Things to do in Munich

Munich has some interesting historic buildings in the centre, around the Marienplatz, the most famous of which are the Rathaus, with its word-famous Glockenspiel, and the Hofbrauhaus. There are beautiful parks throughout the city, with the Englischer Garten being the favourite of locals and visitors alike. Many amusement parks are available in the area for family entertainment, and the Alps are within a reasonable driving distance from the centre.

Hofbrauhaus

In 1605, the tavern at this site was appointed the royal brewery, and people have been drinking Munich’s world-famous beer here ever since. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the equally famous Bavarian conviviality, known to the locals as 'gemuchtlikheid.’

Along with the beer, this spirit of enjoyment and friendliness is a direct product of the Hofbrauhaus. The beer here is served in steins holding a full litre, by sturdy young women with bright rosy cheeks, wearing equally bright and colourful Bavarian costumes.

The Hofbrauhaus has several different halls, all featuring traditional Bavarian bands and patrons singing drinking songs. There’s food on offer here to go along with the beer.  Delicious salty pretzels or more substantial fare such as liver dumplings, potato soup and a variety of local sausages. Phone: +49 89 2901360.

Marienplatz

The most important historic buildings are situated around the Marienplatz, in the centre of Munich. The 19th century neo-gothic Town Hall (Rathaus), with its famous Glockenspiel, dominates the Marienplatz. There is a wonderful Glockenspiel display, which occurs daily at 11:00, 12:00, 17:00 and 21:00, with chimes, bells and moving clockwork figures enacting events from Munich’s history. In the middle of the square, which at one time was a busy farmer’s market, is a statue of the Virgin Mary, after whom Marienplatz was named. Also worth visiting here are a toy museum in the Old Town Hall and Munich’s cathedral, the 15th century Frauenkirche.

Olympia Park

Munich's huge Olympic park complex was built in 1972 for the 20th Olympic Games, and it still attracts visitors today. The main stadium, in the shape of a gigantic tent, can seat 70,000 spectators. It is covered by 720,000 square feet of tinted acrylic glass, creating the largest roof in the world. The roof was constructed to collect rainwater, which keeps the adjacent Olympic lake filled. An observation deck and revolving restaurant atop the 950 foot Olympic Tower provide visitors with a spectacular view. The BMW Museum, near the Tower, features the history of this famous German car manufacturer. The park is a vital part of Munich life, as on more than 200 days each year, it is home to concerts, sporting events, trade fairs and exhibitions. Phone: +49 89 30670.

Nymphenburg Palace

From Munich’s centre, Schloss Nymphenburg is a short bus or tram ride away. It was originally the summer home of Munich royalty, and has been significantly enlarged and embellished by various owners since the original construction commenced in 1664. Today, tourists enjoy exploring the villa and its grounds. Inside, there are interesting frescoes in the main hall and also an arcaded gallery with a collection of provocative paintings commissioned by King Ludwig I, depicting the most beautiful women of the day. In the grounds surrounding the villa, there are several pavilions hidden in the English-style gardens. Many of King Ludwig’s elaborate coaches are on display, and there is also a porcelain museum of interest here.

Museums

Munich has a great number of fine museums, and some of the most notable are the Alte Pinakothek, Bayerisches National Museum and the Deutsches Jagd und Fischeremuseum. The collection of carriages at Schloss Nymphenburg is also worth seeing. 

The Alte Pinakothek, in a large, neo-classical building, is Munich’s art museum, and features one of Europe’s most important collections. Around 1,000 works are on display including paintings from the greatest European artists of the 14th to the 18th century. The highlights of the museum include works by Dutch and Flemish masters, and also Italian masterpieces by Botticelli and Titian. The collection is massive and occupies dozens of rooms on two floors. Ample time should be allowed to explore this important museum thoroughly. 

In the Bayerisches National Museum, there is a collection of arts and crafts depicting the nature of the Bavarian lifestyle by means of examples such as figures in porcelain, clocks, costumes and painted Bavarian furniture. The Deutsches Jagd und Fischeremuseum is housed in a church of a former Augustinian monastery. Its exhibits include many stuffed animal heads from local hunts in the 17th and 18th centuries and also the world’s largest collect of fish-hooks. There’s always the chance that you might see an example of the legendary Wolpertinger, or at least come away with a souvenir.