Contents

• Nymphenburg Palace
• Visit Marienplatz
• BMW Museum
• Hellabrunn Zoo
• Relax in the English Garden
• Shop at Viktualienmarkt
• Deutsches Museum
• Frauenkirche | Cathedral of Our Dear Lady
• Bavarian State Opera House

Is Munich Worth Visiting?

Often overshadowed by Berlin, Munich is a great alternative for a weekend getaway or as an add-on to a multi-city trip around Europe. As a walkable city, you’ll want to pack your comfiest travel shoes.

Although our list below focuses on things to do within Munich, it’s easy to escape the city and take a day trip into the Bavarian countryside if you’re on a longer trip. 

1. Nymphenburg Palace

• Where to stay: Munich Marriott Hotel City West
• Budget option: Hostel Tessin 

Immerse yourself in Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture and design at the Nymphenburg Palace, one of Munich’s most significant historical landmarks. Pro-tip: tickets are currently only sold on-site, so arrive early and head straight for the “Gallery of Beauties”. 

Photo: Duernsteiner /pixabay.com

2. Visit Marienplatz

• Where to stay: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munchen
• Budget option: Hotel Deutsche Eiche

Marienplatz is nestled in the heart of Munich and always bustling with activity. Amongst the historic architecture, you’ll find the traditional Glockenspiel show (held daily at 11am and noon) and market stalls selling food and handmade items. It’s a great first-day visit to give you an authentic feel of Munich. 

Photo: Travel Faery / Shutterstock.com

3. BMW Museum 

• Where to stay: Mercure Hotel Munchen Schwabing
• Budget option: B&B Hotel Munchen-Olympiapark

 If you’re a car lover, you’ll want to grab tickets to the BMW Museum, located across from the BMW Welt. Explore the history of this iconic car brand with classic vehicles, prototypes, and rotating exhibitions. Buy tickets online and make sure to call by BMW Welt, which offers free admission.

Photo: bmw-welt.com

4. Hellabrunn Zoo

• Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Munich City South
• Budget option: ibis Munchen City Sud

 Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, Hellabrunn Zoo houses over 500 species from all five continents, making it one of the largest in Europe. Celebrated as the world’s first geo-zoo, it offers an array of specialist animal talks and feeding viewings throughout the day. 

Photo: hellabrunn.de

5. Relax in the English Garden

• Where to stay: Hotel Freisinger Hof
• Budget option: Flemings Hotel Munchen Schwabing

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by relaxing in the English Garden. You’ll find something for travelers of all ages, from beer gardens to bike paths and a boating lake.

Look out for the Chinese Tower or grab snacks from the kiosks within the public parks for an impromptu picnic. Check if there are any festivals or events happening during your visit.

Photo: muenchen.de

6. Shop at Viktualienmarkt

• Where to stay: Hotel Bayerischer Hof
• Budget option: Hotel Daniel

Viktyalienmarkt is a traditional market that dates to 1807, located close to Marienplatz. There are over 100 permanent stalls, offering everything from fresh flowers to artisan coffee, baked foods, and traditional German souvenirs.

It’s the perfect way to create your own walking food tour for a taste of the most famous German cuisine – don’t forget to grab a bratwurst and pretzel. End your visit in the beer garden or get some dessert to bring back to your hotel.

Photo: Irina_Green22/ Shutterstock.com

7. Deutsches Museum

• Where to stay: MOMA1890 Boutique Hotel
• Budget option: Courtyard by Marriott Munich City East

Visiting Munich can feel like stepping back in time, but the Deutsches Museum showcases why the city is a hub for innovation. This science and technology museum is the largest in the world and reopened in 2022 following extensive renovation. It hosts 19 exhibitions, including a family-friend zone designed for kids aged 3 to 8 years old.

Photo: deutsches-museum.de

Finish your visit at the rooftop restaurant or exit through the gift shop to pick up an educational souvenir. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, this museum offers something to pique everyone’s interest.

8. Frauenkirche | Cathedral of Our Dear Lady

• Where to stay: Louis Hotel
• Budget option: Mercure Muenchen City Center 

There’s no shortage of stunning churches and cathedrals across Europe, but Munich’s ‘Cathedral of Our Dear Lady’ is one of the most unique ones you’ll come across. Iconic for its two-dome towers, it stands out in the city skyline. Following a referendum in 2004, no building is allowed to be taller than the cathedral’s towers. 

You can see Munich from above by climbing the south tower – taking 89 steps up a spiral staircase to an intermediate level, where you’ll take a lift – for one of the best views of the city.

Photo: Savvapanf Photo / Shutterstock.com

9. Bavarian State Opera House

• Where to stay: Hotel an der Oper
• Budget option: Hotel Deutsche Eiche

Plan a date night or indulge in a theatre experience at the Bavarian State Opera House. With a rich heritage, this theatre institution hosts concerts, ballets, and operatic performances. Most tickets go on sale two months in advance with discounted tickets available for €10 at select performances for adults under 30.

Photo: staatsoper.de

Book Your Munich Accommodation with ZenHotels

At ZenHotels, our extensive selection of accommodation options makes it easy to make your dream Munich getaway a reality. Get access to the best rates on hotels and accommodation in Germany and over 220 other countries on our website or by downloading the ZenHotels mobile app to access exclusive rates. 

Book now