teatimeabroadCulture, Nature & Local Gems
Munich, Germany, is most famously known for hosting the largest beer festival in the world. Oktoberfest is a staple experience when visiting Bavaria, but it’s certainly not the only thing the city offers. This article is for the people who want to dig deeper. Skip the beer tents and discover Munich’s museums, castles, gardens, and hidden gems with this local’s insider guide.
MAJOR SITES
Town Hall
A trip to Munich isn’t complete without a visit to Marienplatz, the city’s central square. The new City Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. For a viewpoint over the old town, pay a few euros to climb up the tower of the old town hall or St. Peter’s church.
Viktualienmarkt
Munich’s central market is a simple walk down the street from the city hall. Here, you can find local vendors selling produce, meat, honey, cheese, many wines, and treats. It is also home to Munich’s most central beer garden. My favorite stop is a trip to the Honighäusl, for local and diverse flavors of honey.
Frauenkirche
The focal point of Munich’s skyline centers on the twin towers of this church. Construction finished in 1488 after 20 years. This isn’t just another church—it also comes with a dark legend. There are different versions of the story, but it is said that the devil left his footprint at the entrance of the church. More information about the church’s story can be found here.
Allianz Arena
If you’re a soccer (European football) fan, visit the Allianz Arena. Although on the fringes of Munich, it is possible to reach by train or car. You can book daily tours here. If you are visiting during the Bundesliga season, check online for tickets to a game. There is nothing more exhilarating than cheering along with FC Bayern’s dedicated fans.
BMW Welt or the BMW Museum
For those interested in cars, Munich is home to the famous BMW company. Tours of the museum and manufacturing facility are available online or onsite.
CULTURE
Museums
The city has a museum for pretty much any interest. Art, history, film, dance, science, technology—there is no end to the constantly changing exhibitions. Many museums only cost €1 to enter on Sundays. For a list of some of Munich’s most well-known museums, read here.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Although a darker look at the past, I recommend a visit to Dachau. It is a difficult thing to learn about, but something I feel is an important education on a trip to Germany. Entrance is free, and tours are available for just €4.
Palaces
Looking for a royal experience on your visit? Munich is home to multiple royal residences. The Munich Residence, the former palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs, is only a 15-minute walk from Marienplatz. In the western part of the city is the Nymphenburg Palace, a baroque palace that is often compared to Versaille. Both are accessible from any part of the city by train, bus, and tram.
If you’re looking to take a day trip beyond the city, a trip to the Neuschwanstein Palace is one of the most popular things to do from the city. Day trips by bus are available from Munich’s city center through tour companies like GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor.
There are many other castles within driving distance of Munich if you have some extra time for a day trip. More information can be found here.
NATURE
There is nothing more like the local German experience than taking a walk through the city’s green spaces. The best known park is the English Garden, starting in the city center and stretching up into the northern regions. This isn’t just an ordinary park—it’s the largest inner city park in the world. If visiting, stop by the Eisbachwelle to watch the surfers in the Isar River.
For alternative park options, visit the Olympia Park, the botanical garden or palace grounds of Nymphenburg Castle, or the Hirschgarten. You can find more information about the parks here.
LOCAL LIVING
I believe Munich has something for everyone. My favorite thing to do is wander through the city without a plan. The university district is a lively place any time of year, filled with indie shops and cozy cafes. Sit outside and sip your coffee or tea while people-watching on Turkenstrasse.
Taking a walk along the Isar river or planning a picnic are ideal from spring to fall. The city sets up volleyball nets for public use, and events happen all throughout the year. Several kiosks sell drinks and snacks.
If you aren’t visiting during Oktoberfest season but enjoy beer, you don’t have to search hard for a beer garden or hall. Hofbräuhaus may have had the best marketing team, but the truth is that most locals avoid it. Instead, check out the Augustiner Keller—better beer and a much more authentic atmosphere. If you’re in the English Garden in summer, stop off for lunch or a drink at the Chinesischerturm or Seehaus im Englischergarten.
In the cooler months, I enjoy an evening at the movies. Museum Lichtspiele isn’t a museum at all, but an old-fashioned cinema that shows movies in their original language. This is where I go to watch all the latest Hollywood movies in English. The city also conducts many events in English, allowing locals, expats, and tourists to enjoy a comedy show or karaoke night without being fluent in German.
Finally, if you’re visiting around Christmas time, visit the Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). Festive lights and garlands decorate stalls selling crafts and mulled wine. The city glows with Christmas cheer. You can find celebrations in nearly every part of the city. I usually enjoy the smaller, quieter markets with friends. The most touristed ones are in the city center, around Marienplatz and the Residence. They are still worth seeing as a first-time visitor. You can often beat the crowds if you visit early afternoon, or on a weekday. For a list of Munich’s upcoming Christmas markets for 2025, click here.
Thanks for reading. I hope this inspired your trip to Munich. Subscribe by typing in your email below to receive my latest travel recommendations and itineraries directly in your inbox!
