9 Incredible Things To Do in Munich, Germany

The 9 best activities for your trip to Munich.

If you’re attracted to Munich just for the Oktoberfest — hold up. There’s so much more to do in this cosmopolitan city than this beer-fuelled festival. In fact, Munich is giving Berlin – its cultural rival – a run for its money! This is particularly true after Munich has been shedding its reputation as the conservative Bavarian capital. (It’s becoming more popular as a younger, laid-back hub!).

Many of the activities in Munich revolve around its beautiful architecture. Think the the Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) and the Munich Residenz. Not to forget the city’s regular buildings, which also have an art nouveau streak. Munich balances this tradition with innovation in unique ways. Along with historic sights, you can expect great shopping, restaurants, and a fun nightlife.

With so much to do — you’d want at least 3 days for a full experience. And if you’re in, you can stay in my very own Airbnb: this Modern Sunny Apartment

But before you head there, what exactly should you do during your Munich trip? Here are the 9 best things to do in Munich, Germany. You simply can’t miss ‘em.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. We only promote products and services we 100% believe in. Thank you so much for supporting us! Read more about it in our disclosure policy.

About Munich

Munich is an incredible city in the south of Germany. This capital of Bavaria is an open-minded, active city that’ll welcome everyone coming its way. With a population of about 1,5 million citizens, this city is small in comparison to Berlin and Hamburg. Munich lies along the beautiful Isar river, where locals love to take a refreshing dip in summer.

The spoken language in Munich is German, but most people speak English too. In Germany they use the Euro.

Best things to do in Munich

Hike (or Bike) the English Garden

The Englischer Garten — or the English Garden — is Munich’s sprawling (and beloved!) central park. It’s especially a must-see during the warmer months when it’s nothing short of a green oasis. Be sure to enjoy the panoramic view from the small temple-like structure, called Monopteros. Watch the surfers on the 2 Eisbach waves. Or, perhaps, relax at the Chinese Tower.

You’ll especially love this destination if you’re a sports enthusiast. Cyclists and joggers train here on the paths, while amateur kickers meet for soccer. If you decide to surf, you want to be an expert at it. The hike, on the other hand, is moderately challenging and makes for a great experience.

Stroll Around OlympiaPark

Being one of the most impressive places in Munich, the Olympiapark is well worth a visit. From recreation to concerts, this one’s an all-rounder! Swim your laps in the indoor swimming pool. And if you’re looking to do something for your health, consider spinal gymnastics. Need to recharge your batteries after a workout? The Olympia sauna landscape will let you unwind in the steamy grotto — or chill out in the color-changing sanarium.

You can find some of the most important buildings in the state park here, including the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Hall. Plus, you can catch concerts, musicals, theater performances and, of course, sporting events.

Explore the Viktualienmarkt Stalls

This open-air food market dates back to over 200 years ago — and is an inexpensive pit stop if you’re exploring Munich’s historic center. You want to come hungry because you’ll be enjoying German as well as international delights at over 100 stalls. Think cheeses from around Europe, locally roasted coffee, and all the good stuff.

There are also some recent additions, such as the newest branch of deli Coucou Food Market. These stalls are open Monday through Saturday.

Visit the BMW Museum

Alright, even if you’re not a car fanatic, you want to hear this one out. BMW Museum will give you one of the coolest experiences you can have in all of Munich. It’s state-of-the-art, and, well, plain cool. From the moment you step in, you’ll become familiar with the cutting-edge designs that have made BMW as famous as it is today.

You’ll be surprised time and again by the vehicles or prototypes that have made history. Plus, the BMW Museum is as varied as its model range. Temporary exhibitions on different topics will have you hooked. As will the impressive permanent exhibition with milestones from over 100 years.

Enjoy Breakfast at Schneider Brauhaus

Think beer for breakfast is crazy? Think again 😉 At Schneider Brauhaus, you can enjoy Bavarian bliss with their iconic Weisswurst — a plump and juicy sausage. Read: pure perfection. Pair it with a crispy Brezn (pretzel) and a frosty Weissbier (wheat beer) for the ultimate morning munch. Don’t forget the sweet mustard! But hurry, this breakfast delicacy is a morning-only affair.

Get Lost in the Loop at Olafur Eliasson’s Umschreibung

This mind-bending masterpiece is another one of the interesting activities in Munich. Olafur Eliasson’s Umschreibung is no ordinary staircase; it’s a dizzying double helix of steel spiraling upwards only to loop back down on itself. So, get prepared for an illusion of infinite ascent.
The concept behind this sculpture? A world where movement has no purpose. As you gaze up, you can’t help but wonder about the engineering that holds this staircase in place. Human ingenuity at its best! (Also, this one’s a great activity if you’re looking for free things to do in Munich).

Visit the Hellabrunn Zoo

The animal lover has got to visit the Hellabrunn Zoo. Or, basically, a journey through the world’s ecosystems. As the world’s first “geo-zoo”, Hellabrunn groups animals by their geographic origins (continents). Here, you can find over 19,000 animals representing 700 species, from the icy realms of polar bears to jungles housing exotic birds. Plus, you’ll get to learn about conservation efforts. It is, however, a really large zoo, so you want to have at least 3 hours of time to fully explore it.

Take a Walk at Tiergarten

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Munich, far from the crowds, this hidden gem is for you. Tiergarten is a little secret spot on the Isar River, and is hidden out of sight by its neighboring zoo. Here, you can chill out — and even go swimming. Plus, it’s so close to the zoo that you can actually hear the birds chirping here.

You’ll mainly be enjoying this place with the locals because they’re the only ones who know of this spot. Perfect if you’re seeking respite from the busy city! However, because Munich is not always the warmest place, you may want to wait until summer to have the best experience here.

Take a Dip at the Mullersches Volksbad

This indoor pool is a true cultural landmark — especially with its beautiful Art Nouveau interior. You may want to take a plunge in the grand 100-foot pool, once reserved for men. Or opt for the slightly warmer pool, which was formerly reserved for females. When you’re done swimming, relax in the spa area. This is complete with steam rooms as well as a traditional Finnish sauna. For a truly unique experience, book a haircut at the on-site hairdresser, a local institution since 1905.

Finally, when hunger kicks in, there’s an in-house cafe. But if you want to dine in a bar in an old public toilet, the trendy Boazn bar awaits. The Bavarians are bananas for this bar — and you’d want to visit to find out why.

Final thoughts on things to do in Munich

And, that’s a wrap! You now know the top things to do in Munich. From relaxing in the English garden to exploring the zoo, one thing is sure: You will have a blast!

But before you plan your travels, you want to know some handy tips about visiting Munich. Remember to carry cash around, as most restaurants don’t work with credit cards. Public transportation here is excellent — and most of central Munich is walkable. Also, no Sunday shopping, because most stores are closed on Sundays. In terms of packing… linen shirts and dresses will work well for summer days. But you want to carry a denim jacket for those cool evenings, too!

9 Incredible Things To Do in Munich, Germany

The 9 best activities for your trip to Munich.

About Munich