München Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Beer Gardens & Hidden Gems
Munich — or München if you want to impress the locals — is a city that somehow manages to be both regal and ridiculously fun. It’s the capital of Bavaria, home to royal palaces, world-class museums, and the biggest beer party on Earth, yet also a place where surfers ride a river wave in the middle of a park and locals munch giant pretzels like it’s a sport.
I’ve wandered Munich in every season — sweating in August at a beer garden, crunching through fresh snow at the Christmas markets, and yes, singing at Oktoberfest with strangers in lederhosen (don’t ask how loud). This city is full of surprises, and I’m here to make sure you catch the best of them.
Start in the Heart: Marienplatz & Neues Rathaus
If Munich had a living room, it would be Marienplatz. This is the city’s main square, buzzing with tourists, street performers, and pigeons that clearly think they own the place.
The star here is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), a Gothic Revival masterpiece complete with a tower you can climb for panoramic city views. But the real crowd-pleaser is the Glockenspiel, a mechanical show at 11 a.m. (and 12 p.m. in summer) where wooden figures act out Bavarian history while bells chime. It’s touristy, yes, but also delightfully old-fashioned — basically Disney with a centuries-old twist.
Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for a good view. And keep an eye on your pockets — those pigeons aren’t the only ones watching your bag.
Climb the Frauenkirche Towers
Just a short walk away is the Frauenkirche, Munich’s iconic cathedral. Its twin onion-shaped towers dominate the skyline, and climbing one gives you sweeping views over the city and the distant Alps on a clear day.
Inside, it’s simple yet striking, which is a nice break from the city’s more ornate churches. Don’t forget to spot the devil’s footprint at the entrance — legend says the devil left it after being tricked into helping build the church. Whether you believe it or not, it’s a fun story to tell friends.
Snack Your Way Through Viktualienmarkt
Munich’s Viktualienmarkt is a foodie wonderland, blending farmers’ market charm with gourmet delicacies. Over 140 stalls offer fresh produce, artisan cheeses, Bavarian sausages, and baked goods that could make a dietitian cry.
My personal move: grab a giant pretzel, some creamy Obatzda cheese, and maybe a Weisswurst with sweet mustard. Then find a sunny table in the market’s beer garden and watch the world go by.
Fun fact: The beer garden rotates breweries seasonally — so you’re basically sampling multiple Munich beers without moving an inch.
Royalty & Palaces: Residenz & Nymphenburg
Munich’s royals clearly loved a good palace, and their legacy is spectacular.
- Residenz – Right in the city center, this former royal residence is enormous. The Antiquarium, a barrel-vaulted hall lined with sculptures, is basically Instagram gold.
- Nymphenburg Palace – Out west, this baroque beauty comes with canals, gardens, and swans that act like they know they’re photogenic. Strolling here in spring or summer is like walking through a postcard.
Insider tip: Don’t rush the gardens — grab an ice cream and let yourself wander. You might even spot a peacock or two showing off.
Museum Marathon
Munich is serious about museums — and yes, they can be fun.
- Deutsches Museum – The world’s largest science and technology museum. You could spend hours geeking out over everything from aircraft to ancient clocks.
- Alte, Neue & Moderne Pinakothek – Three art museums covering everything from Old Masters to contemporary works.
- BMW Welt & Museum – Even if you’re not a car fan, the architecture alone is jaw-dropping.
Pro tip: Buy a combination ticket for the Pinakotheks if you’re planning to explore all three. Your future self will thank you.
Englischer Garten: Where the City Lets Loose
The Englischer Garten is huge — bigger than New York’s Central Park — and it’s Munich’s backyard playground. Walk shaded paths, rent a paddleboat, or just lie on the grass with a book, a picnic, or your newly acquired pretzel.
You’ll also see the Eisbach wave, where surfers ride a standing wave year-round. Yes, even in snow. And don’t miss the Chinesischer Turm beer garden, a lively spot where locals gather by the thousands to drink, eat, and sometimes dance.
Insider tip: Stop for a half-liter of local beer and just watch life go by. It’s Munich therapy.
Olympic Park Adventures
The Olympiapark is a throwback to the 1972 Olympics but still full of fun. Climb the Olympic Tower for panoramic views, check out concerts, or even zipline across the park. Bonus: the tent-like stadium roofs are still super futuristic for the 70s.
Beer Halls & Bavarian Eats
Munich is famous for beer, but it’s not all Oktoberfest chaos.
- Hofbräuhaus – Iconic, touristy, but fun at least once.
- Augustiner Bräustuben – A local favorite, hearty food and wooden barrels full of beer.
- Paulaner Bräuhaus – Great for classic dishes and a lively atmosphere.
Pro tip: In Munich’s beer gardens, it’s perfectly fine to bring your own snacks — just buy the drinks there.
Festivals & Seasonal Fun
Munich knows how to celebrate:
- Oktoberfest – Late September to early October. Book hotels months ahead unless you enjoy sleeping in a tent with strangers.
- Christmas Markets – From late November, the city sparkles. Marienplatz is magical, but Tollwood Winter Festival has an artsy, alternative vibe.
- Frühlingsfest – The “mini Oktoberfest” in spring, with rides, beer, and fewer crowds.
Pro tip: If you want to avoid the chaos, visit Oktoberfest early in the day. Bonus: no one judges you for taking five pretzel breaks.
Day Trips You Can’t Miss
Munich is perfectly placed for epic day trips:
- Neuschwanstein Castle – The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney. Go early or you’ll be in a selfie line that could rival Times Square.
- Salzburg, Austria – 1.5 hours away by train. Sound of Music fans rejoice.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Zugspitze – Mountains, skiing, hiking, and jaw-dropping views.
Quick Tips for Visiting Munich
When to Visit:
- Summer: beer gardens, festivals, outdoor fun.
- Fall: Oktoberfest, golden park walks.
- Winter: Christmas markets, cozy cafes.
- Spring: blooming gardens, fewer tourists.
Getting Around:
Munich’s public transport system is excellent. U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses will take you almost anywhere. Walking is ideal for the old town.
Local Etiquette:
- Don’t sit at a reserved beer garden table unless invited.
- Shops are closed on Sundays — plan accordingly or enjoy wandering aimlessly.
Final Thoughts
Munich is a city that makes you feel alive. History, palaces, art, parks, and yes — a LOT of beer. You’ll walk cobbled streets, explore secret gardens, maybe even surf a river, and probably eat more pretzels than you thought possible.
Come for the beer, stay for the palaces, leave with lederhosen envy — and maybe a newfound love for Bavarian culture.
