What to do and see

Among the places you must see during your visit to Munich, here is a list of recommended attractions you don't want to miss.

Marienplatz - Marien Square and the New Town Hall of Munich

80331, Munich

Marienplatz is located in the heart of Munich, from where you can begin your journey to an exciting and colorful city. The square shelters the Mariensaeule, the Marian Column and the Old and New Town Hall of Munich, which is an overwhelming Gothic style building occupying the entire north side of the square.

Frauenkirche - Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady

Frauenplatz 12, 80331 Altstadt-Lehel, Munich, Germany

The cathedral is the city's largest church, holding up to 20.000 people, a famous building for its late Gothic style, and a real landmark of Munich city. If you get lost while visiting the town, you can use the Cathedral's huge twin towers as a point of orientation, but also you can visit the towers and have the greatest view on the Bavarian Alps and the cityscape.

Museums Ensemble: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne

Barer Strasse 27, 80333 Maxvorstadt, Munich
Barer Strasse 29, 80799, Munich
Barer Strasse 40, 80333, Munich

If you are an art fan, you definitely need to visit these three galleries which house some very important art collections of the world, both medieval and contemporary. Each of the museums represents a different European art period, from the Middle Ages, to the late 18th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The galleries display works of famous artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Gauguin or Cezanne.

Viktualienmarkt - The Victuals Market

Viktualienmarkt 6, 80331 Munich

Once the center of activity in Munich, the Viktualienmarkt, known as The Victuals Market, was seriously devastated during World War II, being a step away from demolition. Fortunately, the market still exists today and it is unique in Munich for its fresh and natural food. While shopping in the market, you can also sit down and have a traditional fresh meal provided by the numerous restaurants.

Residence Palace of Munich

Max-Joseph-Platz 3, 80539 Altstadt-Lehel, Munich

Residenz Palace, a former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, is a great example of architectural beauty, being considered one of Europe's best museums of interior decoration. The Palace is located near Old Town Munich and it is surrounded by mansions and the National Theatre. If you are planning a visit to the famous palace, you should know it is open every day and the entrance is free of charge for children under 15 years old. But, always keep in mind that you will need a few hours to visit the museum, so clear your agenda for that day!

Deutsches Museum - German Museum

Museumsinsel 1, Haidhausen, 8053, Munich

Although its title does not make you think of a great sight, the German Museum is worth being mentioned among Munich's top attractions due to its extraordinary exhibitions on a lot of industries such as transportation, mining, or sciences such as astronomy. Here you can see with your own eyes the first electric dynamo, the first automobile and the laboratory bench where the atom was first split. Also, the museum is known as one of the oldest and biggest science and technology museums in the world, making it an appropriate sight for all ages. If you don't speak German, you don't have to worry about it, because there are English-speaking guides willing to answer you whenever you have any questions.

The English Garden

Northeast of Residence Palace, Munich

Maybe the best place for a few relaxing moments after a long trip visiting the city, the English Garden is Europe's largest city park and it is even larger than the Central Park in New York, USA. If you have the chance to get here, you can see the Chinese Pagoda and its huge beer garden, a Japanese teahouse and a Greek style temple. The gardens were first built for the military soldiers who enjoyed here outdoor activities and recreation, but then, public were also granted access.

Olympic Stadium of Munich

Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809, Munich

Munich's stadium was built for the Summer Olympics in 72', being a revolutionary and futuristic construction that had to be in line with the event. In comparison with other Olympic cities of the world, in Munich, the building and the park around it have become a major touristic point of interest. Besides the sports activities that you can do here, ice skating, swimming, you can also climb the roof of the Stadium, if you are into extreme sports. The Stadium was also the home of FC Bayern Muenchen, until 2006 and it is known all over the world due to its tent-like roof.

HofBraeuhaus

9 Platzl, 80331 Altstadt-Lehel, Munich

Known also as the Royal Brewery, the HofBraeuhaus is the most famous beer hall in the world. Its central location makes it an inevitable sight while in Munich, but you will not regret your visit there. After a bombing in 1944, the hall was rebuilt and reopened in 1958, when Munich celebrated its 800th anniversary. The hall is built on several floors, and you can start from the ground floor where you will taste the traditional beer and continue with the first floor where you will be served a light Bavarian meal. If you go to HofBraeuhaus when the weather is warm, you can enjoy your beer outside, in the famous beer garden, if not, you are welcome inside.

Shopping in Munich

During your trip in Munich, you might want to spare a few hours for shopping, because the city can offer you numerous options, from traditional meals for gourmets and not only, to clothing and porcelain. Here you can find a few of the places you don't want to miss when going out for shopping in Munich!

First of all, you need to know where to go. You may choose from Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse, which are the largest shopping area in Munich, and there you can find international chains, famous brands and discounted prices. If you prefer buying traditional things, you should look for the well-known Nymphenburg porcelain, marzipan, beer mugs, wood carvings and other Bavarian gifts.

Maximilianstrasse

If you are looking for luxury goods, this city center street is the place where you can begin. But be prepared to pay a small fortune for your personal pleasure.

Kaufingerstrasse / Neuhauserstrasse

The most crowded shopping area in Munich, due to its mid-priced products. Here you can find both international chains, and small local boutiques. It is also a meeting place for both locals and tourists, especially on weekends and in the summertime, because of the large number of restaurants, cafes and the traditional beer gardens.

Hohenzollernstr

This street is probably ladies' preferred street, because there is an impressive collection of clothing stores, with reasonable prices. If you are going to Munich at the end of the summer season, you can find a lot of traditional German clothes, and get ready for the Oktoberfest.

Markets

For fresh food, you must definitely go to the Viktualienmarkt, located in the city center and if this is too much for you, then choose Elisabethmarkt, which can be reached by taking Tram 27.

Sport Muenzinger

For the football fans, Munich city center has also a lot of great things to offer. You can go visit the shop in Marienplatz and buy some precious souvenirs or ask for a customized product with your favorite players or clubs.

Events calendar in Munich

Munich Oktoberfest

It is the representative event of Munich, which takes place annually from late September to early October, lasting 16 days. The festival is about Bavarian culture and it is the largest fair in the world, bringing together more than six million visitors each year. The entrance to the festival is free of charge, however you might want to reserve your seat in one of the many tents placed around the festival streets, because of the large number of visitors. If you are taking your children to the festival, they will enjoy the exciting rides and playgrounds, and the most interesting places you should go are "The Tower" and "Silberturm".

Munich Opera Festival

Usually, the festival takes place every year in July, at the National Theater, featuring an amazing program of ballet and opera performances. If you are not in the city center, you may reach the theatre by U-Bahn to Marienplatz or if you travel by car, you can leave it in the underground parking under Max-Joseph-Platz.

Theatron Music Summer

A free entrance annual music festival that takes place in the famous Olympiapark. Almost a month of all styles live music, from rock to jazz and classical music. The festival attracts over 100.000 visitors each year with its numerous concerts per day (around 50 concerts).

Munich Six-Day Race

The Munich Six-Day Race takes place in November, at the Olympiahalle. The tickets for the race start from €11.00 and can reach €45.00.

Munich Indoors

The event takes place at Olympiahalle, in December each year. If you like horses or you're just a fan of horse riding, you should not miss this Bavarian equestrian event. Ticket's prices start from €59.00.

Munich Marathon

An annual event addressed both to men and women, free to watch but if you want to sign up, you will pay around €55.

Munich International Festival of Film Schools

This annual festival takes place in the city center inside the Stadtmuseum. The festival is an opportunity for young professionals to show their creations to both the public and film critics. To watch a screening at the festival will cost you around €4.

Munich Book Show

Another annual event taking place in Gasteig, where the newest German books are presented. You can reach the book show by tram or S-Bahn to Rosenheimer Platz. You won't regret going there!

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