12 of the best things to do in Munich

06.03.2024 - 00:29 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

Famous for its beer festival and Bavarian traditions, Munich is all of that and much more.

Come for its world-class museums, beautiful old town, large opera house, food markets and vibrant neighborhoods, knowing that at the end of the day, a large beer will always be waiting for you.  

Here are the top things to do in Munich.

A logical place to start a tour of the old town, or the whole city, is central square and popular meeting place Marienplatz. Here you’ll find the fairy-tale-like Altes Rathaus and the gargoyle-adorned Neues Rathaus. The latter dominates the square and sees crowds gather below its neo-Gothic tower to watch the famous Glockenspiel in action.

At 11am, noon and (from March to October) 5pm, colorful figures depict moments from Munich’s history to the sound of chiming bells. To see this spectacle from a different angle, grab a window seat at MONACO cafe on the 4th floor of the Ludwig Beck department store or Cafe Glockenspiel directly opposite the new town hall. 

Home to one of the largest opera stages in the world, the neoclassical National Theater is the main venue for the Bavarian State Opera, the Bavarian State Ballet and the Bavarian State Orchestra. Richard Wagner premiered several of his works at this theater, which opened in 1818. Today you’ll find a diverse program of events for adults and children that can be booked online.

Planning tip: Even if you don’t have time to catch a performance, be sure to stroll past the building at night to see the facade lit up in all its glory. 

Sweeping through Munich, Englischer Garten is one of the world’s largest urban parks. Providing shade and swimming opportunities in summer, snowy slopes for sledding in winter and beautiful colors in the autumn, this expansive space is a much-loved oasis in the middle of the city. Not to miss are the surfers at the Eisbach wave or the skyline views from the Monopteros temple. 

Local tip: Even as a local, it’s possible to get lost here. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long before you stumble across a beer garden, a kiosk or a map. to help you get your bearings.

For some great local grub, head to one of Munich’s many beer halls or Wirtshäuser (taverns). Arrive hungry and dig into pork knuckles, roast chicken, dumplings and large Brotzeit platters laden with cheese, cured meats and pickles. Alternatively, try a traditional breakfast that includes an early-morning beer. Der Pschorr or the famous Hofbräuhaus, both in the center of Munich, are good starting points. If you’re lucky, your meal might even be accompanied by a brass band! 

Best enjoyed on a sunny summer afternoon, Munich’s many beer gardens are one of the best ways to experience local culture. Wherever you go, you’ll sit with others on communal tables, discover