Munich hits different than other German cities. Sure, you’ll find the expected lederhosen and beer halls, but this Bavarian capital serves up way more than stereotypes. From world-class museums to hidden local spots that most tourists never discover, Munich rewards curious travelers who dig a little deeper.
If you’re wondering what to do in Munich, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or have a full week to explore, this guide covers everything from must-see attractions to budget-friendly alternatives that locals actually recommend. No fluff, just the good stuff.
Explore Munich’s historic Altstadt and iconic landmarks
The old town feels like stepping into a postcard, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all tourist traps. Start at Marienplatz, where the famous Glockenspiel chimes at 11 AM and noon (plus 5 PM in summer). The show lasts about 15 minutes and tells stories from Munich’s past.
St. Peter’s Church offers the best panoramic views in the city center. Climb the 299 steps up “Old Peter” for €5, and you’ll understand why locals call it worth every euro. The tower gives you perfect shots of the red-roofed cityscape with the Alps in the background on clear days.
The Frauenkirche cathedral with its distinctive green onion domes is Munich’s most recognizable landmark. Inside, look for the devil’s footprint legend near the entrance. According to local folklore, the devil left his mark when he thought the architect had built a church without windows.
Hidden gems in the old town
Duck into the Heiliggeistkirche for a moment of quiet away from the crowds. This small baroque church often gets overlooked, but the interior is stunning and it’s completely free.
The Alter Hof, Munich’s first royal residence, now houses a small museum about the city’s history. Entry costs €4, and it’s rarely crowded compared to other attractions.
Experience authentic Bavarian beer culture
Forget everything you think you know about German beer gardens. These aren’t just places to drink – they’re social institutions where families gather, business deals happen, and strangers become friends over shared tables.
The Augustiner-Bräu beer garden near the train station serves beer straight from wooden barrels, not bottles or taps. It’s less touristy than the famous Hofbräuhaus but still authentic. A liter of beer costs around €8-10, and you can bring your own food if you want to save money.
For the full beer hall experience, try Löwenbräukeller instead of Hofbräuhaus. You’ll get the same traditional atmosphere with fewer tour groups and better prices. The roasted chicken here is legendary among locals.
Beer garden etiquette that matters
Always ask “Ist hier noch frei?” (Is this seat free?) before sitting at shared tables. It’s not just politeness – it’s tradition.
Order by the liter (Mass) or half-liter (Halbe). Anything smaller marks you as a tourist immediately.
Don’t expect table service in traditional beer gardens. Order at the counter and bring your drinks back to your table.
Discover world-class museums and cultural attractions
Munich’s Kunstareal district packs more art per square meter than almost anywhere in Europe. The Alte Pinakothek houses one of the world’s best collections of European paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries. Entry costs €7, but it’s free on Sundays.
The Lenbachhaus focuses on German art, including the world’s largest collection of Blue Rider paintings. If modern art isn’t your thing, skip it. But if you appreciate innovative work, this museum will surprise you.
For something completely different, visit the BMW Museum and BMW Welt. Even if cars don’t excite you, the architecture alone is worth seeing. The museum costs €10, but BMW Welt is free and equally impressive.
Budget-friendly cultural options
Many museums offer free entry on specific days or times. The Bavarian National Museum is free on Sundays, and several smaller galleries never charge admission.
The Munich Residenz offers audio guides in multiple languages and showcases how Bavarian royalty lived. At €9, it’s pricey but covers multiple buildings and gardens.
Enjoy Munich’s incredible outdoor spaces
Englischer Garten is larger than Central Park and feels more like a natural landscape than a manicured city park. The Chinese Tower beer garden sits in the middle, making it perfect for combining outdoor time with local culture.
Watch surfers ride the Eisbach wave near the park’s entrance. This artificial wave runs year-round, and skilled surfers perform impressive tricks even in winter. It’s free entertainment that never gets old.
The Isar River offers swimming spots that locals guard jealously. Head south of the city center to find quieter stretches where you can actually relax without crowds.
Seasonal outdoor activities
Summer brings outdoor concerts, festivals, and the chance to swim in nearby lakes like Starnberger See or Ammersee. Both are reachable by public transport.
Winter transforms the city into a Christmas market wonderland. The Christkindlmärkte run from late November through December, with the one at Marienplatz being the most famous but also the most crowded.
Taste authentic Bavarian food beyond tourist restaurants
Viktualienmarkt isn’t just a market – it’s where Munich’s food culture lives and breathes. Skip the expensive prepared foods and buy fresh ingredients for a picnic. The cheese vendors offer free samples, and the bread here beats anything you’ll find in hotels.
For traditional Bavarian breakfast, try Weisswurst (white sausage) before noon at Donisl or Ratskeller. This isn’t a tourist gimmick – locals really do eat these delicate sausages only in the morning, traditionally before the church bells ring at noon.
Schnitzel varies wildly in quality around Munich. Avoid places with English menus posted outside. Instead, look for restaurants where locals eat lunch. Gasthof Zum Flaucher serves excellent schnitzel in a traditional setting without tourist markup.
Local food spots tourists miss
Gratitude, a small restaurant in Glockenbachviertel, serves modern takes on Bavarian classics. Reservations recommended.
The food trucks at Elisenhof offer quick, quality meals for under €10. Perfect when you’re tired of heavy traditional food.
Café Luitpold has been serving coffee and pastries since 1888. Their apple strudel recipe hasn’t changed, and neither have the prices – relatively speaking.
Explore Munich’s diverse neighborhoods
Glockenbachviertel pulses with nightlife, independent shops, and Munich’s LGBTQ+ scene. The area around Gärtnerplatz offers everything from cocktail bars to vintage clothing stores.
Schwabing, once home to artists and intellectuals, still maintains its bohemian character. Browse the bookshops along Leopoldstraße or grab coffee at one of the many sidewalk cafés.
Maxvorstadt combines student energy with cultural attractions. The area around the universities offers cheap eats and interesting bars that stay open late.
Getting around like a local
Buy a day pass for Munich’s public transport system (MVV) for €8.80. It covers buses, trams, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn within the city limits.
Rent a bike from MVG Rad stations throughout the city. The first 30 minutes cost €1, making it cheaper than public transport for short trips.
Walking remains the best way to discover hidden courtyards, small shops, and local hangouts that you’d miss otherwise.
Plan perfect day trips from Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle draws millions of visitors, but the journey takes most of a day. Book tickets online in advance – they sell out, especially in summer. The castle tour lasts about 35 minutes and costs €15.
Salzburg, Austria sits just 90 minutes away by train. The Mozart birthplace, baroque architecture, and mountain views make it worth the €25 train ticket. Plus, you can say you visited two countries in one day.
For something closer, take the S-Bahn to Starnberg and walk around the lake. It’s free, peaceful, and offers great views of the Alps on clear days.
Lesser-known day trip options
Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers medieval architecture without the crowds of more famous destinations. The train takes about 90 minutes.
The Andechs Monastery combines history, hiking, and beer in one trip. Take the S-Bahn to Herrsching, then hike up to the monastery for lunch and their famous beer.
Experience Munich’s seasonal highlights
Oktoberfest runs from mid-September to early October, not in October as many people think. Book accommodation months in advance, and expect everything to cost more during the festival.
Christmas markets transform Munich into a winter wonderland. The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz gets crowded, but smaller markets in neighborhoods like Schwabing offer the same atmosphere with more space to breathe.
Summer brings outdoor concerts, festivals, and the chance to enjoy beer gardens until late evening. The long daylight hours mean you can pack more activities into each day.
Budget tips for peak seasons
Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for better weather and lower prices than peak summer.
Many attractions offer reduced prices for students, seniors, or families. Always ask about discounts when buying tickets.
Grocery stores like Rewe or Edeka sell picnic supplies for much less than restaurant meals. Perfect for enjoying in parks or by the river.
Navigate Munich’s modern side
The Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz areas showcase Munich’s contemporary culture. Art galleries, design shops, and innovative restaurants prove this city isn’t stuck in the past.
The Quartier 206 and Maximilianstraße offer high-end shopping, but window shopping costs nothing and the architecture is impressive.
Munich’s startup scene centers around the Werksviertel-Mitte district. The area combines modern architecture with creative spaces and offers a glimpse of the city’s future.
Tech and innovation spots
The BMW Welt and Museum show how traditional German engineering meets cutting-edge design.
The Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest science and technology museums, covers everything from aviation to renewable energy. Plan at least half a day here.
Wondering what to do in Munich? This city rewards travelers who balance must-see attractions with local experiences. Skip the obvious tourist traps, talk to locals, and don’t try to see everything in one trip. The city reveals itself slowly, and that’s exactly how it should be experienced.