There are a few great reasons to visit Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of the most captivating cities in all of Germany. Many will associate Munich with its most famous festival, Oktoberfest. While this is an absolutely must-visit event, particularly for beer lovers, there is so much more to Munich than its world-class beer.
Many of our multi-country tours start in Munich and include free days in the city. If you’re on a Munich coach tour, wondering what to see while visiting for Oktoberfest or planning a trip to Bavaria, Expat Explore has got you covered with our Munich city guide!
Related: Everything you need to know about Oktoberfest!
Your foodie guide to Munich:
First things first, let’s dive into the must-eat and must-drink treats of Bavaria as well as Munich’s top foodie spots to visit!
Say “Prost!”
While there is certainly more to Munich than beer, we could never leave out its truly excellent brews! In Bavaria, beer is more than a drink, it’s a vibrant and vital part of local culture. It is even considered a staple food. To raise a glass and say “Prost!”, visit a brewery or beer hall. Munich’s oldest independent brewery is Augustiner-Bräu which opened in 1294 and is still a favourite of locals and tourists alike. The Hofbrauhaus, an ever-popular 16th-century beer hall, is another must-visit for a true taste of Bavarian culture, cuisine and live music!
Of course, Oktoberfest is the ultimate bucket-list event for beer aficionados. As the world’s largest Volksfest (folk festival), there is no better way to experience Bavarian beer. However, the spirit of Oktoberfest can be felt year round, particularly in summer when Munich’s beer gardens are full of life!
Related: These are the top destinations for beer lovers.
Munch through Munich
Munich boasts an incredible food scene featuring both traditional Bavarian cuisine and a wide range of international delicacies. The best place to taste local cuisine is, as mentioned above, at a beer hall or beer garden. Some of the top Bavarian dishes to try include:
- Weisswurst: White sausage made with pork, veal and bacon
- Bretzels: Large pretzels often served with butter or a creamy cheese dip
- Schweinshaxe: Pork knuckle
- Leberkäse: Meatloaf which is best served on a warm bread roll
- Käsespätzle: Chewy egg noodles with a cheese sauce, topped with crispy onions
- Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy, caramelised pancakes with raisins or seasonal fruit
One of Munich’s best beer gardens can be found at the 200-year old Viktualienmarkt. This must-visit spot is home to many stores selling fresh produce. Aside from local treats, Munich’s international food scene is well worth exploring. You can find almost every cuisine in the city, from Turkish and Afghan to Chinese, Caribbean and Georgian!
Related: Speaking of Georgian cuisine, try these top traditional Georgian dishes!
Best things to do and see in and around Munich:
Now that our bellies are full, let’s explore the city and its surroundings!
Marvel at Marienplatz
One of the most spectacular sights in all of Munich can be found in its main square, Marienplatz. Along with a range of restaurants, cafes and stores, Marienplatz is home to the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). This spellbinding building hosts the city government and is an exceptional example of Gothic Revival architecture.
One of the best things to do in Marienplatz is to watch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. With 43 bells and 32 intricate figures, the clock chimes twice a day (at 11am and 12pm and additionally at 5pm from March to October) and reenacts scenes from the city’s history.
Related: Looking for a Munich holiday package? Look no further than our Central Europe in Low Season tour!
Peruse Palaces and Churches
Munich’s awe-inspiring architecture extends far beyond Marienplatz. Home to a number of exquisite churches and two royal residences, beautiful buildings can be found all over the city. There’s the uniquely modern Herz-Jesu-Kirche which appears as a big blue glass block. You would be forgiven for mistaking it for an art installation or even a skyscraper! The small but dazzling Baroque Asamkirche is sure to take your breath away. Nearby is St Michael’s, Germany’s first Renaissance church which, as well as a striking exterior, boasts an impressively grand interior.
For a royal day out, a visit to both Nymphenburg Palace and Residenz is highly recommended. The former is a Baroque summer residence which was built in 1664 for the Wittelsbach family – the former Bavarian rulers. Today, it’s a museum where visitors can wander around the many ornate rooms (including a Rococo-style ballroom) and extensive lush gardens. Also built for the Wittelsbach dynasty, Residenz, Germany’s largest city palace, is equally unmissable thanks to its 130 rooms decorated with stunning Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical adornments.
Related: Experience Munich and Eastern Europe highlights on this 11-day tour.
Learn More at a Museum
When it comes to museums in Munich, visitors are truly spoilt for choice. Depending on where your interests lie, there is certainly something for you. History buffs will be in their element at the Bavarian National Museum, the Jewish Museum or the Museum of National Socialism. Art aficionados can choose from an assortment of art museums such as the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art and Pinakothek der Moderne for contemporary pieces as well as the Alte Pinakothek for more classical pieces.
One of the most popular museums in Munich is the BMW Museum. This corporate museum details the history and innovation of this celebrated German vehicle. Another uniquely Munich museum is the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. While the FC Bayern Museum is a must for football fans.
Related: Explore the best museums in Amsterdam.
Take a Day Trip
If you’re in Munich for a few days, why not take a day trip? The city is surrounded by spectacular nature, charming towns and historic cities. The best day trip to take from Munich is probably to the Neuschwanstein Castle. This 19th-century castle is a sight to behold with its dramatic Alpine backdrop and true fairytale feel. Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland was inspired by Neuschwanstein!
You could also tick another country off your list with a visit to nearby Austria. Surrounded by the Austrian Alps, Salzburg is an incredibly beautiful city known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music! Innsbruck is another mountainous, historic city well worth a visit, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. If you prefer to stay in Bavaria, Nuremberg is just over an hour away. This city was painstakingly rebuilt after WWII and is home to fascinating architecture.
Related: To visit Munich, Neuschwanstein and Innsbruck, join our Scenic Europe tour!
There is so much to see in Munich that we highly recommend visiting for at least a few days to make the most of this beautiful city and its surroundings. However, should you only have a day, be sure to visit as many of these sights as you can!
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