What to see in Munich: the 23 best attractions and practical tips about the city

Among the most beautiful destinations in southern Germany is Munich, particularly favored by tourists from all over the world during the Oktoberfest, when the city comes alive with folklore and concerts; however, few know the places where the ancient and wealthy Wittelbach dynasty lived with their Residenz, or those associated with the neo-Gothic architectural style that made it famous in Europe and around the world.

Don't miss this beautiful destination, the capital of Bavaria, and get comfortable to discover the things to see in Munich with this guide filled with practical tips about the city!

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Known to Bavarians as the Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, it was built on the remains of a Roman basilica in the second half of the 1400s, in pure Gothic style.

Little legend: it is said that inside the church, there is a footprint imprinted on a tile, which should be "the devil's footprint". This would testify to the victory of the two builders of the Cathedral over Satan himself. According to the legend, they had bet with the devil that they would succeed in building a church without windows. Obviously, it is not the case, but if you position yourself at the footprint and look toward the altar, the church will appear devoid of any source of external light.

Marienplatz is the heart of Munich's historic center, a beautiful and large square filled with charming cafes and particularly enchanting during the Christmas season when it is brimming with world-famous Christmas markets. It also hosts the two city halls, namely the Neues Rathaus with its Carillon and the Altes Rathaus, which today houses a Toy Museum.

Marienplatz is also considered the city's living room: locals and tourists gather here to drink beer together and spend some hours. It's also the perfect starting point for a sightseeing itinerary in the city.

Located in the heart of the historic center. Take subway line 3 or 6 and get off at "Marienplatz". If walking, you can reach it from Karlsplatz in about 10 minutes - Get directions

Visiting time: 30 minutes

Choose a guided tour: To get started, you can join a walking tour. Furthermore, every December, this square is enriched with lights and Christmas magic, marking the beginning of the Christkindlmarkt. It is a splendid Christmas market that, along with many other events, such as the traditional Krampus run, immerses the city in the Christmas atmosphere.

At Marienplatz, you will find the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus, designed by the Austro-German architect Georg von Hauberrisser, which is the city hall. What makes it special is that, upon close observation, you can notice many symbols that tell the story of Bavaria; for example, at the top of the tower stands a statue depicting a child in a robe, representing the Münchner Kindl, the symbol of the city.

The other "highlight" of the Neues Rathaus is the Glockenspiel, the gigantic clock carillon that, in addition to telling the hour, stages a small "ballet" of the statues present: at 11:00, 12:00, and only from March to October also at 5:00 PM. This is absolutely not to be missed!

On the other side of the square from the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus is the Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, whose construction began in 1310. However, during the bombings of World War II, it was severely damaged, so much so that its façade, almost completely rebuilt, looks more modern than that of the Neues Rathaus.

Today the town hall hosts the Toy Museum, in German Spielzeugmuseum, ideal for spending some hours with family! Originating from the private collection of the Steiger family, in the museum you can discover how interests and approaches to play have changed over time, and see the development of toys, from dolls to trains, to Barbie and robot toys.

The Church dedicated to Saint Peter, in German Peterskirche, is one of the oldest religious buildings in Munich, dating back to 1180.

Its original structure, altered multiple times over the centuries, boasts a splendid Gothic altar of Saint Martin, various bronze sculptures and Rococo style by Ignaz Günther, and a Baroque fresco on the ceiling designed by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. Today this Gothic church represents one of the major attractions of the German city!

Climb to the top: ascend to the highest point of the church, its bell tower, which is 92 meters tall and can be reached after 306 steps. At the end, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of Munich.

The most famous permanent food market in Munich is the Viktualienmarkt: it is located right in front of the Peterskirche and has been active since the approval of King Max Joseph I in 1807, making it one of the most loved and typical places in the city.

From the beginning, the best-selling products on the stalls were fruits and vegetables and it was not extremely extensive. Subsequently, after World War II, the market area suffered significant damage and then blossomed in the 1950s and was enriched with lovely fountains among the different stalls, in memory of some of the legends of Bavarian folk theater and the greatest cinema actors: there are fountains dedicated to Ida Schumacher, Elise Aulinger, Roider Jackl, Karl Valentin, Weiß Ferdl, and Liesl Karlstadt.

The Asamkirche, or St. John's Church, is a small church built between 1733 and 1746 and is extremely unique and often underrated or little known. Nevertheless, it should be seen for its uniqueness and richness of decorations: the façade features fake rocks that appear to have no particular meaning; instead, along with the structure and decorations, they are dedicated to a single theme, namely that of heaven.

Entering, one is immediately struck by the external façade in Baroque style that seems almost inviting us to enter the church, through a celestial door where the saint to whom the Church is dedicated, St. John Nepomuk, is supported by some angels coming to the aid of those in need. Its interiors are a true wonder unique in the world, notably the remarkable ceiling fresco depicting numerous scenes from the life of St. John Nepomuk, and the splendid sculpted angels that enrich the pulpit and altar, added by Ignaz Günther only in 1767.

The origin of the name: The Asam brothers were those who wanted to build the church to thank the patron saint of bridges and waters, St. John Nepomuk, for saving them during a storm on the Danube.

If you go to Munich, you must absolutely visit it. It is a huge museum paradise for science and technology enthusiasts. It currently contains about 28,000 objects, including prototypes of inventions such as the first diesel engine and the first device used to discover nuclear fission.

Built in 1903, it is situated on a small island in the middle of the Isar River, called Kohleinsel, meaning "Coal Island", now renamed Museumsinsel. Among the main objects housed in the museum are Karl Benz's first automobile, the Wright brothers' first powered airplane, and the U1 submarine.

Beautiful, interesting, but...: to visit the entire complex takes quite some time and can be a bit boring for two reasons: the building is large and somewhat sprawling and walking through it all is demanding; also, those who do not understand German may have difficulty, as most information is written only in that language. For this reason, we recommend grabbing a map at the entrance or downloading the museum's App in advance from the official website to plan your route.

One of the seven historic breweries in the city, Hofbräuhaus is also one of the oldest in Germany and was the royal brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

If you enter at 10:00 AM in this brewery, you will see hundreds and hundreds of people, not only Germans but also tourists, drinking beer and eating sauerkraut, potatoes, and Wollwurstl immersed in a typically German atmosphere, where at all hours of the day, musicians play traditional Bavarian music and the waiters wear traditional attire.

This brewery is nestled in the heart of the German city, almost hidden among small restaurants and souvenir shops. To give you an idea of how old this legendary brewery is, history tells us that Duke William of Saxony drank here in the 1600s.

The Oktoberfest anthem: Gabriel Wiga dedicated a song to this brewery that went, "In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus - oans, zwoa, g'suffa!"; thus these verses achieved immense success, becoming "the beer anthem", still sung during Oktoberfest!

Glistening rooms and regal suites, ancient chambers adorned with precious stuccos and costly furniture, the Munich Residence, also called Residenz München, is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting this splendid Bavarian city. The residence of the Wittelbach dynasty, built in the 1400s, is located right in the heart of Munich and houses a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and classical styles.

Plan to spend some time visiting it: the structure actually comprises 10 courtyards and 3 main complexes, namely the Konigsbau, the Mazimilianische Residenz, and the Festsaalbau. The part that often impresses visitors the most is definitely the Ahnengalerie, where portraits of the members of the Wittelbach family are located, and the Antiquarium, adorned with numerous busts of Roman emperors.

It is quite damaged, but remains stunning: unfortunately, the palace was damaged during World War II; over the years, it has been reconstructed, and restoration works were only completed in 2008, but some frescoes and apartments have sadly been lost. Its beauty is nonetheless undeniable, and its Gallery is certainly one of the most photographed places in all of Munich.

The grandeur of Nymphenburg Castle is famous in Bavaria: the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles are the three absolute leading styles. Visiting this castle means discovering the extraordinary richness of its interior halls, the legendary collections housed in the internal museums, such as the Marstallmuseum, but also the majesty of the adjoining park, which extends over 200 hectares with pavilions, small geysers, and suggestive waterfalls.

The Castle of the Water Lilies was the "modest" gift that King Ferdinand gave to his wife Henrietta Adelaide of Savoy to celebrate the birth of their male heir Max Emanuel; initially only in Baroque style, it was built between 1660 and 1730, following the design of Italian architect Agostino Barelli. Until the end of World War I, this castle was one of the main summer residences of the Wittelsbach, the oldest dynasty of Bavaria.

Even today, Duke Franz von Bayern, one of the descendants of the royal family of the Wittelbach, lives in a wing of the royal palace.

Set in the "Oberwiesenfeld" and dating from 1972, Munich's Olympic Park was built for the occasion of the XX Olympic Games and consists of a vast park with the stadium (the Olympiastadion), the theater where concerts and festivals still take place during the summer months, and the Olympic Tower, the Olympiaturm, which is 291 meters high. Today this park also features a sculpture dedicated to the victims of the 1972 terrorist attack, when some terrorists entered the Olympic village, killing two Israeli athletes and taking nine others hostage, who were then killed; Steven Spielberg dedicated the film "Munich" (2005) to this tragic event.

This is an unmissable stop for all sports and football lovers, indeed, within the large stadium, the two teams of Munich faced each other for three decades: the lesser-known but ancient München 1860 and Bayern München, one of the strongest and richest clubs in the world; only from 2005 onwards will all matches be played in the new Allianz Arena.

The park also features the Olympiaturm, an Olympic tower that dominates over all of Munich; inside there is a music museum, a renowned restaurant, and at the very top, which can be reached by an elevator that ascends at 7 meters per second, offering a spectacular view of Munich, including the Alps.

Climb the roof of the Olympiastadion: in summer, the more daring can climb the undulating roof of the Olympiastadion. This roof was built with transparent plexiglass and has a wavy margin to prevent the accumulation of snow or water during winter days. By participating in the Roof Climb Tour, you can climb to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view. All the information, bookings, and costs on the official website.

If your dream is to discover the evolution of one of the most famous industries in the world in the field of automobiles and motorcycles, the BMW Museum is a true milestone in the city of Munich. It is one of the most visited museums in the German nation, a perfect place to relive the history of a brand that has become global, the starting point from which the most advanced Germany created new visions for the future and mobility.

The exterior building, designed by Coop Himmelb, impresses its visitors even before entering: it is round and metallic, indeed it aims to represent the tire of a racing car. You enter through a spiral entrance that starts a journey featuring beautiful exhibits of cars, airplanes, engines, turbos, and motorcycles.

Book in advance to see the factory: if planned ahead, you can visit the adjacent BMW factory by booking online with at least six months' notice.

The grand stadium of the glorious Bayern Munich is the spectacular Allianz Arena: along with its FC Bayern Museum, it is the place where thousands of fans and enthusiasts come from all over Europe every year to discover the history of the most titled club in the Bundesliga. The Allianz Arena is also known as Munich Arena or Schlauchboot (in German, rubber boat) precisely because of its very particular architectural shape, and it boasts a capacity of around 70,000 seats.

This large facility was designed to include huge stores, restaurants, bars, conference rooms, and also entertainment spaces for all ages. The building is divided into 4 large sections organized in 3 rings: 2 stands and 2 ends respectively divided into Oberrg, Unterrg, and Mitterrg; aside from this, there are 106 luxury boxes, about 2,000 business seats, and 400 reserved for journalists.

Not in the city, it is about 120 km away but is an absolute must for those visiting Munich (day tour from Munich from €50.00).

It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, entrusting its design in 1869 to the scenographer Christian Jank; the result is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, as well as an emblematic symbol of this nation.

The king had the idea to build it inspired by German feudal residences: he was indeed enchanted by the beauty of the medieval fortress of Wartburg in Thuringia. This castle is situated practically at almost 1,000 meters high, overlooking the surrounding landscape and the towns of Füssen and Schwangau. Inside, there are particularly stunning rooms: the Byzantine-style throne room, some paintings by Hauschild depicting the twelve Apostles, the Carrara marble steps leading up to the apse, and the painting representing "The fight of St. George with the dragon". The stunning mosaic floor was created using over two million tiles.

A fairytale inspiration: remember the magical castle that appears in the animated film "Sleeping Beauty" from 1959? Well, for its creation, Walt Disney used Neuschwanstein as his model! Fascinating in every season, in summer and spring with the lush nature all around, in autumn with the red and orange trees, in winter completely covered in snow. A true modern fairytale.

Near Neuschwanstein Castle, in the town of Schwangau, lies Hohenschwangau Castle, often included in castle discovery tours from Munich. Close to the Austrian border, it is also called the Castle of Youth, as King Ludwig II of Bavaria spent much of his youth here.

However, the origin of the Castle predates the life of the king: it was actually built in the 12th century by the Knights of Schwangau. Unfortunately, the castle was then abandoned, falling into ruin until it was restored by Maximilian II, the father of Ludwig II. Today, the castle is also visitable inside and the most beautiful and important room is the Heroes Hall. The established route will take you to discover the royal apartments and wonderful rooms.

Spend some time at Alpsee: after visiting the castle, we suggest you spend some relaxing hours at Alpsee, the beautiful lake in Schwangau. From the panoramic terrace Pindarplatz, you can admire one of the most beautiful views of both the lake and the town, while in summer you can relax at the Freibad am Alpsee, an outdoor thermal bath.

An extremely important location from a historical standpoint, located less than 30 km from Munich.

Its tragic history begins on March 21, 1933, when the news of the opening of the first concentration camp was officially announced, right here in Dachau. Initially built to accommodate up to 5,000 prisoners, mainly political prisoners, by 1938 numerous Jews began to be deported as well, and from 1942, the number of detainees never dropped below 12,000. A sad chapter for the entire city and for Europe. Visits to places like this are essential to remember what happened in the past and to try to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.

A guided tour is worth it: places like this deserve an in-depth visit. We therefore recommend taking a half-day tour from Munich, with included transport, during which you will always be accompanied by an official guide authorized by the Dachau Memorial.

This immense garden, located in the city center, was established in 1789 and is in effect the first public park in Germany. Initially conceived as a reserve garden for the military, it was opened to the public shortly thereafter.

Within the park, you can also visit a Japanese-style structure gifted by the Tokyo government to Munich during the 1972 Olympics, known as the "Japanische Teehaus", as well as a Greek-style temple. Should you happen to venture into the meanders of this park, do not be shocked if you encounter people completely nude; there is actually an area of the park dedicated to nudism, this area is called Schönfeldwiese (in Italian, "The Schönfeld Meadow").

Outside the historic center, you can reach it by subway lines U4, U5, or U6 from the center to Odeonsplatz (5 min) and continue on foot - Get directions

Visiting time: 3 hours

Surf in the city on the Eisbach wave: in summer you can swim in the creek, sunbathe, or even surf! At the small waterfall on Prinzregentenstraße, there is the famous Eisbach Wave, where you can surf as if you were in the open sea! Of course, the scenery and landscape are somewhat different, but it's definitely worth trying! Among the not-to-miss events is the Taste of München Festival, held at the end of August, where you can discover the culinary specialties of the area.

Located in the Kunstareal, the "museum zone" of Munich, the Lenbachhaus (full name Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München) is dedicated to 19th, modern, and contemporary art. Commissioned by the painter Franz von Lenbach, the building was originally conceived as a private residence in Italian neorenaissance style.

Inside you can admire the works of Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Fran Marc, Andy Warhol, August Macke, and many others. Not many know that a museum of this value was established thanks in large part to the foresight of Franz von Lenbach's wife, a German portrait painter: at his death, Lolo von Lenbach sold the villa to the city of Munich, and thanks to her, today we can observe this splendid museum collection.

There is also a library inside containing about 60,000 multimedia units, focusing on publications on 19th-century painting in Munich, on the Blauer Reiter movement, and on selected art areas after 1945.

They are the three main galleries of the city, the cornerstone of the city's museum district, called in German Kunstareal: we are talking about the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, and the Pinakothek der Moderne.

The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest and most famous galleries in the world and its name is due to the fact that the works of art exhibited here are the oldest. The building hosting the museum was constructed between 1826 and 1836 and at the time, it became the largest museum in the world. Inside it hosts paintings of the Italian, German, Dutch, and Flemish schools, with over 700 works displayed to the public.

Daily ticket: if you visit them during the week, and want to visit more than one museum in the "Kunstareal" (art district) in one day, purchase a daily ticket valid for all museums. Cost €12.00.

Königsplatz, located in the heart of Munich, is one of the city's most iconic squares and an important symbol of art, culture, and history. Designed in the early 19th century by the famous architect Leo von Klenze at the request of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, Königsplatz represents a splendid example of neoclassical architecture. Inspired by Ancient Greece, the square is surrounded by majestic buildings and monuments that resemble a Greek agora, aiming to create an artistic and cultural center for Munich.

Three of the most imposing structures dominating the square are the Propyläen, a monumental access gate inspired by the Acropolis of Athens; the Glyptothek, a museum dedicated to Greek and Roman sculptures; and the Staatliche Antikensammlungen, which houses a collection of classical antiquities, including vases, jewelry, and ancient artifacts.

A filming location: film enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this location as it was chosen by horror master Dario Argento for some scenes from the film "Suspiria" (1977). Come back here at night to take stunning photographs!

The names of these museums already hint at what you will find inside. While the Alte Pinakothek is dedicated to the ancient, the Neue Pinakothek is dedicated to 19th-century art. The museums are located side by side, and you can decide which to choose based on your preferences.

The Neue Pinakothek is also housed in a decidedly more modern building, as the previous one was severely damaged during World War II. Inside you will find paintings and sculptures created from the period following the French Revolution to Symbolism and Art Nouveau, about 1910. Among the great names, you will find works by Goya, Delacroix, Gauguin, Cézanne, Degas, Monet, Pisarro, and Klimt.

Currently closed for renovations: the work is expected to conclude in 2029.

Finally, it's time to discover the most recent of the 3 museums: the Pinakothek der Moderne. Even the building that houses it greatly differs from the previous two due to its modernity, with bright and white spaces.

The Pinakothek der Moderne is the largest museum of modern and contemporary art in Germany and covers the last century of history, with works created since 1910. Its collection is divided into 4 major sections: art, graphics, architecture, and design; among the great names, you can find works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and René Magritte.

The previous attractions are certainly the most well-known; however, there are many other beauties worth mentioning. These range from splendid castles to churches hidden among the alleys of the Altstadt, and then a rather cultural tour to discover Bavarian art. Don't miss a dive into the wonderful indoor pools of Müllersches Volksbad, in Art Nouveau style (from €15.00).

Strolling through the historic center, you will also come across Odeonsplatz, a square of significant historical value, as it was the starting point of the Nazi coup d'état. This moment is remembered by a memorial plaque affixed to the facade of the Royal Palace. But not only that: in the square you can admire the Feldherrnhalle (for free), in Italian Loggia dei Marescialli. It may seem familiar to you: its architecture is indeed inspired by the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, located in Piazza della Signoria!

As for museums, if you love art, don't miss the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (€7.50) and the more classic Staatliche Graphische Sammlung (€10.00). Nearby is also the Staatliche Antikensammlungen, or the Archaeological Museum (€7.00). If you're traveling with children, finally, you can't miss the Münchner Tierpark Hellabrunn, the city's zoo (€18.00). It's a vast reserve where animals are divided according to their continents of origin and is one of the most renowned zoos in Europe.

Munich is easily reachable by plane, including low-cost flights; the flight takes about 90 minutes from Rome, and in low season or with sufficient advance, you can find rates around €50.00 (compare flights).

The city is large, there are plenty of things to see, and if you don't speak German, you might feel a bit disoriented. Therefore, for a first approach, a guided tour is very useful (here info and prices) or alternatively, the evergreen hop-on hop-off bus, to identify landmarks and get an overview of the city.

For accommodation, the areas of the historic center (Altstadt) are recommended as they will put you within reach of all the main attractions, while the area around the Hauptbahnhof is perfect for connections to the Airport. Consider visiting in spring or autumn, particularly the weeks characterized by the Oktoberfest; however, the latter option may not be the best if you don't like excessive crowds.

The nightlife spots, perfect for going out in the evening, are Schwabing and Glockenbachviertel: you will find plenty of pubs, clubs, and discotheques, and these are neighborhoods in the southwest of the city, both reachable by subway; whereas for a more quiet evening, opt for a brewery tour in the Altstadt.

If you're traveling with children, you must take them to the Deutsches Museum: you will allow them to discover the world of science, from its origins to the present day, up close! If you are traveling on a budget, the city is not precisely an economically affordable destination, like all major cities in Germany. But to save further, we recommend purchasing the Munich CityTourCard, which includes free or discounted entries to attractions and unlimited use of public transport for its entire duration.