Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is also the third largest city in Germany. Tucked into a forested plateau at the northern edge of the Alps, Munich is a modern metropolis made up of many distinct districts, green spaces and glorious architecture. If you’ve never visited this gem of southern Germany, our Magic Europe team can help you make the most of your trip.

Even if you’ve seen the main sights, why not return to München on a fresh adventure, made to order with the help of our Germany travel experts! Come discover new neighborhoods or venture further afield to explore the natural beauty of the Bavarian landscape.

While most visitors to Munich choose to concentrate their trip in the main historic quarters of the city, there are 25 distinct boroughs to explore! Of course, the most popular is Altstadt or Old Town. In this iconic district which is nearly 800 years old, history is everywhere you look!

One of the most important squares is the Marienplatz, or Main Square and it’s a great place to grab a coffee and people watch at one of the five famous coffee houses. The other is Odeonsplatz, where several important historical buildings are located: the Odeon concert hall, the Theatine church and of course, the Frauenkirche, the city’s cherished Cathedral.

The south tower can be visited and offers a stunning, 360-degree view of Munich. Don’t miss visiting Neue Rathaus at 11am and noon (also 5pm in the summer), and be sure to hang around long enough to watch the famous Glockenspiel clock come to life for a full fifteen minutes with moving characters and bells.

To the south of Old Town is the trendy neighborhood of Glockenbachviertel. Home to hip restaurants, clubs and hotels, the area also boasts several important theatres and the must-see Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest museum of science and technology. Music fans might also delight in the fact that Freddie Mercury called this edgy district home when he lived in Munich from 1979 to 1985. Ask our experts about booking a tour with Peter, a former famous drag queen and cultural guide in Munich who befriended the famous singer during his years in the Bavarian capital.

For lovers of green spaces, head to lovely Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, a calm and quiet residential district northwest of Old Town. One highlight of the district is Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens, the historical summer residence of the Kings of Bavaria and now, one of the most popular attractions in Munich. Other notable sights are the Bavarian Botanic Garden, Olympic Park and the Hirschgarten, an iconic restaurant and beer garden that can seat 8,000 people, making it the largest beer garden in the world!

For a more authentic glimpse of Munich, head east of Old Town to the residential district of Haidhausen. While you might not see many tourists here, you will see plenty of locals, charming houses and quiet squares. It’s also home to the enormous Bavarian Parliament as well as several breweries, including Paulaner. Our travel experts will guide you to maximize your time and guarantee you don’t miss any of the best attractions in town.

A collection of the most architecturally important streets in the neighborhood are called Franzosenviertel or “the French quarter”. It’s here you can browse book shops, antique stores and handmade ceramics. The locals claim that Munich’s most beautiful beer garden can be found in Haidhausen, the Hofbräukeller on Wiener Platz.

Practically everyone knows that Munich is famous for beer and no event is more popular than Oktoberfest. For nearly 200 years beer lovers from around the world have descended upon Munich in the autumn to drink, eat, sing and be merry. The best way to experience Oktoberfest is by reserving a table in one of the famous beer tents.

Remember to pack a traditional Bavarian outfit for the occasion: lederhosen for the men and dirndl for the ladies. There are plenty of shops in Munich selling authentic and well-made outfits for the occasion. If you would prefer to avoid the huge crowds and visit in the spring, there’s a smaller folk festival called Frühlingsfest that runs from mid-April to mid-May. Known as the “little sister” to Oktoberfest, there is food, music, family-friendly rides and activities and of course, beer.

Christmas in Munich is a magical time to visit. The winter weather is the perfect backdrop to stroll snow-covered squares and warm up with mugs of steaming Glühwein (spiced wine), Glühbier (mulled beer) or Heiße Schokolade (hot chocolate). Then sit down for a traditional winter meal of roast goose, potato dumplings, apple and sausage stuffing with red cabbage and gingerbread or Christmas Stollen. Once you are fortified with a hearty winter meal, head to Marienplatz for the famous Munich Christkindlmarkt or any of the dozen or so smaller markets scattered throughout the city for one entire month during the festive season.

From the third week of November to Christmas Eve, you can shop for traditional handiwork and gifts of all kinds. There’s even a living Nativity scene, the largest in Germany. Other activities include music and folk singing, a children’s craft workshop and visits with Krampus. To learn more about the history of Christmas markets in Europe visit our Magic Europe Blog about this topic.


For those who want a taste of modern life in Munich, there is plenty to do and see. Plan a visit to MUCA, the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art. Its vast collection includes internationally renowned graffiti artists and also offers interesting guided workshops and tours like a “Street Art Bike Tour” showcasing graffiti sites around the city. For modern art lovers, visit Pinakothek der Moderne which is Germany’s largest modern art museum. The building itself is an impressive modern structure in the centre of the Kunstareal.

Speaking of modern architecture, a trip to the BMW Museum offers a comprehensive glimpse into the auto-empire, with a collection spanning the brand’s history to modern day models. During the spring and summer months, a popular option for families is visiting the 40-hectare Hellabrun Zoo. With the distinction of being the first “geozoo” in the world, this animal conservation park groups its residents according to their original natural continents instead of species.

For foodies, Munich is not to be overlooked. While the city is known for Bavarian specialties like roasted pork knuckle and platter-sized schnitzel, it also has a more refined side. There are nine restaurants holding a Michelin star, four restaurants holding two stars and two restaurants with an impressive three stars. Tohru in der Schreiberei is located in Munich’s oldest townhouse, dating from at least 1552, and combines the executive chef’s German and Japanese heritage.

JAN is considered one of the finest restaurants in the world and relies heavily on French influences with using local ingredients to reimagine German classics. Plus, there are hip neighborhoods like Gärtnerplatzviertel, with streetfood and international cuisine. Don’t miss browsing through the nearly 100 stalls of culinary delights in the Viktualienmarkt, where you can find local honey, cheesemongers, specialty ingredients and more.

You may not expect to be able to take a wine tour in the capital of Bavarian beer, but you’d be delighted to discover the rich wine culture of the surrounding regions. Of course Germany is known for its Rieslings but organic and natural winemakers have really put the country on the map for rustic reds, crisp whites and lively sparkling wines. Our expert Germany travel advisors can help you find the perfect food and wine tour during your travels to Munich, so you can taste all the unique flavors the city has to offer.

If you need a break from the bustle of the city and want to breathe in the fresh air of the Bavarian countryside, consider taking a guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle. The fairytale structure was the model for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and is the perfect day trip by train. Be sure to ask our travel concierge team to book you a “skip the line” ticket, as the castle can be rather crowded during the warmer months. It’s also open during the winter and the snowy mountains make for a beautiful backdrop.

Another great option is Linderhof Palace, one of King Ludwig II’s royal residences. This castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour but we highly recommend it. The natural setting and surrounding gardens are a stunning addition to your Bavarian adventure.


Sitting on a scenic plateau, the crown jewel of southern Germany is a delightful destination any time of year. Certainly a place of pilgrimage for beer lovers, Munich also offers unlimited architectural sights and traditional heritage for history buffs plus culinary specialties to please even the most well-seasoned foodie. Munich is the perfect destination if you’re looking to add a few extra days to your Switzerland itinerary or make it a major stop on a full Germany travel adventure along with Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne or the Mosel Valley. It’s also a great choice when planning a trip to Vienna or Salzburg. Want some additional travel inspiration? Be sure to check out our other blogs highlighting some of these cities and more!