Overview
- Marienplatz
- Virktualienmarkt
- Englischer Garden
- BMW Welt & Museum
- The famous Hofbräuhaus
- Schmalznudel (Café Frischhut)
- Andechser am Dom
See & Do
Marienplatz
The city’s central square since 1158, Marienplatz is perhaps the busiest spot in all of Munich and the perfect hub to begin exploring. The square’s main feature is the New City Hall on the north side, famous for the Glockenspiel in its tower, inspired by the tournaments and markets held there in the Middle Ages. Surrounding the square are elegant buildings and interesting museums, as well as many shops, lovely restaurants, and traditional beer halls. Make sure you’re there in the morning, aiming for around 11am, to witness this stunning cultural epicentre in the heart of Munich.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is an open-air market where centuries of traditions come alive, and it has gradually developed from an original farmers’ market to a gourmet and culinary paradise. The market is huge (it covers 22,000 metres square!) and has over 140 stalls offering flowers, fruit, produce, meat, poultry, spices, and cheese. Every corner screams for exploration and indulgence, your tastebuds will be salivating! It’s not just a market; it’s a combination of flavours, experiences, and most importantly, a reflection of Munich's rich culinary history.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Englischer Garden
New York has Central Park, London has Hyde Park and Munich has the Englischer Garten (English Garden). A huge public area stretching 3.7 square kilometres, the English Garden has been an institution since its creation in 1789.
This amazing park features various attractions that have been added over the years, including a Japanese Tea House and garden, a Monopteros Greek-style hilltop temple, and even a Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower). The attraction that draws the most crowds in, however, is the Eisbachwelle – an artificial wave created by a water-pumping mechanism on the Englischer Garten's Eisbach River. Despite being in a calm setting, the Eisbachwelle offers an exhilarating experience specially for surfers, who challenge themselves against the strong currents and unpredictable waves. The park is beautiful in all of Munich’s seasons. Take a nice walk and wander while you enjoy the whispers of nature and forget the noise of the city. This nature garden should definitely be on your list.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
BMW Welt & Museum
For those amazed by cars or architectural marvels, the BMW Welt & Museum stands as an unmissable destination. This giant complex is a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility. The design for the building itself came from an international architectural design competition sponsored by BMW AG. The neighbouring BMW Museum showcases the history of the automobile manufacturer. With an impressive array of 25 diverse exhibition areas containing over 120 exhibits, you will be immersed in a journey through the automobile evolution and innovation of the last century.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Eat & Drink
The famous Hofbräuhaus
One of the most popular ‘Bier Halles’ is Hofbräuhaus. Built in 1589 by Bavarian Duke Maximilian I, it’s an iconic symbol of Munich’s beer culture and Bavarian hospitality. The restaurant menu features traditional Bavarian fare, such as Brezn (soft pretzel), cheese dips and sausages. Meals are accompanied by traditional live Bavarian music, sounds of clinking beer glasses and a lovely ambience. It would be rude not to order one (or maybe more) steins!
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Schmalznudel (Café Frischhut)
If you’re a pastry lover, you have to try Schamlznudel, also known as “Auszogne” or Bavarian donut. These delightful pastries are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Café Frischhut offers this beloved delicacy, among other delicious local treats. You simply can’t go past this Munich institution, conveniently located next to the Viktualienmarkt. Always fresh off the hot plate, they’re best eaten with a steaming coffee or tea.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Andechser am Dom
Located right in the centre of the city, just a 5-minute walk from Marienplatz and next door to Fauenkirche, is the traditional Bavarian restaurant and beer hall of Andechser. Here, you can enjoy a wide selection of beers brewed following centuries-old traditions, like the Doppelbock beer. The monks of Andechs cloister just outside town have been producing one of Germany’s strongest beers, the Doppelbock, since the 14th century. This place is always packed so you may have to sit at a communal table, but who knows, you may just meet some awesome locals. Helpful hint, the apple strudel is the must-have dessert here!
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Hungry, excited, or thirsty yet? This is how we would spend 24 unforgettable hours in Munich. Check out the itineraries for our Alpine Discovery and Germany small group tours, both exploring the lovely city of Munich.
Contact our friendly team of Travel Specialists to start planning your German adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Germany's native language?
German is Germany’s native language; it is used all over the country and taught in schools. As the country is so big, different dialects and variations of German exist, however, it's unlikely you'd be able to understand the difference!
Is Munich the capital of Germany?
No, Munich is not the capital of Germany. Munich is the capital and largest city of the state of Bavaria in Germany. It holds significance as a major cultural, industrial, and economic centre in southern Germany.
Where should I go on my first time in Germany?
Germany is a huge and fascinating country with lots of unique and beautiful things to see and do. For a first-time visitor, we recommend starting in the southern part of Germany, as you can combine lots of the country's 'must-see sites' without large travel hours.
