on staff is very proficient in English.
Gasthaus Isarthor
www.gasthaus-isarthor.de/
Kanalstrasse 2
U-Bahn Isartor
A locals spot with good Bavarian classics, inexpensive (certainly by center city standards) and very casual. It’s a short walk from Marienplatz, but the Isartor area is quite busy with traffic so use the underground passage to cross the street. Reservations are accepted but generally only needed at high traffic times. Most of the tables are large and communal; some will have reservation tents but seat yourself at any others.
This is an Augustiner house and a good place to get Schwein- or Wienerschnitzel (pork or veal cutlets) with all the traditional trimmings. A nice salad is included with the meal. This is one of the very few places in town that serves Kaiserschmarren, the traditional Bavarian dessert made of crepe strips tossed with powdered sugar and served with ligonberry jam and/or applesauce – don’t pass this up! Staff here now speaks some English, but there are new menus with English subtitles so it’s no longer an experiment to eat here!
Andechser am Dom
http://www.andechser-am-dom.de/
Weinstrasse 7a
49- (0)89 298481
S-Bahn Marienplatz
Located just behind Frauenkirche at Marienplatz, Andeschser am Dom serves very nice meals including typical Bavarian and a number of lighter dishes. The food is quite good but the real draw is the fabulous Dunkles and Helles beer made at the monastery about 30 miles to the south. This place is always mobbed with locals, but you can often find a place to seat yourself at the outdoor tables. Yet another website that is German only, but the staff speaks English and there are English menus as well.
Nurnberger Bratwurst Glockl am Dom
www.bratwurst-gloeckl.de/
Frauenplatz 9 (facing Frauenkirche)
S-Bahn Marienplatz
Located very near Andescher am Dom, this restaurant serves fantastic Nurnburger sausages (small, lean, grilled sausages) with either kraut or potato salad. It’s an Augustiner house so you know the beer is good! Quite traditional Bavarian, the staff speaks enough English to get by. Many locals cite this as their favorite place in town. Nice patio. Very good lunch spot. Self-seating.
Spatenhaus
www.kuffler.de/en/muenchen/spatenhaus/index.php
Residenzstrasse 12 (across from the National Theater/Opera House)
S/U-Bahn Marienplatz or Odeonsplatz
As the name implies, this is a Spaten house that features great people watching from the patio in front. Food is good enough, but not the best. Wait to be seated in the restaurant.
Zum Franziskaner
www.zum-franziskaner.de
Residenzstrasse 9
S/U-Bahn Marienplatz or Odeonsplatz
Located directly across the street (south) from Spatenhaus, this is a great choice for lunch after visiting the Residenz. There is a small patio out front; a stubl serving only wurst and lebenkase; and a very large, multi-room restaurant with an extensive menu. They feature Lowenbrau beer as well as Franziskaner Weissbier. Fantastic house-made rotbratwurst (small sausages similar to the Nurnburgers at Nurnberger Bratwurst Glockl am Dom) and the best kraut and potato salad in town. They are also well known for house-made Weisswurst (white sausages served in hot liquid, be sure to remove the casing!), which tends to run out by 1:30 or 2:00 pm. Feel free to seat yourself in the stübl or in the restaurant, often at shared tables. Zum Franziskaner gets very crowded with locals on weekends (there’s a reason) but it’s well worth fighting the crowds.
Lago di Garda
No website, but you can find it on Google maps
Baaderstrasse 2, (near Deutsches Museum)
+49 (0) 89 299144
S/U-Bahn Isartor
Lago di Garda is a good place to have lunch before or after visiting the Deutsches Museum as it’s relatively close – just be aware that they close from 2 pm to 5 pm. It is a tiny Italian restaurant that features the best pizza in Munich. There are other very good Italian dishes as well, but the pizza is the standout. Delightful owner/operator. Inside and outdoor seating wait to be seated.
Weinhaus Neuner
www.weinhaus-neuner.de/index_en.php
Herzogspitalstrasse 8
+49 (0) 89 26039
S/U-Bahn Karlsplatz
The Weinhaus Neuner is Munich’s oldest wine tavern. The food is upscale and very good and, as you might expect, the wine list is extensive. There are three venues: a wood-panel restaurant (more expensive, reservations required), a Weinstubl (less expensive), and a small bistro. The choice of food ranges from nouvelle German to old-fashioned country. Specialties include home-smoked beef and salmon. Closed Sundays. Wait to be seated.