Things to do in Munich

Activities, attractions and tours

Munich
Karlsplatz - Stachus which includes a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
Munich
Munich
St Peter\'s Church featuring heritage architecture, a city and a church or cathedral
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Top places to visit

1. BMW Welt

BMW World is administered by BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Motor Works”). This company has been involved in the manufacture of automobiles, motorcycles and engines since 1916. The BMW headquarters are housed in the landmark four-cylinder tower near Olympia Park in the north of Munich. The BMW Plant, the BMW Museum and BMW World are situated next to the headquarters, and BMW encourages visitors to tour these in order to experience the history, the reality and the future vision of the brand.
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BMW World showing interior views

2. Marienplatz

Considered the heart of Munich, Marienplatz is a busy square full of pedestrians, street performers and tour groups. Peaceful protests often take place here, as do rowdy celebrations when one of the local soccer teams wins.
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Aerial view of Munich, Germany

3. Olympic Park

Olympic Park was built for the 20th Summer Olympic Games, which Munich hosted in 1972. The site chosen for the event lies around 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) northwest of Munich’s city center. A massive tensile roof canopy links many areas of the park, including the 69,000-seat Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Swimming Pool. Today, the Park continues to host German and international sporting events. The outdoor Olympic Stadium and the indoor Olympic Hall are also venues for regular international concert acts.
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Olympic Park which includes landscape views, a monument and a city

4. Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus was founded all the way back in 1589. When the royal court in Munich became dissatisfied with the local beer, Bavarian Duke Wilhelm V agreed to establish a brewery that would produce beer especially for the court.
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Hofbrauhaus featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

5. English Garden

The genesis of the Englischer Garten came in 1789, when a wild area along the River Isar was set aside to become gardens. The garden’s current look can be attributed in large part to the landscape gardener Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who envisioned a garden with sweeping English landscape components. The English Garden runs from the city center to the northeastern limits of Munich, covering a total area of around 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers).
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English Garden showing a park and a river or creek

6. Viktualienmarkt

In 1807, King Maximilian I decreed that Munich’s food markets needed to be moved from the Marienplatz to a larger area, which is now known as the Viktualienmarkt. Viktualien is an old German word meaning “victuals” or “provisions.” Today, this market is still the place to stock up, although there is now a much wider range of provisions to choose from.
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Viktualienmarkt featuring markets and street scenes

What to do in Munich

Popular places to visit

BMW World featuring modern architecture

BMW Welt

4.5/5(99 reviews)

Gain an insight into how Germany became one of the worldwide leaders in the motor industry by learning about a uniquely Bavarian brand at this high-tech exhibition.

BMW Welt
Marienplatz

Marienplatz

4.5/5(402 reviews)

Use this central square as a base for sightseeing, or as a vantage point to watch the crowds and take in Munich’s famous carillon.

Marienplatz
Munich Trade Fair

Munich Trade Fair

4/5(19 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Munich Trade Fair, a top convention centre in Munich. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Munich Trade Fair
Allianz Arena

Allianz Arena

4.5/5(75 reviews)

Catch an event at Allianz Arena during your trip to Munich. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed art galleries.

Allianz Arena
Erding Thermal Spa

Erding Thermal Spa

3.5/5(10 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Erding Thermal Spa during your travels in Altenerding. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively breweries in this relaxing area.

Erding Thermal Spa
Olympic Park

Olympic Park

4.5/5(139 reviews)

Formally the site of the world’s best-known sporting event, this park still offers plenty of attractions.

Olympic Park
Theresienwiese

Theresienwiese

4.5/5(35 reviews)

Enjoy a stop at Theresienwiese, an entertaining place to visit in Munich. Discover the area's lively breweries and its lively festivals.

Theresienwiese
Hofbrauhaus featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Hofbräuhaus

4.5/5(235 reviews)

The world’s most famous beer hall is not just a destination for beer aficionados. Visitors can also sample traditional Bavarian music, dancing and cuisine.

Hofbräuhaus
English Garden

English Garden

4.5/5(234 reviews)

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

English Garden

Areas of Munich

English Garden showing a park and a river or creek

Munich City Centre

4/5(16 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic breweries and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Munich City Centre. Check out top attractions like Marienplatz and Frauenkirche, and jump on the metro at Lenbachplatz Tram Stop or Karlsplatz (Stachus) Station to see more of the city.

Munich City Centre
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Ludwigsvorstadt-Kliniken

Travellers love Ludwigsvorstadt-Kliniken for its fantastic nightlife, and you can see more of Munich by jumping on the metro at Sendlinger Gate U-Bahn or Munich Central Station Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like German Theater and Landwehrstrasse.

Ludwigsvorstadt-Kliniken
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Altstadt-Lehel

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Marienplatz and Frauenkirche are top sights in Altstadt-Lehel, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Lenbachplatz Tram Stop or Karlsplatz (Stachus) Station to see more sights in the area.

Altstadt-Lehel
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Kreuzviertel

Noted for its breweries and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Kreuzviertel. Top attractions like Marienplatz and Frauenkirche are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lenbachplatz Tram Stop or Karlsplatz (Stachus) Station to see more of the city.

Kreuzviertel
Hofbrauhaus featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Graggenau

Noted for its museums and historical sites, there's plenty to explore in Graggenau. Top attractions like Marienplatz and National Theater Munich are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Nationaltheater Tram Stop or Kammerspiele Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Graggenau
Viktualienmarkt showing markets and food

Angerviertel

Cafes and shopping are highlights of Angerviertel. Make a stop by Marienplatz or Viktualienmarkt while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Reichenbachplatz Station to get around town.

Angerviertel

 

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Photo by Dominik Gehl

Freising

Photo by Tess Pajaron

Erding

Photo "Hallbergmoos" by Bjoern Schwarz (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Bjoern Schwarz (CC BY)

Hallbergmoos

Photo by Stephan Schaar

Wessling

Photo "Starnberg" by Boschfoto (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Boschfoto (CC BY-SA)

Starnberg

Photo by Laurel @ Monkeys and Mountains

Holzkirchen

Oberding

Oberding

Photo "Aschheim" by AHert (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by AHert (CC BY-SA)

Aschheim

Frequently asked questions

Is Munich worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Munich is explore BMW Welt. Tick this major attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and dining.
How do I spend a day in Munich?
When you've checked off leading attractions like BMW Welt and Marienplatz, spend some time exploring the retail and food options in Munich.
What is the top tourist attraction in Munich?
The top tourist attraction in Munich is BMW Welt, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Munich?
You can easily visit leading sights like BMW Welt, Marienplatz and Deutsches Museum with a three-day break in Munich. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Oberding.
Is Munich a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to see and do in Munich. Several key attractions, such as Marienplatz and Deutsches Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Munich's best neighbourhoods, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Bahnhofsviertel is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Munich with kids?
Deciding what to do in Munich with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Munich for adults?
Lowenbrau and Nockherberg Paulaner Brewery are just two of the things to do in Munich. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Munich?
In Munich, Marienplatz is a must-see spot for anyone looking to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Munich.

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