Oktoberfest, FC Bayern and Bavarian gemütlichkeit – of course all that belongs to Munich. But the Bavarian capital has much more in store than just the typical cliches! We have five great attractions for you that you shouldn't miss on your Munich trip.
1: Englischer Garten
Englischer Garten is the green heart of Munich. Especially on warm summer days, half of Munich can be found lounging under shady trees, playing football in the extensive park, or drinking a cold beer at the beer garden. Particularly around the Chinese Tower, where one of the biggest beer gardens of Munich is located, there's always some hustle and bustle.
If you're spending an afternoon here, you might go to Eisbach river and watch the surfers ride the waves, or take a long walk to river Isar or the romantic 'Schwammerlweiher' pond at the north of Englischer Garten.
2: Viktualienmarkt
Right at the centre of the old town, near Marienplatz square, Viktualienmarkt covers around two hectares in its booths and stalls. Munich's main place of trade up until the 19th century, more and more merchants added to the market it over time. You can still find a rich offer of culinary treats here today.
The market is divided into seven sections arranged around a beer garden, where locals like to come on warm summer evenings or for their lunch break. It is the perfect place for visitors to take a break from the city bustle and just watch the ado at the booths.
3: Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace and its beautiful park attract over 300,000 visitors each year. The palace was built by Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria, on occasion of heir apparent Max Emanuel's birth in 1664. The estate was later expanded by side galleries, residential pavilions, and further elements.
On a tour through the palace, you get to see the birth room of King Ludwig II as well as King Ludwig's famous beauties gallery. On sunny days, the idyllic park invites you for a stroll along streams, lakes, small castles and statues.
4: Marienplatz
Located at the heart of the old town, Marienplatz is Munich's main square. It is the perfect starting point for tourists to explore the city, with numerous other sights like Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, or Sendlinger Tor nearby. Especially at 11 and 12 in the morning or 9 in the evening, Marienplatz is filled with people, as this is when the famous chime resounds.
At Christmas time, the square hosts Munich's oldest Christmas market, attracting millions of visitors every year.
5: BMW Museum
At the BMW Museum, you can learn all about the fascinating history of the Bavarian auto-maker. Approximately 125 cars, motorcycles and engines are on show here. Together with BMW Welt, the company's experience centre, the museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bavaria.
Seven exhibition houses feature permanent exhibitions revolving around 26 key subjects. They deal with things like, for instance, the company history, the typical design, or motor sports.
Further Highlights
From zoo animals to art museums: there is so much more to discover at the Bavarian capital! We have many more attractions in Munich listed.
