15+ top attractions & best places to visit in Munich

April 25, 2025

Discover the top Munich tourist attractions with ancient castles, parks and vibrant beer halls. So, where to visit in Munich? Let’s check out 15+ most famous, top attractions and best places to visit in Munich, Germany that make travel enthusiasts crazy with us below!

Aerial view of Munich | best places to visit in Munich

Colorful houses lying along the cobblestoned street | best places to visit in Munich

If you are a member of the group that loves independent travel, passionate about the feeling of getting lost in unexpected turns and living every moment like a local, then Munich is the “treasure map” waiting to be opened. This city has all the “spice” to satisfy all travel tastes: the splendid royal palace, the bustling squares day and night, the beer gardens that not only sell drinks but also tell life stories in a way unlike any other place.

A souvenir shop in Munich | best places to visit in Munich

A typical beer garden in Munich | best places to visit in Munich

If you are looking for a place that is both artistic and romantic, “chill” enough to relax and “wow” enough to remember forever, then the 15 places below are the ticket to open that door.

Best places to visit in Munich: Marienplatz – Munich Central Square

Marienplatz has been the historical and cultural center of Munich since 1158, the intersection of important routes and also an ideal starting point to explore the city. It is always bustling with tourists and locals, especially during the Christmas festival season with the splendid Christkindlmarkt. Take time to stroll around Marienplatz, admire the ancient architecture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere from the surrounding cafes and restaurants.

The focal point here is the Neues Rathaus town hall with its elaborate Gothic architecture, home to the famous Glockenspiel clock. At 11am, 12pm and 5pm (from March to October), the mechanical statues start moving, recreating historical stories with the sound of bells echoing in the crowded square.

New Town Hall | best places to visit in Munich

Bustling scene at the square | best places to visit in Munich

Not to be missed is the Frauenkirche – the city’s main church with two towers rising proudly, which has long been a symbol of Munich. Just a few minutes’ walk away, the Viktualienmarkt appears as a Bavarian culinary paradise with countless attractive specialties, where you can easily immerse yourself in the local life through each colorful stall.

Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München-Altstadt-Lehel, Germany
Entrance fee: Free
How to get there: Underground station U3, U6 – Marienplatz stop

Nymphenburg Castle – The Royal Imprint of Bavaria

Nymphenburg Castle was once the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family, standing out with its majestic Baroque architecture and large European-style garden. This is a place that attracts more than 300,000 visitors to Munich every year. Step inside the castle and you will admire the lavish royal chambers, along with countless unique works of art. Outside, the Nymphenburg Garden is the perfect place to stroll or take photos.

Nymphenburg Palace is an indispensable stop when exploring the classical beauty of Munich. Inside, the Steinerner Saal festival hall overwhelms visitors with its magnificent frescoed ceiling by Johann Baptist Zimmermann, a captivating Baroque masterpiece. Next is the King Ludwig I Gallery, which displays 36 portraits of Munich’s most beautiful women, carefully selected according to the king’s refined taste.

Leaving the main palace area, Nymphenburg Park opens up a green space of up to 200 hectares, with lakes, fountains and small mansions such as Amalienburg or Badenburg nestled among lush trees. The journey ends at the carriage museum, which houses the exquisite royal carriages that rolled through the grand ceremonies of ancient Europe, offering a vivid glimpse into the opulence of Bavaria’s golden age.

Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 Munich, Germany
Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (April – October), 10:00 – 16:00 (November – March)
How to get there: Tram 16, 17 – Schloss Nymphenburg station

BMW Museum – Paradise for Car Enthusiasts

If you are a fan of the German car industry, the BMW museum is a destination not to be missed. Located next to BMW Welt and BMW headquarters, this museum displays classic cars from over 100 years of the brand’s development history. In particular, you will admire modern concept cars, sports car collections and explore the story of the BMW brand development through each stage.

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At BMW Welt, you cannot miss the permanent exhibition with more than 110 artifacts, from classic cars, aircraft engines to impressive future models. The Concept Cars exhibition area displays innovative models, representing BMW’s most advanced technology, providing a look into the future of the automotive industry. In addition, the guided tour will help you deeply explore the development journey of BMW from the past to the future, providing interesting and unique information.

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Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München, Germany
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00, closed on Mondays
Directions: U3 underground station – Olympiazentrum station

English Garden – Green Park in the Heart of the City

Picnic in English garden by the Isar river | best places to visit in Munich

The English Garden (German: Englischer Garten) is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, covering an area of around 375 hectares, stretching from the centre of Munich to the northern edge of the city. The park was designed in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson and has since been expanded, becoming a favourite destination for both locals and visitors.

The garden in the winter | best places to visit in Munich

Monopteros is a small temple in the style of ancient Greece, located on a high hill and offering stunning views of the city. The 25-metre-high Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) is made of wood and is surrounded by a large beer garden that can accommodate up to 7,000 people, where you can enjoy traditional beer and local cuisine. Not far away, the Eisbach Wave creates an artificial wave on the Eisbach Canal, attracting surfers to show off their skills right in the heart of the city.

The park is open to all visitors free of charge, making it an ideal place to walk, cycle, picnic or simply relax amidst the lush green nature.

Frauenkirche Church – Munich Architectural Symbol

The Frauenkirche Cathedral is an indispensable symbol of Munich, featuring two 98.57-meter-high twin bell towers, easily recognizable from afar. The church is located at Frauenplatz 12, right in the city center, convenient for visiting nearby attractions such as Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus.

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Built between 1468 and 1488 in the Gothic style by architect Jörg von Halsbach, the church mainly uses red bricks, creating a simple yet majestic beauty. The church can accommodate about 20,000 people inside, with the interior decorated in Baroque and Rococo styles added in the 17th and 18th centuries. An interesting point is the “Devil’s Footprint” (Teufelstritt) at the entrance, associated with the legend of the devil leaving footprints when angry at being deceived.

Opening hours: Daily from 7:30 to 20:30 in summer; closed 30 minutes earlier in winter.
Visit the South Tower: Open from May to October, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00.

Allianz Arena – Bayern Munich’s Football Mecca

Allianz Arena is a modern football stadium located in the Fröttmaning area, north of Munich. Inaugurated on May 30, 2005, the stadium has a capacity of over 75,000 seats and is the home stadium of Bayern Munich. The stadium has an impressive design with an outer shell covered with over 2,700 ETFE panels that can glow in different colors, creating an impressive lighting effect at night.

During a trip to Allianz Arena, visitors can take a stadium tour to explore behind the scenes, locker rooms, VIP areas and learn about the legendary history of Bayern Munich. Inside the stadium, the FC Bayern museum displays trophies, memorabilia and inspiring stories about this famous football club.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Please note that on match days, the tour schedule may change.
How to get to Allianz Arena: Take the U6 metro to Fröttmaning station, then walk for about 10 minutes following the signs.

Residenz Palace – A Magnificent Royal Heritage

Located in the heart of Munich, Residenz Palace is one of Germany’s most impressive historical attractions. Built in the 14th century, the palace was once the residence of dukes, electors and kings of Bavaria under the Wittelsbach dynasty. This is the largest city castle in Germany, featuring a sophisticated blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural styles.

With 130 galleries and 10 courtyards, visitors can explore the magnificent spaces such as the Antiquarium – the largest banqueting hall in Europe during the Renaissance, or the Royal Chapel where precious treasures are displayed. In addition, the bronze lion statue in front of the palace gate is said to bring good luck when touched. The palace also offers free Wi-Fi in some areas, convenient for visitors.

Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München, Germany
Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (April – October), 10:00 – 17:00 (November – March)

Viktualienmarkt Market – Munich Food Paradise

Viktualienmarkt Market is located in the heart of the old town Altstadt, just a few steps from Marienplatz. Established in 1807, it was originally a farmers market and today has become a famous culinary destination with more than 100 booths and stalls.

The Viktualienmarkt is notable for its wide range of products, from fresh fruit and vegetables to meat, seafood, bread and fine cheese. If you are a fan of craft drinks, visit the beer garden in the heart of the market, which serves a rotating selection of beers from six of Munich’s top breweries. The market also serves typical dishes such as Bavarian soup, Weisswurst sausages and crispy Brezel.

While wandering around the market, visitors can admire the fountains depicting famous Munich figures such as Karl Valentin or Liesl Karlstadt. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Heilig-Geist-Kirche to enjoy the beauty of exquisite Gothic architecture.

Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 Munich, Germany
Opening hours: 8:00 – 20:00 (Monday – Saturday, some stalls are closed on Mondays)

Hofbräuhaus – Experience Traditional German Beer

Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is Munich’s oldest and most famous beer hall, attracting visitors from all over the world. Founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria, it was originally a royal brewery and only opened to the public in 1828. The Hofbräuhaus has a distinct Bavarian feel with its beautifully painted ceilings, long oak tables, and cheerful traditional music.

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Every day, thousands of diners come here to enjoy a glass of premium draft beer such as Hofbräu Original, Hofbräu Dunkel, and Weißbier. Don’t forget to add a Bratwurst, Hax’n pork leg or Obatzda – the typical Bavarian cheese. In addition to the main beer hall (Schwemme), the Hofbräuhaus also has a garden (Wirtsgarten) and a large banquet hall (Festsaal) for special events.

Address: Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany
Opening hours: 11:00 – 00:00 daily

Olympiapark Park

Located in the heart of Munich, Olympiapark is a heritage symbol of modern Munich. Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, it is now an important entertainment, sports and cultural center of the city. The most prominent is the Olympiastadion, where many historic matches have taken place.

Here, visitors can admire the unique architecture of the Olympic Stadium with its curved roof symbolizing pacifism. If you want to enjoy the whole view of Munich, climb the 291-meter-high Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm) to see the city from above. In addition, the Olympic Park is also a favorite destination for locals, with a variety of recreational activities such as cycling, swimming, boating on the lake or participating in grand music events, fairs and exhibitions.

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich, Germany
Opening hours: 24/7 (free cycling, walking; attractions in the park open at different times)
Admission fee: Free entry to the park; activities with separate ticket prices

Deutsches Museum – The World’s Largest Technology Museum

Located on the Isar River island, the Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest science and technology museum, attracting millions of visitors each year. Founded in 1903, the museum has a huge collection of more than 28,000 artifacts, spanning many fields such as aviation, space, energy, medicine, physics, and information technology. This is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about exploring and learning about the great scientific achievements of mankind.

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Visitors can witness important inventions such as the first airplane, the original submarine, or the world’s first microprocessor. The museum also has many interactive areas where you can experiment with physical principles or participate in interesting science shows. In particular, the astronomy exhibition area with a giant model of the solar system is a highlight not to be missed.

Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München, Germany
Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily

Alte Pinakothek Art Gallery

Alte Pinakothek is a long-standing art gallery, located in the Kunstareal museum area of Munich. Built in the 19th century by order of King Ludwig I, it houses a collection of more than 800 paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including masterpieces by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Albrecht Dürer.

The building has a classic Renaissance architectural style, creating an elegant space for visitors to admire famous works of art. Among them, “The Fall of Medusa” by Rubens or “Portrait of Emperor Charles V” by Titian are two paintings that cannot be missed. The museum also offers guided tours and an interactive app that helps visitors better understand the history of European art.

Address: Barer Str. 27, 80333 München, Germany
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Tuesday – Sunday), closed Monday

Bayerische Staatsoper – Masterpiece of Munich Theatre Art

Located in the heart of Munich, the Bayerische Staatsoper is the world’s oldest and most prestigious opera house. Built in 1818 in the Neoclassical architectural style, the theater is a symbol of German theater, where classic operas by Wagner, Mozart, Verdi and many other famous composers are performed. With a capacity of more than 2,000 seats, the interior is lavishly decorated with a gilded ceiling and magnificent crystal chandeliers.

In addition to world-class performances, the Bayerische Staatsoper also hosts an annual opera festival that attracts audiences from all over the world. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the backstage, the costume room and learn about the theater’s rich history. This is definitely a must-see destination for lovers of classical art.

Address: Max-Joseph-Platz 2, 80539 Munich, Germany
Opening hours: According to the schedule (usually from 19:00)

Alter Peter’s Old French Style Church

St. Peter’s Church, also known as Alter Peter (Old St. Peter), is the oldest church in Munich, with a strong Gothic and Baroque architectural style. Built in the 12th century, this church is an important religious symbol of the city, with a 91-meter-high bell tower offering spectacular views of all of Munich.

Inside Alter Peter, visitors can admire beautiful religious paintings, an elaborate gilded altar and, most notably, the precious-stoned skeleton of Saint Munditia. The church’s biggest attraction is the 306 steps leading to the top of the tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Marienplatz and even the Alps on a clear day. This is an ideal destination for those who love history and religious architecture.

Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331 Munich, Germany
Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:30 (summer), 9:00 – 17:30 (winter)

Odeonsplatz Historical Square

Odeonsplatz is one of the most important historical squares in Munich, associated with many major events of the city. Built in the early 19th century in the Italian architectural style, the square offers a classic beauty with outstanding structures such as Feldherrnhalle – a monument to the Bavarian army, the Theatine Church with impressive Baroque architecture, and the entrance to the Royal Residenz Palace.

Not only a place where political and cultural events took place in the past, today Odeonsplatz is also a favorite destination for tourists and locals. In the summer, the square becomes bustling with outdoor concerts, beer festivals and street art activities. This is an ideal place to explore the historical atmosphere and enjoy the royal beauty of Munich.

Address: Odeonsplatz, 80539 München, Germany
Opening hours: Free to visit

Frequently Asked Questions About Munich Travel

What are the best places to check-in in Munich?

Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, Olympiapark, English Garden, BMW Welt, and Neuschwanstein Castle (near Munich).

When is the best time to visit Munich?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) with cool weather, beautiful scenery, especially the Oktoberfest in October.

What to eat when traveling in Munich?

Weißwurst (white sausage), Schweinshaxe (grilled pork leg), Brezen (twisted bread), Leberkäse, and draft beer at Hofbräuhaus.

What to do at night in Munich?

Enjoy beer at traditional pubs, explore bars in Schwabing, watch opera at Bayerische Staatsoper, or attend music festivals.

How to get around Munich?

Convenient U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train), bus, tram system; you can rent a bike or walk in the city center.

The ancient city of Munich is a destination for tourists who love art, sports and cuisine with countless majestic palaces and bustling squares. Whether you are passionate about history, like to check-in at places with royal imprints or simply want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of traditional beer halls, Munich can meet all your needs.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Munich you can refer to

Read more Munich travel guide here.