30 Best Places to Visit in Munich in 2023
In this post on top places to visit in Munich with best landmarks and attractions, I will show you how you can truly ‘experience” Munich.
Dahoam is dahoam – it’s not for nothing that Bavarians and, of course, Munich residents are so proud of their state and their state capital. Munich has many sights to offer. From the Frauenkirche to the bustling Stachus to the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace and the English Garden, there is something for everyone.
In a nutshell: Our Munich highlights
Munich is known for its many impressive buildings. Whether famous churches, magnificent castles or modern arenas – you will find everything here!
A detour to the world-famous Marienplatz and also to Karlsplatz is simply part of Munich.
The best place for all food lovers: the Viktualienmarkt, the gourmet paradise par excellence.
Absolute top highlights in Munich, especially when the weather is nice: the English Garden and the Olympic Park.
Of course, Bavaria’s capital has much more to offer! In our article we show you the 22 best sights in Munich. There is also a lot of practical information and tips for exploring the city.
The top sights in Munich
In this article we will introduce you to top landmarks and attractions in Munich.
If you don’t have that much time or just want to see the absolute highlights, here is a list of our top 7 sights in Munich for you:
- Marienplatz
- Frauenkirche
- Karlsplatz (Stachus)
- Nymphenburg Castle
- Viktualienmarkt
- English Garden & Eisbach Wave
- Olympic Park
You want more detailed information and learn as much as possible about the best sights in Munich? Then read on now.
Frauenkirche
Address: Frauenplatz 12, 80331 Munich
Admission: free of charge
Munich’s landmark can be seen from afar: the Frauenkirche.
The Frauenkirche – actually the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich – is the defining building of the Isar city and one of the most popular sights in Munich.
In the 15th century, Munich’s importance and population had grown so much that Duke Sigismund decided that the city needed a new and more representative church than the existing one.
And so master builder Jörg von Halsbach was commissioned with the new building in 1472.
The Munich Frauenkirche can be attributed to the late Gothic period, but with a few special features.
The facade is kept rather simple and unadorned and the struts typical of the Gothic style are not visible from the outside, but can only be seen inside.
The interior design is also rather reserved and light and open compared to other Gothic churches.
This is not least due to the dominant colors white and beige, but also to the high windows, which give the church a radiant atmosphere.
The pictorial design inside also follows rather simple principles.
The paintings mainly show depictions of Mary and Jesus as the “Man of Sorrows”.
The altars and chapels in the side aisles seem a bit more elaborate and should not be missed on a tour.
However, the characteristic feature of the Frauenkirche are undoubtedly the two towers.
At around 98 meters high, they tower over many other buildings and shape the Munich skyline.
Excursus: Since 2004, no new buildings have been allowed to be erected in downtown Munich that are higher than the towers of the Frauenkirche.
By the way, from the south tower you have a breathtaking view over Munich and in good weather you can even see the Alps.
A footprint in the entrance hall of the Munich Frauenkirche is particularly well-known:
The so-called “devil’s kick”.
At this point the devil is said to have stood personally when he is said to have played with Halspach for his soul.
According to legend, Halspach told the devil that you couldn’t see the church windows – which was actually the case until 1858 due to the architectural design.
When the devil actually saw no windows, he stomped on the ground laughing so hard that this footprint was formed.
However, as Lucifer went further into the church, he saw the windows and was so angry that he turned into wind to destroy the church.
He obviously didn’t succeed.
But the people of Munich say that you always feel a breeze when you enter the church.
You can definitely find out if this is true when you visit this Munich attraction.
My tip: You also have a wonderful view from Alter Peter. It’s also popular, but not that many tourists come here and you don’t always see someone in the picture.
Marienplatz
Address: Marienplatz, 80331 Munich
Admission: free of charge
The Marienplatz forms the center of Munich and is the best starting point to explore the most beautiful sights in Munich.Munich sights Marienplatz
The two main axes of Munich converge at Marienplatz:
The east-west axis between Isar and Karlstor and the north-south axis between Sendlinger Tor and Schwabing.
It is also framed by the Old and New Town Hall as well as numerous shops and department stores.
Marienplatz has been the center of Munich since the city was founded in 1158 and was primarily a marketplace.
And so the square was simply called “Markt”, “Platz” or “Schrannenplatz” for centuries.
Sights in Munich Marienplatz old town
When the market was finally moved to Blumenstraße in 1854, the square got its current name.
Previously largely undeveloped, tram tracks ran here from 1888 and Marienplatz became more and more a bustling traffic junction.
Increasingly overwhelmed by traffic, Marienplatz finally became a pedestrian zone in 1972.
This decision gave Marienplatz its current appearance and made it the most popular square in Munich.
It is a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, to drink coffee, stroll, shop or set off on a trip to Munich’s sights.
My tip: Since the square is always full of people, you can get a better overview from above. An elevator takes you to the tower of the town hall. If you want to have a view of the town hall, you will find a cozy place with a view opposite in the Café Glockenspiel.
The Marienplatz is not only a meeting point, but also one of the most beautiful sights in Munich.
You can find it here:
The Marian Column
The Marian column was erected on Marienplatz in 1638 by Elector Maximilian I as a thank you to God and the Virgin Mary, after Munich had been spared the Thirty Years’ War.
It is made of marble and crowned by a gilded statue of Mary carrying the baby Jesus.
On the base there are four so-called heroic putti fighting four plagues in the form of animals and mythical creatures.
The Marian column has always been a place for religious ceremonies such as processions, litanies or public prayers – even today.
The Old City Hall
After the town hall on Marienplatz, built in 1310, was struck by lightning and destroyed in 1460, a new one was needed.
And so today’s Old Town Hall was built between 1470 and 1480 by Jörg von Halspach.
Just like the Frauenkirche, it was designed in the late Gothic style, but it was repeatedly redesigned over the centuries and finally badly damaged in the Second World War, so that it had to be rebuilt between 1953 and 1977.
As far as possible, the original from 1480 was used as a guide.
The seat of the city administration was located here until 1874 and the construction of the New Town Hall.
Today, only the Gothic hall bears witness to the importance that the Old Town Hall used to have.
It is particularly magnificently designed and today serves as a place of representation for the mayor of Munich.
My Tip: There is a toy museum in the tower. One of the best Munich sights for kids.
The New Town Hall
The New Town Hall dominates the Marienplatz. No other building stands out like this.
Designed in 1905 in the neo-Gothic style by Georg von Hauberisser, it shines both inside and out.
The main facade, which is almost 100 meters long, is decorated with countless figures, grimaces and gargoyles.
On the one hand they show the life and work of Heinrich the Lion and the entire House of Wittelsbach and on the other allegories, legendary figures and saints.
Munich old town sights New Town Hall
The interior design is equally rich:
The six courtyards and 400 rooms feature marble and granite decor.
Numerous paintings and murals adorn the interior.
The biggest highlight of the New Town Hall and one of the most famous Munich sights is undoubtedly the carillon.
New Town Hall Munich Sights
Two Munich city events are shown daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., in summer additionally at 5 p.m.
A jousting tournament on the occasion of the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renate von Lothringen and the so-called “Schlafflertanz”.
At 9 p.m., the “Münchner Kindl” is also brought to bed to the sounds of Richard Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger” and Johannes Brahms’ lullaby.
Tip: You can take a lift to the town hall tower and enjoy the spectacular view.
Alter Peter
Not far from Marienplatz is the oldest parish church in Munich, St. Peter or “Alter Peter” – as the people of Munich call the tower.St. Peter Munich sights
Built in the 12th century, St. Peter’s also experienced many structural changes in its more than 800 years.
The Romanesque foundation from the 12th century was replaced by a Gothic one just 100 years later.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, this was again redesigned in the Baroque style.
During World War II, St. Peter’s was almost completely destroyed and it was only in 2000 that the reconstruction could be completed.
The interior of the church is particularly impressive.
In particular, the high altar and the ceiling fresco are worth seeing.Munich sights Top 10 St. Peter inside
The Alter Peter is especially known for its wonderful view of the Alps.
After 300 steps – without elevator – you will be rewarded with a postcard panorama.
From here you can see the entire skyline.
Incidentally, the tower is open all year round, making it one of the best sights in Munich in winter.
The bells of the Old Peter are also special. Its ringing has been heard over the roofs of Munich since the 14th century.
Four of the eight bells were made between 1327 and 1720 and are among the oldest bells in Munich.
Tip: Those who have had enough of churches and would like to devote themselves to more profane things will be happy in Kaufingerstraße and the surrounding smaller streets. Here you will find numerous shops for daily needs, department stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Nymphenburg Castle
Address: Nymphenburg Palace, 80638 Munich
Admission: €11.50 (regular), €9 (reduced) – €3 cheaper in winter
A special testament to the monarchy in Bavaria lies at the gates of downtown Munich – Nymphenburg Palace.
Nymphenburg Palace reveals how happy Elector Ferdinand Maria must have been about the birth of his long-awaited heir to the throne, Max Emanuel.
He gave it to his wife Henriette Adelaide of Savoy for the birth of the same.
The Nymphenburg Palace is the superlative among the sights in Munich and the surrounding area.
With a span of 632 meters, it is larger than the world-famous Palace of Versailles.
The castle started out rather small. Originally it was just the pavilion that now forms the center of the complex.
Only with the reigns of the said son Max Emanuel and his son Karl Albrecht did the castle get its current dimensions and shape.
It extends over several rows of building elements shaped into a roundel and several floors. Sights in Munich and the surrounding area nymphenburg palace
The castle is particularly eye-catching from the inside.
The decorations of the countless rooms range from magnificent baroque to playful rococo to more reserved classicism.
The castle garden is in no way inferior to the castle in splendor.
The initially small garden was expanded by Max Emanuel from 1715 into a magnificent baroque garden.
Sights in Munich and the surrounding area Nymphenburg Garden
It follows the typical baroque garden architecture and is characterized by strict, symmetrical shapes.
Elaborately designed flower beds, hedges and water features characterize the garden.
The rear part is also strictly divided by axes and is home to four other buildings that are also must-sees in Munich:
Amalienburg
Badenburg
Pagodenburg
Magdalenenklause
Badenburg Nymphenburg Munich and surroundings Sights
In the 19th century, the garden was adapted to the fashion of the time and transformed into an English-style landscaped garden.
Since then, more natural planting, meadows, trees and lakes have shaped the picture.
Today the park is an exciting mix of both styles.
Tip: Nymphenburg Palace is home to four museums. Among other things, a porcelain museum and a carriage museum. Children in particular will be happy in the Natural History Museum.
German Museum
Address: Museum Island 1, 80538 Munich
Admission: €12 (regular), €4 (children from 6 years) – children under 6 free of charge
The Deutsches Museum – actually Deutsches Museum of the masterpieces of natural science and technology – is one of the most visited sights in Munich.
Around 1.5 million let themselves be carried off into the wondrous world of science every year.
There are more than 30 exhibitions on over 25,000 square meters.
The range of topics covers astronomy, chemistry, physics, mining, computer science, mathematics, photo & film, aerospace, metals, telecommunications, tools, musical instruments, machines of all kinds, robots and much more.
The Deutsches Museum is a hands-on museum.
So you and your children can pull all sorts of levers, press buttons and try out many things yourself.
A particular highlight are the demonstrations by the high-voltage current department. That’s where real lightning is generated.
It’s getting dark in the almost one kilometer long tunnel world. Fans of submarines, on the other hand, can experience one up close here.
The house also has a planetarium with a star show.
For the little ones there is the “Children’s Kingdom” with a giant guitar and giant soap bubbles.
Not just for nerds – the German Museum is the best of Munich’s sights for children, especially in winter.
Attention: Some parts of the exhibition are currently closed due to renovation work.
Another important museum location in Munich is the Maxvorstadt. Here are the three Munich Pinakotheks – the old, the new and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
The Alte Pinakothek shows paintings from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
There are names like Rembrandt, Rubens, Dürer, Da Vinci, Brueghel, Raphael and Botticelli.
Pinakotheken
Opening times: closed on Mondays
Admission combined ticket: 12 euros
The Pinakotheken are three great art museums in Munich’s Maxvorstadt. Together with the Brandhorst Museum and the Schack Collection, they belong to Munich’s art area. All museums are only a few meters away from each other.
The Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne are particularly worth seeing. They are among the most renowned art collections in the world.
You are certainly familiar with Dürer, da Vinci and Rembrandt – you can find their works in the Alte Pinakothek. The museum shows Bavarian state paintings from the Middle Ages to the mid-18th century. The highlight is a painting over 6 meters high.
The Pinakothek der Moderne is dedicated to classic modern and contemporary art up to the 20th century. Actually all well-known names of this time are represented here.
My tip: On Sunday, admission to the Pinakothek is only 1 euro. However, it gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon. If you want to enjoy the art in peace, you’d better come by during the week.
English Garden
Address: English Garden, 80538 Munich
Admission: free of charge
The English Garden is one of the largest parks in the world. Munich Sightseeing English Garden Monopteros
One of the best Munich sights in the city center is the English Garden.
With its 375 hectares, it is the largest park in Germany after the Ohlsdorf cemetery in Hamburg.
In 1789 the English Garden was commissioned by the Palatinate Elector Karl Theodor.
Karl Theodor pursued the goal of creating military gardens for the soldiers in every Bavarian town so that they could be occupied in peacetime.
The gardens should also be open to the public.
And so the English Garden, since its opening in 1792 and now for 227 years, has been the most popular park and one of the best sights in Munich.
As the name suggests, the English Garden is inspired by English landscape gardens.
English Garden Munich Sights Surroundings
Unlike the strictly structured and shaped baroque gardens, landscaped gardens are characterized by more naturalness.
Large meadows, lakes, wild-looking plants, trees and bushes are predominant.
Like many other parks and gardens, the English Garden has its structures.
The Chinese Tower and the Monopteros are particularly well-known.
Just like 227 years ago, the English Garden is still a popular destination for Munich residents.
Here you can comfortably drink a wheat beer in one of the beer gardens or simply sit on the lawn with your friends.
You can enjoy the view from the Monopteros or walk along the Isar.
Surfing in the English Garden Munich sights
The English Garden also has something for sporty types.
Joggers and cyclists get their money’s worth on the 78-kilometer network of paths and even surfers can get on their boards in the Eisbach.
Tip: It’s a bit quieter in the northern part than in the southern part.
Eisbachwelle
The Eisbachwelle in the English Garden is something very special. Surfing in the middle of the city, how cool is that?
All year round, surfers show off their skills on the standing wave. Under the eyes of numerous spectators, they throw themselves into the ice-cold waters – even in winter.
Attention: The Eisbachwelle is only for experienced surfers. Due to the concrete walls at the edge of the creek, the risk of injury is quite high.
Munich Residence
Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 Munich
Admission: €13 (regular), €10.50 (reduced) – children and young people under the age of 18 free
The largest city palace in Germany is located in the heart of Munich: the Munich Residenz.
The Munich Residenz is without question one of the most imposing buildings in downtown Munich. It stretches across ten inner courtyards, is about five times the size of Marienplatz and has over 130 rooms.
Today it is one of the most important museums in Europe and shows the life, work and above all the self-image of the Bavarian princes and kings up close.
And she started very small:
In 1385 the Gothic castle “Neuveste” stood on the site of today’s residence.
In 1508 it was chosen as the new ruler’s seat because the previous seat, the “Alte Hof”, had simply become too small.
The castle was first expanded under Duke Wilhelm IV.
The first additions, marking the beginning of the residence’s present grandeur and splendor, come under Duke Albrecht V.
He had a ballroom and the so-called antiquarium built.
The Antiquarium is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps and was originally the place where Albrecht’s collection of antique sculptures was presented. However, his successors turned the 66 meter long room into a ballroom and had the walls richly and artistically painted. Today the antiquarium is again a sculpture exhibition and can be visited. A must see among the sights in downtown Munich.
Albrecht’s successor, Duke Wilhelm V, not only had the Antiquarium further developed, but also had further extensions made.
A summer palace – the Grottenhof tracts – the Black Hall, the Hereditary Prince tract and the Widow’s Stock are added.
The residence now stretches far into the center of Munich and is no longer limited to the “Neuveste” site.
In the 17th century, under Duke or Elector Maximilian I, a particularly defining element of the residence was created: the “Maximilian Residence” on the west side of the palace.
He had several chapels, wings and courtyards built.
Under him there was what was at times the largest expansion of the residence.
We also have him to thank for the courtyard garden north of the palace.
Elector Karl Albrecht, later Emperor Karl VII, had the residence extended again in the 18th century.
The ancestral gallery, the treasury cabinet, the green gallery and the rich room go back to him.
Digression: Elector Max III. Joseph had the so-called Cuvilliés Theater, which is still preserved today, built. Originally it was even a separate building. However, since the house was destroyed in World War II, the elements brought to safety had to be integrated into the residence after the war.
The last major expansion, which is also the current face of the residence, came in the 19th century under Elector Max IV Joseph, later King Max I Joseph and King Ludwig I.
Max had the Court Garden Rooms, the State Council Room and the Court Riding School built.
Ludwig had the remains of the Neuveste demolished and replaced by the ballroom building.
He also commissioned the royal building and the All Saints’ Court Church.
Over the next few decades, further structural changes and minor additions followed.
Since the fall of the monarchy in 1918, it has been transformed from a ruler’s seat into a museum.
During its more than 500-year history, Residenz has been expanded from a small Gothic castle to a magnificent, almost ostentatious royal seat.
In it, the architectural and decorative styles of the respective epochs can be wonderfully traced and relived.
In particular, the design of the interior is a real eye-catcher, ranging from the Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo to Classicism.
Nowhere else in Munich is such a ride through the city’s history possible.
Especially when you know that many parts of the residence were destroyed in World War II and first had to be rebuilt and restored.
Allianz Arena
Admission: Arena + adventure world: from 19 euros
The Allianz Arena is a completely different kind of residence, but no less worth seeing. It is the home of the Bundesliga soccer team FC Bayern Munich.
Located just outside of Munich, the arena, which opened in 2005, is a real eye-catcher.
With its honeycomb glowing in all rainbow colors, it can be seen from afar, especially in the evening.
When FC Bayern is playing, the arena lights up red.
Even when there is no game going on, the Allianz Arena is one of the top sights in the Munich area.
If you like, you can take a guided tour of the stadium or immerse yourself in the club’s history in the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt.
Isar
Admission: free of charge
It is Munich’s lifeline and one of the most beautiful rivers in Germany – the Isar.
But what is the joy of spring to me here in a far-off, foreign land?
I long for the home sun, I long for the Isar beach. (Empress Sisi)
Even Empress Sisi loved the Isar. And not without reason, because the Isar is one of the most beautiful rivers in Germany – especially in Munich.
The Isar runs through Munich for 14 kilometers and gives the city a very special face.
The numerous Isar bridges are of particular importance. Not only do they connect the two sides of the city, they are also extremely beautifully designed and blend in wonderfully with the cityscape.
The Isar bridges are particularly popular as meeting places.
They are great places to sit, have a beer or just relax. Because the Isar has something else special: beaches.
The banks of the Isar are flat, so you can swim wonderfully here.
The best-known Isar bridges are:
- Reichenbach Bridge
- Cornelius Bridge
- Wittelsbach Bridge
Tip: The Reichenbach Bridge is one of the most popular bridges over the Isar. At the Wittelsbacherbrücke it is a bit quieter and more secluded.
But you can do much more than just swim on the Isar.
Since there are few restrictions, you can easily ride a bike, swim, walk, go boating and even have a barbecue in marked areas.
Tip: The so-called “Flaucher” in the southern suburbs of Munich is a park on the Isar and is also often referred to as the “Isar Riviera”. For many Munich residents, it is the loveliest place on the Isar. It looks particularly original and wildly romantic here. The Munich Tierpark Hellabrunn is also located on the Flaucher – one of the best sights in Munich for children.
The Isar is an important local recreation area within the city center and is therefore an absolute must-see in Munich – even in winter.
Glockenbachviertel and Haidhausen
The two trendy districts of Munich, Haidhausen and the Glockenbachviertel, are also located on the well-known bridges over the Isar.
The Glockenbachviertel in particular has developed into the trendiest district in Munich since the 1990s.
It is the most expensive trendy district in Germany.
Numerous pubs, bars and restaurants, galleries and manufactories are located here and shape the picture.
The Glockenbachviertel is the nightlife district in Munich and is known for its nightlife.
The sight in Munich for young people.
Haidhausen – located on the other side of the Isar – is a bit quieter than the Glockenbachviertel but by no means less hip.
Above all, the art and culture scene is at home here.
The historic core of Haidhausen was spared during World War II, which is why you can still admire the many small historic residential buildings today.
Cafes and restaurants, antique shops and galleries do the rest to make Haidhausen one of the loveliest neighborhoods in Munich.
Karlsplatz “Stachus”
Address: Karlsplatz 1, 80335 Munich
Admission: free of charge
One of the most famous and popular squares in Munich is Karlsplatz. The people of Munich only call him “Stachus”.
There is something going on at the Stachus day and night.
This may not least be due to the fact that many underground, suburban, bus and tram lines converge here and that cars, cyclists and pedestrians also populate the square.
The Stachus is sometimes the busiest square in downtown Munich.
The fountain built in 1972 for the Olympic Games is characteristic of the Stachus.
It is a popular meeting place for going on a shopping spree through Kaufingerstrasse or the underground Stachus Passagen.
But you can also just cool off in the water of the fountain and rest after shopping.
Incidentally, the people of Munich never call the square Karlsplatz.
This is supposedly due to the fact that the Elector Karl Theodor, who gave the place its name, was so unpopular that the people of Munich preferred to name the square in honor of the resident landlord Mathias Eustachius Föderl.
Tip: Not far from the Stachus on Promenadenplatz there is a curious Munich sight – the Michael Jackson Monument.
There is actually a monument to the composer Orlando di Lasso directly opposite the Nobel Hotel Bayrischer Hof, but it is no longer dedicated to him.
Fans of Michael Jackson simply repurposed it to commemorate his death, setting up a shrine with photos, flowers and commemorative writing.
And why exactly there? Michael Jackson was once a guest at the Bayrischer Hof.
Theresienwiese – Oktoberfest
Nothing says Munich quite like the Oktoberfest.
Since 1810 it has been held (with a few exceptions) every year from late September to early October. Munich is then in a state of emergency for two weeks.
The first Oktoberfest is said to have been held on the occasion of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese on October 12, 1810.
Hence the name and the venue, the Theresienwiese.
The Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world, it attracts around 6 million visitors every year and stands above all for the Bavarian beer culture.
Several thousand hectoliters of beer are served in beer mugs in numerous festival tents.
Incidentally, it can only be beer from traditional Munich breweries.
In recent years, however, attempts have been made to turn the Oktoberfest from a “drinking event” back into a family folk festival.
In addition to beer, there are countless rides, including the world-famous Ferris wheel, various carousels, roller coasters and original Oktoberfest attractions such as the “Teufelsrad”, “schichtl” or “Pitt’s death wall”.
Highlights of the Wies’n are the entry of the Wiesn landlords and the breweries, the tapping of the barrel by the Mayor of Munich – O’zapft is – and the costume parade.
The Oktoberfest is without question one of the top Munich attractions.
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Olympiapark
Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich
Admission: Olympic Stadium €3.50 (regular), €2.50 (reduced)/Olympic Tower €9 (regular), €6 (reduced)
With its 850,000 square meters and numerous attractions, the Olympic Park attracts.
The Olympic Park was created for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and is still mainly used for sporting purposes and events. It is the sporting hotspot of the city.
But the Olympic Park is also the top address in Munich for events such as concerts, festivals or trade fairs.
There are many well-known attractions in the park that attract sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. The best are:
The Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium is the most striking building on the Olympic site.
This is not least due to its roof construction.
Incidentally, you can even climb it as part of a guided tour and experience a unique view.
But there are also exciting things to see under the roof.
The stadium can be explored on your own.
Concerts and festivals take place in the Munich Olympic Stadium, especially in summer.
The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Michael Jackson and U2 have all been here.
The Olympic Hall
Although the Olympic Hall is a bit smaller than the stadium, it is in no way inferior to it.
It is primarily a venue for sporting competitions and championships as well as for concerts.
The best-known guests were, for example, Helene Fischer, André Rieu, Muhammad Ali and Henry Maske, ABBA, Rod Stewart and The Who.
The Olympic Tower
At around 291, the Olympic Tower is the tallest structure in Munich and one of the city’s landmarks.
From the viewing platform at a height of 190 meters you have the best view of Munich and the surrounding area.
Under the platform there is a revolving restaurant that gives you a 360-degree panoramic view – and all that comfortably with coffee and cake.
Also in the tower:
The Rockmuseum Munich with exhibits and memorabilia from Freddy Mercury, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.
Sea Life
With the Sea Life, the Munich Olympic Park has gained an additional attraction, especially for children.
Sharks, turtles, seahorses and much more can be admired in over 36 pools and around 700,000 liters of water.
The aquarium is home to a total of more than 4,000 animals.
Particular highlights are show feedings, a ten meter long underwater tunnel and a touch pool.
But the Olympic Park has much more to offer. There is something for every sporting desire.
From ice skating and swimming to tennis and rowing.
So if you want to go on a sporty trip, you are guaranteed to be happy here.
And if you are looking for a city trip, you should definitely have this Munich sight on your radar and maybe plan a visit to a concert or a major sporting event.
But the Olympic Park has much more to offer. There is something for every sporting desire.
From ice skating and swimming to tennis and rowing.
So if you want to go on a sporty trip, you are guaranteed to be happy here.
And if you are looking for a city trip, you should definitely have this Munich sight on your radar and maybe plan a visit to a concert or a major sporting event.
Viktualienmarkt
Address: Viktualienmarkt, 80331 Munich
Admission: free of charge
The Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s largest market and has been open six days a week for over 200 years.
You can find (almost) everything at the Viktualienmarkt.
More than 140 stands spread over approx. 22,000 square meters offer fruit, vegetables, meat and sausage products, cheese, bread, flowers, spices, wine, beer, fish and much more.
In addition to the market stalls, there is also a beer garden and snack stands.
The Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s culinary hotspot.
And the best thing is that it is open all year round from 8am to 8pm, except Sundays.
Annual highlights are the dance of the market women, the fountain festival and the Christmas market.
A Munich sight that you cannot miss.
The Viktualienmarkt originally had its place on Marienplatz.
Digression: “Viktualien” is of Latin origin and simply means food.
Hofbräuhaus
“There is a Hofbräuhaus in Munich – oans, zwoa, g’suffa!” The State Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, as the full title reads, is the most famous inn in the world and one of the most popular sights in Munich.
Unbelievable but true: Beer at the Wittelsbacher Hof only came from Munich in 1589. Before it was imported. An absurdity. And so Duke Wilhelm V. decided to have his own Hofbräu.
It didn’t take long before all the innkeepers in Munich were serving Munich beer.
From 1608 the Hofbräu moved to the Platzl and was made accessible to the public in 1828.
And here it is today – oans, zwoa, g’suffa.
In traditional costume and to typical Bavarian brass music, several waiters serve up to 3,000 guests in the parlor and another 400 outside in the beer garden.
Of course, Munich beer and Bavarian food such as Weißwurst or Hax’n are served.
There is also an entertainment program with dances and music.
This is how comfort works. Cheers!
Tip: The upper floor is a bit quieter. Private parties can also be celebrated here.
Bavarian State Opera
It all began in the 17th century with the first Italian operas in the Hercules Hall of the Residenz. After 350 years, around 450 performances per season now attract more than half a million visitors.
Today’s National Theater on Max-Joseph-Platz is a playground for ballet, concerts by the State Orchestra, operas and many other artistic masterpieces.
Alter Hof
The old ruler’s residence of the emperors now houses exquisite shops behind the charming historical and reconstructed facades.
There was a castle here as early as the 12th century, and it was the residence of the Wittelsbach family between 1255 and the 15th century.
You can find out more about the imperial history of the old castle in the free multimedia exhibition in the vaulted cellar.
Opening hours: closed on Sundays
Odeonsplatz
La dolce vita – nowhere in Munich can this be experienced better than at Odeonsplatz. The Theatine Church in Italian late Baroque, the Feldherrnhalle in Florentine Classicism, the Residenz and the Hofgartentor form the appropriate backdrop.
The square got its name from the Odeon that once stood here, the city’s famous concert hall. However, apart from the facade, it was destroyed during the war.
Alongside Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz is an important venue for events in Munich.
At the beginning of July you can experience the popular classical open-air concerts here. In June, the square is transformed into a crafts market for the city founding festival. And twice a year, the Streetlife Festival spreads into the pedestrian zones with live concerts, art and entertainment.
Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel
The Gärtnerplatz is a popular meeting point for all party people. The weekend starts with a beer on the square and you continue through the numerous cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs of the Glockenbachviertel.
But it is also a great area for shopping and strolling. Around the Gärtnerplatz you will find many cool shops in the well-kept old buildings. Instead of big chains, there are individual decorations and handmade products, second-hand fashion as well as local designers and vintage labels.
My tip: A special summer highlight is the open-air cinema in the Viehhof. Although it is no longer part of the Glockenbachviertel, but actually part of the Isarvorstadt, it is not far away either. The open-air cinema is popular for its relaxed atmosphere between brick facades, food trucks and deck chairs.
Westend
Munich is well-known for its chic. If you are looking for an alternative district, you will find it in the Westend.
The quarter is actually called Schwanthalerhöhe. Here it is surprisingly relaxed for Munich, unexcited and not very crowded – somehow not typical Munich at all.
Since gentrification is increasingly driving the alternative and gay scene out of the Glockenbachviertel, artists, young labels and designers are increasingly settling in the Westend.
You will find small design boutiques mainly on Liegsalzstrasse and Schwanthalerstrasse. There are also international restaurants, cozy bars, cool cafés and unusual small theatres. You will also find the magnificent Saint Paul Church, which is one of the largest in Munich.
Hellabrunn Zoo
Admission: 18 euros
The Tierpark Hellabrunn is the first geozoo in the world: the animals live here, sorted by continents. In total there are over 750 animal species that populate the landscape protection area of the Isar meadows.
On a walk through the zoo you will travel from the wildlife at the polar pool to the savannah animals in Africa and the kangaroos in Australia.
BMW world
Admission: BMW Museum: 10 euros
BMW Welt is to Bavaria what the Autostadt is to Northern Germany – the experience and delivery center for everything to do with the car brand.
Motorbikes, Minis, Roadsters and Rolls-Royce – all vehicles of the BMW Group can be viewed in the BMW Welt. On a guided tour you can also take a look behind the scenes and even get an insight into the car production.
The architecture of BMW Welt alone is unique. The roof literally hovers over the open construction like a huge cloud.
Directly opposite you will find the BMW tower, built like four cylinders of a huge engine. The exciting BMW Museum is also located here.
This concludes my list of Top Places to Visit in Munich: Best Landmarks and Attractions. I hope you have found a few places that you want to visit on your next trip to Munich.
