Best things to do in Munich

Best places to visit in Munich

We suggest you stay in one of our hotels in Munich, such as the NH Collection München Bavaria and head straight to the center of the city and into the magnificent Marienplatz, Mary’s square. 

Ever since the Benedictine Monks settled here in the 700s this has been the beating heart of the city and as well as being home to bustling markets, it gives you the chance to admire the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), which has a huge glockenspiel loaded with mechanical figures that reenact historical moments at 11am, midday and, between March and October, 5pm.

There’s the appropriately named Café Glockenspiel coffee shop just in front of it if you fancy a delicious cake while you enjoy the 15-minute show. As well as the chiming clock, you can also check out the Mariensäule, a large column from the early 17th century with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary on top; and the ancient castle-esque Rathaus (Old Town Hall).

Another thing to do in Munich is to wander around here to give you a real sense of Munich’s past and present. Also, if you get a chance, definitely pop into the Dallmayr delicatessen, just off Marienplatz, where you can indulge yourself with dainty chocolates, delicious sushi and, if you really want to splurge, a small box of Black Sea caviar. Note that the upstairs restaurant is a handy choice.

'Must see' in Munich

A short walk away from Marienplatz, is the Church of St Peter and here you’ll find Alter Peter, its clock tower. Take the narrow staircase to the top – there’s no elevator option – and marvel at what lies beneath you. 

Following your descent from the tower you’ll still have time to visit the Munich Residenz, something you’ll have spotted from on high. This castle is now a museum but until the early part of the 20th century was home to Bavarian Kings and you can peruse crown jewels, art collections and statues as well as admire its breath-taking décor. Don't expect to see everything in your first visit; it’ll almost certainly still be there for your return. 

Time to kill opens an English Garden to die for

If you have an afternoon or even a full day to further explore Munich then you may enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Englische Garten, an incredible urban park that could fit New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park together within its boundaries. Clearly that green, open space gives lots of options for adventure, and throughout its expanse you’re offered much more to do.

From art houses and galleries to palaces and pavilions, there’s plenty to capture the interest of those who don’t want to sit around. Another popular thing to do in Munich is going to the park is its Chinese beer garden which, as well as being a great place for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. There’s even the chance to watch surfers ride the Eisbach wave down the river Isar. Yes, you read that correctly!

Shopping around Munich

As one of Europe’s wealthiest cities, you can be sure to find almost anything you desire within this guide on what to do in Munich. The Marienplatz to Karlsplatz pedestrian zone offers you the giant department stores of Galleria Kaufhof and Karstadt and it is also where you’ll find popular fashion chains including Zara and H&M. Gentlemen shoppers can also lose themselves in the world’s biggest men’s fashion house, Hirmer. 

Those who thrive on top-end purchases will not be disappointed. Starting at either the National Theatre or the Bavarian parliament, you have Maximillian Strasse laden with the likes of Bulgari and Armani. There’s also Maximillianhöfe, a boutique-filled shopping mall to melt away any unsuspecting credit card. 

Away from the commercial madness, it’s not everyone’s predilection after all, you can wander down Munich’s side streets to find some hidden gems. Hohenzollern Strasse, for example, just off Leopold Strasse, has a selection of boutiques and antique shops that can spark your shopping excitement.

Going out in Munich

Around the corner from the Marienplatz, another thing to do in Munich is going to the Viktualienmarkt, which allows you to pick up traditional Bavarian meals from the food stalls and then enjoy them in the beer garden, weather permitting. If you’re looking for a relaxed and informal setting, perfect for some team bonding, then this is ideal. 

The famous Hofbräuhaus, which has been around for over four centuries, is a must-visit if beer by the large glass is in demand. The German royals actually used to keep the produce of this brewery to themselves until the early part of the 19th century when they generously decided everyone should be able to enjoy it. Even more typical Bavarian food is served at Kuffler’s Spatenhaus on the Theaterplatz where, from the first floor, you can gaze over the opera house and the Munich Residenz, the former royal residence.

When it comes to fine dining in Munich (or indeed the whole of Germany) there are few, if any, finer than the two-Michelin-starred Tantris. Put on your best threads and get ready for a taste experience that you’re unlikely to forget. There is a French focus to the European menu and the incredibly colorful décor inside is a marked contrast to its grey façade. 

When dinner is over and you’re looking for some good music and a drink to finish off the night, get along to Paradiso Tanzbar, a short walk away from the Viktualienmarkt. David Bowie and Mick Jagger were known to have drunk here and its one of the chicest places in town. After your preferred tipple, move on to Heart, just 15 minutes by foot. Through the day it’s a restaurant that puts an onus on meat, but at night it comes alive as the second floor opens for dancing till you drop.

Seasonal specials take Munich to a new level

If you do find yourself in Munich during some of its more famous months then you’re in for an even bigger treat. Starting mid/late September and running until October’s first weekend the world-renowned Oktoberfest takes place and even if you’re not a fan of Bavarian beer this is a festival worth experiencing first hand between the things to do in Munich, even just to see people dressed in the traditional dirndl and lederhosen. It’s been described as 'organized chaos' and, somehow, just works perfectly.

The other time of year where Munich adds its own magic is around Christmas. In the month of December the city builds up to the winter celebration by setting up many Christmas markets full of German chocolate and gingerbread as well as the deliciously festive mulled wine to keep you warm. 

From traditional beer gardens and historical monuments, to high-end shopping and impressive fine dining, a short gap in proceedings or an extended city stay, gives you the chance to take advantage of all that Munich has to offer.

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Author: Ann-Kathrin Lex

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection München Bavaria

Building a home for other people, creating a place where everyone feels welcome and accepted just as they are, that is my vision of the hotel industry. And that's exactly what I can live, experience and make possible every day in my job as Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection München Bavaria. My name is Ann-Kathrin Lex, born in Mosel, but I have lived in Munich for 9 years. What fascinates me about Munich is the international flair of a big city, coupled with the cosiness and homeliness of Bavaria. I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since 2023 and love to bring guests closer to the multifaceted Munich on a daily basis and adapted to their individual needs. My desire is to create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere so that guests feel at home in a big city like Munich and their stay is and remains memorable every time.