Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city full of life and excitement. Most know it for Oktoberfest, the largest beer celebration in the world. The city offers its visitors a wealth of other attractions that blend culture, history, and modernity. Once you reach Munich, start your journey to admire the stunning architecture in Marienplatz. Head to the famous Hofbräuhaus to get some traditional taste and end at the English garden for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with a family. With so much to see and do, Munich invites you to explore its many best places.
Make your Munich tour memorable with these must-visit attractions. Planning to visit Munich? Come with ample holidays because this city will not let you go without merging its beauty and art.
There are so many must-visit destinations for travelers, from which we’ve listed the best places you should never miss seeing on your trip to Munich.
1 Theresienwiese | The World's Largest Beer Festival
Attractive Landmark– Amusement Rides, traditional costume parades, and massive beer tents.
Oktoberfest is held annually at Theresienweisse in Munich to celebrate the vibrant culture of Bavaria. The festival was first organized in 1810 as a marriage ceremony of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Since then, with many ups and downs in popularity and a great history, Germans still arrange this largest folk fest every year to continue their beloved tradition.
The festival features 17 large and 21 small beer tents where a massive amount of beer is served by Munich’s local breweries. Its traditional food offerings, like pretzels and sausages, make visitors curious to taste them. The best part that makes the Oktoberfest must-visit place in Munich is to embrace Bavarian heritage in their traditional attire: lederhosen for men and dirndl for women. Wear these colorful dresses as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and immerse yourself in the festival’s lively atmosphere.
2 Deutsches Museum | The World's Largest Museum of Science and Technology
Attractive Landmark– Traditional and modern scientific exhibitions, interactive displays and hands-on activities.
If you are a science enthusiast or always curious about how this innovative world is growing, you must visit the Deutsches Museum in Munich. This is the largest museum of its kind in the world, housing 125,000 exhibits that cover topics from 50 different fields of science. Deutsches is situated in Museumsinsel, along the small island of Isar River. This serves as the main site and, as the best place in Munich, welcomes around 1.5 million visitors every year.
Inside the Deutsches, you will find 20 permanent exhibitions that primarily focus on aerospace, energy and recent science innovations. Here, you can touch, sense and experiment with scientific concepts, making learning enjoyable and fun. Families particularly enjoy the kid zone area, where children can engage in playful activities while learning about science. Deutsches also offers guided tours to interested candidates to get deeper insight into the exhibits and get the most out of their visit to this best place in Munich.
3 Marienplatz | The City’s Heart Since 1158
Attractive Landmark– Glockenspiel, Christmas Market, and Mariensäule
Marienplatz is a central square of Munich that was originally called Schrannerplatz. It was the main marketplace during the Middle Ages. Visitors can here explore multiple attractions like Mariensaule, a column topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. It commemorates Bavaria’s deliverance from Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years’ War. Locals and tourists find it one of the top places in Munich to shop, dine, and experience the culture.
A stunning Neo-Gothic structure in the New Town Hall dominates the square. Here, the major attraction among the public is Glockenspiel. It is an intricate clock tower mechanism that delights its visitors with its animated figures every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. In front of the New Town Hall, you will see a historical fish fountain. The visit does not end until you take a short walk from the Marienplatz to St. Peter’s Church, which is Munich’s oldest and offers you panoramic views of the city from its tower.
4 Olympiapark | Legacy of 1972 Summer Olympics
Attractive Landmark– Olympic Tower, Theatron, Stadium and unique Architecture.
Another remarkable site in Munich that you must visit, especially for those who love sports. Olympiapark’s central highlight is its stadium, which is famous for its iconic tent-like architecture designed by Frei Otto. The place hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1972 Olympics and now serves as the venue for sports activities and lively concerts. Several landmarks and fun spots around the park enhance its beauty, making it an ideal destination in Munich for people of all interests.
Olympiapark features a standing 291-meter tower that offers breathtaking views of Munich and the surrounding Alps. At the top of it, you can enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant while taking sights from the observation deck. The park also hosts the Tollwood Festival, which transforms the park into a lively marketplace with crafts, food and performances.
5 Nymphenburg Palace | Stunning Baroque Complex
Attractive Landmark– Lavish interior, art collections, and sprawling gardens.
Nymphenburg Palace was the main summer residence for the Bavarian rulers of the house of Wittelsbach. It was constructed in 1664 as a gift from Elector Ferdinand Maria to his wife. The place features a stunning blend of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural styles. Visitors can explore their opulent, well-furnished rooms here while roaming around the palace, going to the stone hall and the famous Gallery of Beauties.
The palace's surroundings span Munich’s largest green spaces, which were designed in English and French styles. These expansive gardens feature grand pavilions like Amalienburg (a Rococo hunting lodge) and Pagodenburg (Chinese architectural influences), adding charm to your palace trip. This famous place in Munich also allows its visitors to take gondola rides on the centrally located canal during the summer months.
6 Ruhmeshalle | Munich’s Historical Monument
Attractive Landmark– Doric architecture style and Statue of Bavaria.
The Ruhmeshalle (literally "hall of fame") is a Doric column structure with a main range and two wings, designed by Ludwig's private and royal architect. It is bordered by the Hall of Fame, which has busts of notable Bavarians from recent centuries. The ensemble was meant as a patriotic monument to remind people of Bavaria's successes and pride.
The colonnaded structure of the Ruhmeshalle is located on the Theresienweise in Munich, where Oktoberfest is held every year. It is a short walk from the festival, next to the Bavaria statue. So when you visit the Oktoberfest in your traditional costume, why not enhance your experience by taking a tour of this best monumental site in Munich? Photography enthusiasts often flock to this site to take some memories with them.
7 Viktualienmarkt | Munich’s Go-to-spot for Foodies
Attractive Landmark– Impressive Maypole, The Holy Spirit Church and Fountains
When you visit Marienplatz, walk shortly towards the south of approx. 200 meters and there is Munich’s largest and historical outdoor market. Viktualienmarkt offers fresh produce, gourmet delicacies and traditional Bavarian specialities. Its been around since 1807 and is packed with stalls selling everything from fresh fruits to local cheese.
The market’s vibrant ambiance with colorful canopies and enthusiastic vendors makes it a must-visit place in Munich. There are some notable landmarks, such as the Maypole, with intricate Bavarian decorations and scattered fountains all around, dedicated to folk singers and comedians. Viktualienmarkt also hosts numerous seasonal events and winter magic festivals that you must not miss. Religious tourists can also take a tour of the adjacent historic church.
8 Frauenkirche | A Massive Gothic Cathedral
Attractive Landmark– Twin Towers and Devil’s Footprint
There is plenty to do at and around Frauenkirche. The church is famous for its charming designs, featuring two towering domes and red-brick construction. Officially, Frauenkirche is called the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Dom zu Unsra Liabm Frau) and has a classic gothic vibe. One of the exciting quirks of the church is the Devil’s footprint (a black mark at the entrance). Legend has it that the devil himself left his mark here, which is very interesting for tourists to see.
Many visitors also love to climb the south tower for the epic look of the city. The cathedral is huge and filled with gorgeous stained glass windows. It is right near the Mariaenplatz, Viktualienmarkt and Bavarian Statue, which means you can visit all the best places in Munich in your one-day plan.
9 Hofbräuhaus München | Lively Beer Hall
Attractive Landmark– Oktoberfest vibe, Royal Brewery and sound of clinking beer mugs.
The Hofbräuhaus brewery, not to be confused with the Hofbräu Festzelt (the Hofbräu tent at Oktoberfest), is in Munich's old town, close to the city center. It doesn't make sense to go to Munich and not try the world-famous Hofbräuhaus. Once you get inside the tent hall, you will find all around the traditional vibe with a serving of Bavarian foods, everyone handed the beer mugs and Oompah bands playing.
It's one of Munich's oldest beer halls (established in 1589) and offers a fantastic time with its ambiance and interior decor. On sunny days, visitors can sit outside with beer and snacks under chestnut trees. If you time your visit right, you might catch one of their special events or festivals. Hofbräuhaus continues its celebrations in the annual Oktoberfest celebration.
10 Englischer Garten | Offers a Lush Escape from the City
Attractive Landmark– Greek Temple, Chinese tower and Japanese Tea house
Englischer Garten is famous for being one of the largest urban parks in the world, even bigger than New York’s Central Park. It is a true gem in Munich for those looking for a place to relax, enjoy nature and indulge in leisurely activities. The park features over 78km of walking and cycling trails that wind through beautiful landscapes and serene lakes.
The main highlights you must see in Englischer Garten are the Japanese teahouse and monopteros (greek temple). Here, you can enjoy a moment of peace while grabbing a beer drink. If you are into surfing, this would be the best place in Munich for you. The Eisbach River runs through the park and right by the bridge. Fun for kids mainly is the Hellabrunn Zoo, home to a variety of wild animals.
Conclusion:
On your visit to Munich, try exploring these top 10 destinations and embrace the true art of the locals. These spots showcase the city’s great history and royal memories with a unique touch of Bavarian culture. Visiting Marienplatz and its surrounding amazing places or Oktoberfest in traditional costumes packs your 10-day trip with fun, taste, and excitement.
