Things to do in Munich

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A historic city square with a prominent cathedral featuring twin towers and a tall spire.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a prominent 'Ledewaren' sign, and a bustling public square with cafes and pedestrians.
A large stone archway with inscriptions and sculptures, surrounded by buildings and trees.
A serene lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a grassy area.
A densely packed cityscape with a variety of colorful buildings and red-tiled roofs.

Munich Attractions

Munich, Germany, is one of those cities which seems ripped from a fairy tale. Charming architecture dominates the streets, castles perch in the distance, and ages-old folklore is just as relevant as modern amenities. Want to spend some time discovering the top sights? Pick up a Munich map, and let us help you put together an unforgettable itinerary.

This gorgeous region is home to a variety of stately places and ornate castles, and one of the best things to do in Munich is spend an afternoon exploring the majesty. Start your Munich excursions with a trip to the Schloss Nymphenburg palace and museums, and then head to the Residenz for a look at its castle, halls, and galleries. You can even venture beyond the city’s borders to regal sights like the Schloss Dachau — several Munich tours can get you to the area — but you’ll find plenty of must see tourist attractions in Munich itself.

If you’d rather spend your time browsing art collections, check out the city’s network of museums. Munich was once the art centre of Germany, so you’ll discover several places to view a world of masterpieces. Museum Brandhorst is home to an exciting array of modern art, the Glyptothek focuses on Greek sculpture, and Pinakotheken is made up of three museums dedicated to works ranging from the 15th to 20th centuries.

Of course, Munich is so charming, you’ll have just as much fun simply strolling the local streets. Residents and travelers alike refer to the city as Toytown due to its quaint atmosphere and clean aesthetic, and you’ll find examples of this character in nearly each of its neighborhoods. Schwabing is one of the top spots to browse boutiques and sample the regional cuisine, and Maxvorstadt is a tree-lined university district that features several cultural Munich activities. No matter where you go, you’ll find something to grab your attention. That’s the magic of Munich.

Things to do


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Munich must see attractions

1. Marienplatz

Marienplatz (Mary's Square) is the pivotal main square of Munich, where pedestrians, street performers and tour groups gather to enjoy the atmosphere or see the city’s sights. Considered the heart of Munich, this square often hosts peace protests or rowdy celebrations when the local soccer team is victorious.
Learn more
A historic city square with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by colorful buildings and a clear blue sky.

2. BMW Welt

BMW World is administered by BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Motor Works”). This company has been involved in the manufacture of automobiles, motorcycles and engines since 1916. The BMW headquarters are housed in the landmark four-cylinder tower near Olympia Park in the north of Munich. The BMW Plant, the BMW Museum and BMW World are situated next to the headquarters, and BMW encourages visitors to tour these in order to experience the history, the reality and the future vision of the brand.
Learn more
A modern indoor car display with a prominent orange vintage car and several other vehicles.

3. Olympic Park

Olympic Park was built for the 20th Summer Olympic Games, which Munich hosted in 1972. The site chosen for the event lies around 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) northwest of Munich’s city center. A massive tensile roof canopy links many areas of the park, including the 69,000-seat Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Swimming Pool. Today, the Park continues to host German and international sporting events. The outdoor Olympic Stadium and the indoor Olympic Hall are also venues for regular international concert acts.
Learn more
A cityscape with a prominent tower, a park with trees, and a body of water.

4. Hofbräuhaus

A family of discontented royals founded the Hofbräuhaus in 1589. Bavarian Duke Wilhelm V voiced a court-wide dissatisfaction with the quality of local brews and agreed to establish a brewery that would produce refined beer exclusively for Munich’s elites.
Learn more
A crowded square with historic buildings, a prominent 'HB' sign, and people gathered around.

5. Viktualienmarkt

In 1807, King Maximilian I decreed that Munich’s food markets needed to be moved from the Marienplatz to a larger area, which is now known as the Viktualienmarkt. Viktualien is an old German word meaning “victuals” or “provisions.” Today, this market is still the place to stock up, although there is now a much wider range of provisions to choose from.
Learn more
A bustling square with historic buildings, including a church with a tall tower and a market area with shops.

6. English Garden

The genesis of the Englischer Garten came in 1789, when a wild area along the River Isar was set aside to become gardens. The garden’s current look can be attributed in large part to the landscape gardener Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who envisioned a garden with sweeping English landscape components. The English Garden runs from the city center to the northeastern limits of Munich, covering a total area of around 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers).
Learn more
A park with a white monument on a hill, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

What to do in Munich

Free Things to Do in Munich

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's easy to have fun in Munich without surrendering a cent.

Olympic Park - You'll love this attraction if your aim is to live it up and have some fun.

European Patent Office - Architecture fan or not, you're certain to be impressed by this landmark's modern design.

Koenigsplatz - Roam around this historic site and learn a couple of secrets from long ago.

Karlsplatz - Stachus - Discover why locals and travelers alike are drawn to the vibe of this place.

Eisbach Surfing - Find a spot to sit and savor the peacefulness that goes hand in hand with being around water.

Rindermarkt - Plan a visit and learn about the significance of this place to the community.

Damenstiftskirche - No matter what you believe in, this place will inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Old Botanical Garden - Grab your picnic blanket, pack some nibbles and find a cozy spot to relish Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Munich with Kids

Munich is a terrific place for a family vacation. Bring the little ones along and enjoy these family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Munich? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Stay near popular Munich attractions

Where to stay in Munich

Find the best Munich areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Munich
Learn more about Munich

Altstadt-Lehel

Enjoy the popular shops in Altstadt-Lehel. Marienplatz is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Lenbachplatz Tram Stop or Karlsplatz (Stachus) Station to see more of Munich.

Maxvorstadt

Alte Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne are top sights in Maxvorstadt, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Schellingstraße Station or Pinakotheken Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Schwabing

Spend some time visiting places like Leopoldstrasse while getting to know Schwabing, and be sure to check out the colorful gardens. You can hop aboard the metro at Parzivalplatz Tram Stop or Schwabinger Tor Tram Stop to see more of the area.

Au-Haidhausen

Known for its fascinating museums and fun breweries, there's plenty to explore in Au-Haidhausen. You can visit top attractions like Nockherberg Paulaner Brewery and Gasteig, and jump on the metro at Rosenheimer Platz Station or Wörthstraße Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt

Known for its fantastic breweries and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt. Check out top attractions like Theresienwiese and German Theater, and jump on the metro at Goetheplatz U-Bahn or Sendlinger Gate U-Bahn to see more of the city.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Munich

Frequently asked questions

Is Munich worth visiting?
Known for its bars and pubs and dining, finding awesome things to do in Munich is a cinch. Make sure to add BMW Welt to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Munich?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to BMW Welt and Marienplatz. Then, explore other areas of Munich for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Munich?
Don't go home without exploring BMW Welt, rated the top tourist attraction in Munich.
Is three days enough to stay in Munich?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city attractions, such as BMW Welt, Marienplatz and Deutsches Museum. The average stay in Munich is three days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Oberding isn't far away.
Is Munich a walkable city?
Some top sights in Munich, like Marienplatz and Deutsches Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 1 mile from the city center of Munich is Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt and Bahnhofsviertel is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Munich with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Munich with kids.

What to do in Munich for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Munich for adults including Nockherberg Paulaner Brewery and Lowenbrau.
Are there free things to do in Munich?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Munich. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Marienplatz is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia