Munich, as the capital of Bavaria, is one of Europe’s most flourishing cities. Famous for Oktoberfest, the city consequently has a lot to offer in terms of attractions.
Munich is one of Germany’s economic, transport and cultural centres and one of Europe’s most prosperous cities. Famous for its football team, beer and white sausage.
Find out more about public transport in Munich (ticket types, prices, etc.).
Table of Contents
Attractions in Munich
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is Munich’s main square, located in the heart of the old town.
Its most beautiful building is the New Town Hall. The neo-Gothic building was constructed by Georg Hauberrisser between 1867 and 1908.
The facade features statues of Bavarian kings, electors, and allegorical figures symbolizing Munich. The facade facing the square is about 100 meters long, and the tower is 85 meters high. The tower houses one of Europe’s largest carillons, featuring over 30 figures on its balcony.
On the eastern side of the square is the striking, white Old Town Hall. Built in the 15th century in Gothic style, it was later remodeled in various styles. It currently houses a toy museum (Spielzeugmuseum).
St. Peter’s Church
Located on a street opening from Marienplatz, this church is built in the Bavarian Romanesque style.
Notable features include the altar of Christ, the protective altar of Mary, and Erasmus Grasser’s Aresinig epitaph. Another curiosity is the jeweled skeleton of Saint Munditia.
The tower also serves as an observation deck, offering a fantastic panorama of the immediate downtown area. All information can be found here!
Our Lady’s Church (Frauenkirche)
Not far from Marienplatz, you’ll find one of Munich’s oldest and largest churches.
Its distinctive features are the two tall towers topped with green domes. The royal crypt, accessible by stairs, contains the tombs of Bavarian rulers from Louis IV to Louis III of the Wittelsbach dynasty in the 20th century.
Isar Gate
Approaching from the direction of the Isar River, this is one of the four main gates of the medieval city wall.
It served as a defensive fortress and is the easternmost of Munich’s three remaining Gothic city gates. A museum dedicated to comedian and actor Karl Valentin is currently housed in the building.
Sendling Gate
Located at the southwestern end of the old town, this is another important former city gate.
It acquired its current appearance in 1906, when the previous three-arched wall was replaced with a large archway flanked by two side towers.
Victory Gate (Siegestor)
Originally dedicated to the glory of the Bavarian army, this three-arched gate now serves as a reminder of peace following its post-World War II restoration.
While some find it a bit characterless, it’s worth a visit when on Leopoldstrasse as a southern closure to the street.
Munich Residence
The former palace of the Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings is located in the northern part of the old town.
This building complex is Germany’s largest city palace and one of Europe’s largest art museums. It features a mix of architectural styles: Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism.
The palace complex surrounds ten courtyards and consists of three major building groups: the Königsbau (or „King’s Building”) facing Max-Joseph Square, the Maximilianische Residenz or Alte Residenz with a façade opening onto Residenzstraße, and the Festsaalbau facing the Hofgarten park.
A significant portion of the palace’s vast interior is occupied by the Residenzmuseum, with 130 rooms open to visitors.
Hofgarten
The garden behind the Munich Residence is a charming park and a popular relaxation spot.
At the center of the garden is the pavilion dedicated to the goddess Diana, from whose eight arches pathways radiate outward. There is also a fountain located here.
The Church of the Theatines
Located next to the Hofburg on Odeonsplatz, this church was built as a result of a vow.
Henrietta Adelaide of Savoy, wife of Elector Ferdinand Maria of Bavaria, made the vow in 1659, wishing to express her gratitude for the birth of the heir to the throne by building a court church. An Italian architect was commissioned, making it the first Italian late Baroque style church built north of the Alps.
It became the burial place for the Wittelsbach Bavarian ruling house, currently housing 47 of its members, including several Bavarian electors and kings, in its crypt.
Englischer Garten
Located to the north of the old town, along the Isar River, this 417-hectare city park is the largest of its kind in Europe, even larger than New York’s Central Park.
Created in 1789 by American Benjamin Thompson, known as Count Rumford, during the reign of Charles Theodore, Elector of Bavaria and the Palatinate, the park’s name „English Garden” refers to its style of layout.
The park houses several decorative buildings, including the Monopteros, a Roman-style circular temple with Ionic capitals, and the so-called Chinese Tower, surrounded by a beer garden.
Maximilianeum
Located along the Isar River, this beautiful building serves as the home of the Bavarian state parliament.
It originally housed a foundation supporting talented students. Severely damaged in World War II, it became the seat of the parliament in 1949.
The Angel of Peace (Friedensengel)
Next to the Luitpold Bridge over the Isar River stands a 38-meter-high Corinthian column, topped by a six-meter statue of the Angel of Peace.
The statue commemorates 25 years of peace following the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War. The monument features portraits of notable figures, including Emperor William I, Bismarck, and Frederick II.
Golden mosaics in the column’s base hall depict allegories of war and peace, victory, and culture.
Nymphenburg Palace
Located west of the city center, this palace is one of Munich’s most impressive buildings. It was built in the 17th century by Elector Ferdinand Maria of Bavaria as a summer residence for the Wittelsbachs.
The palace complex includes several buildings with the central part open to visitors. A vast park with multiple lakes and connecting canals surrounds it.
One wing houses a carriage and sleigh museum, and there’s a porcelain museum on the upper floor.
Oktoberfest
Munich’s, and perhaps Germany’s, largest event is the Oktoberfest beer festival held in autumn at Theresienwiese.
This event attracts millions from around the world. For this occasion, Munich breweries brew a special beer (Wiesnbier), stronger than usual.
I spent a few hours there and felt the effect of two liters of beer quite well. Attractive ladies serve beer to singing guests on tables in the tents. It’s worth experiencing the atmosphere at least once.
Bavaria Statue
Located on the Theresienwiese grounds, this bronze statue represents Bavaria’s homeland, strength, and glory.
The 8.9-meter-tall figure stands on a 9.6-meter stone base, weighing approximately 87 tons. Created in the 1840s, it’s the first colossal statue made entirely of cast bronze since classical antiquity and is still considered a technological masterpiece.
An internal spiral staircase leads to an observation point in the statue’s head, offering views of Theresienwiese and Munich’s downtown. All information can be found here!
Olympiapark
This city park hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics, with the venue’s facilities still standing and currently used for events, concerts, and sports activities.
The park’s most famous building is the Olympiastadion, once home to Bayern Munich.
Additionally, it’s worth visiting the 290-meter-tall Olympic Tower for fantastic city views. All information can be found here!
Best museums in Munich
Munich is one of the most important cities in Europe, so it’s no surprise that it is home to numerous museums. Here are eight exciting museums to explore!