Munich is Bavaria’s beating heart — grand squares, world-class museums, riverside beer gardens, and a famous surf wave in a park. Whether you’re here for Oktoberfest or any other time of year, here’s how to make the most of it.
Start in the Old Town
Marienplatz is the central square. Time it for 11 a.m. (or noon) to watch the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall — 32 figures that dance to chiming bells. Nearby is the twin-domed Frauenkirche. Just south, the Viktualienmarkt is a beloved open-air food market with a leafy beer garden.
Eat and drink like a local
- Hofbräuhaus — the world’s most famous beer hall; a must-see at least once.
- Beer gardens — the Augustiner-Keller and the Chinese Tower garden in the English Garden are classics.
- Bavarian classics — Weißwurst, Schweinshaxe, Obatzda. See our Food Guide.
The English Garden
One of the world’s largest urban parks — bigger than Central Park. Don’t miss the Eisbach wave, where surfers ride a standing river wave year-round in the city.
Museums and palaces
- The Residenz — the opulent former royal palace.
- Nymphenburg Palace — baroque summer palace with grand gardens.
- Deutsches Museum — a vast science and technology museum.
- BMW Welt & Museum — cars and design by the Olympic Park.
Seasonal highlights
- Late Sept–early Oct: Oktoberfest.
- Nov–Dec: magical Christmas markets.
- Summer: beer gardens and long golden evenings.
Easy day trips
Within a couple of hours: Neuschwanstein Castle, the Alps, Salzburg, Nuremberg, and Dachau. See our day trips guide.
Getting around
The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses cover everything — skip the car. Buy a day pass and validate before boarding.
Pair this with Where to Stay in Munich and the First-Timer’s Guide to Oktoberfest.
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