Munich is a royal capital that knows how to relax. The Wittelsbach dukes and kings filled it with palaces, churches and art collections, and the city still lives at an easy pace: a walk through the Old Town, an afternoon in a beer garden, a swim in the summer lakes.
Why visit Munich
The compact Old Town packs in the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz, the twin domes of the Frauenkirche and the vast Residenz palace. Beyond it lie the English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world, the Baroque Nymphenburg Palace and some of Germany’s finest museums.
Top things to do in Munich
Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
The heart of the city, with the Glockenspiel show in the tower of the New Town Hall.
The Frauenkirche
Munich’s cathedral, with its onion-domed towers – the symbol of the city.
The Residenz
The palace of the Bavarian rulers, with the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre.
Nymphenburg Palace
The summer palace of the Wittelsbachs, with a huge park and the Gallery of Beauties.
The English Garden
Meadows, streams and the beer garden at the Chinese Tower.
The museums
The Deutsches Museum of science and technology, and the art galleries of the Kunstareal in Maxvorstadt.
Best time to visit Munich
May to September is beer-garden season, with long days in the parks. Oktoberfest begins in late September: book early and expect high demand. From late November, the Christmas markets fill the Old Town.
Getting to and around Munich
From Munich Airport, the S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 reach the city centre in about 40 minutes. In the city, the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses of the MVV network go everywhere, and much of the Old Town is pedestrianised.
What to eat in Munich
Weisswurst with sweet mustard and a pretzel (traditionally before noon), roast pork knuckle, Obatzda cheese spread and, of course, beer from Munich’s own breweries.
Munich travel tips
- Book early: hotels during Oktoberfest, and Residenz tickets on busy days.
- Bring cash: some beer gardens and small shops still prefer it.
- Plan a day trip: Neuschwanstein Castle and the lakes are within reach by train.
