Things to do in Munich: top sights, museums and practical tips
Quick answer
The essentials of Munich are Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel, the Residenz, the English Garden, the Viktualienmarkt and the museums of the Kunstareal. Two days cover it well; with one day, stick to the old town. On Sundays many state museums cost just €1.
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More Munich guides
- Munich in one dayA one-day walking route through Munich: Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, the Residenz and English Garden, with times, lunch spots and tips.
- Munich in 2 daysA 2-day Munich itinerary: day 1 old town and Residenz, day 2 Pinakotheks, English Garden and Nymphenburg, with times, tickets and tips to save money.
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Munich's must-sees
Munich pairs a compact old town with major art museums and an outdoor beer-garden-and-park culture. Pick from these and leave time to sit in a beer garden.
- 1
Old town
Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
The city's central square. The Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall tower acts out historical scenes at 11:00 and 12:00. You can climb the tower for views over the city and, on a clear day, the Alps.
- 2
5 minutes from Marienplatz
Frauenkirche and Viktualienmarkt
The twin-towered cathedral with onion domes is the skyline symbol. Nearby, the Viktualienmarkt is the food market with sausage, cheese stalls and a beer garden under chestnut trees.
- 3
Max-Joseph-Platz
Residenz
Home of the Bavarian dukes and kings for almost 500 years, with courtyards, state rooms and a Treasury of crown jewels. Set aside half a day if you want both museum and Treasury.
- 4
North of the centre
English Garden
One of Europe's largest city parks. Watch the Eisbach surfers by the Haus der Kunst and rest at the Chinese Tower, another classic beer garden.
- 5
Maxvorstadt district
Kunstareal: Pinakotheks and museums
The Alte Pinakothek holds the European Old Masters, the Neue Pinakothek 19th-century art and the Pinakothek der Moderne modern art and design. On Sundays they cost €1, but it gets crowded.
- 6
West of the city
Nymphenburg Palace
The Bavarian court's summer residence, with a large park and the Gallery of Beauties. It takes about 25 minutes from the centre by tram.
- 7
North of the city
Olympiapark and BMW Welt
The 1972 Games park with its tent-like roof and Olympic tower. Next door, BMW Welt and the brand's museum make a good rainy-day plan.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Altstadt: the compact, pedestrian old town; you can cover it on foot in a morning.
- Maxvorstadt: university and museum district, with cafés and bookshops.
- Glockenbachviertel: young, alternative, with bars and restaurants.
- Haidhausen: a village within the city by the Isar, with quiet streets and good restaurants.
- Schwabing: historic artists' quarter next to the English Garden.
Museums and art
The Deutsches Museum, one of the world's largest science and technology museums, sits on an island in the Isar; some halls are under renovation, so check its site for what is open. To identify any painting, sculpture or monument without hunting for the label, point the AnyArt camera at it and listen to its story like a pocket audio guide.
Tickets, transport and when to go
- On Sundays many state museums charge only €1; it is the cheapest day but also the busiest.
- Buy Residenz, Deutsches Museum and Bavarian castle tickets on their official sites.
- The centre is walkable; use the U-Bahn and S-Bahn for Nymphenburg, Olympiapark or the airport.
- MVV day tickets exist and usually pay off if you make more than three trips.
- For Neuschwanstein, book ahead; it is a full-day trip from Munich.
- During Oktoberfest (late September to early October) hotels get pricey and fill up months ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Munich?
Two days cover the old town, the Residenz, the English Garden and a couple of museums. A third day adds Nymphenburg, Olympiapark or a trip to Neuschwanstein.
Which museums are free or cheap in Munich?
On Sundays the Pinakotheks, Museum Brandhorst, the Glyptothek, the Egyptian Museum and other state museums cost only €1. Special exhibitions can have a separate fee.
What time does the Munich Glockenspiel play?
At 11:00 and 12:00 every day, and at 17:00 in peak season. It is free and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.
Where is the best area to stay?
The old town near Marienplatz for walking everywhere, Maxvorstadt if museums are the priority, or any area beside the U-Bahn to save money.
When is the best time to visit Munich?
May to September for good weather and beer gardens, or December for Christmas markets. Oktoberfest runs from late September to early October and the city is very full.