The best things to do in Munich
Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria, is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. The city offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From visiting historical landmarks to enjoying the famous beer gardens, there’s something for everyone in Munich. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in the city.
Visit Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
Marienplatz, or St. Mary’s Square, is the heart of Munich’s historic city center. It’s the perfect place to start your explorations of the city, as it’s home to some of Munich’s most famous landmarks. The New Town Hall, or Neus Rathaus, is one of the most popular attractions in Marienplatz. The building’s striking Gothic architecture is sure to impress, and visitors can also take an elevator to the top of the Town Hall tower for beautiful views of the city.
Explore the Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus is one of the most famous beer halls in the world. This historic building, which dates back to 1589, is the perfect place to experience the traditional Bavarian beer culture. Visitors can enjoy a stein of Hofbräu beer, listen to live music, and sample traditional Bavarian cuisine.
Visit the English Garden
The English Garden is one of the largest public parks in the world. It’s an oasis of greenery and tranquility in the heart of the city, and it’s a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Munich. The park is home to several beautiful lakes, as well as a Japanese tea house and a Chinese tower. Visitors can also rent a bike and explore the park’s miles of bike paths.
See the Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, is one of Munich’s most famous landmarks. The twin towers of the church are a recognizable symbol of the city, and visitors can climb to the top of the south tower for spectacular views of Munich. The church is also known for its impressive Gothic architecture, and it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Visit the Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace is a beautiful Baroque palace located on the western edge of Munich. The palace was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the rulers of Bavaria, and it’s now open to the public. Visitors can explore the palace’s stately rooms and gardens, which are filled with works of art and beautiful gardens.
Experience the Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest is one of the most famous festivals in the world. The festival, which is held annually in September and October, is a celebration of Bavarian culture and beer. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bavarian food, music, and of course, beer. The festival is held in a large tent city on the Theresienwiese, which is located just a short walk from the city center.
Visit the Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world. The museum covers a wide range of topics, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and transportation. Visitors can explore the museum’s many exhibits and interactive displays, and children will especially enjoy the handson activities and interactive exhibits. The museum is also home to a planetarium and a large collection of historical scientific instruments.
See the Olympic Park
The Olympic Park is a large complex of sports facilities and attractions built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The park is located in the northern part of Munich and it’s a great place to spend a day. Visitors can take a tour of the Olympic Stadium, which is home to the FC Bayern Munich football team, and see the iconic Olympic Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. The park also features a large lake, several playgrounds, and a variety of sports facilities and courts that are open to the public.
Visit the BMW Museum and Factory
The BMW Museum and Factory is a must-see destination for car enthusiasts. The museum is located at the BMW headquarters in Munich and it provides an in-depth look at the history of the company and the production of BMW cars. Visitors can see historic BMW cars and motorcycles, as well as learn about the technology and design that goes into making a BMW. The factory tour is also a highlight, where visitors can see how BMW cars are made from start to finish.
Experience the Nightlife
Munich is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The city has a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs, catering to all different tastes and styles. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Bavarian beer in a beer garden, dance to the latest music in a club, or enjoy a cocktail in a rooftop bar with a view of the city.
Visit the Allianz Arena
The Allianz Arena is one of the most iconic and recognizable stadiums in Europe. It is the home stadium of FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, which includes access to the VIP areas, the press room, and the players’ tunnel. The tour also includes a visit to the FC Bayern Museum, which showcases the history of the club and its many successes. The stadium is also known for its unique exterior, which is made of inflated ETFE plastic panels that can change color depending on the team playing.
Shop at the Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Munich. It is located in the city center and it offers a wide variety of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and traditional Bavarian specialties. Visitors can also enjoy a beer or a traditional Bavarian meal at one of the market’s many pubs and restaurants. The market is also a great place to buy souvenirs, such as traditional Bavarian clothing, crafts, and gifts.
Visit the St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is one of the oldest and most important churches in Munich. The church dates back to the 12th century, and it is known for its beautiful Baroque interior and its impressive frescoes. Visitors can also climb to the top of the church’s tower, which offers a great view of the city. The church is also home to the “Schrein der Heiligen Rupert und Afra,” an important relic of the patron saints of the city.
Visit the German Museum of Technology
The German Museum of Technology is another great destination for science and technology enthusiasts. The museum is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building and it offers a wide range of exhibits, covering the history of technology, science, and transportation. Visitors can see everything from early steam engines to modern robotics and aerospace technology. The museum also offers many hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, which make it a great destination for families.
Visit the Munich Zoo
The Munich Zoo is another great destination for families. The zoo is home to over 7,000 animals from all over the world, including exotic species like lions, elephants, and gorillas. The zoo also features a large aquarium, a tropical greenhouse, and a petting zoo. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the zoo’s lake or enjoy a picnic in the zoo’s beautiful park.
In conclusion, Munich is a city with a rich history, culture and many attractions to explore. From historical landmarks to natural parks, museums to nightlife, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and beautiful city. With the above list, you can make the most of your trip and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things that the city has to offer.
