Munich Guide
Munich - make the most of your free time
Whether you have a couple of hours between meetings, an evening to explore or a whole weekend after the congress – Munich is a city that is easy to discover on foot and offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, food, nature and, of course, beer.
Here are a few ideas to make the most of your time in Munich.
1. Take a stroll through the Old Town
Start at Marienplatz, the heart of Munich. Take a look at the impressive Neues Rathaus with its famous Glockenspiel and then simply wander through the surrounding streets.
Don’t miss St. Peter’s Church, Munich’s oldest parish church, or the Frauenkirche with its unmistakable twin towers. From Marienplatz, continue towards Max-Joseph-Platz, home to the magnificent National Theatre and the Bavarian State Opera.
Right next door is the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian rulers. Even if you don’t have time for a full visit, the courtyards are worth a look.
For a slightly different atmosphere, walk along Theatinerstraße towards Odeonsplatz and continue along Ludwigstraße. This elegant boulevard is one of Munich’s most beautiful streets and leads towards the university and lively Leopoldstraße.
2. Viktualienmarkt – Munich on a plate
Just a few minutes from Marienplatz, you will find Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous open-air food market.
This is a great place to take a break, browse the stalls and try something local. You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, meat, fish, flowers, spices and all kinds of Bavarian and international specialties.
And don’t just look – try something! Many stalls are perfect for a little snack or a quick taste.
Two Munich favourites you should definitely try:
Schmalznudel – a traditional Bavarian pastry, freshly fried and dusted with sugar. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside – and particularly good with a coffee.
And then there are the famous pickles straight from the barrel. Simple, slightly sour and surprisingly addictive – a true Munich market experience.
The market is generally open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, although individual stalls have their own opening hours.
And if you feel like staying a little longer: grab a beer in the market’s beer garden and watch Munich life go by.
3. The English Garden – run, walk, relax
Munich’s English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world – and one of the best places to experience the city like a local.
It is perfect for a morning run before the congress, a relaxed walk after a long day or simply a few minutes of fresh air.
Make your way towards the Chinese Tower, where one of Munich’s classic beer gardens awaits. Sit down under the chestnut trees, order a cold Bavarian beer and enjoy some traditional food.
And remember: the Chinese Tower is only one of many wonderful beer gardens in Munich. When the weather is good, sitting outside with a beer and a pretzel is practically part of the local culture.
Insider tip: Watch the surfers
At the Eisbachwelle, surfers ride a permanent standing wave right in the middle of the city. It takes only a few minutes to stop and watch – and it is one of Munich’s most unusual sights.
4. A Munich classic: Nymphenburg Palace
If you have a little more time, head west to Nymphenburg Palace, the magnificent summer residence of the Bavarian electors and kings.
The palace itself is impressive, but the real pleasure is simply walking through the huge park and its gardens. It is a peaceful change of scenery after the busy city centre.
5. Olympic Park – history, architecture and a great run
The Olympic Park is another Munich highlight – and particularly easy to reach from BMW Welt.
Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the park is still remarkable today. Its famous tent-like roofs, Olympic Stadium and surrounding landscape created an architectural landmark that has become part of Munich’s identity.
For active guests, it is also a fantastic place for a morning run before the congress or an evening walk after a busy day.
Climb up the Olympiaberg and you will be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Munich – with the Alps sometimes visible on a clear day.
6. Two Towers – One Great View
If you have a little extra time, why not see Munich from above?
Either climb the Alter Peter…
Munich’s oldest parish church offers one of the city’s most beautiful views. The climb is worth the effort: from the viewing platform you get a fantastic view directly over Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche and the rooftops of the Old Town.
Open daily 9:00 am–7:30 pm, last admission 7:00 pm (April–October).
…or climb the South Tower of the Frauenkirche
Munich’s famous cathedral offers an easier way up: an elevator takes you most of the way to the viewing platform.
From the top, you get a wonderful panoramic view across the city and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.
Our tip: Choose the Alter Peter for the more traditional Munich experience – or the Frauenkirche if you prefer the easier way up.
7. Leopoldstraße & Schwabing – Munich’s lively side
For a more relaxed evening, head north from the city centre towards Schwabing.
Walk along Leopoldstraße, browse the cafés and restaurants and continue towards the Siegestor, the famous triumphal arch marking the entrance to the university district.
This is Munich at its more relaxed and lively: students, cafés, bars, restaurants and plenty of people simply enjoying the evening.
8. Something special during your stay: Opera for All
I
f you are in Munich on Wednesday, 16 September, there is a very special event taking place: Opera for All – BMW Classics Concert.
The Bavarian State Opera leaves the National Theatre for an evening and brings opera, orchestra and ballet to BMW Park.
The programme features the Bavarian State Orchestra, the Bavarian State Ballet and internationally renowned artists including Diana Damrau and Benjamin Bernheim.
Admission is free, although tickets are required. The concert starts at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:00 pm.
For anyone interested in music, this is a rather special Munich experience.
9. Staying for the weekend? Escape the city – or stay for the Oktoberfest!
If you are lucky enough to have a weekend in Munich, don’t stop at the city limits.
Munich is the perfect starting point for a day trip into the Bavarian countryside and the Alps. Visit one of King Ludwig II’s spectacular castles, such as Neuschwanstein or Linderhof, discover the beautiful Andechs Monastery, or spend a relaxing day by one of the nearby lakes – Lake Starnberg, Lake Ammersee or Lake Tegernsee.
But there is another option: stay in Munich and experience the Oktoberfest!
The world’s most famous beer festival opens its doors on 19 September 2026. If you are staying on for the weekend, this is your chance to experience Munich’s biggest and most colourful tradition – from the traditional costumes and brass bands to the beer tents, Bavarian food and, of course, the famous rides.
Not sure how to make the most of your Oktoberfest visit?
Take a look at our Oktoberfest Guide for tips on the best tents, what to wear, how to get there and how to enjoy the Wiesn like a local.
A few more Munich insider tips...
Have a Weißwurst breakfast
If you have never tried the traditional Bavarian combination of Weißwurst, sweet mustard and pretzel, this is the place to do it.
Traditionally, Weißwurst is enjoyed before noon – although Munich has become rather more relaxed about that rule.
Take the tram
One of the easiest ways to see more of Munich without making a special sightseeing trip is simply to take a tram through the city.
Sit by the window and watch Munich unfold – especially around the Old Town, Maxvorstadt and Schwabing.
Look up
Munich’s centre is full of small details that are easy to miss: painted façades, courtyards, fountains, historic signs and hidden passages.
Sometimes the best way to discover Munich is simply to put away the map and wander.
And finally: take your time
Munich is not a city you have to rush through.
A coffee in the sun, a walk through the market, a beer under the chestnut trees or an evening stroll through the Old Town can be just as memorable as ticking off the major sights.
