Marienplatz

The Marienplatz (Square of our Lady) with its imposing neo-gothic city hall (“Neues Rathaus“) is one of the best photography spots in the city. Every day at 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM, the gigantic carillon comes to life. The Munich Glockenspiel is the largest in Germany and you’ll find the square particularly crowded around these times (for a reason). You’ll find many traditional restaurants and shops around the Marienplatz, but it’s not exactly the place where locals hangout or enjoy their dinner (but you might enjoy the Rathaus Keller right below the city hall for lunch). 

As it is also the start of the Munich pedestrian area, you should definitely consider walking all the way up to Stachus, as there are a couple of beautiful churches along the way and many shops to get a nice souvenir.

The station underneath Marienplatz is also quite famous. It is listed among the 10 most beautiful subway stations in Munich. So, if you are a fan of modern architecture, don’t miss it.

Note: You can actually climb the tower of the city hall for a small fee of 4 Euros per person. You’ll get the best view, however, from the Alter Peter church tower.

Munich Residence Palace

The Münchner Residenz has been the seat of the Bavarian kings, prince-electors, and dukes for almost 400 years. From the Renaissance to Neoclassicism, you’ll find nearly every style and epoche represented in one of the 130 staterooms you can visit on the extended tour. The magnificent Antiquarium and the Ancestor Gallery are probably the most popular parts.

However, the Residence Palace is a true maze and you’ll need around 4 hours to see it all. Mind you, that is time well spent, as each and every flight of stairs brings you to another amazing apartment, festival hall, church or throne room. It’s easy to visit the fantastic Nibelung halls on the ground floor, but if you see the sign, definitely go downstairs and they will blow your mind! 

Note: Definitely make sure to visit the outstanding Treasury on the ground floor where you can see the Bavarian crown jewels and other outstanding artwork made from gold, silver, and diamonds. It’s not covered by the standard ticket, but worth to pay the extra 5 Euros.

Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)

The Frauenkirche is the symbol of Munich and you’ll basically find the cathedral on every postcard and brochure.

The cathedral is not only the biggest but also one of the oldest in town. It was consecrated in 1494 and remained virtually unchanged ever since – at least from outside. During World War II the church was hit by a bomb and much of the interiors got destroyed. But the bigger loss occurred 90 years older. Back then and all over Europe, it was popular to purify the baroque churches and bring them back to a “virgin” (neo-)gothic state. What you see inside now is largely a reconstruction from the 1980ies (using historic original parts).

Alter Peter

The Church of St. Peter is the oldest church in Munich and was probably founded around 1225 AD. You’ll find it about 50 meters away from Marienplatz. It’s a prime example of late bavarian baroque, and you’ll find a marvellous fresco on the ceiling and a beautiful high altar made, so it seems, from pure silver and gold.

The clock tower, called “old Pete” among locals, is one of the most spectacular things to see in Munich. The platform at the top is around 80 meters high and from here you can see the whole inner city. Whether it’s the neogothic city hall, the old city hall or the Church of our Lady – you can breathe it in from the lofty heights. And don’t be afraid – there is a cage around the platform, so even people suffering from vertigo will feel reasonably safe.

Note: There is no elevator, and you will have to climb all the way to the top. The tower in the city hall does have an elevator so it might be the better choice for physically impaired people.

Asamkirche

The best place to see in Munich might just be the tiny Asamkirche. It is barely 8 meters wide and 22 long. Walking past it in the pedestrian area, you might not even notice it as it is nestled in between two regular houses. The baroque masterpiece built by Cosmas Damian Asam and Qgid Quirin Asam, was originally meant as a private church. But after protests from the citizens, it was opened to the public.

The two brothers were famous for their frescos and stucco work, and they defined the Bavarian late baroque like no other artists. The Asamkirche counts among their most important and beautiful work. Every inch is covered with gold, silver, and (fake) marble.

Alte Pinakothek

Munich is one of the top art metropoles on this planet. You’ll find almost 100 museums in and around Bavaria’s capital. Not all of them are world-renowned, but you definitely need to visit the Alte Pinakothek in Munich’s art quarter. It is Munich’s oldest museum and home to an outstanding collection of German, Italian and Flemish old masters.

So, expect pictures by Albrecht Dürrer, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, and other master painters. They usually have a spectacular special exhibition on the ground floor worth checking out. So, definitely look it up on the official website before you visit.

Note: The entrance fee is only 1 Euro on Sundays. Also, don’t forget the Alte Pinakothek is closed on Mondays.

BMW World & Museum

Munich is not only famous for its beer, fairy tale castles, and leather trousers. You’ll also find the BMW headquarters in the north of the city. Why is this important? Well, as a tourist you can’t visit the famous cylindrical BWM towers, but you can visit the BWM World and museum right next to it.

The BMW Welt is an architectural masterpiece and is actually one of the few free things to do in Munich. It’s, more or less, one big car saloon where you can few all the current (and some past) models, futuristic innovations, and racing cars. If you are a car lover, you shouldn’t miss it. 

The adjacent museum is not free, but equally amazing as it takes you through the whole history of the Bayerische Motorenwerke.

Note: There is a 3-star Michelin restaurant on the third floor of the BMW Welt called Esszimmer. The Museum is closed on Mondays, while the showrooms are open all week, except on Sundays (closes at noon). Also, be aware that the Olympic Park is right next to it.

Nymphenburg Palace

The summer residence of the Bavarian kings and prince-electors is just beautiful beyond words. You’ll find imposing staterooms and a gigantic hall with a beautiful ceiling fresco inside.

While beautiful, the park behind the palace is even more interesting. You’ll find a couple of smaller palaces scattered across the landscape and each of them is a true gem worth visiting. Pagodenburg, Amalienburg, and Badenburg (a bathing palace) are what you need to see, but simply strolling around the English landscape park is a treat in and by itself.

There are three museums in the wings of Nymphenburg Palace that you might want to check out if you got some spare time. The carriage museum is probably the most impressive, but the Nymphenburg porcelain collection is just as beautiful. If you are traveling with kids, the Museum Mensch and Natur will be a special place.

Note: Don’t skip the adjacent Botanical Garden. Even in winter, the huge greenhouses will invite you to explore plants from all over the world.

Bavarian National Museum

Bavaria has a long and spectacular history. The Wittelsbacher family ruled the country for as long as people can remember. And over the centuries they amassed quite some wealth which all become the property of the Bavarian State after World War I. If you want to delve into the fascinating history of Bavaria, then you absolutely have to visit the Bavarian National Museum.

It’s far from a boring history museum with dusty cabinets, but more an arts & design collection. Ivory, porcelain, furniture and other outstanding artworks from the past 1,000 years are on display in lovely & modern exhibition halls. 

Tip: Visit on Sundays, as the entrance fee is only 1 Euro (except for the special exhibitions) and take some extra time as the museum is huge and there’s quite a lot to see. And don’t skip the amazing nativity scene collection in the cellar.

Theatinerkirche & Odensplatz

There is a third major square in Munich you cannot miss: Odeonsplatz. It’s considered one of the most beautiful church in Munich. While all the other churches got either purged of their baroque splendor or are Bavarian fantasy kitsch, this one is pure elegance.

The impressive stucco works inside are baroque, but as the interiors are all white, it’s a timeless beauty hard to escape.​

Insider tip: Every Sunday morning they celebrate a Latin high mass accompanied by a classic church concerto and choir.​

Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus – no other place is as deeply connected with the Bavarian beer culture than the most popular restaurant among tourists. You’ll find it in the heart of the Munich old town, with an endless mass of souvenir shops nearby. The place dates to 1589 when a new brewery was built to supply the court, but the current building was only finished in 1897.

It was extremely popular among visitors. So, popular, they had to move the actual brewery on the outskirts (to Maxweberplatz) to make room for more tables. But then again, if you want to see a big Bavarian beer hall with live music and authentic food, it’s probably one of the best places to visit in Munich. The beer is actually quite good as well. The place is huge, so try to go a bit further to the back (or on the second floor) to escape the crowds.

Note: Hofbräuhaus is by far the only beer hall in the city center. Augustinerbräu or Schneider Bräuhaus are viable alternatives that are actually a bit more authentic.