Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Munich, Germany

Bavaria’s capital is a vibrant blend of admired attractions, lavish Baroque churches, and exceptional museums. Munich’s Kunstareal is a collection of art institutions housing so many masterpieces that deciding where to start can be challenging. A week would certainly not suffice to appreciate all of them, as these priceless collections were curated by the Wittelsbach dynasty that governed Bavaria until the 20th century.

Their residences in the city serve as two of many magnificent monuments to experience, and from the top of the Rathaus and St Peter’s Church, one can catch glimpses of the Alps. Munich is also the birthplace of notable German entities, such as BMW, FC Bayern, and the legendary Oktoberfest—a celebration lasting more than two weeks, filled with convivial atmosphere and beer every autumn.

Let’s delve into the most remarkable experiences in Munich:

1. Alte Pinakothek

Established in 1836, the Alte Pinakothek is among the world’s oldest art galleries.

The museum’s Neo-Renaissance architecture served as a prototype for galleries that subsequently emerged in Brussels, Rome, and St Petersburg.

This establishment was commissioned by King Ludwig I to showcase the Wittelsbach dynasty’s extraordinary artwork collection, initiated by Duke Wilhelm IV during the 1500s.

The result is an impressive assembly of 800 artworks from German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and Spanish artists, spanning the 1200s to the 1800s, exemplifying exceptional quality.

Noteworthy masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Albrecht Dürer, and van Dyck are featured with multiple works, alongside illustrious names like Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Hans Baldung Grien, Hieronymous Bosch, and Rembrandt that grace the exhibits.

2. Munich Residenz

Originating as a 14th-century fortress for the Wittelsbach royal family, this site expanded over the centuries into an exquisite palace complex comprising ten courtyards and 130 rooms.

Throughout time, various dukes, emperors, princes, and kings made significant architectural statements in Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles.

Considering the palace’s vastness and the richness of its artistic displays, multiple visits may be warranted to fully comprehend its offerings.

However, key highlights include the Italian Renaissance Grotto Courtyard, the opulently decorated Antiquarium banquet hall, and the ornate moldings found in the Baroque Ancestral Gallery.

3. Neues Rathaus

A popular postcard motif, Munich’s town hall situated at Marienplatz is a stunning Gothic Revival structure, serving as a worthy symbol of the city.

The facade is adorned with pinnacles, niches featuring small trefoil arches, and statues representing the first four Bavarian kings gracing the tower bay.

During the period of 1880 to 1900, Munich’s population surged, necessitating the expansion of the Neues Rathaus, which was initially completed in 1874.

The building spans a length of 100 meters, extending to accommodate 400 rooms. Visitors can ascend the 85-meter tower for breathtaking views of the Alps on clear days.

Since 1908, the Glockenspiel has resonated daily at 11:00, 12:00, and additionally at 17:00 from March to October, featuring automatons re-enacting historical events from the 1600s.

4. Englischer Garten

Upon examining a map of the city, the impressive scale of the Englischer Garten will undoubtedly captivate you.

Established in the 18th century, this expansive park initiates at the left bank of the Isar in the north, behind the Residenz, and appears to extend indefinitely.

Covering 370 hectares, this vast area of lawns, wooded groves, meadows, waterways, and a lake is recognized as one of the world’s largest urban parks, surpassing New York’s Central Park.

Among its assorted attractions is a Japanese teahouse introduced for the 1972 Olympics and the Chinese Tower modeled after Kew Gardens’ pagoda, first erected in 1790. Interestingly, the man-made Eisbach River presents the unique opportunity for surfing, due to its strong current that forms a stationary wave, allowing skilled surfers to ride for up to a minute.

5. Neue Pinakothek

King Ludwig I possessed a keen appreciation for contemporary art from the 19th century, leading to the acquisition of numerous invaluable pieces from that era.

The Neue Pinakothek currently showcases approximately 400 paintings from the 1800s, representing all significant artistic movements of the century.

Among the genres present are German Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Karl Friedrich Schinkel, French Realism represented by Delacroix and Courbet, as well as Impressionist contributions from Degas, Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin, and Renoir.

Visitors can choose to meticulously examine each movement or transition swiftly through periods to explore additional masterpieces by artists such as Goya, Rodin, Klimt, Munch, and Turner.

6. Marienplatz

Regardless of the season, Marienplatz, situated before the Neues Rathaus, is bustling with locals and visitors engaged in shopping, sightseeing, or simply observing the dynamic city life.

This square has served as the city’s focal point since the 12th century and derives its name from a Marian column erected here in the 17th century.

The monument dates back to 1638 and commemorates the retreat of Swedish troops from Munich during the Thirty Years’ War.

The golden statue crowning the column is older, sculpted in 1590, representing Mary on a crescent moon as the Queen of Heaven.

This was the first Marian column established north of the Alps, paving the way for many similar commemorations across Bavaria and Central Europe.

Visiting in December allows for the experience of the vibrant Christmas market.

7. St Peter’s Church

As Munich’s oldest ecclesiastical structure, St Peter’s Church was initially constructed at the close of the 1100s but suffered destruction by fire in 1347. Its reconstruction adopted the Gothic style, with numerous expansions over time, resulting in a structure that merges Renaissance and Baroque elements.

This eclecticism is present in the art housed within, as 15th-century Gothic paintings by Jan Polack are displayed beneath a magnificent Late Baroque ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Devote some time to examine the high altar, adorned by a figure of St Peter sculpted by Erasmus Grasser at the turn of the 16th century.

Perched atop Petersbergl hillock, a climb of 299 steps will reward you with a vantage point for identifying Munich’s landmarks aided by a telescope.

8. Deutsches Museum

Similar to the Alte Pinakothek, the Deutsches Museum can occupy your attention for an entire day.

Situated on an island in the Isar (the Museumsinsel), this museum chronicles Germany’s advancements in Science and Technology.

The museum captivates visitors through its immense variety of disciplines, covering everything from nanotechnology and reproduction to aerospace, astronomy, and hydraulic engineering.

If time is limited, strategic planning to focus on specific subjects will enhance your experience.

Each domain features well-presented, fully interactive exhibits, encouraging engagement through hands-on activities.

With dedicated areas for children, the museum caters to young minds while also addressing more complex subject matter.

9. Pinakothek der Moderne

While locally known as the “Dritte” (third) museum, following the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, Munich’s modern art museum is equally essential.

Much like its counterparts within the Kunstareal, its galleries are extensive and filled with works from celebrated artists of the past century.

The most captivating section is the Expressionism exhibition, featuring the works of both the Brücke and Blaue Reiter groups. Well-known artists such as Kirchner, Kandinsky, Klee, Franz Marc, and Emil Nolde will be instantly recognizable.

In the Modernism galleries, visitors encounter iconic works by Francis Bacon, Braque, Otto Dix, Picasso, Magritte, Max Ernst, and Joan Miró.

Additionally, contemporary galleries present art from the 1960s to the present, showcasing works by artists such as Sigmar Polke, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Lucio Fontana among others.

Furthermore, the museum hosts exhibitions on applied art/industrial design, photography, drawings, and architecture.

10. Lenbachhaus

At the advent of the 20th century, Munich boasted a dynamic and influential art scene, with the Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider) group redefining traditional academies.

Numerous leading Expressionist artists were members, including Kandinsky, Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter, and August Macke, and their artworks grace the Lenbachhaus’s collections.

Additionally, the museum features substantial contemporary collections from notable figures such as Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, and Jenny Holzer.

The museum’s collection also showcases a rich history of Munich-based artists, dating back to Gothic painter Jan Polack, and includes portraitist Georg Desmarées, landscape painters Carl Anton Joseph Rottmann, and Biedermeier figure Carl Spitzweg.

The Lenbachhaus is named in honor of portrait painter Franz von Lenbach who commissioned the construction of the building in the 1880s.

In 2013, a new wing was added, featuring copper and aluminum tubing.

11. Asam Church

An accessible walk from the Sendlinger Tor at the southern edge of old Munich leads to an extravagant Late Baroque church, artfully positioned between adjacent buildings.

The Asam Church is named after its 18th-century architects, the Asam brothers, one of whom was a painter while the other specialized in sculpture.

Remarkably, the church was designed as a private chapel, unaffiliated with any religious order.

This unique aspect, combined with its narrow space, allowed the brothers to creatively diverge from traditional Baroque design principles in layout and interior embellishment.

The church faces west, and the crucifix positioned opposite the pulpit is unusually low, enhancing its distinctiveness.

These characteristics, combined with the stunning ceiling frescoes and meticulous stucco craftsmanship along the nave, make it one of the foremost examples of German Late Baroque architecture.

12. Frauenkirche

While Munich contains more aesthetically appealing churches, none surpass the 15th-century Frauenkirche in scale.

The twin towers, adorned with onion domes, stand as iconic symbols of Munich, and the height of 109 meters prohibits new constructions from surpassing them.

The church’s design is notably understated, with minimal openings and unembellished walls that evoke reverence.

Having endured wartime destruction, the Frauenkirche retains numerous restored and original artworks worth exploring inside.

The choir stalls from the early 16th century are embellished with busts of prophets and apostles, while some stained glass windows originated from the medieval church that predated it.

Additionally, the church houses a tomb monument dedicated to Louis IV, a 14th-century Holy Roman Emperor, and features a shoe-shaped impression at the entrance, purportedly left by the devil!

13. Theatine Church

Upon reaching Odeonplatz, one is welcomed by the stunning yellow facade of the 17th-century Theatine Church.

This magnificent structure, designed by Italian architects in the Baroque style, drew inspiration from Rome’s Sant’Andrea della Valle.

Allocate time to admire its intricately painted facade, rich in niches, reliefs, Doric columns, and Ionic pilasters.

The construction was a result of a sacred promise made by Henriette Adelaide of Savoy in hopes of bearing a crown prince for Elector Ferdinand Maria.

Inside, look out for the altar adorned with images of the evangelists from 1722, the black wooden pulpit dating back to 1688, and the crypt serving as the resting place for several members of the Wittelsbach family.

14. Bavarian National Museum

Inaugurated by King Maximilian II in 1855, the Bavarian Museum represents another cultural venue deserving ample time for exploration.

Home to over 40 rooms showcasing decorative items ranging from antiquity to Art Nouveau of the early 20th century, it encompasses wares such as faience, weapons, armor, porcelain, oil paintings, musical instruments, furniture, clocks, costumes, and tableware.

Prominent highlights include the Bollert Collection, a treasure trove of Late Gothic and Renaissance artifacts coupled with sculptures from religious edifices across Bavaria, and a set of Rococo Nymphenburg porcelain figures crafted by the Swiss artisan Franz Anton Buselli.

The historic museum building, designed during the late 1890s, complements the impressive collections it houses.

15. BMW Museum

Karl Schwanzer, the visionary architect of the iconic BMW Headquarters, also designed the futuristic museum building adorning the site, often referred to as the “salad bowl.” This structure, completed in 1973, features galleries within a spiral reminiscent of the Guggenheim.

The showrooms are airy, spacious, and effortlessly chic, guiding visitors through the evolution of the brand’s technological advancements.

The exhibition showcases vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, turbines, engines, and innovative concept vehicles from recent decades, all accompanied by engaging multimedia presentations.

Fun fact: Elvis Presley once owned a BMW, and it is displayed here for admirers to see.

16. BMW Welt

After familiarizing yourself with BMW’s history, you can transition to the contemporary exhibition hall located next door.

BMW Welt offers free admission and is best described as the world’s most spectacular automobile dealership showroom.

Visitors come to collect their new BMWs, an impressive process where their vehicle is elevated to them via an elevator into a glass atrium.

Here, individuals can closely examine all currently available BMW models, take the wheel for a test drive, and if a particular model captures your interest, it can be ordered for delivery to most locations worldwide. The shop also offers an array of BMW souvenirs and accessories.

17. Glyptothek

Concluding our museum journey in the Kunstareal, the Glyptothek would command attention as a centerpiece in almost any other city, highlighting the extensive art and heritage in this vibrant district.

This Neoclassical temple was commissioned by King Ludwig I to serve as a dedicated space for his collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.

Completed in 1830, it stands as Munich’s oldest museum.

Within its walls lies over 1,000 years of sculpture from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods, alongside representations from the Roman Empire.

Noteworthy exhibits include the Hellenistic Barnerini Faun, a life-sized representation created around the 2nd century BC, as well as an assortment of busts depicting Roman emperors such as Augustus, Nero, Caligula, and Trajan, as well as the statesmen Sulla and Gaius Marius.

18. Olympiapark

While many former Olympic venues worldwide tend to fade into obscurity, Munich’s 1972 Olympic Park remains a cherished destination for recreation.

This expansive activity center allows visitors to zip-line over the iconic stadium, engage in water sports on the lake, and even ski during winter months.

Summer promises various fairground attractions, along with numerous eateries from which to enjoy snacks or meals.

The park has been the site of significant historical events, ranging from the tragic Munich massacre involving 11 Israeli team members in 1972, with Building 31 serving as a memorial to the incident, to hosting the memorable 1974 World Cup final, where Beckenbauer’s Germany triumphed over Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands.

19. Allianz Arena

Even for those with only a fleeting interest in football, a visit to the home ground of FC Bayern is a worthwhile experience.

This is not only because the team holds prominence as Germany’s top club but also due to their relocation to a spectacular modern stadium just over a decade ago.

The 66,000-capacity stadium features 2,874 luminous panels, which illuminate in the club’s colors on match days.

The hour-long tour of the Allianz Arena provides comprehensive access, including the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, mixed zone for post-match interviews, and the press conference room.

After the tour, patrons can explore a museum dedicated to Bayern’s legendary figures such as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, and Lothar Matthäus, reliving the club’s achievements, including five Champions League/European Cup victories.

20. Munich National Theatre

The Neoclassical National Theatre located at Max-Joseph-Platz ranks among Europe’s premier opera houses, serving as the home for the Bavarian State Ballet, the Bavarian State Orchestra, and the Bavarian State Opera.

The current structure, featuring its splendid portico, comes from a design completed in 1825. Although it suffered considerable damage during the war, it was reconstructed following architect Karl von Fischer’s 19th-century plans in the 1960s.

Even for opera enthusiasts lacking tickets, guided tours in German allow for exploration of its stunning multi-level backstage area, providing insights into the personalities that have left their mark on this venue—most notably, the premiere of several Richard Wagner operas, including Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Das Rheingold, and Die Walküre.

21. Müller’sches Volksbad

While a swimming pool may seem unremarkable, the Müller’sches Volksbad on the right bank of the Isar is a delightful surprise, particularly for enthusiasts of Art Nouveau design.

This venue represents one of the more exclusive experiences on our list.

There is no equivalent venue in Germany, and each facet of the otherwise mundane activities of swimming and sauna sessions is transformed into an exciting encounter through Carl Hochede’s classical motifs, patterned stucco ceilings, whimsical lamp designs, and wrought iron railings.

22. Hofbräuhaus

For those in search of a lively atmosphere accompanied by traditional Bavarian cuisine and beer, a local beer hall or Wirtshaus is ideal.

Numerous authentic options are available throughout Munich with a bit of research leading you to one nearby.

Despite fewer local patrons, Hofbräuhaus remains a quintessential Munich experience.

It serves as an extension of the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus brewery, which occupied this location from 1589 until its relocation to the suburbs in 1897.

Among its many notable patrons was Mozart, who resided nearby in the 18th century.

Visitors may notice beer steins belonging to habitual customers displayed under lock and key on the walls.

Sample a liter of lager, rich dark beer, or Weissbier to accompany dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel or Weisswurst.

23. Viktualienmarkt

The city’s food market was relocated here in 1807 due to its burgeoning size that outgrew Marienplatz.

Primarily, Viktualienmarkt serves as a grocery shopping hub, featuring 140 stalls and shops, both indoors and out, offering fresh produce, sausages, cheeses, and specialty foods like olive oil, wine, and tea.

However, the essence of the market extends beyond its practical purpose, as it boasts a substantial beer garden at its center, a local favorite.

Should hunger strike, an enticing selection of food stalls awaits, or you could purchase a schnitzel or sausage from the self-serving restaurant within the beer garden.

24. Hellabrunn Zoo

Covering an area of 40 hectares on the grassy right bank of the Isar in southern Munich, Hellabrunn Zoo is consistently ranked among Europe’s top five zoos.

Founded in 1911, it was one of the first globally to utilize moats and ditches as barriers rather than cages, pioneering the Geo-Zoo concept where animals are organized according to their geographical regions.

For those concerned about the zoo’s humane practices, it actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species such as silvery and drill baboons, elephants, Arctic foxes, and gorillas.

Among the approximately 760 species on display are alpacas, polar bears, South American sea lions, and giraffes.

Children can also enjoy feeding pygmy goats and Damara goats at two distinct petting zoos.

25. Oktoberfest

The statistics associated with the world’s largest beer festival are astounding.

Approximately seven million visitors consume over 7.5 million liters of beer during the event.

This festival lasts between 16 to 18 days, commencing on the third Saturday of September, and traces back to 1810, commemorating the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

In 1896, local breweries constructed colossal beer tents for the festivities, establishing beer-drinking as the central activity. Currently, 14 tents at Theresienwiese accommodate up to 8,500 patrons each.

Despite this large capacity, these tents fill up quickly; thus, arriving early in the day is advisable to secure a seat.

In addition to the beverages, attendees can partake in amusements and carnival rides, and it’s essential to savor traditional fare such as pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel.