All citiesMunich Things to do and walking itinerary
Germany Munich travel guide
30 things to do in Munich, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Munich
- Deutsches Museum — museum of science and technology in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Nymphenburg Palace — Baroque palace in Munich, Bavaria, southern Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Alte Pinakothek — art museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Frauenkirche — church in Munich, Bavaria, Germany; cathedral of the archdiocese of Munich and Freising (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Englischer Garten — a large public park in the centre of Munich (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Glyptothek — archaeological museum in Munich (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Marienplatz — square in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Neue Pinakothek — art museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Munich Residence — building in Munich, Upper Bavaria, Germany (visit ≈ 90 min)
- BMW Museum — museum in Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Theatine Church — Catholic church in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Theresienwiese — square in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Bavaria — Statue of Bavaria in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Braunes Haus — former building in Munich (visit ≈ 90 min)
- St. Michael's Church, Munich — church in Bavaria, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Peter's Church, Munich — a church in Munich (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Bavarian National Museum — art and cultural history museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Haus der Kunst — art museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Asam Church — filial Roman Catholic church in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Pinakothek der Moderne — art museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Olympiapark — urban park in Munich, Bavaria, Germany (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Odeonsplatz — square in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Hellabrunn Zoo — zoo in Germany (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Siegestor — triumphal arch in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Viktualienmarkt — daily food market and a square in the center of Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Olympiaturm — building in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Isartor — tower (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Theatre Munich — opera house in Max-Joseph-Platz in Munich, Germany, home to the Bavarian State Opera and Ballet (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Lenbachhaus — art museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museum Brandhorst — museum in Munich, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Munich walking itinerary
Starting point: Old Town / Marienplatz. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.6 km · 6,220 steps · 1 h 1 min on the way): Marienplatz → Frauenkirche → Munich Residence → Glyptothek → Alte Pinakothek
- Day 2 (≈ 8.6 km · 11,620 steps · 1 h 55 min on the way): Neue Pinakothek → Englischer Garten → Deutsches Museum
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Munich
- Eisbach Wave — Standing wave in a channel under a bridge at the English Garden's edge; watch surfers year-round. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Hofgarten — Geometric Renaissance palace garden beside the Residenz, centred on the Diana Temple pavilion. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Munich Botanical Garden — Large, peaceful garden next to Nymphenburg Palace with glasshouses and an alpine section. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Westpark — Park loved by locals, with Asian gardens, a Thai sala and a rose garden around a lake. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Endless Staircase — Olafur Eliasson's double-helix staircase sculpture looping into itself in an office courtyard. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- MUCA Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art — Central museum in a former substation devoted to street art and urban contemporary art. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Herz-Jesu-Kirche — Contemporary glass-cube church in Neuhausen whose blue glass doors can open completely. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Palace of Justice — Neo-baroque courthouse near Karlsplatz; its glass-domed central hall can be entered on weekdays. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Neuschwanstein Castle — 19th-century royal castle at the foot of the Alps that inspired fairy-tale castles; reached by train via Füssen. (visit ≈ 300 min)
- Eibsee — Clear green mountain lake beneath the Zugspitze, circled by an easy walking path. (visit ≈ 180 min)
- Schleissheim Palace — Northern Baroque complex of three palaces and long canal gardens; a calmer, far less crowded rival to Nymphenburg. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Old South Cemetery — Romantic old graveyard of mossy stones under tall trees, resting place of painters, scientists and architects. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Museum Villa Stuck — Painter Franz von Stuck's self-designed Jugendstil villa, with its original interiors and changing exhibitions. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Blutenburg Castle — Small moated hunting lodge with a Gothic chapel on the Würm river at the western edge; a quiet spot for a stroll. (visit ≈ 45 min)
Where to stay in Munich
- Old Town / Marienplatz: The town hall, Viktualienmarkt and beer halls are all within walking distance.
- Maxvorstadt: Museum and university district with plenty of cafés and a student feel.
- Glockenbachviertel: Trendy area near the Isar with bars and boutiques.
- Schwabing: A calm area with broad avenues next to the English Garden.
- Haidhausen: A local area east of the Isar with French-style squares.
- Main Station: Airport trains and intercity trains are here; hotels are cheaper.
Getting from the airport to Munich
- Munich Airport (MUC): S1 or S8 suburban train ≈ 40 min
Getting around
The U-Bahn, S-Bahn and tram network is excellent; the centre is walkable. A day ticket pays off after a few rides.
Classic places to eat
- Hofbräuhaus: Beer since 1589; huge halls with a brass band.
- Augustiner-Keller: A big beer garden under chestnut trees.
- Weisses Bräuhaus: A Bavarian tavern famous for wheat beer and morning white sausages.
- Zum Franziskaner: An old tavern near the opera serving traditional Bavarian food.
- Andechser am Dom: Monastery beer and pork knuckle beside the Frauenkirche.
- Café Frischhut: Warm Schmalznudel doughnuts next to the Viktualienmarkt.
- Dallmayr: Famous delicatessen dating back to the 1700s, with a café for coffee and cake.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Tantris — 2 MICHELIN stars, Classic French
- Alois – Dallmayr Fine Dining — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- EssZimmer — 2 MICHELIN stars, Modern French
- Les Deux — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern French
Romantic views
- Monopteros (Sunset): A Greek-style temple on a hill in the English Garden, with views of the spires.
- Angel of Peace (Evening): A terrace above the Isar looking down Prinzregentenstrasse.
- Nymphenburg Palace Park (Afternoon): Vast baroque palace gardens with canals and swans.
- Isar Banks / Flaucher (Summer evenings): Gravel river islands and green banks.
Football stadiums in Munich
- Allianz Arena: Home of FC Bayern Munich
Day trips
- Bad Tölz — 42 km from the centre
- Bad Heilbrunn — 44 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Munich
- Fine: Nazi symbols, salutes and propaganda are illegal, even as a joke.
- Fine: Riding without a valid ticket is fined; in some cities paper tickets must be stamped.
- Fine: Crossing on a red pedestrian light can be fined and is frowned on.
- Warning: Cannabis is legal in limited amounts for 18+, but banned near schools, playgrounds and in daytime pedestrian zones.
- Warning: Don't walk on the red cycle lanes; cyclists ride fast.
- Warning: Publishing recognisable photos of people without consent can cause legal trouble.
- Emergency: 112 (police 110)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe; restaurants usually charge for water.
- Tipping: Tip 5–10%; tell the server the total when paying rather than leaving it on the table.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Germany, Wikivoyage — Germany, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Munich travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Munich?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Bad Tölz and Bad Heilbrunn).
- What are the top things to do in Munich?
- Highlights: Deutsches Museum, Nymphenburg Palace, Alte Pinakothek, Frauenkirche and Englischer Garten. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Munich?
- Old Town / Marienplatz: The town hall, Viktualienmarkt and beer halls are all within walking distance. Other options: Maxvorstadt, Glockenbachviertel, Schwabing, Haidhausen and Main Station.
- How do you get from the airport to Munich city centre?
- Munich Airport (MUC): S1 or S8 suburban train ≈ 40 min
- How do you get around Munich?
- The U-Bahn, S-Bahn and tram network is excellent; the centre is walkable. A day ticket pays off after a few rides.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Munich?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: Tantris (2 stars), Alois – Dallmayr Fine Dining (2 stars), EssZimmer (2 stars), Les Deux (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Munich?
- Emergency: 112 (police 110).
- Do you tip in Munich?
- Tip 5–10%; tell the server the total when paying rather than leaving it on the table.
Nearby cities
Innsbruck · Salzburg · Vaduz · Český Krumlov · Zurich · Lucerne · Strasbourg · Prague
Germany travel guide: all cities · All cities