After almost a month of nonstop travel, Connor and I landed in Munich ready for a much-needed recharge. We gave ourselves five days in this beautiful city, but truth be told we spent most of that time catching up on our sleep and downing vitamins/ginger shots in the hope to avoid the dreaded travel sickness. That meant we had just two full days to explore everything we could… and turns out Munich made it surprisingly easy.
Whether you’re short on time or just looking for the city’s highlights, here are our top 10 most see spots that we squeezed into our visit and would highly recommend adding to your itinerary!
1. Englischer Garten
This park is seriously massive! Apparently, it’s even bigger than Central Park. Whether you’re looking to stroll, picnic, or want a place to people watch, the Englischer Garten is your go-to escape from the main city. One of the coolest (and weirdest) things you can see in the park are surfers catching waves on the Eisbach River. Yes, actual surfing in the middle of Munich. If it was any warmer, I would have suggested we give it a try.
Cost: Free!
2. Residenz Munich
Personally, this was my favorite stop of the trip. The Residenz was once the home of Bavarian royalty. I felt like a princess walking through the extravagant rooms of this palace. Even if you’re not a history buff, the scale and elegance are extremely impressive. You can explore just a few rooms or spend hours wandering through the estate (we did the full tour and let’s just say our feet were hurting by the end but totally worth it).
Cost: €9 for the Residence Museum or €13 for a combo ticket Visit Residenz Museum
3. Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace is a little outside the city center but easy to reach by bike. The palace itself is grand, but the gardens are breathtaking. When we visited, they were just starting to plant flowers, and even then, it was beautiful. It’s easy to imagine how stunning this place would be if you’re visiting in late spring or summer.
Cost: €8 for palace entry (gardens are free) Visit Nymphenburg Palace
4. Marienplatz & Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
This central square feels like stepping into a postcard. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a front-row view of the New Town Hall’s jaw-dropping Gothic architecture? Check! The Glockenspiel (clock tower) is for sure the star of the show. In fact, every day at 11am (and again at noon), crowds gather to watch its quirky figurines dance and spin in a mechanical performance as the clock chimes.
Cost: Free! Visit Marienplatz & Neues Rathaus
5. Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s oldest open-air market. From fresh flowers and handmade crafts to juicy sausages and even giant pretzels, there’s something for everyone. We ended up strolling through the stalls, snacking on pretzels, and trying to track down some souvenirs. It’s a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some of the local experiences.
Cost: Free to enter, pay-as-you-go snacks & crafts (our pretzel was €4)
6. Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)
This iconic church is a must-see in Munich, and it’s easy to spot with its large twin towers. The Frauenkirche might seem simple from the from the outside however it holds one of the most jaw-dropping church interiors we’ve ever seen. This is definitely worth taking a peek inside.
Cost: Free to see inside or €7.50 to go up the towers
7. Olympiapark
Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, this park is a total shift from Munich’s old-world feel. The architecture is modern and unique, with plenty of green space, and a beautiful lake. You can even climb the Olympic Tower for an incredible view of Munich (or just lounge by the water like we did).
Cost: Free to walk around, €9 to climb the Olympic Tower Visit Olympiapark
8. Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche)
The Theatinerkirche is another must-see church in Munich. Its bright yellow exterior is hard to miss, but it’s the inside that truly takes your breath away. The towering white ceilings, intricate columns, and stunning altar is something everyone should experience. Whether you’re seeking out beautiful architecture or just stepping out of the rainy Munich weather (like we were), we highly recommend checking this church out.
Cost: Free
9. Hofbräuhaus
Founded in 1589, Hofbräuhaus is a large beer hall located in the heart of Munich. Expect long wooden tables, live music, hearty German food, and liters (yes, liters) of beer. Even if you’re not into beer, the atmosphere must be experienced.
Cost: Depends on what you eat/drink – meals from €12–20, beer around €10 per liter (CASH ONLY)
10. Self-Guided Walk Through the Old Town (Altstadt)
Honestly, some of our favorite moments were just wandering without a map. There’s so much to see and discover when you’re in a city like Munich. Half of the places on this list were things we stumbled upon purely by chance. It’s one of those cities where the real magic happens when you take the time to get lost and explore without a set plan. So, put the maps away and see where the streets take you!
Cost: Free! (unless you pay for a tour guide which we recommend) Book Old Town Tour Guides
Final thoughts
Even with only two days of sightseeing, we left feeling like we fully experienced Munich, Germany. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or just passing through, we hope this list helps you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
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