Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is home to centuries-old buildings and several museums. Millions of tourists arrive in Munich for sightseeing. The city is a combination of both history and modernity which makes it a captivating destination. When someone travels to Munich, they want to see everything, however, Munich has so much to offer, which makes it difficult for people to choose where to go. But worry not because this guide has short-listed the top 12 things to see in Munich for an unforgettable experience.
List of 12 Best Things to See in Munich
- Marienplatz
- Nymphenburg Palace
- Lenbachhaus
- English Garden
- Hofbräuhaus
- Deutsches Museum
- BMW Museum
- Olympiapark
- Allianz Arena
- Tierpark Hellabrunn
- Alte Pinakothek
- Theatine Church
1. Marienplatz
Marienplatz is Munich’s principal center which is bustling with activity. It was built in 1158 and has been the center of activity for many years. The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), which dominates the area, captivates visitors with its neo-Gothic architecture, lofty spires, and the well-known Glockenspiel. The Glockenspiel delights the audiences below every day at 11 a.m. by using 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures to portray two historical Bavarian events.
Another feature of Marienplatz is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop a column known as the Mariensäule. It was built in 1638 to commemorate the city’s resistance to the Swedish invasion during the 30 Years’ War. This column continues to stand for Munich’s tenacity. With the annual Christkindlmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, Marienplatz becomes a joyous wonderland during the winter months. Carols fill the square, along with the glittering lights and the heady smells of mulled wine.
Marienplatz is surrounded by stores, cafes, and old buildings and provides the ideal combination of culture, history, and modern energy. Munich’s Marienplatz is a must-see, whether you’re there for the history, the architecture, or the lively atmosphere.
2. Nymphenburg Palace
One of Munich’s most impressive sites, Nymphenburg Palace provides an enthralling look into the splendor of Bavarian nobility. This magnificent 490-acre Baroque masterpiece was originally constructed in 1664 as the Wittelsbach dynasty’s summer home. One of the biggest royal palaces in Europe, the magnificent face of the palace spans more than 600 meters.
Nymphenburg Palace’s interior is just as magnificent. With its soaring ceiling murals by Johann Baptist Zimmermann, the exquisitely furnished Great Hall (Steinerner Saal) takes guests back to the opulence of the 18th century. King Ludwig I commissioned the Gallery of Beauties (Schönheitengalerie), which adds a personal touch to the historical narrative of the palace by featuring images of 36 stunning women from throughout Bavaria.
The vast park of the palace, created in the English and Baroque landscape styles, is perfect for leisurely exploration. It has charming pavilions like the Pagodenburg, a sophisticated tea house, and the Amalienburg, a Rococo hunting lodge. The statue-lined center canal reflects the majesty of the palace and provides scenic views, particularly from the elaborate stone bridges.
3. Lenbachhaus
Anyone interested in modern art must visit the Lenbachhaus. Built in the 19th century as painter Franz von Lenbach’s home, this magnificent mansion is now a museum featuring an amazing collection of artwork, including pieces by the Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) group.
Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc, and Gabriele Münter created the Blue Rider group, which was essential in the early 20th-century development of Expressionism. The world’s biggest collection of Blue Rider artwork, which includes Marc’s beautiful compositions with animal themes and Kandinsky’s vivid abstract paintings, is housed at the Lenbachhaus. The group’s vivid color palette and intense emotional content are perfectly encapsulated in these pieces.
Lenbachhaus features important artworks from several modernist movements, including New Objectivity and post-war art besides its collection of Blue Rider pieces. The museum’s most recent enlargement, created by British architect Norman Foster, creates a warm and vibrant environment for art enthusiasts by skillfully fusing modern and historic architectural elements.
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4. English Garden
With a staggering 3.75 square kilometers, Munich’s English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of the biggest urban parks in the world. The park was created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson to provide a space for leisure and enjoyment for the general people. It continues to be a verdant haven in the middle of the city, attracting both residents and visitors.
In contrast to the more formal French gardens, the park’s landscape design, which was influenced by the natural, casual English style, is reflected in its name. There are many different things to do for visitors, such as picnics by the peaceful lakes and streams or walks along trails strewn with trees.
Due to its size, the park has both bustling locations, such as the well-known beer garden at the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm), and serene sections, like the isolated Monopteros, a Greek-style temple with sweeping views over Munich. The Eisbachwelle, a man-made wave on the Eisbach River where surfers ride year-round, even in the cold winter months, is one of the most unique aspects of the English Garden.
5. Hofbräuhaus
Munich’s most well-known beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus, is a historic establishment that has been promoting Bavarian culture and customs since 1589. The original purpose of Hofbräuhaus, which was founded by Duke Wilhelm V, was to provide the royal court with premium beer. Presently, it serves as a representation of the warmth of Bavaria and welcomes millions of tourists annually.
Situated in the center of Munich, Hofbräuhaus radiates a vibrant ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of Bavarian beer culture. With its long oak tables, high vaulted ceilings, and classic brass band, the main beer hall can hold up to 1,300 people and is a hive of activity. The murals and historical artifacts adorning the walls give the impression that you are traveling back in time.
The iconic Munich Helles lager Hofbräu Original, produced using the same formula for generations, is the pride and joy of the Hofbräuhaus. Beer is served to patrons in customary one-liter steins, which are frequently paired with robust Bavarian fare like pork knuckles, sausages, and pretzels.
6. Deutsches Museum
With approximately 1.5 million visitors a year, the Deutsches Museum in Munich is the world’s largest science and technology museum. Engineer Oskar von Miller founded the museum in 1903. It has an exhibition space of about 73,000 square meters and displays over 28,000 exhibits from a variety of scientific fields.
Explore exhibits ranging from early scientific equipment to state-of-the-art technology at the Deutsches Museum. In the aviation part of the museum are the first motorized aircraft ever built by the Wright brothers as well as full-scale aircraft. Historical ships and submarines can be found in the maritime display, while real rockets and space suits can be found in the space area, which provides an exciting look into human adventure and invention.
The museum’s meticulous reproductions of early industrial gear, which include running steam engines and the first electric dynamo models ever made, are among its main attractions. Through interactive displays, these exhibits not only highlight technical advancements but also vividly depict historical events.
Also, the Deutsches Museum emphasizes experiential learning heavily. Through a variety of interactive exhibitions, visitors can experiment with physics, chemistry, and biology concepts. It’s a must-visit location for science enthusiasts, children, and anybody curious about the astounding feats of human ingenuity
7. BMW Museum
Those who are interested in innovation and design as well as cars should visit the BMW Museum in Munich. Located near the BMW Welt and headquarters, the museum provides an extensive exploration of the past, present, and future of the BMW brand. The museum’s distinctive bowl-shaped structure, which opened in 1973, is just as eye-catching as the displays it holds.
With more than 120 exhibits that trace the history of BMW from its beginnings as an aircraft engine maker to its current position as a leader in automotive design and engineering, the museum spans more than 5,000 square meters. A variety of iconic BMW models are available for visitors to explore, including concept automobiles, futuristic electric cars, vintage cars, and motorcycles.
The “Road of Innovation,” an exhibit that celebrates BMW’s groundbreaking contributions to technology, including its work in aerodynamics, safety, and alternative energy sources, is one of the museum’s highlights. Visitors can interact with the engineering processes behind the brand’s most well-known vehicles through the interactive displays.
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8. Olympiapark
Munich’s Olympiapark is a vast sports and leisure complex that was first constructed for the Summer Olympics in 1972. Spanning over 0.85 square kilometers, Olympiapark is a thriving hub for both inhabitants and visitors. Modern engineering and design are still represented in the park’s futuristic architecture, especially the sweeping tent-like roof structures created by architect Frei Otto.
The Olympiastadion, or Olympic Stadium, is one of the park’s main draws. It was the site of memorable occasions like the 2002 European Athletics Championships and the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final. The stadium is still a vibrant place all year round because it hosts athletic events, concerts, and festivals.
With its impressive 291-meter height, the Olympiaturm is a tall television tower that provides stunning panoramic views of Munich and the surrounding Bavarian landscape. On clear days, guests can dine at the rotating restaurant or climb to the observation deck to experience views that reach as far as the Alps.
9. Allianz Arena
Sports enthusiasts visiting Munich should not miss seeing Allianz Arena, one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. One of the most successful football teams in the world, FC Bayern Munich, calls this architectural wonder home. It opened its doors in 2005. The stadium is well known for its distinctive architecture, with a front composed of 2,874 inflated ETFE plastic panels that can be colored-lit to match the home team or special occasions.
Football fans travel great distances to see games at Allianz Arena because of its capacity of 75,000 seats, which produces an incredible atmosphere on match days. The stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, and many Bundesliga matches, solidifying its reputation as one of Europe’s premier football venues.
There is more for visitors to Allianz Arena to discover than the arena itself. Inside the arena, the FC Bayern Museum provides a thorough look into the club’s illustrious past through the display of trophies, memorabilia, and interactive displays honoring the team’s tradition. There are also tours of the stadium that give you access to the dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and the field behind closed doors.
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10. Tierpark Hellabrunn
For those who enjoy animals, Tierpark Hellabrunn, also referred to as Hellabrunn Zoo, is an essential stop in Munich. Since its founding in 1911, it has been recognized as the world’s pioneering “geo-zoo,” wherein animals are arranged based on their respective geographic locations, creating an environment that closely resembles their natural experiences. The zoo, which covers an area of more than 40 ha, is home to nearly 19,000 animals from over 750 different species.
The zoo’s huge, open cages, which let animals walk freely within their zones and give visitors an immersive experience, are among its most amazing features. Popular attractions include the African Savannah, home to herds of giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, and Polar World, a place where guests may see sea lions, penguins, and polar bears. Also, the zoo is a pioneer in endangered species breeding and conservation initiatives. Hellabrunn actively participates in global conservation initiatives and uses its educational programs to spread awareness of the need to protect animals.
The Elephant House, a magnificent specimen of Moorish architecture that houses a herd of Asian elephants, is another highlight. To ensure there is something for everyone, the park also has a walk-through bat cave, aviaries, and a petting zoo. Tierpark Hellabrunn is a trailblazing center for animal education and conservation, not just a zoo. Families and wildlife enthusiasts alike find it to be a top attraction due to its well-considered architecture and dedication to animal welfare when visiting Munich.
11. Alte Pinakothek
One of the most famous collections of European paintings in the world is kept in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, which is a veritable gold mine for art enthusiasts. Commemorating Munich’s rich cultural past, this historic museum was built in the neoclassical style and was designed by Leo von Klenze. It opened its doors in 1836.
The collection of the museum includes works by some of the most significant artists of the 14th and 18th centuries. Famous painters like Albrecht Dürer, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt van Rijn’s creations are a sight to behold for visitors. Famous works from the collection include Rubens’ “The Presentation of the Portrait of Marie de’ Medici” and Dürer’s “The Four Apostles.” Notable for its outstanding collection of early Netherlandish paintings is the Alte Pinakothek. Highlights are “The Madonna of the Canon van der Paele” by Jan van Eyck and “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch, which provide an in-depth look at the minute details and rich symbolism of early Flemish art.
The museum offers an immersive experience of the development of European art through its exquisite galleries and well-chosen exhibitions. It is an essential destination for anybody interested in learning more about the extensive legacy of European painting, given its pivotal position in Munich’s artistic landscape.
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12. Theatine Church
Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche) in Munich is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a must-visit for anyone interested in religious art and history. Completed in 1690, this stunning church was commissioned by Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife Henriette Adelaide to celebrate the birth of their heir. Designed by Italian architect Agostino Barelli, the church features a striking front with a pair of prominent domes and ornate detailing that exemplify the grandeur of the Baroque style.
Inside, the Theatine Church captivates with its lavish decorations and intricate stucco work. The church’s interior boasts a rich palette of gold, white, and pale blue, creating a serene and opulent atmosphere. The ceiling frescoes, painted by the artist Johann Baptist Zimmermann, depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and add to the church’s dramatic visual impact.
One of the church’s most notable features is its impressive organ, which has been a key element in Munich’s musical heritage. The church also houses the tombs of several Bavarian royals, including Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife Henriette Adelaide, adding a historical depth to the visit.
Conclusion:
When you go to visit Munich and explore the 12 best things to see there, you get a delightful journey into its rich culture and stunning architecture. If you are a fan of Bayern Munich (German Football Club), then the Allianz Arena is a must-visit destination. If you love history, then you should see Marienplatz. Just like that, Munich attracts all kinds of people from around the world. If you visit Munich, you should see these 12 beautiful destinations and make your visit memorable.
FAQs
What Is Worth Seeing in Munich?
Some of the best places to visit in Munich are:
- Marienplatz
- Allianz Arena
- BMW Museum
- Hofbräuhaus
What Is Munich Famous For?
Munich is famous because of its Oktoberfest celebration and beer as well. The city is full of amazing sights for tourists as well.
Is Munich Cheap or Expensive?
Munich is one of the most expensive cities in Germany. You need an average of €48 to €85 per day to comfortably visit Munich. The prices go higher if you go for better accommodation.
How Much Do You Get Paid Working in Munich?
The average salary in Munich is approximately €58,000 annually. This average salary is relatively higher than in other cities in Germany.
Is Munich or Amsterdam Better?
Munich is a much larger city than Amsterdam, although Amsterdam offers a lot more attractions to visit than Munich. Munich is more popular for its food and shopping while Amsterdam is known for its historical sights.
