The 15 things to do in Munich

Visit Munich: what are the best things to do and see in the Bavarian capital?

After Berlin, the city of Munich is often considered the second most important city in Germany but especially the secret capital of the country: indeed, this city is as much appreciated by its inhabitants as by tourists for its monuments, incredible museums and great shops. The architectural style of the city oscillates between the 18th century rock and the 19th century neo-classicism. This town was marked by the presence of the Wittelsbach, which left as traces the castle of Nymphenburg (their summer residence) but also the palace of the residence which is located in the heart of the city. To visit Munich, it is also the joy of living that is confirmed at every corner of the street. How do you not mention Munich without evokeing the famous Beer Festival that takes place in October?

What about Munich? What to visit? What to see? Here is a small non-exhaustive list of all the city's curiosities not to be missed. Note that you should not hesitate to rent a bike to discover the city centre, the city is full of bike paths to travel and travel safely.

1. Discover the Olympic Park

This park is a vast complex that was built for the 1972 Olympic Games and is recognizable by far thanks to its tower for the 290-metre high TV. Possibility of going to its summit to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alps.

2. See the Marienplatz (place of Marie)

It is the historic heart of Munich: many buildings and monuments are concentrated in this place and it is often the rendezvous of all the munichois. We recognize the place Marienplatz thanks to the imposing Hotel de Ville and its neo-Gothic style. And what about his carillon that rings several times a day and which will surely envour you?

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral (Frauenkirche)

Nothing to do with that of Paris, this cathedral is yet a place to see. Recognisable with its bulb-shaped dome, we find it on the street Weinstrasse . Walking through this street, you will also have the opportunity to discover the church of the Theatins ( Theatinerkirche ) with its typically rococo facade. Don't miss seeing him Teufelstritt (the "footprint" or the "print" of the devil) in the cathedral. The legend says that the devil in person entered this church and could not be seen (well he believed), he believed it was good to be able to do what he wanted. But a ray of sun entered one of the windows and burned it, leaving a footprint on the ground.

4. The Victual Market (Viktualienmarkt)

It is probably the largest food market in Munich, it has existed since the beginning of the 19th century. Note that there is a large garden called beer garden (biergarten) that offers you the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere quietly.

5. Taste beers in the Hofbräuhaus brewery

It is the "tavern" of Munich, the must-see place where to taste the beer and the best sausage of the city. You will be welcomed in a large room (with a capacity of 1000 people) at the singular ceiling.

6. The famous castle of Nymphenburg

Schloss Nymphenburg , literally the "Nymphe Castle", is the summer residence of the Wittelsbach family. At least half a day to walk in this fantastic and gigantic baroque building. An architecture combining rococo, neoclassical and baroque allegiance; You will discover a gallery of beauty, a firm of Chineseries, a garden redesigned to English.

7. The Pinacothèques (Pinakothek der Modern, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinkothek)

It is the most important museum complex that brings together the old pinaccothèque, the new pinaccothèque and the modern pinaccothèque, from places entirely dedicated to contemporary art. Whether you like the painting of the 14th century or that of today, you are looking to discover the European art of the 16th or 17th century or to discover all the artistic expressions and currents of the 20th century, whether in painting or architecture, in the field of design or graphic arts, it is up to the Pinacothèques of Munich that you have to go.

8. The villa Lenbach (Musée Lenbachhaus)

For all art lovers, it is the municipal art gallery and it owes its international reputation thanks to its formidable collection of works of art that belonged to the artistic current called “The Blue Rider”, establishing the foundations of what we call abstract art today. You will discover majestic and relevant works of Kandinsky of course but also of Klee or Macke.

9. La Königsplatz

It is a vast esplanade that is surrounded by 3 very important buildings, including 2 museums with royal collections of Antiquity. This place was created by architect von Klenz. This place is known for its concentration of museums but it also marks the entry into the most beautiful areas of the city of Munich. A magical, sumptuous place, somewhat bourgeois and pleasant to visit.

10. Maxvorstadt district

Located north of the old town, this neighborhood (which holds its name Maximilian of Bavaria) will deal with all lovers of beautiful and old books. It’s the bookstore area but also picturesque clothes, cafés and restaurants. It's impossible to pass next to this ambience so insane!

11. Bavaria Cinema Studios (Bavaria Film)

Perhaps you don’t know, but Munich was also one of the most important studios in European cinema. Today, there are still a few TV shows, but many prestige directors like Hitchcock, Orson Welles and actresses like Romy Schneider have often trodden his ground.

12. The BMW Museum

Car lovers, how not to go to the museum dedicated to the BMW badge? The museum retraces the whole history of the automobile with its first models to its prototypes, but it also talks about the news, the impact of BMW in the automotive world and its relationship with ecology. The architecture of the building is really worth the detour, especially with its futuristic tower that does not leave insensitive.

13. The English Garden (Englischer Garten)

To relax in the city atmosphere, why not relax in this beautiful English garden? It was built at the end of the 18th century and covers nearly 400 hectares. Ideal for sports, to rest in the grass, to enjoy the nonchalizing atmosphere of the place by drinking a drink in one of the park’s beer gardens. Probably one of the largest parks in the world.

14. Participate in the Beer Festival (Oktoberfest)

It was just mentioned earlier, but this event is of vital importance to live and feel the atmosphere of the munichoise. A huge beer festival that attracts up to 6 million visitors in a very friendly, warm and family atmosphere. The opportunity to enjoy regional specialties but also to honour the cauerkraut and roast chicken. L’ Oktoberfest takes place the second half of September until the beginning of October.

If you are visiting Munich outside the festival, then opt for the Museum of Beer and Oktoborfest: a consolation lot that will teach you a little more about local drink and the world event!

15. Other ideas of visits to Munich

• Go see some of them. people surfing on the channel Eisbach
• Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle
• Visit Dachau Concentration Camp17 km northwest of Munich
• Visit the Deutsches Museum (one of the world’s largest science and technology museums)
• Attend a Bayern München game or visit Allianz Arena
• As mentioned above, don’t hesitate to rent a bike to stroll around town

How to get to Munich?

Munich has a large airport, one of the largest in Europe, and flights to the great city of Munich are legion. From Paris CDG or Orly, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Saint-Etienne, Nantes, Bordeaux... you will have the choice among low-cost and classic companies like Air France, Lufthtansa, Vueling... To find the cheapest flight to Munich, use the flight comparison Ulysses .

Where to sleep in Munich?

Altstadt (old city), Maxvorstadt and Kunstareal are the neighborhoods of the centre and are therefore good places where to stay in Munich because everything is nearby. Lehel and Bogenhausen, which are located northeast of the old town, are also a good choice to accommodate the time of stay. To find a cheap hotel in Munich, search this Compare hotels .

Have you visited Munich?

Main photo credit: Wikimedia - Chris 73