Things to Do in Munich: Top 10 Sights & 1–2 Day Itinerary
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and for centuries was the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, whose palaces, art collections and parks still shape the city. The historic centre is small enough to walk: from Marienplatz you reach the twin-towered cathedral, the Viktualienmarkt food market, the Residenz palace and the Hofbräuhaus beer hall in a few minutes.
Below you will find our ten picks for a first visit, a one-day and a two-day itinerary, how to get in from Munich Airport (MUC), and the full list of Munich sights in the tripto.de catalogue. Opening hours and prices are on each attraction page – please double-check with the venue before you go. Note that the Olympic Tower and Olympic Stadium are closed for renovation in 2026.
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Why visit
- A walkable old town: the main sights around Marienplatz are all within about ten minutes on foot.
- World-class art and science – Old Masters at the Alte Pinakothek and one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum.
- Royal palaces where under-18s get in free, including the Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace.
- Beer gardens and the Englischer Garten, a 376-hectare city park with river surfers on the Eisbach wave.
- A base for day trips to King Ludwig II's castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, by regional train and bus.
Top 10: what to see first
Our picks for a first visit — each with a short reason why.
Old towns & squares
Marienplatz
Munich
Marienplatz is the central square of Munich and the best place to start exploring the Bavarian capital. Framed by the ornate neo-Gothic New Town Hall, the Old Town Hall and the golden Column of the Virgin Mary, it has been the heart of the…
30–120 min Free entry1. The central square since the city's founding. Catch the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall tower at 11 am or noon (also 5 pm from March to October).
Churches & monasteries
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral)
Munich
The Frauenkirche in Munich, officially the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, is the city's best-known landmark and one of the first things to see on any visit to the Bavarian capital. Its twin brick towers with their rounded green caps have defi…
30–75 min Free entry2. Munich's landmark cathedral with two towers of almost 99 metres. Entry to the church is free; look for the 'Devil's Footstep' by the entrance.
Palaces
Munich Residenz
Munich
The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the largest city-center palace in Germany. For more than four centuries, Bavaria's dukes, electors and kings ruled from this sprawling complex in the heart of Mu…
120–240 min3. Germany's largest city-centre palace: the Antiquarium Renaissance hall, the Treasury with the Bavarian crown jewels and the Rococo Cuvilliés Theatre.
Old towns & squares
Viktualienmarkt
Munich
The Viktualienmarkt in Munich is the city's famous open-air food market, set right in the Old Town just a few minutes' walk from Marienplatz. For more than 200 years, locals have shopped here for fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat and flowers…
45–120 min4. Munich's open-air food market since 1807, with over 100 stalls and a beer garden where you may bring your own snacks. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Gardens & parks
English Garden, Munich
Munich
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) in Munich is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering 376 hectares (about 930 acres) between the old town and the Schwabing district. Locals come here to sunbathe on vast meadows, drink b…
60–300 min Free entry5. A 376-hectare park, open around the clock and free: watch surfers on the Eisbach wave, climb to the Monopteros and stop at the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Viewpoints
St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter)
Munich
St. Peter's Church in Munich, known to locals as "Alter Peter" (Old Peter), is the city's oldest parish church and home to one of the best viewpoints in town. Climb the tower right next to Marienplatz and you look straight down on the New…
30–75 min6. Climb 306 steps (no lift) to the viewing platform of St Peter's, the oldest parish church in Munich, for the classic view of the cathedral and Town Hall.
Museums
Deutsches Museum
Munich
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is one of the world's largest museums of science and technology and one of the top things to do in Munich, especially with kids or on a rainy day. Set on an island in the Isar River just outside the old town,…
180–360 min7. A giant science and technology museum on an island in the Isar. Around 20 exhibitions are open during renovation, including aviation, space and robotics.
Museums
Alte Pinakothek
Munich
The Alte Pinakothek in Munich is one of the world's great art museums, home to European Old Master paintings from the Middle Ages to the Rococo. In the city's museum quarter, the Kunstareal, you can stand in front of works by Dürer, Leonar…
120–240 min8. More than 700 European paintings, from Dürer's 1500 self-portrait to a hall of huge Rubens canvases. Entry is €1 on Sundays; closed on Mondays.
Palaces
Nymphenburg Palace
Munich
Nymphenburg Palace in Munich is one of Europe's grandest baroque palaces and was the summer residence of Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers for two centuries. Its long white facade, ornate state rooms, King Ludwig I's famous Gallery of Beauties…
90–300 min9. The Wittelsbachs' baroque summer palace with the Gallery of Beauties and a carriage museum. The park, around 180 hectares, is free to enter.
Museums
BMW Museum
Munich
The BMW Museum in Munich is one of the top things to do in the Bavarian capital for anyone who loves cars, motorcycles or bold architecture. Housed in a silver "bowl" next to BMW's four-cylinder headquarters tower and opposite BMW Welt, it…
120–180 min10. Over a century of BMW cars and motorcycles in the futuristic 'bowl' next to the Olympic Park; the BMW Welt showroom opposite is free. Closed on Mondays.
Top sights on the map
Open the full map1-day itinerary
Morning: cathedral and Marienplatz
Visit the Frauenkirche while it is quiet, then walk two minutes to Marienplatz in time for the 11 am Glockenspiel.
Late morning: tower view and market lunch
Climb the Alter Peter for the rooftop view, then grab lunch at the Viktualienmarkt stalls and eat in the beer garden.
Afternoon: the Residenz
Choose the Residenz Museum, the Treasury or both – allow at least two and a half hours. An audio guide is included in the ticket.
Places: Munich Residenz
Evening: park and beer hall
Walk through the Hofgarten to the Eisbach wave in the Englischer Garten, then head back to the Hofbräuhaus for dinner and brass music.
2-day itinerary
Day 1: Old town highlights
Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and Alter Peter
Start with the cathedral, see the Glockenspiel and climb St Peter's tower.
Places: Marienplatz Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral) St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter)
Viktualienmarkt and the Residenz
Lunch at the market, then an afternoon in the former royal palace.
Places: Viktualienmarkt Munich Residenz
Englischer Garten and Hofbräuhaus
Surfers on the Eisbach, the Chinese Tower, and a beer hall evening on the Platzl.
Day 2: Museums, palace and Olympic Park
Morning: Alte Pinakothek or Deutsches Museum
Art lovers go to the Alte Pinakothek (Tuesday to Sunday); families and tech fans to the Deutsches Museum, open daily from 9 am.
Places: Alte Pinakothek Deutsches Museum
Afternoon: Nymphenburg Palace
Take the tram to the palace for the state rooms and the carriage museum, then stroll along the canal in the park.
Places: Nymphenburg Palace
Alternative afternoon: BMW Museum and Olympic Park
Take U3 to Olympiazentrum. The Olympic Tower is closed until around October 2027, but the Olympiaberg hill gives a free view over the city.
With an extra day: Neuschwanstein or Linderhof
Regional trains run to Füssen for Neuschwanstein, or to Oberammergau for the bus to Linderhof. Neuschwanstein is visited only on a timed tour, so book online.
Getting there
From Munich Airport (MUC): S-Bahn lines S1 (via the west of the city) and S8 (via the east) together run about every 10 minutes; the ride to the central station (Hauptbahnhof) takes around 40 minutes, and the S8 runs around the clock. The Lufthansa Express Bus also runs every 20 minutes to the central station (about 45 minutes). During engineering works, replacement buses may run instead of trains – check the airport's notices before you fly.
By train: Long-distance Deutsche Bahn trains arrive at München Hauptbahnhof, a few S-Bahn stops from Marienplatz.
Getting around: Walk the old town and use the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses for Nymphenburg, the Olympic Park and the zoo. The Deutschland-Ticket (€63 per month, subscription) covers local transport and regional trains across Germany, but not ICE or IC trains. Until 28 November 2026, the U3 does not run between Sendlinger Tor and Implerstraße; replacement buses are provided.
When to go
May to September is beer garden season, and the Glockenspiel adds a 5 pm show from March to October. Around Oktoberfest (late September to early October) hotels fill up and prices rise, so book early.
From mid to late October many sights switch to shorter winter hours – Nymphenburg closes at 4 pm from 16 October. In Advent the Christkindlmarkt fills Marienplatz. On clear days with the warm Föhn wind you can see the Alps from the old town towers.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Munich?
One full day covers the old town: Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt and the Residenz. With two days you can add a major museum and Nymphenburg Palace or the Olympic Park. Plan a third day if you want to see Neuschwanstein.
How do I get from Munich Airport to the city centre?
Take the S1 or S8 S-Bahn; together they run about every 10 minutes and reach the central station in around 40 minutes. The Lufthansa Express Bus is an alternative, every 20 minutes to the central station.
Is the Deutschland-Ticket worth it for a visit to Munich?
It costs €63 per month as a subscription and is valid on S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, buses and regional trains anywhere in Germany, including the airport S-Bahn and regional trains towards Füssen. It is not valid on ICE or IC trains.
What are the best things to do in Munich with kids?
Tierpark Hellabrunn zoo, the Kids' Kingdom at the Deutsches Museum, the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz and the royal carriages at Nymphenburg. Children and teenagers under 18 get free entry to the Residenz, Nymphenburg and the Alte Pinakothek.
Can I go up the Olympic Tower in 2026?
No. The tower has been closed for renovation since June 2024 and is scheduled to reopen in October 2027. The Olympic Park itself is open and free, and the Olympiaberg hill offers a good view.
Which Munich sights are free?
The Frauenkirche (church interior), the Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt, the Englischer Garten, the Olympic Park, the Nymphenburg palace park and the Hofbräuhaus beer hall. The Alte Pinakothek charges only €1 on Sundays.
All attractions (25)
Old towns & squares
Marienplatz
München
Marienplatz is the central square of Munich and the best place to start exploring the Bavarian capital. Framed by the ornate neo-Gothic New Town Hall, the Old Town Hall and the golden Column of the Virgin Mary, it has been the heart of the…
30–120 min Free entry
Palaces
Nymphenburg Palace
München
Nymphenburg Palace in Munich is one of Europe's grandest baroque palaces and was the summer residence of Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers for two centuries. Its long white facade, ornate state rooms, King Ludwig I's famous Gallery of Beauties…
90–300 min
Museums
Deutsches Museum
München
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is one of the world's largest museums of science and technology and one of the top things to do in Munich, especially with kids or on a rainy day. Set on an island in the Isar River just outside the old town,…
180–360 min
Gardens & parks
English Garden, Munich
München
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) in Munich is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering 376 hectares (about 930 acres) between the old town and the Schwabing district. Locals come here to sunbathe on vast meadows, drink b…
60–300 min Free entry
Museums
BMW Museum
München
The BMW Museum in Munich is one of the top things to do in the Bavarian capital for anyone who loves cars, motorcycles or bold architecture. Housed in a silver "bowl" next to BMW's four-cylinder headquarters tower and opposite BMW Welt, it…
120–180 min
Churches & monasteries
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral)
München
The Frauenkirche in Munich, officially the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, is the city's best-known landmark and one of the first things to see on any visit to the Bavarian capital. Its twin brick towers with their rounded green caps have defi…
30–75 min Free entry
Palaces
Munich Residenz
München
The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the largest city-center palace in Germany. For more than four centuries, Bavaria's dukes, electors and kings ruled from this sprawling complex in the heart of Mu…
120–240 min
Museums
Alte Pinakothek
München
The Alte Pinakothek in Munich is one of the world's great art museums, home to European Old Master paintings from the Middle Ages to the Rococo. In the city's museum quarter, the Kunstareal, you can stand in front of works by Dürer, Leonar…
120–240 min
Gardens & parks
Olympiapark (Olympic Park Munich)
München
The Olympiapark in Munich, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, is one of the city's most popular green spaces and a landmark of modern architecture. Its sweeping, transparent tent roof, a lake, a hill made from wartime rubble and wide lawn…
90–240 min
Old towns & squares
Viktualienmarkt
München
The Viktualienmarkt in Munich is the city's famous open-air food market, set right in the Old Town just a few minutes' walk from Marienplatz. For more than 200 years, locals have shopped here for fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat and flowers…
45–120 min
Viewpoints
St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter)
München
St. Peter's Church in Munich, known to locals as "Alter Peter" (Old Peter), is the city's oldest parish church and home to one of the best viewpoints in town. Climb the tower right next to Marienplatz and you look straight down on the New…
30–75 min
Landmarks
Hofbräuhaus Munich
München
The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl in Munich is probably the most famous beer hall in the world and a must on many first trips to Bavaria. In the heart of the Old Town, a few minutes' walk from Marienplatz, locals, regulars' clubs and visitors from…
45–150 min Free entry
Zoos
Hellabrunn Zoo
München
Hellabrunn Zoo (Tierpark Hellabrunn) in Munich is one of Germany's most popular zoos and a top family day out in the Bavarian capital. Set on about 40 hectares (100 acres) of riverside meadows along the Isar in the south of the city, it is…
180–360 min
Landmarks
Allianz Arena
München
The Allianz Arena in Munich is the home of FC Bayern and one of the most recognizable sports venues in the world. Its inflated, diamond-patterned skin glows red on match nights and can be seen for miles across the plains north of the city.…
90–180 min
Churches & monasteries
Asam Church, Munich
München
The Asam Church (St. Johann Nepomuk) on Sendlinger Straße in Munich is one of the most striking Baroque churches in southern Germany. In the heart of the old town, a few minutes from Marienplatz, a narrow facade hides a tiny space packed w…
15–30 min
Monuments
Bavaria Statue and Hall of Fame
München
The Bavaria statue in Munich is a huge bronze figure on a hill above the Theresienwiese fairground, in front of the Hall of Fame (Ruhmeshalle). It is one of the more unusual things to do in Munich, because you can climb up inside the statu…
30–90 min
Gardens & parks
Munich Botanical Garden
München
The Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg covers 21.2 hectares and is one of the larger botanical gardens in Germany. It lies just north of the Nymphenburg palace park and grows about 16,000 plant species, from alpine flowers and rhododendro…
120–180 min
Museums
Haus der Kunst
München
Few museum buildings in Germany carry their origins as heavily as the Haus der Kunst on Prinzregentenstraße. Hitler had it built from 1933 to 1937 as the "House of German Art", a temple for the art the regime approved of. Today, without a…
60–150 min
Gardens & parks
Hofgarten, Munich
München
The Hofgarten in Munich is a Renaissance garden right behind Odeonsplatz and one of the most pleasant green spaces in the old town. Laid out in the early 17th century, it is centered on the Diana Temple and framed by arcades and neat flowe…
20–45 min Free entry
Old towns & squares
Königsplatz
München
Königsplatz in Munich is a neoclassical square in the Maxvorstadt district and a centerpiece of the "Athens on the Isar" that King Ludwig I wanted to build. The Propylaea to the west, the Glyptothek to the north and the State Collections o…
15–60 min
Museums
Museum Brandhorst
München
The Museum Brandhorst in Munich's Maxvorstadt district is a contemporary art museum in one of the most eye-catching buildings in Germany. Its facade of thousands of colorful ceramic rods, designed by Sauerbruch Hutton, makes it easy to rec…
60–120 min
Museums
Pinakothek der Moderne
München
The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich's Maxvorstadt district is one of Germany's largest museums for modern art, architecture, graphic art and design. Opened in 2002 and designed by Stephan Braunfels, it houses four independent museums unde…
120–240 min
Palaces
Blutenburg Castle
München
Blutenburg Castle in Munich's Obermenzing district is a late medieval moated castle on the Würm river and one of the few medieval castle complexes near the city center. A small lake, a manor house, defensive walkways and a late Gothic chap…
60–120 min
Churches & monasteries
Theatine Church, Munich
München
The Theatinerkirche, or Theatine Church of St. Cajetan, on Odeonsplatz in Munich is Bavaria's first Baroque church and one of the best-known landmarks of the old town. Its yellow facade, huge dome and twin towers define the city skyline. A…
15–40 min Free entry