10 Best Things to Do in Munich
Nowhere, perhaps, encapsulates the old world and the new quite like Munich: where tech-packed BMWs and beer-swilling men in lederhosen exist side-by-side; where you can enjoy edgy contemporary art and ancient Egyptian art in the same afternoon.
The Bavarian capital boasts an array of museums, centuries-old architecture and cultural attractions.
It's also a delight for beer lovers, hosting as it does the world famous Oktoberfest every year.
Here's our pick of the best things to do in Munich...
Hellabrunn Zoo
The 40-hectare Hellabrunn Zoo is one of Europe's oldest zoos, having been established in 1911.
More than 5,000 beasts of all feathers (fins and fur) live in this impressive park, whose creatures have been organised by continent (the first zoo in the world to do so).
Despite its age, the zoo has more space for its residents than some older zoos - which makes it all the more refreshing.
You could easily spend a whole day here - and kids are sure to love it.
It's also easy to reach: Just a few stops on the U-Bahn from the city centre.
City Hall's Glockenspiel
A number of attractions are located in Marienplatz, Munich's central square. Chief among them is the ornate City Hall and its famous Glockenspiel.
This musical clock lies in the City Hall's main tower, and was inspired by the many jousting tournaments that were held in the square during the Middle Ages.
The figures in the clock depict the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V and Renate of Loriane, and features mechanical jousting knights and dancing coopers who pirouette in front of the newly-weds.
The Glockenspiel rings at 11am and midday, every day, except in summer when it also rings at 5pm.
The animated performance lasts between 12 and 15 minutes, depending on which song is being played.
Frauenkirche
Munich Cathedral - or the 'Frauenkirche’ - dates back to the 15th century and is one of the Old Town’s key landmarks.
Don't miss the elaborate black-marble tomb of Ludwig the Bavarian, who was also one of the Holy Roman Emperors. It’s located on the right as you enter.
The cathedral's iconic towers rise to nearly 100m. Visitors can explore the top of the south tower (thankfully there is a lift) which affords stunning panoramic views over the city.
Entry is 7.50 euros for adults, 5 euros for children over 7 years old. Under 7s get in free.
Asamkirche (the church of the Assam Brothers)
Resplendent in gilt marble and elaborate frescoes, Asamkirche is a stunning if slightly over-the-top example of late Baroque and Rococo style.
It's also notable for being a private church - the product of the two brothers' artistic passions (one a sculptor, the other a painter).
Despite being a private church, it's free to enter - unless there's an organ concert taking place.
Look out for the golden skeletons near the entrance!
Credit: lester120 - stock.adobe.com
Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum
Pretty much any mode of transport you can think of is showcased in the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum.
From buses to trams, trains to cars – they’re all here.
The vehicles are incredibly well preserved - many are so well polished they could have rolled off the production line yesterday.
It's only 7 euros per person and presents a great way to cool off if you’re visiting Munich on a hot summer's day.
The Staircase to Nowhere (“Umschreibung”)
It's worth making a quick pit stop at The Staircase to Nowhere - a spiral staircase that leads you... nowhere.
It's the work of Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. This free-to-visit, fully climbable sculpture is located in the atrium of an office building.
It is literally and metaphorically 'off the wall'.
The English Garden (Englischer Garten)
Need to get away from Munich's concrete jungle? You won’t need to go far. In fact, the vast English Garden stretches from the city centre to the northeastern city limits.
Designed by Anglo-American Benjamin Thompson, the park is perfect for strolling, hiking, cycling, sunbathing and picnicking.
Boasting an area of 3.7 km2, the English Garden is among the world’s largest urban parks, and features a Japanese teahouse, a Chinese tower, a waterfall, and the Monopteros - a Greek-inspired, temple-like structure.
Credit: Bernadett - stock.adobe.com
Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus opened its doors in 1632 and has been serving fine Bavarian beers ever since.
It's one of Germany's oldest beer halls and is a symbol of the nation's drinking culture.
Inside you'll find many long tables with benches - laid out in the traditional beer hall style.
If you want to maintain your faculties for further sightseeing, why not try a Radler beer - half beer and half lemonade?
The Hofbräuhaus also serves food - including traditional German dishes like schweinshaxe, comprising a roasted leg of pork with a potato dumpling.
A rewarding visit whether you’re here during Oktoberfest or not!
Credit: dbrnjhrj - stock.adobe.com
Residenz
The Munich Residenz of the Wittelsbach rulers is the largest urban palace in Germany.
Tours begin in the ornate Grotto Court and continue through to the famous antiquarium, a barrel-vaulted hall that contains marble busts of all the Bavarian monarchs.
Generations of Bavarian rulers upgraded and expanded the palace - starting with William IV who built The Alte Residenz in 1508. Opulent buildings were added up until the revolution of 1918.
Museumsquartier (Museum Quarter)
Art lovers should make a beeline for Kunstareal, where the city’s four key art museums are located.
The Alte Pinakothek houses one of the most important collections of European Masters in the world, while the Neue Pinakothek showcases paintings and sculptures from the Neoclassical, Romantic, Impressionist, Art Nouveau and Gründerzeit periods.
Contemporary art enthusiasts should make time for the Pinakothek Modera, which houses four museums in one, covering art, prints and drawings, architecture and design.
And the Museum Brandhorst focuses on both fine art and literature. Don't miss the museum's collection of 112 illustrated books by Pablo Picasso!
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