12 Must-sees in the Bavarian Capital

With its magnificent architecture, its numerous museums and its prestigious residences, Munich is a fascinating city to explore in Germany. Between beer festivalgastronomy and local traditions, treat yourself to a getaway in the capital of Bavaria also promises a most authentic journey. From the famous Marienplatz at the Olympic Park, we have prepared a selection of 12 must-sees to discover when visiting Munich.

#1 Marienplatz

A must-see for visiting Munich, Marienplatz is the center of the historic district and the most famous place in the Bavarian capital. THE famous town hall of Munich is indeed located on this magnificent square. With its neo-classical architecture and immense size, this building is famous throughout the world. During your discovery of Marienplatz, we advise you to take your time to admire the gargoyles, the architectural details of the town hall, the central column as well as the clock of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. Depending on the time you pass Marienplatz, don't hesitate to wait to see the remarkable animation of this clock. Between music and Bavarian figurines, the show is guaranteed several times a day. For a different view of the city hall, we also suggest entering the building's courtyard. Finally, you will find many pleasant terraces to take a break in an ideal setting on Marienplatz.

#2 The Munich residence

Among the unmissable when visiting Munichthe Palais de la Résidence is located in the heart of the city. Residence of the dukes, prince-electors and kings of Bavaria, this castle is one of the gems to discover during a stay in Bavaria. Built in the 14^e century, it counts more than a hundred superbly decorated roomsa chapel or even a treasure room among others. With numerous courtyards and sumptuous gardens, the exteriors of the Residence are also not to be missed and access is free if you want to control your budget in Munich. To follow in the footsteps of the famous Wittelsbach family, discover the museum or stroll through the superb gardens of the Residence, we suggest you allow several hours to visit this magnificent palace.

#3 The Olympic Park

Created for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Munich Olympic Park is today one of the most pleasant places for a stroll in the Bavarian capital. Between lakes, hills and landscaped areas, this park is very popular with locals when the climate in Munich is sunny. Sports fans, you have certainly seen the Olympic Park in the media recently since all the infrastructure has been reused in 2022 during the European championships. During your walk, we suggest that you not miss the olympic stadium with its remarkable architecture. If you wish, it can be visited throughout the year. The Munich TV Tower is also located in the Olympic Park. To gain height and offer yourself a breathtaking panorama, know that you have the possibility of climbing to the top of this tower.

#4 The Hofbräuhaus brewery

Visiting Munich is also synonymous with breweryof beer garden and Bavarian gastronomy. Located in the heart of the city, the Hofbräuhaus brewery is Munich's best-known tavern. Huge, it can accommodate more than a thousand people in a noisy and very friendly atmosphere. To eat local specialties, to taste a beer or simply to admire the decoration and the ceiling of the brewery, do not hesitate to enter the Hofbräuhaus. If you travel to Munich in summer, we also advise you to plan a break at a beer garden terrace. These open-air brasseries indeed offer a unique atmosphere with their large tables and local beers.

#5 The Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest or the Oktoberfest is one of the most important popular events in the world. Organized every year between mid-September and early October, the Oktoberfest brings together around 6 million visitors in a typically Bavarian atmosphere. Between traditional costumes, music and culinary specialties, you are guaranteed to spend memorable evenings around good pints of beer at Oktoberfest. Note that if you are traveling to Munich outside of the Oktoberfest period, we advise you to visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum to learn more about the event and the famous local drink.

#6 The English Garden

On a sunny day in Germany, the English garden is a magnificent green space in the heart of the city. Arranged at 18^e century, this immense park extends over approximately 400 hectares. Whether you want to rest between two visits, take a walk or even play sports, the English Garden is one of the favorite places for locals and tourists alike in Munich. During your discovery, don't miss the Chinese tower with its 25 meters height. Don't hesitate to take the time to enjoy a beer in the second largest beer garden from Munich. With more than 7,000 benches, this establishment guarantees you a traditional Bavarian atmosphere.

#7 Notre-Dame Cathedral

Very imposing, the Notre-Dame Cathedral or Frauenkirche is definitely one of the buildings not to be missed when visiting Munich. With his two huge domesthe building is easily identifiable and is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Germany. Before your visit, we advise you to take your time in the surrounding pedestrian streets of Munich to reach the cathedral. To admire the building for longer, don't hesitate to take a break in the very pleasant square facing the cathedral.

#8 Königsplatz

Designed at the time of Ludwig I of Bavaria, Königsplatz is a huge place surrounded by imposing buildings housing some of the most beautiful museums in Munich. History lovers, we invite you to visit the Staatliche Antikensmmlungen and the Glyptothèque where numerous collections of Roman and Greek art are exhibited. Architecturally inspired by ancient GreeceKönigsplatz is not to be missed even if you do not want to visit the museums depending on your budget in Germany and your desires.

#9 The food market

For taste traditional Bavarian productswe will then meet you in the food market. Since the beginning of the 19^e century, this authentic market offers numerous stands with the most varied products. Attached to the market, you will also find a huge open-air brasserie to enjoy a typical dish or a good mug of beer before continuing your program to visit Munich.

#10 Nymphenburg Palace

Located to the west of the city, Nymphenburg Castle or Schloss Nymphenburg was the summer residence of the Wittelsbachs. With his sublime architecture between baroque, rococo and neo-classical, this castle is one of the most beautiful in Germany. For your visit to Nymphenburg Palace, we recommend that you allow several hours. If the interiors of the castle are magnificent, the gigantic park which surrounds the building is also unmissable for a long walk in a perfect setting.

#11 The BMW Museum

Housed in a magnificent futuristic building near the Olympic Park, the BMW Museum is essential for car enthusiasts or simply to learn more about the history of the automobile. With around a hundred models on display from all eras, this museum perfectly retraces the epic history of the automobile and the famous BMW brand. During your visit, you will also be able to discover new models, prototypes and a whole section dedicated to the future of the sector and ecological concerns. Note that you can plan this family visit to Munich if you are traveling with your children.

#12 The Deutsches Museum

Among the other must-see museums when visiting Munich, we suggest exploring the Deutsches Museum dedicated to science. On six floors, you can discover numerous interactive scientific exhibitions, technological demonstrations and even laboratories. The museum also pays tribute to the greatest scientists and Nobel Prize winners.

And you, what will be your schedule for visiting Munich among this selection of must-sees? To give you the best chance of enjoying your stay, don't hesitate to discover our advice for preparing a trip to Germany. If you want to continue your trip after discovering Munich, you can also get inspired with our ideas for itineraries in Germany.