Munich Recommendations
Welcome to Munich! A vibrant and culturally rich city nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany. Known for its captivating blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication, Munich offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. We recommend spending at least a day in Munich. Here are a couple of ideas for how to spend your time...
Immerse yourself in Munich’s rich history by exploring its iconic landmarks, such as the majestic Nymphenburg Palace and the awe-inspiring Munich Residence. Marvel at the grandeur of the Frauenkirche, a striking Gothic cathedral that dominates the city skyline.
MUNICH CITY WALK
The best way to explore a new city is by foot. We put together a couple places you should not miss on your first day in Munich. The Munich Altstadt (Old Town) should be on top of your list of activities. The cobbled pedestrian streets are lined by restaurants, shops and churches, all feeling distinctly Bavarian.
You can get there by train from the Ostbahnhof in under 10 minutes or in about 30 minutes by foot. Your hotel can offer directions for how to get there and help you organize a transportation day-pass. When you are in the Old Town, Marienplatz square is the hub. The Marienplatz Glockenspiel chimes daily at 11:00 am, 12:00 Noon and 5:00 pm, while figures rotate around the famous clock tower. The Munich Visitor Information center is also located at the Glockenspiel (Marienplatz 2).
For a taste of Bavarian gastronomy, visit Munich’s traditional beer gardens and savor hearty specialties like Weisswurst (white sausage) or Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle). Don’t forget to sample the city’s beloved pretzels and wash it all down with a refreshing Bavarian beer. The Hofbräuhaus (Platzl 9) and the Zum Augustiner (Neuhauser Str. 27) are two of Munich’s most famous traditional beer halls, located in the Old Town just minutes from Marienplatz.
Munich’s picturesque parks and green spaces provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city center. To get some fresh air, Munich’s English Garden is worth a stroll even in the winter. The Chinese Tower is perhaps the most iconic landmark in the park.
On the edge of the park, be sure to check out the Eisbachwelle (Prinzregentenstr. 1), where surfers flock year-round to practice their skills on this outdoor, artificial wave.
If you have some spare time and would like to discover more of Munich’s history, culture or art, here is a Lonely Planet guide to Munich’s 12 best museums.
You may consider a visit to the Olympic Park (Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21), site of the 1972 Olympic Games, and the BMW Automotive Museum (Am Olympiapark 2), offering a history of the company and development of the automobile. Both are located close to the Olympiazentrum train stop. The Münchner Stadtmuseum (Munich City Museum - Sankt-Jakobs-Platz 1) offers an interesting history of the Bavarian Capital and is a warm indoor alternative to a walk through the city.
Several publications also recommend itineraries for spending time Munich:
Your hotel is also an excellent resource for recommendations during your visit. Enjoy!
Most stores in Munich are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm. Some small stores have shorter opening hours or take a break around lunch time. Stores are closed on Sundays, except for a few stores at the main station, the “Ostbahnhof” station and the “Munich-Pasing” station.