Magnificent Sights to See in Munich
The Best part about visiting a new city for the first time is the exhilarating feeling of surprise, overstimulation, and a shattering of expectations. However, revisiting a city can be equally as rewarding. Munich was one of the first big International cities we visited at the beginning of our travel blogging career. Upon our return trip, we were able to optimize a new bucket list by comparing our original Top 10 Munich Bucket List plus the added years of travel experience. Here’s our remastered list, which will optimize the best activities the city has to offer for your next trip!
10. Chinese Tower
Also known as the Chinesischer Turm, this wooden pagoda is in the center of the Englischer Garten. The Chinese Tower is 25 meters tall and is a traditional beer garden with food options available as well.
9. Eisbachwelle
The Eisbach River flows directly through the English Garden as well, and creates continuous waves for the most famous river surfing spot in the world. Here you can watch surfers riding the strong currents year-round. It pretty dangerous, so not recommended for beginners.
8. Olympia Park
Olympia Park was constructed in 1972 for the Summer Olympics, and remains a great sightseeing destination. The 850,000 square meters of park is free to walk around, but the Olympic stadium, botanical gardens, and observation deck will cost you.
7. BMW Welt
Germany is one of the world’s leading auto manufacturers, with BMW headquarters stationed in Munich. BMW World (BMW Welt in German), has an awesome car exhibition that is free to visit. BMW Museum can be accessed for a small price, and is also located near Olympia Park.
6. Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is an authentic German farmers market selling fresh produce, spices and souvenirs. It also has lots of restaurants, cafes, and bars so it’s a great place for a snack. The food stall hours are open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm, Saturday 7.30am to 1pm, closed Sundays and public holidays.
5. Marienplatz
Marienplatz has been the main square of Munich since 1158! The plaza is surrounded by a plethora of high end shops and restaurants where you can find anything you need. The imposing but impressive neo-gothic styled new town hall in the center is the city’s most famous landmark.
4. St. Peter’s Church Bell Tower
Right across from Marienplatz, you’ll find the oldest parish church in Munich. For just a few Euros you can climb the 91-meter tower for some of the best views in the city. The 306 steps was even more than the infamous Tower of Pisa, so pace yourself.
3. Linderhof Palace
This ostentatious palace was once the royal residence to the Bavarian King Ludwig II. Although only accessible through a tour, this is one of the best excursions you can do from Munich. The inner chambers boast one of the most dazzling displays of affluence in the world, and the decadently manicured gardens were inspired by the lavish Versailles gardens in Paris.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle
Just 2 hours south of Munich lies the world’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. The splendor of this castle inspired the Disney Sleeping Beauty’s castle with its serene location. For the most picturesque views of the castle, take the 15min walk to Marienbrücke, a pedestrian cantilever bridge over a huge cliff. Here is an excellent full day tour from Munich including both Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace.
1. Oktoberfest
No surpirse the number one thing to do in Munich is attending the notorious Oktoberfest. This insane Beer festival / carnival is one of the best celebrations in the world. Held on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds every year the last 2 weeks of September, it is a guaranteed great time with tons of music, food, partying, and of course delicious German bier. It can get unbelievably crowded so its better to start planning as far in advance as possible. Check out our Oktoberfest travel guide for all the essential tips you’ll need for a smooth journey.
Munich is a great city that really captures the traditional Bavarian ambiance in its architecture and authentic cuisine. Its proximity to dramatic castles, centuries old German breweries, and the legendary Oktoberfest celebration are reasons enough to visit. Fortunately, with 4 or 5 days you should be able to hit all of the top sights. If you’re visiting Germany for the 1st time, check out this post for everything you need to know. For more awesome sights in southern Germany, Check out the medieval city of Nuremberg! Until then, thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Here’s our Top 10 Munich travel vlog!
And Here’s our full guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace!
