Munich Places Of Interest: A City Guide for Tourists

Munich, Germany’s third largest city and the capital of Bavaria, is a vibrant and exciting metropolis full of history, culture, and attractions. From its majestic old town, to its stunning castles and churches, to its outstanding museums and galleries, and its world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich offers something for everyone. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to decide where to go and what to do. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time in Munich. Read on for our guide to the city’s best and most popular attractions, tours, and activities.

History and Overview of Munich

Munich was first founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony and Bavaria. Situated on the banks of the Isar River, it quickly became a major center of trade and commerce in the region, known for its skilled craftsmen and bustling marketplaces. Over the centuries, Munich has grown into a major European city, renowned for its high standards of living, educational excellence, and cultural richness. It is home to some of Germany’s most important institutions and landmarks, including the Bavarian State Opera, the English Garden, Marienplatz (the city’s main square), and the world-famous Hofbräuhaus.

Today, Munich is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a population of over 1.5 million people. It is Germany’s third-largest city and an economic powerhouse, with a thriving technology industry, as well as a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to numerous universities and research institutions, as well as one of Europe’s busiest airports. It is also home to some of the best-known beer halls in the world, including the Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner Keller, and Paulaner Brauerei.

Munich is known for its rich cultural life, with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. The city also hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Oktoberfest beer festival. Other popular attractions include the Nymphenburg Palace, which houses one of Europe’s largest collections of Baroque art; the Maximilianeum Palace; the 19th century Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady); and the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest science museums.

Top Attractions in Munich

Munich has something for everyone – from historic attractions like palaces and churches to modern sights like museums and cultural centers. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a relaxing afternoon exploring the city’s unique sights and attractions, here are our top picks for things to do in Munich:

Marienplatz

The heart of Munich’s historic old town is Marienplatz, or Mary’s Square. Located in the center of the city, this picturesque square is surrounded by grand buildings such as the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Every day at 11am and 5pm, visitors can witness an impressive show as 32 life-sized figures emerge from the clock tower on the Town Hall to perform a traditional coopers’ dance.

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace is one of Munich’s most popular attractions. Built in 1664 by Elector Ferdinand Maria as a summer residence for his wife Henrietta Adelaide of Savoy, this majestic palace is surrounded by a huge park with ornamental gardens and fountains. Inside, visitors can explore the State Apartments—which feature frescoes by court painter Johann Baptist Zimmermann—as well as the royal porcelain collection in the Porcelain Museum.

English Garden

The English Garden is one of Munich’s most beloved parks. Located on the banks of the Isar River, this sprawling park—which covers an area of over 900 acres—is full of lush green lawns, flower beds, winding paths, and ponds. It is also home to many popular attractions such as the Chinese Tower beer garden, the Monopteros temple, and the Eisbach River surfing wave.

Hofbräuhaus

No visit to Munich is complete without a visit to Hofbräuhaus, one of Germany’s most famous beer halls. Established in 1589 by William IV as a brewery for his court brewery, this beer hall—which seats up to 3,500 people—is now famous for its beer as well as its traditional Bavarian food such as roast pork knuckle and dumplings. On any given day you’ll find live music playing inside while visitors eat and drink in good cheer.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is Germany’s premier science museum. Founded in 1925 by Oskar von Miller, this museum—which covers an area of over 50 acres—houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits covering topics such as aviation, space exploration, medicine, technology, agriculture, and transport. It also features a planetarium and an IMAX cinema.

Popular Tours in Munich

Munich offers many exciting tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s unique sights and attractions in greater depth. From guided walking tours to beer tasting tours to bike tours around the city’s parks and gardens, here are two popular tours that you can book online:

Walking Tour of Munich Old Town

Explore Munich’s old town on foot with a guided walking tour. Led by an experienced guide, this tour takes you through some of Munich’s most iconic sights such as Marienplatz square with its grand Town Hall and Church of Our Lady; Nymphenburg Palace; and the English Garden. Along the way your guide will provide you with interesting facts and stories about each location while giving you plenty of time to take photos and ask questions. Book this tour on Viator now to get an in-depth look at some of Munich’s most famous attractions.

Bike Tour of Munich’s Parks and Gardens

Take a leisurely bike ride around Munich’s parks and gardens with this guided tour. Led by a professional guide who will point out some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens, this tour gives you plenty of time to take photos and ask questions about each location. You’ll visit locations like the English Garden—one of Europe’s largest urban parks—as well as some of Munich’s lesser-known green spaces such as Isarauen Park and Herzog Park. Book this tour on GetYourGuide now for an unforgettable outdoor adventure through some of Munich’s best parks and gardens.

In addition to these two popular tours, there are many other activities that you can book online such as beer tasting tours at some of Munich’s famous beer halls; river cruises along the Isar; Segway tours; and guided walks around some of Munich’s hidden gems such as Viktualienmarkt (the city’s oldest food market) or Glockenbachviertel (the city’s trendiest neighborhood).

With so many things to see and do in Munich, it can be hard to decide where to start. But no matter how you choose to spend your time here – whether it’s checking out some of Munich’s top attractions or taking one of these popular tours – there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city.