Top 10 Things to do in Munich

Photo by Pixelteufel – Wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in Munich

Munich is home to centuries-old buildings and several museums. This city is well-known for its annual Oktoberfest fête and the celebrated Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589.

There are several attractions in this city such as the Old Town that takes you back in time. Here you will see the Neo-Gothic Town Hall that hosts the glockenspiel show since the 16^th century.

As Bavaria’s capital, Munich has so much to offer you will need more time to explore it all. From magnificent Baroque churches to masterpieces in the museums.

This historical city will usher you into the lives of the monarchs who ruled Bavaria up to the 20^th century. All these can be seen in the palaces with sweeping views of the Alps.    

Car lovers will also have a great time here. Munich is home to BMW and there is a museum showcasing every model since its establishment.

This city has a rich cultural calendar that you cannot afford to miss during your visit.

To help you not miss the best activities in Munich, here are the top 10 things to do in Munich.

1. Take a tour of the Munich Residenz

This castle, made up of ten courtyards with more than 100 rooms, has been in Munich since the 14^th century.

It was home to the Wittelsbach monarchs for hundreds of years and its style is in Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical.

The castle started as a small defensive castle for the royal family in 1385. One of the rooms to check out is the Antiquarium Hall.

It was completed in 1568 and is the most decorated Renaissance rooms North of the Alps.

This room has a collection of antiquities, books and sculptures owned by the Wittelsbach family. Do not miss the Italian Renaissance Grotto Courtyard.  

2. Spend some valuable time at Marienplatz Square & Town Hall

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This square has been the core of Munich since 1158 when it was used for markets and hosted tournaments.

Marienplatz is today famous for the annual Christmas markets. The other attraction here is the Town Hall that has more than 400 rooms.

Georg Hauberrisser won the design competition for the Town Hall back in the 12^th century. A popular activity to catch here is the Glockenspiel cuckoo clock with a carousel of figures dancing. The show runs three times every day.

Another attraction to see here is the tall column of the Virgin Mary that was set up in 1638. Next to it is the Fischbrunnen fountain that has bronze figures from the 19^th century.

This square is a one-stop-shop with several stores, boutiques, and restaurants.

3. Relax in the Englischer Garten

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This is one of the world’s largest urban parks located at the heart of Munich. It is larger than Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York.

The English Garden is a favourite of many that want to escape the busy city for some quiet.  

Dating back to the 18^th century, this park is located behind the palace in Munich. Spread on 370 hectares, the park has a lake, a forest, manicured lawns, and streams.

A unique activity here is surfing on the Eisbach River which is man-made. The river has strong currents, a favourite of many surfboarders.

Within the park, you will find the Japanese teahouse and the Chinese Tower built on an artificial island.   

4. Attend a beer festival at the original Oktoberfest

Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. This festival starts towards the end of September till early October. As the name suggests, this is the place to sample the best beers in Germany.

You will be pleased to know that the festival begins as early as June when tents are put up.

Oktoberfest was started in the early 19^th century and today, more than 6 million tourists attend this annual fete.  

You would need to book your seat in one of the beer tents due to the crowds. Despite that, the experience at this festival is one to look forward to.

5. Admire the Gothic architecture of St. Peter’s church

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Old Peter, St. Peter’s Church is Munich’s oldest parish church. It is located in Petersberg, a home originally settled by monks.

Featuring Gothic architecture, the church was built in 1386. In 1636, a Baroque choir with three apses was added.

Admire the panel painting on the choir walls that was done by Jan Polack. Another attraction worth seeing is the Altar of the Virgin of Mercy built-in 1756.

Go up the 299-step tower for a panoramic view as far as the Alps. If you are up to it, take the 306 steps to the top f the tower.

6. Take a tour of Nymphenburg Palace

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Nymphenburg Palace was built to celebrate the birth of the Bavarian heir Max Emanuel. The palace has one of the most beautiful gardens in Munich.

Although not all the grand rooms in this palace are open to tourists, the ones open give a sense of the opulence of the Bavarian monarchs.

While on a tour of the palace, make use of the app that uses augmented reality to explain in detail the features of the room.

The main hall of the palace has a beautiful painting done by Johann Zimmermann, a baroque painter. He worked on this ceiling for more than 10 months on his back.

Do not miss the magnificent Grand Hall as well as the Carriage House. The Carriage house has a collection of gold-plated royal stagecoaches, carriages, and sleighs.

7. Check out the BMW Museum

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This museum is just next to the German car manufacturer’s headquarters. It is shaped like a 4-cylinder engine. The museum showcases the brand’s history and vision for the future.

Made of glass, steel and solar panels, the museum was officially opened in 2007. The building was designed by the architect of the BMW Headquarters, Viennese professor Karl Schwanzer.

A favourite part of the museum for many is the large display of cars and motorcycles. They range from vintage cars, archetypes, aircraft, motorcycles, turbines, engines and racing cars.

8. Spend part of your day at the Olympia park

This Olympic Park dates back to 1972 when it hosted the Summer Olympics. The grounds were used for training by the Royal Bavarian army. 

There are several activities for the entire family here like zip-lining, water sports, and skiing. While zip-lining, enjoy the sights of beautiful architecture as well as the Olympic tower.

Pay homage to the lost lives of the Israeli team that was massacred in Building 31 in 1972.  

Today, Olympia Park hosts concerts and festivals. 

9. Admire the Rococo architecture of Asamkirche (Asam Church)

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The beautiful Rococo Asam Church was finished in 1746 by two brothers, Cosmas and Egid Asam. It was dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk.

This church has been adorned with stucco figures, frescoes, and oil paintings. The exterior of the church is defined by the large doorway and massive columns.

Inside, you will see the wrought-iron grille from the 8^th century separating the stucco figures of the saints from the long nave with its galleries.

Hard to miss is the high altar surrounded by four twisted columns. On top of the column is a glass shrine with a wax figure of St. John.   

10. Sample Munich’s gastronomy at Victuals Market

Victual is a Latin word for food and this market is popularly known as the Stomach of the City.

The market began as a farmer’s market in the 1700s. with time, it grew and became the main market in Munich.

At this market, you will find more than 100 stalls selling fresh produce. There are also beer gardens with shades.

Sample the best German dishes such as goulash soup, Krustis sandwiches, and sausage with sauerkraut.

One thing to note here is; a table with a table cloth means you will be served while a table with none means its self-service.