With a population approaching 1.5 million, Munich ranks as the third-largest city in Germany and is the most populous city in the State of Bavaria, serving as its capital. The city features natural attractions such as the Isar River, which flows through the heart of the urban center, and the adjacent Bavarian Alps.

Similar to other cities in Germany, Munich presents a blend of historical and modern elements, catering to diverse interests with various tour options to engage and entertain visitors.

Herein, we present 15 of the top-rated tours in Munich that are favored by tourists from across the globe.

1. 5-Hour Old Town Scavenger Hunt

For those seeking an engaging and interactive experience rather than a passive one, this scavenger hunt in the Old Town can be an ideal choice.

The tours commence in a central location, where participants will employ their teamwork and problem-solving abilities to decipher riddles and collect clues, leading them to subsequent attractions.

Notable stops include St. Michael’s Church, Marienplatz, and the New Town Hall.

Hands-on tours like this one are particularly suitable for first-time visitors and those traveling with children requiring stimulating outdoor activities.

2. 2 ½-Hour Segway Tour

Segways have gained popularity as a safe and enjoyable mode of transport for tours in recent years.

Their safety and ease of use allow riders to appreciate the outdoors with minimal exertion.

This two-and-a-half hour tour of Munich includes a brief training session for those unfamiliar with Segways. Afterward, participants will don helmets and explore significant attractions throughout the city.

Highlights encompass Königsplatz, the Pinakothek Museums, and parts of both the Old and New Town.

Note that this tour is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

3. Munich City and FC Bayern München Soccer Arena Tour

This four-hour combined tour departs mid-morning from downtown Munich, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover some of the city’s most notable historical, cultural, and sports landmarks.

The excursion begins with a bus ride, during which guests will receive an overview of the city’s layout and points of interest from their guide.

Subsequently, participants will delve into Munich’s vibrant football culture and visit the home of its most renowned team, which boasts a dedicated fan base worldwide.

The tour encompasses stadium and exhibition components, however, during matches, guests will instead visit the nearby Olympic Park.

4. Mystic Munich: Legends of the Old Town

Munich’s Old Town is rich in captivating tales, intriguing legends, and numerous historical mysteries worthy of exploration in today’s context.

As dusk approaches, the darker corners of the city emerge with vitality. Experiencing these areas with an informed and enthusiastic local guide is recommended.

It is said that various monsters, creatures, and mythical beings inhabit Munich after dark, and while this tour may possess an enigmatic and whimsical quality, it remains a perennial favorite among tourists from both nearby and afar.

In a brief 90 minutes, participants can expect to see attractions like the Old Court, Marienplatz, and the Frauenkirche.

5. Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour

The Viktualienmarkt is a must-see destination for gastronomy enthusiasts visiting Munich.

This vibrant market is where locals procure daily provisions for their meals.

This two-hour guided tour offers a delightful mix of humorous, flavorful, and memorable experiences.

Participants will engage with shoppers and vendors, gain insight into the art of bartering German-style, and sample a variety of items from sausages and cheeses to pastries and pickles.

A traditional Bavarian breakfast is included in the tour cost, so arriving with an empty stomach is advisable.

6. Third Reich Tour

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, the initial foundations of the Third Reich were established in Munich’s public spaces and beer halls.

The Hofbräuhaus remains one of the world’s most renowned beer halls due to its association with the Nazi Party.

This three-hour guided walking tour investigates key figures of the movement, historically significant locations within the city, and the conditions that contributed to one of history’s darkest periods.

Participants will also discover how the city was reduced to ruins during the war and how it has notably rebounded in subsequent decades.

7. Munich’s Beer Halls and Breweries

Beer is an intrinsic part of Munich’s culture, akin to the relationship between beer and pretzels. Even individuals with limited time can explore the city’s beer halls and breweries within a span of three hours.

Under the guidance of a knowledgeable local, the tour of the world’s beer capital begins with a historical overview before visiting several historic beer establishments.

If visiting in October for the Oktoberfest celebration, the atmosphere will be particularly vibrant.

The tour also includes a visit to Munich’s oldest brewery, where participants can taste a selection of brews alongside traditional German dishes.

8. Discover Munich 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour is suited for those who favor intimate group experiences over larger, less personal ones.

Group sizes are generally limited to 15 but often proceed with around 10 participants, allowing for a more tailored experience based on individual interests.

Key highlights include iconic locations such as the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, historic churches and beer halls, as well as the bustling Marienplatz.

Participants will benefit from their guide’s insider perspective on annual festivals and cultural events that they may wish to explore on their own later.

9. Signs and Wonders Tour

Legend has it that Munich’s Holy Spirit Church houses Madonnas believed to emanate healing powers.

It is common for seekers of love, fame, and wealth to gather here to engage in profound rituals that are genuinely captivating for the uninitiated.

This 90-minute tour begins at 2:00 pm, where guests convene with their guide in the Old Town.

Tour highlights include numerous historical churches and the myths, mysteries, and legends that surround them.

Regardless of one’s beliefs, the tour can range from quirky to profoundly memorable.

10. 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Ticket

Cost-conscious visitors will appreciate that these 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets offer three options with over a dozen stops, all at an accessible price.

The tours are conducted on open-top double-decker buses, providing passengers with unobstructed views of the city’s most popular attractions.

As with similar hop-on hop-off tours, this option permits participants to utilize their time effectively, seeing only the sites that pique their interest while bypassing those that do not.

Depending on the chosen package and the sites visited, tours can extend from several hours to nearly an entire day.

11. Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles Day-Trip from Munich

Historically, Bavaria’s King Ludwig undertook an extensive building campaign that resulted in the majestic Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles.

Both castles are conveniently situated within a manageable drive from Munich. This four-hour tour offers history enthusiasts the chance to experience the castles in all their glory.

At 10 ½ hours, the trip constitutes a lengthy day; however, the scenic beauty, historical significance, and overall experience justify the investment of time.

Participants will glimpse royal life, dine within a castle, and enjoy opportunities for sightseeing and shopping before returning.

12. Nightwatchman Torch Tour

Prior to the introduction of electric lighting and other modern conveniences, nightwatchmen patrolled the streets of Munich after dark, fulfilling various important functions.

This two-hour night tour begins at 9:30 pm, when many locals and tourists alike are secure in their beds.

Guests will accompany the night watchman as he makes his rounds, similar to how he would have in former centuries.

He will share intriguing and spine-tingling stories from the past while guiding participants past historically significant landmarks and illustrating the medieval societal dynamics before returning them safely to the central Munich meeting point.

This is a walking tour, so proper attire and comfortable footwear are recommended.

13. Eagle’s Nest Tour from Munich

As the shadows of global conflict loomed over Europe in the late 1930s, Adolf Hitler initiated the construction of a mountaintop retreat that would serve as his luxurious haven throughout much of World War II.

The Eagle’s Nest stands as one of the defining symbols of the Third Reich, situated high in the Alps just a few hours from Munich.

The route to this site is among the most picturesque in the country. Under the guidance of their English-speaking facilitator, guests will tour the facility and receive unique insights into the social and political landscape of Germany during that era.

Many travelers find Eagle’s Nest tours to be some of the most unforgettable experiences of their trips.

14. Munich’s Original Pub Crawl

Pub crawls are a quintessential component of the travel experience for young, sociable explorers looking to maximize their time in vibrant cities around the world.

These excursions also provide excellent opportunities for mingling, meeting engaging international personalities, and interacting with fun-loving locals.

After convening with their guide at a designated location, participants will explore four of Munich’s trendiest bars, enjoying spirited music, complimentary drinks, and a wealth of convivial interactions.

The tours encompass a professional guide, lively singing, dancing, and games — perhaps leading to an enduring memory of a hangover the following day.

15. Haunted City Exploration Game and Tour

This brief yet exciting exploration and activity tour invites participants to utilize an app and their wits to navigate the city and discover many of its most notable sites.

While the focus is on allegedly haunted and macabre attractions in Munich, participants will also encounter historical and cultural landmarks, all while familiarizing themselves with the city’s layout.

Each resolved clue and riddle unlocks hints that lead to the subsequent attraction, allowing guests the flexibility to proceed at their own pace.

This activity is an excellent option for those traveling with children in need of physical activity and cognitive stimulation.