There's plenty to do and see in Munich - but it's worth heading out of town for day trips too. Take in the sights of southern Germany on a Sound of Music and Salzburg tour, or head to nearby Neuschwanstein for a fairytale-like castle stay.
One of the city's most iconic attractions is Viktualienmarkt. This massive outdoor market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, sample the local cuisine and grab a beer.
1. Viktualienmarkt
Known as Munich's front parlour, the Viktualienmarkt is an ideal place to shop for freshly baked bread, cakes, and traditional Bavarian foods. Thousands of people stroll the market everyday, making it one of the most popular attractions in the city.
The market is 2.3 acres large and features more than 140 stalls where you can buy anything you're looking for from fresh fruit and vegetables to meat, fish, bakery products and flowers. It's also a paradise for gourmets as there are many exotic specialties to try out.
While the market is open all year round, it tends to get busy at lunchtime and early evening when there are more tourists around. So it's recommended to visit during these hours if you're looking for an authentic experience.
There are plenty of things to do at Viktualienmarkt, including a beer garden where you can sample some of the best brews in town. You can also take a walk around the area to see some of the other landmarks in the city, such as Marienplatz and Alter Peter.
This hotel is in a great location if you're looking for a room that's near to the Viktualienmarkt and has access to a tram stop just two minutes away. This is a modern and comfortable property, with rooms that are clean and well-appointed.
The hotel offers guests a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. There's also a fitness center on site, as well as dry cleaning and laundry services. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they speak both German and English.
For those who like to travel around Germany by car, there is an opportunity to get a rental car in all popular locations: at the main railway stations, in the city center, at the nearest airports. Tariffs may vary depending on various factors: the duration of the rental, the class of the car, the place where the car was received. For example, at Tegel airport Berlin you can rent a compact class car from 18 euros per day, and at Hamburg airport from 17 euros per day.
2. Englischer Garten
Located within the heart of bustling Munich, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of Europe’s largest city parks. Stretching from the city centre to the northeastern city limits, this green oasis is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Among the many attractions of this expansive park are several popular biergartens, a handful of eclectic monuments and a boating lake, as well as plenty of jogging and biking paths. Recent travelers have enjoyed their time at this large green space, describing it as a great way to unwind after a busy day exploring the sights of Munich.
Another highlight is a man-made tributary of the Isar River that forms a unique standing wave, which is a popular surfing spot for locals and visitors alike. You can surf year-round on this wave, or just sit and watch.
There is also a small, artificial lake and a Japanese teahouse. A round, hilltop temple called the Monopteros is also worth visiting, offering stunning views of Munich’s Old Town.
If you are looking to enjoy some relaxation, there is a hotel just outside of the Englischer Garten with a lovely garden and friendly staff. It is not the cheapest but is the best option for those wanting to get away from the city and enjoy some time in nature.
The English Garden is one of the most notable places around Munich and one of the best things to do in the city. It is a huge public park that stretches from the city center to the northeastern city limits and has many different attractions. Some of the most famous include the Chinese Tower and a children’s carousel.
3. Königsplatz
If you're planning a visit to Munich, you'll want to include a few of the city's most notable places. These include world class museums, sprawling parks, beautiful baroque palaces and sites of remembrance.
One of the most notable places around Munich is Königsplatz, a plaza where visitors can enjoy neo-greek architecture in a lush garden setting. The square is also home to a famous fountain.
When Hitler became the Reich Chancellor in 1933, he hired his favorite architect Paul Ludwig Troost to redesign the square and erect new Party buildings on its eastern side. These were intended to demonstrate the Nazi regime's power and ambitions from their base in Munich.
Today, Konigsplatz is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. Its inviting lawns and shady trees are an ideal spot to spend the day, and it's often a popular gathering point for concerts and cinema events in the summer months.
Another of the most notable places around Munich is the Residenz, a grand palace that once served as the royal residence of the Wittelsbach family. This historic building dates back to 1385 and is now a museum.
If you love history, you can explore the impressive interiors of this amazing structure, which once housed priceless paintings and other valuable items from the Wittelsbach dynasty. It's also a must-see for those who like to learn about ancient civilizations.
Finally, if you're a lover of technology and science, Deutsches Museum is a must-see for you. This museum is home to a large collection of historical and modern artifacts, as well as interactive displays.
The city of Munich is full of history and it's easy to see traces of the past at almost every corner. These include world class museums, sprawling and historic parks and beautiful baroque palaces.
4. Residenz
The Residenz is a former royal palace that was the home of Bavarian rulers for over 400 years. Today it is the largest inner-city palace in Germany, and it's a great place to get a feel for Munich culture.
The complex is made up of three main parts - Konigsbau, Alte Residenz and Festsaalbau - which are connected by ten courtyards. Some of the highlights are the Antiquarium, one of the oldest Renaissance vaults in Europe; the Witwenstock (Widow's Wing), the Residenz Theater and the Court Garden.
Inside the Residenz are more than 130 rooms, each with a story to tell and lots of gorgeous artwork. If you have a passion for art and architecture, this is the place to go in Munich. The palace's style is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism.
After ascending to power, King Ludwig I commissioned architect Leo von Klenze to design the Residenz in 1825. He drew inspiration from Italian palaces, particularly those in Florence.
There are a number of rooms that are well worth a visit, including the Antiquarium, which is filled with statues and beautifully painted ceilings. There is also a large private chapel and an ornate picture gallery.
Outside, visitors can take in the scenery from the beautiful Kaiserhof courtyard. It's a popular location for the annual Christkindlmarkt, with stalls selling German Christmas decorations and food.
This hotel is close to several of the city's most important attractions, including the BMW Museum 7.2 km away. It is also located near a train station and offers modern spa facilities, and a restaurant serving Italian cuisine.
5. Hofgarten
Located between Odeonsplatz and the Residenz, the Hofgarten is one of Munich's most enchanting inner city green spaces. It has a central pavilion dating from 1615, fountains, hedges and parterres and is one of the best spots to relax in Munich.
It is also a popular spot for photographers, especially during the spring and summer months. It's a good place to take photos of the city and its famous statues, including the "Triumph of Germanicus" by Piloty and the "Crouching Woman" by Auguste Rodin.
The Hofgarten is also home to the Bavarian State Library, which houses an extensive collection of manuscripts and rare books. It's a great place to learn about the history of Munich and Bavaria.
For art enthusiasts, there are several museums to choose from in and around the city. The Alte Pinakothek, New Pinakothek and Museum Ludwig are all renowned for their collections of classical paintings.
If you're a sports fan, you can catch a football game at Allianz Arena Stadium. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists and is one of the most beautiful places to watch a game in Munich.
Another one of the most notable places to visit in Munich is the Asam Church. The Romanesque-style building is an impressive sight, and you can attend services or climb up to the top of the tower for a fantastic view over Munich.
It is also worth visiting the Bavarian National Museum. This museum is the largest in the country and features collections of art, archaeology and folk art. It is free to enter and is a fun way to learn about the culture of the area.