Top Things to Do in Munich

About the City

Munich, affectionately known as the heart of Bavaria, is a vibrant city blending traditional charm with modern sophistication. Imagine strolling through the Englischer Garten, larger than New York's Central Park, where locals catch rays by the Eisbach river or surf its standing wave. Yes, surf in the city! You'll revel in the grandeur of Marienplatz, with its iconic Glockenspiel, which narrates tales twice daily through its jolly mechanical dance. Oktoberfest here isn't just an event; it's a high-spirited cultural affair, so don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and clink hefty beer steins with the warm and welcoming Münchners. Prost to that! Yet, Munich is not all beer and pretzels. The cost of living is as towering as the Alps visible on the horizon, pinching the wallets of residents and visitors alike. And with grandeur comes the crowds: tourists swarm the city's attractions, especially during festival seasons, leaving one longing for the calm of Bavarian countryside. It sometimes feels like the streets host more suitcase wheels than vehicle tires. Plus, the weather can be fickle, with gray skies often putting a dampener on the city's glow. But even the occasional dreariness can't eclipse Munich's undeniable charm, rich history, and its people's zest for life.

Things to Do in Munich

Chow Down on Kaiserschmarrn

Food & Drink

Tear into the emperor's favorite shredded pancake, Kaiserschmarrn! This fluffy, sugary delight is ripped to bits with a royal flair and served warm with a side of apple sauce or plum compote. Fit for ...

Explore the Botanical Gardens

Outdoors

Get lost in a floral wonderland at the Munich Botanical Gardens. Who knew you could sniff so many flowers in one day? Sneeze optional.

Slurp Up Some Culture at a Soup Kitchen

The Unexpected

Time to get soupy! Discover Munich's culinary culture with a spoon and a bowl at one of the city's charming soup kitchens.

Bask in a Sunken Garden

The Unexpected

Wanna feel like an ant in a giant's world? Dip into a sunken garden! These subterranean green spaces are Munich's secret spots for a quick nature fix.

Join a Medieval Banquet

The Unexpected

Step back in time and munch on a feast fit for a king! Enjoy a hearty meal in a setting that’ll make you feel like you've catapulted straight into the Middle Ages.

Spin Tales at a Storytelling Salon

The Unexpected

Got a yarn to spin or ears to lend? Hit up one of Munich's storytelling salons, where you can weave or witness tall tales and real-life stories!

Sail on the Serene Lake Starnberg

Outdoors

Hoist the sails and catch the breeze on Lake Starnberg! Feel like Bavarian royalty as you glide across the water, with picturesque views for company. Just don't fall in, unless you fancy a swim!

Play Beach Volleyball at Flaucher

Outdoors

Serve, spike, and dive your way to fun in the sun with beach volleyball at Flaucher. Sand in your shoes has never felt so satisfying!

Go Jogging in Westpark

Outdoors

Tie up those running shoes and hit the paths of Westpark for a scenic jog. It's like a treadmill, but with actual views!

Partake in Traditional Keg Bowling at Chinesischer Turm

Outdoors

Roll out the barrel for some keg bowling near Chinesischer Turm, because why throw balls when you can throw kegs? Prost to good times!

Guzzle a Mass of Helles

Food & Drink

Grab hold of a Mass (that's a liter) of golden Helles lager, the beer of choice in Munich. You'll want to pace yourself as you swig this bright, crisp nectar of the beer gods. So find yourself a shady...

Marvel at the Modern Art in the Pinakothek der Moderne

Sights

Strut your stuff through a modern art wonderland at the Pinakothek der Moderne. This spot is so cool, it's practically a hipster's paradise. Get your fill of contemporary awesomeness and don't forget ...

Take a Time Out at the Viktualienmarkt

Sights

Munch your way through Munich's most famous food market, the Viktualienmarkt. With over 140 stalls of goodies, you can stuff your face with everything from sausages to sweets. Just remember, there's n...

Visit the Deutsches Museum and Get Your Geek On

Sights

Calling all nerds and nerdettes! The Deutsches Museum is a mega-hub of science and technology. Get a load of their mind-boggling exhibits on everything from computers to space travel. You might just l...

Climb to the Heavens at St. Peter's Church

Sights

Dust off those walking shoes and conquer the 299 steps to the top of St. Peter's Church. Once you're huffing and puffing at the summit, you'll be rewarded with the best 360 views of Munich. Just try n...

Feast Your Eyes on the Grandeur of the Munich Residenz

Sights

Get ready to drop your jaw at the Residenz, Munich's royal palace that's chock-full of splashy rooms and artifacts that scream luxury. You'll feel like you've time-traveled to a posh past. It's like t...

Indulge in Apfelstrudel

Food & Drink

Wrap up your culinary quest with the sweet embrace of Apfelstrudel. This apple-filled pastry is like a warm hug from an Austrian grandma – dusted with sugar and best enjoyed with a dollop of cream.

Slurp Down Obatzda at a Biergarten

Food & Drink

Get your cheese fix with a Bavarian twist! Obatzda is a creamy concoction of camembert, butter, spices, and beer mixed into a spreadable delight. Perfect for smearing on a crusty slice of bread while ...

Feast on Leberkäs

Food & Drink

Roll up your sleeves for Munich’s meaty marvel – Leberkäs! It's like a loaf of meaty goodness that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Though the name means 'liver cheese,' it's typically...

Toast with Ghosts in an Ancient Pub

The Unexpected

Get spooky with spirits while sipping on spirits! Visit one of Munich's oldest pubs and raise a glass to the ghosts of patrons past. Just don't let them pinch your pretzel.