Munich radiates old-world Bavarian charm combined with cosmopolitan flair. In 2024, visitors can look forward to new cultural events, openings, and anniversaries that promise to make the city an even more exciting travel destination.
| No. | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Englischer Garten Tour | Visit one of the world’s largest urban parks with scenic trails, lakes, and a beer garden. |
| 2 | Bavarian Beer Hall Experience | Enjoy Munich’s beer culture in historic beer halls and breweries. |
| 3 | Explore Marienplatz | Discover the bustling city center with its historic buildings and clock tower. |
| 4 | Munich Residenz Tour | Tour the former royal palace with its extensive art collection and opulent rooms. |
| 5 | Maximilianstrasse Stroll | Walk along a luxury shopping street, admiring the architecture and cafes. |
| 6 | Munich Museum District | Explore diverse museums with collections ranging from ancient art to modern pieces. |
| 7 | Urban Day Spa Relaxation | Unwind in city spas offering various treatments and relaxation facilities. |
| 8 | Munich’s Green Spaces | Enjoy the city’s parks and gardens, including the Nymphenburg Palace grounds. |
| 9 | Traditional Bavarian Dining | Savor local cuisine in classic restaurants and beer gardens. |
| 10 | BMW Welt Events | Attend exhibitions and events at BMW’s futuristic facility. |
| 11 | Oktoberfest Experience | Join the world-famous beer festival with its lively atmosphere and traditional foods. |
| 12 | Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle | Visit the fairy tale-like castle in the Alps. |
| 13 | Christmas Markets | Experience the festive spirit in traditional Christmas markets. |
| 14 | Alte and Neue Pinakotheken | See masterpieces of European art in these renowned galleries. |
| 15 | English Garden Festival | Enjoy music and art in the park during this summertime festival. |
| 16 | Nymphenburg Palace Tour | Explore the Baroque palace and its grounds. |
| 17 | Viktualienmarkt Outdoor Market | Shop at a vibrant farmers market near Marienplatz. |
From sipping steins of beer at a beer garden to exploring Baroque palaces and futuristic architecture, Munich offers endless possibilities. Here are 15 of the top things to experience when visiting Munich in 2024.
Tour the Englischer Garten
Name and Location: Englischer Garten, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: The vast Englischer Garten park dates back to the late 18th century and contains numerous beer gardens, lakes, meadows and wooded areas. It provides an oasis in the city.
What to Expect: Strolling, sunbathing, surfing on the artificial Eisbach river wave, exploring scenic areas like the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Visitor Information: Always open and free to explore. Get off at Universität subway stop. Bike rentals and guided tours available.
Spanning nearly 400 hectares, the Englischer Garten is one of the largest public parks in the world. This “English Garden” provides an urban oasis with wooded trails, lush meadows, scenic lakes, and even a river for surfing called the Eisbach. Locals flock here to sail, run, cycle, and enjoy picnics on sunny afternoons. Don’t miss stopping by the historic Chinese Tower beer garden for a stein of Helles and steaming plate of Schweinshaxe while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Immerse Yourself in Bavarian Culture at a Beer Hall
Name and Location: Beer halls, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Beer halls like the Hofbräuhaus established Munich’s reputation for beer culture. They serve liters of beer and hearty Bavarian fare in a jovial, communal setting.
What to Expect: Lively atmosphere with live music. Long communal tables to chat with new people while enjoying beer and pretzels. Authentic experience.
Visitor Information: Many historic beer halls downtown. Open lunch through late night. Reservations recommended for dinner. Cash only sometimes.
To most visitors, Munich is synonymous with beer. The city boasts over 20 major beer halls and six breweries producing its iconic brands like Hofbräu, Paulaner, and Löwenbräu. In 2024, beer lovers can look forward to the 600-year anniversary of the world’s oldest commercial brewery, Weihenstephan. But any time is perfect for drinking a liter of lager served by a bustled Bavarian waitress at historic beer halls like Augustiner, Hofbräuhaus and the massive Hirschgarten. Prost!
Explore Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
Name and Location: Marienplatz, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Munich’s main square since 1158, dominated by the gothic New Town Hall. Site of markets, rallies and other events throughout history.
What to Expect: Bustling square to admire the ornate New Town Hall exterior, shop, dine and watch the charming glockenspiel show daily.
Visitor Information: In Munich’s historic core. Always open. Major subway hub. Glockenspiel dances at 11am, 12pm and 5pm daily.
The bustling city center revolves around Marienplatz, a picturesque pedestrianized square framed by historic architecture like the ornate Neues Rathaus or New Town Hall. This Gothic Revival-style building has an elaborate façade and showcases advanced engineering like automated chimes that dance at 11am and 5pm daily. Visitors can take an elevator up the 85-meter tower for panoramic city views. The adjacent Altes Rathaus also provides a visual timeline of Munich’s history and culture.
Tour Munich Residenz
Name and Location: Residenz Palace, Max-Joseph-Platz, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: The immense Residenz palace complex was the seat of Bavarian royalty for centuries. Features grand halls, museums and ornate Rococo details.
What to Expect: Guided tours of the palace’s lavish interior including the Antiquarium hall, frescoed rooms and royal apartments. Museums for porcelain, treasury, more.
Visitor Information: Located in old town. Open daily. Admission fee. Buy combo ticket to see Treasury and other museums. Guided tours available.
Formerly the royal palace of Bavarian rulers, the Residenz is an immense palace complex spanning ten courtyards and 130 state rooms. Visitors can get a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of past nobles while admiring the Residenz’s trove of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and furnishing in styles from Renaissance to neoclassical. The elegant Cuvilliés Theatre, stunning Wittelsbach’s Treasury of crown jewels and relics, and the ornate Antiquarium banquet hall are a few highlights that make the Residenz a must-see.
Stroll Along Maximilianstrasse
Name and Location: Maximilianstrasse, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: One of Munich’s most exclusive shopping and dining boulevards, leading to major sites like the Opera House. Flanked by high-end boutiques and restaurants.
What to Expect: Upscale window shopping and dining. Admire magnificent architecture along the street. Luxury hotels and stores featuring top designers.
Visitor Information: In central Munich, near Marienplatz. No admission fee to stroll. Shops/restaurants have individual hours. Subway stops nearby.
Referred to as Munich’s Champs-Élysées, Maximilianstrasse is one of the city’s most exclusive shopping boulevards. This mile-long street offers a Who’s Who of global luxury retailers alongside elegant cafés perfect for people-watching. Tree-lined and closed to most vehicle traffic, Maximilianstrasse radiates refinement and old-world allure. Fashionistas can browse boutiques while architecture buffs admire landmarks like the Maximilianeum, home to the state parliament.
Explore Munich’s Museum District
Name and Location: Museum District, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: München has over 80 museums concentrated in the Kunstareal area covering art, technology, architecture and more. World renowned collections.
What to Expect: Top museums like the Alte Pinakothek, Egyptian Museum, Museum Brandhorst. Plan which collections to focus on. Expect crowds.
Visitor Information: In central Munich near the universities. Individual admission fees. Purchase multi-museum passes to save. Open hours vary.
With over 80 museums ranging from ancient artifacts to avant-garde art, it’s easy to spend days immersed in Munich’s incredible museums. The Kunstareal or Museum District contains renowned institutions like the Alte Pinakothek with its exceptional collection of Old Master paintings and the Neue Pinakothek focused on 19th century European art. Also found here are the Museum Brandhorst showcasing modern artists like Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly, as well as the Glyptothek housing stunning Greek and Roman sculpture.
Relax at an Urban Day Spa
Name and Location: Day spas in Munich, Germany
History and Significance: With its Alpine location, Munich boasts many urban spas for relaxation and rejuvenation during a visit. Thermal baths, massage, saunas.
What to Expect: Soaking in warm pools, steam rooms, massage and body treatments. Tranquil vibe. Active areas have waterslides, bubbles.
Visitor Information: Various locations. Advance booking advised. Admission fees. Bathing suits required. Some restrict children’s access.
Munich boasts an excellent wellness culture, with day spas perfect for relaxation after sightseeing. Treat yourself to a soothing massage, mineral bath and body treatments at luxurious city spas like Joséphine, Marionnaud, or Ayurveda Center Munich. Many also offer access to wet areas like thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges so you can fully indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments during your visit.
Explore Munich’s Green Spaces
Name and Location: Green spaces in Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Munich prides itself on accessible green spaces for recreation. The Englischer Garten is one of Europe’s largest city parks.
What to Expect: Relaxing walks, jogs and bike rides. River surfing, beer gardens, meadows to spread out. Other notable parks are Olympic Park and Botanischer Garten.
Visitor Information: Free entry to parks. Open daily. Get maps to locate each one. Bike rentals available. Easy to reach by public transportation.
In addition to the Englischer Garten, Munich teems with beautiful public parks and gardens perfect for whiling away sunny afternoons. The grand Baroque Nymphenburg Palace grounds provide a scenic spot for picnicking and exploring historic buildings. The Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Olympic Games, features wooded walking trails, lakes, and panoramic city views from the 290-meter Olympic Tower. The Old Botanical Gardens charm visitors with over 14,000 plant species across several greenhouses and garden styles.
Dine at a Traditional Bavarian Restaurant
Name and Location: Traditional Bavarian restaurants in Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Munich cuisine focuses on hearty classics like schnitzel, sausages, spätzle and roast pork accompanied by local beers. Authentic Bavarian experience.
What to Expect: Indulging in rich dishes like schweinshaxe, pretzels, dumplings in a warm, convivial atmosphere. Servers dressed in Bavarian attire.
Visitor Information: Many traditional options in city center. Make reservations. Cash payment sometimes preferred. Good vegetarian options limited.
Munich’s excellent cuisine spotlights hearty Bavarian specialties from wursts, roast pork, and schnitzel to dumplings and pretzels. For an authentic taste, head to old-school eateries like Augustiner Keller, Donisl, or Weisses Brauhaus. Sample favorites like leberkäse, sauerkraut, obatzda, and schweinshaxe washed down by a stein of local beer. Restaurants with outdoor beer gardens like Prinz Myshkin and Waldfee make ideal settings for savoring Bavarian dishes in warmer months.
Attend Events at BMW Welt
Name and Location: BMW Welt, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: BMW Welt is the automaker’s experiential brand and delivery center. Showcases latest models and technology. Hosts events. Landmark of Munich.
What to Expect: Exhibits spotlighting BMW heritage and innovation. Vehicle pick-up experience. Frequent special events like new product unveilings.
Visitor Information: Next to BMW Headquarters. Open daily. Free admission with exhibits. Check website for special events. Guided tours available.
The ultramodern, futuristic BMW Welt is a must-visit for auto enthusiasts. This showcase facility offers exhibits highlighting BMW’s latest models and technologies, along with restaurants and shops. Guests can book factory tours to see where BMWs are made, or sign up for experiential events like test drives and safety training. Fans flock here to attend new vehicle launches, celebrity appearances, and summer concert series at the outdoor amphitheater. For the ultimate insider’s immersion in BMW culture, BMW Welt delivers.
Experience Oktoberfest
Name and Location: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Munich’s iconic festival started in 1810, drawing millions for beer, food, music and rides. Celebrates Bavarian culture. Held mid-September to early October.
What to Expect: Huge beer tents, crowds, German music and attire, amusement rides. Festive atmosphere with women dressed in dirndls and men in lederhosen.
Visitor Information: Basic accommodations booked far in advance. Reserve tent seats early or arrive very early. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
No trip to Munich is complete without experiencing Oktoberfest. Taking place mid-September through early October, this legendary festival draws over six million attendees annually. The Theresienwiese fairgrounds become a beer lover’s paradise with 14 massive tents run by Munich’s major breweries. Don your lederhosen or dirndl to join the revelry feasting on Bavarian dishes and toasting with liter mugs of beer while singing along to oompah bands and musicians. Though crowded, Oktoberfest’s atmosphere is infectiously jovial.
Take a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Name and Location: Neuschwanstein Castle, near Füssen, Germany
History and Significance: This 19th century Romanesque castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria. Known for its picturesque setting and architecture. Major tourist draw.
What to Expect: Guided tours of lavish rooms like the Singers’ Hall and Throne Room. Views from Marienbrücke bridge. Often crowded but worth it.
Visitor Information: Day trips from Munich take 2+ hours each way. Purchase tickets far in advance online. Time entry time upon arrival.
Nestled in the Alps two hours southwest of Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle seems straight out of a fairy tale. This Romanesque Revival palace was built in the late 1800s by King Ludwig II and served as the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Visitors can tour the castle’s lavish interior and walk its bridge overlooking the Pöllat Gorge for amazing photo ops. Combining history, breathtaking scenery and modern engineering, Neuschwanstein makes for an unforgettable day trip from Munich.
Explore Munich’s Christmas Markets
Name and Location: Christmas Markets, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Munich’s Christmas markets date back centuries, offering gifts, ornaments, food and holiday cheer. Major markets are at Marienplatz, Wittelsbach Platz and Olympic Park.
What to Expect: Browsing colorful stalls for handcrafted decorations, sampling treats like gingerbread and glühwein. Festive and crowded.
Visitor Information: Markets open late November through Christmas Eve. Each market has different hours. Dress warmly and watch your belongings.
From late November through December, Munich transforms into a magical winter wonderland with traditional Christmas markets spread throughout the city center. Marienplatz, Wittelsbachplatz and medieval lanes like Kaufingerstrasse fill with festive stalls selling handmade ornaments, carved figurines, sweet treats, and glühwein to ward off the chill. Lively markets like Tollwood WinterFestival and Münchner Weihnachtsmarkt am Stachus provide enchanting spots to soak up the holiday spirit.
See Masterpieces at the Alte and Neue Pinakotheken
Name and Location: Alte and Neue Pinakotheken, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: These acclaimed art museums house outstanding European paintings from the 14th-18th centuries and 19th-20th centuries, respectively.
What to Expect: Seeing masterpieces by Da Vinci, Raphael, Rubens, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Klee, Picasso and more. Audio guides available.
Visitor Information: Located in Kunstareal museum district. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee to each. Purchase multi-museum tickets.
Munich’s famous Pinakothek museums offer a rich survey of European art spanning centuries. The Alte Pinakothek houses old masters like Dürer, da Vinci, Raphael, and Rubens inside a palatial Neoclassical building. Contrasting, the Neue Pinakothek showcases 19th to early 20th century paintings from Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet and Kandinsky within a sleek modernist structure. Together, these world-class galleries provide an unparalleled look at European art history.
Experience the English Garden Festival
Name and Location: English Garden Festival, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: This annual open-air festival held in July/August began in 1990 and features rock, pop and jazz concerts in the Englischer Garten.
What to Expect: Laying out blankets for lively outdoor concerts and revelry well into the night. International headliners and emerging acts perform.
Visitor Information: Usually a 3-day festival. Buy tickets in advance online. No reserved seating so arrive early. Food stalls onsite.
Music and nature intertwine each July during Munich’s English Garden Festival. For over two weeks, expanses of the Englischer Garten become stages for concerts, dance performances, acrobatics shows and art installations. Visitors bring blankets for picnicking on the lawn while enjoying acts ranging from classical and jazz to indie rock. Lit paths even allow for nighttime shows. With family-friendly entertainment surrounded by the park’s beauty, this festival promises a magical summertime experience.
Tour Nymphenburg Palace
Name and Location: Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: This impressive Baroque palace complex just west of Munich was the summer home of Bavarian royalty. Sprawling gardens and pavilions to explore.
What to Expect: A guided tour through lavish halls, the Gallery of Beauties portraits and grounds. Backdrop for photos. Stop by the onsite brewery.
Visitor Information: Tram/bus from central Munich. Open daily. Admission fee. Buy combination ticket including gardens and museums.
The splendid Baroque Nymphenburg Palace offers a glimpse into the lives of Bavaria’s rulers. This summer residence has a lavish 200-room main palace, the Amalienburg hunting lodge styled like a Rococo Italian villa, and stately gardens adorned with pavilions. Inside the palace, highlights include the Hall of Beauties gallery of 36 portraits of attractive women. Visitors can glide around the grounds by gondola boat or tour the Marstallmuseum to see European royal coaches and sleighs during this comprehensive visit.
Browse the Viktualienmarkt Outdoor Market
Name and Location: Viktualienmarkt, Munich, Germany
History and Significance: Munich’s sprawling open-air food market has been operating for over 200 years as a daily source of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods.
What to Expect: Exploring the bountiful stalls and sampling local flavors. Nearby restaurants cook dishes with market ingredients. Festive vibe.
Visitor Information: In central Munich daily except Sunday. Get there early for best selection. Cash for purchases. Guided tours available.
Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s lively daily farmers market located just steps from Marienplatz. This sprawling open-air market has over 140 stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal meats and cheeses, baked goods, and Bavarian specialties. Visitors can browse the aromatic displays, sample local flavours, and watch sausage makers and fishmongers in action. The surrounding restaurants and beer gardens offer ideal places to enjoy gourmet market snacks paired with a glass of Hefeweizen.
In Conclusion
With its intoxicating brewery culture, iconic palaces, stunning architecture, and wonderful museums, Munich already ranks as one of Europe’s top destinations. But new 2024 openings, exhibits, and festivals will make Munich even more alluring for world travelers. Visitors can immerse themselves in Bavaria’s rich past while enjoying contemporary culture and the region’s famous food, beer, and Gemütlichkeit. Whether your first time or a repeat visit, Munich is sure to deliver unforgettable experiences with its perfect blend of traditional and cutting-edge. Prost!