What to see in Munich

Altstadt 

The historic centre of Munich, known as Altstadt, concentrates a good part of the city's must-see places. Here you will find Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt, and endless shopping streets and historic buildings.

It is best to walk around it without a fixed itinerary. Among its squares and alleys, you will find churches, courtyards, small shops, and traditional breweries that will allow you to discover the most classic character of Munich.

Schwabing 

One of the neighbourhoods with the most personality in Munich, Schwabing is famous for its bohemian past and its stately residences, retaining a very particular artistic elegance. 

Strolling along the great Leopoldstraße avenue, full of terraces and bookstores, or approaching the surroundings of Münchner Freiheit, are some of the best plans you can make in this area.

Haidhausen 

On the other side of the Isar River is Haidhausen, a neighbourhood that stands out for its historic buildings, small squares, and quiet atmosphere. Its streets with colourful facades offer a very different side of Munich.

The Wiener Platz is one of its most emblematic corners and has a small market around which you will find restaurants and terraces. It is a good area to get away for a few hours from the tourist noise of the centre.

Maxvorstadt 

The cultural neighbourhood par excellence of Munich, Maxvorstadt is considered the intellectual and museum engine of the city. Important museums, universities, galleries, and bookstores are concentrated in its streets, creating a young and quite different atmosphere from the historic centre.

Glockenbachviertel 

If you are looking for a more modern and alternative area, Glockenbachviertel stands out for its diverse and creative atmosphere, with streets full of bars, restaurants, independent shops, and venues with a marked personality.
The neighbourhood also has an important tradition within the LGBTQ+ community, and today it is one of the liveliest places to go out for dinner or have a drink at night.

Marienplatz

Although I have already mentioned it as the historic centre, Marienplatz is the point from which practically any tour of the city usually begins.

The square is especially lively during the central hours of the day and acquires a very special atmosphere during traditional markets and celebrations. Some of the most important pedestrian streets in the centre start from here.

Odeonsplatz 

One of the most elegant monumental squares in Munich, Odeonsplatz is surrounded by buildings such as the Theatinerkirche, the Feldherrnhalle, and the Residenz, and is one of the best places to appreciate the city's historical architecture.

English Garden 

Very close to Odeonsplatz walking along the Ludwigstraße, the English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world, with more than 370 hectares, and one of the best places in Munich to disconnect.
You can walk along the Eisbach river, watch the famous surfers who challenge its famous artificial wave, climb the Chinese Tower, or stroll along the Kleinhesseloher See. If the weather is nice, lying on the grass with a beer is one of the most authentic plans you can do in the city.

Olympiapark 

Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Olympiapark is one of the great symbols of Munich. Its characteristic wavy and futuristic roof continues to be one of the most recognizable architectural elements of the city. In addition to the old Olympic Stadium, the complex has large green areas, lakes, and different sports and leisure spaces that you can walk through quietly.
If you are travelling in 2026, keep in mind that both the Olympiastadion and the Olympiaturm remain closed for construction, so it is currently not possible to visit the stadium or climb the tower. The reopening of the Olympiaturm is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027.

Theresienwiese 

Popularly known as the Theresa Meadow, the Theresienwiese is a huge open-air esplanade world-famous for being the official venue of the Oktoberfest, the largest folk festival in the world.
In addition, other major events are also held here such as the Frühlingsfest (the spring festival) or the Tollwood Winter Festival, a cultural festival that brings together organic gastronomy, crafts, music, theatre, and different shows during the winter.

Dachau 

A short distance to the northwest of Munich is Dachau, a town known internationally for the former Dachau concentration camp, now converted into a memorial that allows you to learn about and reflect on one of the darkest episodes in the history of the 20th century.

Starnberg

On the shores of Lake Starnberger See is Starnberg, one of the favourite destinations for locals to take a getaway. A haven of peace and tranquillity, the lake offers spectacular views towards the Alps and an environment completely different from that of the Bavarian capital, with historic villas and riverside walks.

Grünwald 

To the south of Munich is Grünwald, a small town surrounded by forests and natural areas that allows you to see a much quieter facet of Bavaria. Its medieval castle, located above the Isar valley, is one of its main attractions. 

Deutsches Museum 

The Deutsches Museum stands proudly as the largest science and technology museum in the world and constitutes an authentic temple of global scientific dissemination. Spectatorially located on its own island on the Isar River (the Museumsinsel), this complex houses a colossal heritage that covers human ingenuity through fields as fascinating as aeronautics, astronomy, marine navigation, primitive computing, and the great milestones of structural engineering.

Walking through its pavilions allows you to admire up close treasures of incalculable value, such as the Wright brothers' first motorized airplane, the historic 1886 Benz automobile, or the legendary U1 submarine. Although it is an ideal destination to spark the curiosity of the little ones thanks to its countless experimental and interactive stations where you are allowed to touch and learn while playing, the vastness of its more than twenty permanent exhibitions forces visitors to plan the day in advance.

It is advisable to select the most interesting rooms beforehand to avoid physical exhaustion and get the most out of one of the most enriching cultural experiences in Germany.

Alte Pinakothek 

Located in the heart of the elegant and vibrant cultural district of Maxvorstadt, the Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest and most influential art galleries on the entire European continent. The building itself is a masterpiece of 19th-century classical architecture, commissioned by King Ludwig I to make the lavish artistic treasures accumulated by the Wittelsbach dynasty over centuries accessible to the public. Inside, more than seven hundred essential canvases of Western European painting are kept, ranging from the mysticism of the Middle Ages to the opulence of the late Baroque.

Its majestic rooms allow the viewer to stand face-to-face with universal milestones, highlighting the famous Self-Portrait with Fur Collar by Albrecht Dürer, the moving Virgin of the Carnation —which makes this space the only German museum that possesses an original Leonardo da Vinci—, the dark and emotional religious scenes by Rembrandt, and one of the most colossal collections of the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens. This first-rate pictorial core is integrated into the artistic complex known as Kunstareal, which offers the traveller the convenience of connecting this lesson in classical art history with the avant-gardes of the neighbouring Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne, located just a few steps away.

If you are looking for experiences that go beyond visiting monuments, here are some ideas for plans in Munich:

• Tour the Isar River: Walking along the river allows you to discover one of the locals' favourite areas to play sports, sunbathe, or meet up with friends.
• Experience the Oktoberfest: If you travel between late September and early October, head to Theresienwiese to attend the largest beer festival in the world. You can walk through its huge tents, try Bavarian specialties, enjoy traditional music, and ride some of its attractions.
• Visit a traditional brewery: Hofbräuhaus is the most famous, but Munich has many other historic breweries where you can try Bavarian specialties in a traditional atmosphere.
• Watch the surfers at the Eisbach: Although it may seem surprising, you can see surfers on a permanent artificial wave in the Eisbach stream.
• Climb the Olympic Tower: From the top of the Olympiaturm you will have one of the most complete panoramic views of Munich, from where you can see the Alps on clear days.
• Tour the Glockenbach neighbourhood: Its cafés, bars, restaurants, and small shops make this area a great option to discover the most contemporary Munich.
• Visit the BMW Welt and its museum: Located next to the Olympic Park, this avant-garde complex is a must-visit for lovers of motoring and contemporary architecture.

Bavarian gastronomy is hearty, tasty, and very linked to its traditions. In fact, Munich is a gastronomic benchmark in Central Europe with top-level international proposals. These are some of the dishes you cannot miss trying during your trip:

• Weißwurst: The traditional white veal and pork sausage is one of the great classics of Bavaria. It is cooked in hot water and is usually accompanied obligatorily by sweet mustard and a pretzel before noon.
• Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle is one of the most hearty dishes of Bavarian cuisine. It is baked slowly until a crispy skin is achieved and is usually served with side dishes such as potatoes or sauerkraut.
• Käsespätzle: This delicious alpine answer to macaroni consists of artisanal egg noodles submerged in a mixture of melted local cheeses. It is served piping hot and topped with crispy fried onion.
• Obatzda: A creamy, unctuous spread very popular in taverns that is made by mixing mature Camembert cheese, butter, paprika, and a touch of beer. It is the perfect appetizer to share.
• Pretzel: These huge salty knot-shaped breads are a common accompaniment in breweries and markets. They are perfect for a quick snack while touring the city.
• Apfelstrudel: The most international dessert in the region is this delicious warm puff pastry filled with apple, raisins, and cinnamon. It is usually served bathed in a comforting vanilla sauce.
• Kaiserschmarrn: A traditional sweet consisting of a piece of thick and fluffy crepe dough that is chopped in the pan and caramelized with butter. It is accompanied by icing sugar and fruit compote.
• Apfelschorle: This refreshing mixture of natural apple juice and sparkling mineral water is the Germans' favourite non-alcoholic option. An essential basic to accompany any typical meal without being heavy.
• Weißbier: The iconic wheat beer of the region, famous for its cloudy appearance and refreshing taste with floral notes. It is the variety preferred by locals to accompany lunch.
• Bier/Bavarian beer: A ritual of coexistence linked to the purity of the local preparation, enjoyed in litre mugs (Maß) in historic breweries and festive tents.
• Spezi: The favourite non-alcoholic drink of the Germans, which fuses cola and orange soda in a very balanced way. A refreshing combination that you will find on any menu in the city. 

To get to know the most festive and traditional Munich, try to coincide your trip with one of these celebrations:

Munich Oktoberfest: 

It is the largest folk and beer festival in the world and one of the great hallmarks of the Bavarian capital. It takes place in Theresienwiese and transforms this huge venue into an authentic party city. 

The large beer tents, typical Bavarian gastronomy, music, parades, and mechanical attractions attract millions of visitors each year. The 2026 edition will be held from 19 September to 4 October. If you are going to travel during these dates, I recommend booking accommodation well in advance and organizing your visit taking into account the huge influx of public.

Frühlingsfest: 

Known as the little Oktoberfest, this celebration takes place during the spring and allows you to enjoy attractions, food stalls, and breweries in an atmosphere somewhat quieter than during the great autumn festival.

Christmas Markets: 

During Advent, Munich is filled with wooden stalls, lights, Christmas decorations, and aromas of mulled wine and sweets. The Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz is one of the most traditional and turns the historic centre into an especially beautiful setting.

Opening of the Biergärten season: 

With the arrival of good weather in spring, the opening of the beer gardens under the shade of the chestnut trees becomes the biggest outdoor celebration in the city.

If you are planning to travel to Munich with your family, you have nothing to worry about, as it is a welcoming city full of alternatives for the little ones, among which stand out:

• Deutsches Museum: Its interactive exhibitions and its areas dedicated to science and technology make it a very entertaining visit for curious children.
• Hellabrunn Zoo: Located next to the Isar River, this zoo organizes its spaces according to different geographical regions and allows you to observe a wide variety of animals.
• Museum Mensch und Natur: Located in the Nymphenburg complex, it is perfect for learning about biology, the history of the Earth, and science in an interactive way.
• Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum): In the tower of the Altes Rathaus in Marienplatz, this museum houses a curious and historical collection of dolls and old toys.

If you are going to be in two days in Munich, here is a proposed itinerary to make the most of your time and get to know its main attractions:

• Day 1: Start at Marienplatz and visit the Neues Rathaus and the Frauenkirche. Continue towards the Viktualienmarkt, tour the Residenz, and end the afternoon walking through Odeonsplatz and the English Garden. For dinner, nothing better than a traditional brewery.
• Day 2: In the morning, visit the Nymphenburg Palace and then head to the Olympiapark. In the afternoon, you can choose between getting to know the Deutsches Museum, touring Maxvorstadt and its art galleries, or approaching Schwabing to end the trip enjoying the most authentic Munich atmosphere.

So that you can easily locate each of the places mentioned in this guide and design your own route on foot, I have prepared this map with all the points of interest. In it, you will find geolocated the essential monuments, museums, and the best corners of the city.

In your list of things to see in Munich, my main piece of advice is to leave room for improvisation. Although the historic centre is easily explored on foot, the city has enough neighbourhoods, parks, and museums to fill several days without having to rush from one place to another.

The secret to enjoying the city is to find balance. Combine visits to the great palaces or galleries with small daily pleasures: having a quiet breakfast in a café, buying a pretzel at a street stall, walking along the Isar River, or sitting down to eat in a Biergarten. After all, it is those everyday moments that make a trip truly enjoyable.