Munich is famously home to the world’s largest beer festival (Oktoberfest, of course), as well as numerous beer halls, cellars, and gardens. Still, there are more things to do in Munich than wear lederhosen and wield beer steins. Many of its most popular attractions revolve around its magnificent architecture, like the Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg), the Munich Residenz, and the Frauenkirche, and the city’s buildings also have an art nouveau streak. The beautiful square of Marienplatz, home to landmarks like the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), is one of the top places to visit. And to enjoy the great outdoors, head to the city’s ever-popular English Garden (Englischer Garten), or go for a stroll along the scenic Isar River.
It won’t come as a surprise that the busiest time of year here is fall, when over 7 million travelers descend on the city for Oktoberfest. This world-famous festival has traditional Bavarian brass bands, circus acts, rides, processions—and of course, beer. If you want to skip the crowds, come in winter for the Starkbierfest: a strong beer festival that dates to the 17th and 18th centuries. Summer is also a great time for beer gardens and hiking in the Alpine foothills, but watch out for peak season prices.
The Bavarian capital is a very walkable city, so one of the best things to do in Munich is its highlights on foot. Thankfully the most important city landmarks are within close proximity of each other. To venture further afield, the city has great public transport options. You can travel on the S-Bahn (light rail), the U-Bahn (subway), by bus, or tram (Strassenbahn). Get tickets from vending machines at stations, or buy tram/bus tickets from the driver when you board.
A lot of travelers overlook the fact that most shops (including supermarkets) close entirely on Sundays. To stay entertained, and fill the shopping void, a museum trip is a great backup. The city has a special €1 entry deal to museums just on Sundays. There are more than 80 different museums to choose from; some of the best are the BMW Museum, the Residenz Museum, and even a Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. Finish your cultural outing with an evening at the Bavarian State Opera.
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Munich is known for beer, and its famed Oktoberfest, which begins in mid-September, is the pinnacle. The well-known Hofbräuhaus tavern serves more than a million visitors yearly with ales, lagers, and giant German soft pretzels. The city is also famous for its architecture, and landmarks like the 14th century Isar Gate.
...MoreYou’ll want at least three full days in Munich, though, to properly tour the city’s 16th-century architecture, biergartens, and world-class museums, you may want a week. One of the best things to do in Munich is use the Bavarian hub for day trips to spots such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Salzburg.
...MoreVisitors have choices: Kick back with a Hofbräu Dunkel in the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus, tour the BMW Welt and Museum, take a walking tour of WWII sites including Munich Old Town Hall, and wander the English Garden, Marienplatz, and Deutsches Museum. Of course, that’s just the tip of the schnitzel.
...MoreThe acclaimed Munich Oktoberfest ends early in the month, so autumn is about more than beer here. Explore the city’s gardens, walking paths, and markets. On rainy days, head to one of the city’s leading museums, including the Bavarian National Museum, Alte Pinakothek, and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
...MoreNo. Munich is a major city in Germany, but it has never been the capital. That title has mostly belonged to Berlin (though Bonn was the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990). It is, however, the capital of Bavaria, a state in southeast Germany known for its beer, sausage, and lederhosen—and lake views.
...MoreYes and no. Before the pandemic, Munich had nearly nine million visitors a year—with a robust tourist scene, regardless of season. The city’s most popular hotels, museums, and landmarks attract global visitors, but it’s still easy to go off-the-beaten path for more authentic experiences.
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