We’ve all heard about the world-famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, held in Munich every year. Six million people from all over the world go to Munich to enjoy the best Bavarian beers. But there’s so much more to experience than that! So let’s check out the top 8 things to do in Munich.
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1. Discover the Munich Residence
This is the biggest palace in Germany, and probably one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was first built as a castle, and then turned into the residence of the royal family. The Munich Residence was damaged during World War II, and they started restoring it after the war.
The Residence is so big, it took almost 60 years (from 1945 to 2003). As you know now, the residence being tremendous, take half a day to visit it, it only costs 7 euros. The residence has 10 courtyards and 130 rooms (easy to get lost!).
Tip: Don’t forget to walk around its beautiful garden, Hofgarten.
2. Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Church
2. Climb to the top of St. Peter’s ChurchA great way to have a nice view of the city center of Munich is to get on top of St. Peter’s Church. This church is located on Marienplatz, in the city center of Munich. For three euros, you’ll have a chance to have a stunning view of the city and of Rathaus (the city hall). Just to let you know, there is no elevator, so to get there, you’ll have to climb 306 stairs.
Tip: Get there in the morning to skip the long line and get the best pictures nice pictures with less crowd.
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3. Say hi to Michael Jackson
Yes, there is a city in the world where you can pay a visit to the King of Pop, and this is Munich! After he passed away, Promenadeplatz, not too far from the city center, turned into a memorial and shrine to Michael Jackson. Going there, you can clearly state Michael Jackson is still popular, as there are always people admiring pictures, and fans putting flowers, candles, and gifts there.
4. Don’t forget the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum
Munich is in Bavaria, where they consume a tremendous amount of beer. So let’s try to figure out why, by going to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. This is a small museum, and you can get there for 4 euros. Inside, you’ll see photos, documents, videos about Bavarian beers, the history of Oktoberfest and how it evolved, why is beer so important here, etc…
Read More: Guide To Surviving Oktoberfest
5. Just relax in Olympiapark
You’ll quickly notice that in Munich, there are a lot of green spaces, gardens, etc… Where you can spend time with your friends, family, special one… And just chill and have a good time! People there picnic, jog… And eat as well! Here and there, you’ll see in the park stands selling typical Bavarian food : sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels and… beers of course!
6. Nice cars can be found in BMW Museum
Not only there, but also outside! Munich is probably the city where you’ll see the nicest cars in the street : Tesla, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz… But in the BMW Museum, you’ll get a chance to know a bit more about the history of BMW, and of course see nice cars. Not only the latest models, but also the first ones, from the 1930s.
Tip: It’s 10 euros to get in, but you can also go to the opposite building, BMW Welt, for free!
7. Visit the Nymphenburg Palace
One of the most visited places in Munich, the Nymphenburg Palace. It was the summer residence of Bavarian rulers. The Palace is divided into different pavilions and wings. Don’t miss this place! The entrance fee is 6 euros
Tip: Don’t forget to admire the gardens surrounding it.
8. Neuschwanstein Castle
All right… This one is not exactly in Munich. Actually it’s two hours away from Munich. But this is pretty much impossible to go to Bavaria, and miss this splendid castle. It’s a must see!
This castle was built during the 19th century for Ludwig II of Bavaria. He passed away before the completion of the castle, and it’s open to the public now. This castle was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. If you wanna go there, head to the main train station, Hauptbahnhof, and ask for a Bayern ticket. It costs 27 euros. Ask the guys at the information center, and they’ll tell you exactly which train to take.
–> More info about the castle here.
As you probably noticed, there’s more than Oktoberfest in Munich. It’s a pleasant city to go, especially during the summer.
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