Marienplatz
The heart of the old town (Altstadt), Marienplatz is lined with Gothic architecture, and filled with street musicians and artists. During Munich city breaks, be sure to visit at 11 am, noon, or 5 pm to see the Rathaus Glockenspiel put on a daily performance, enacting the 16th century marriage of Bavaria's Duke Wilhelm V.
The Residenz
Home to the rulers of Bavaria for centuries, the Residenz is one of Europe's most beautiful palaces. Both the interior and the sumptuous gardens are accessible to tourists, providing a feast of stories and sights from a glittering past. It’s a must-see on any short break in Munich.
The Frauenkirche
Munich's symbolic heart, the Frauenkirche dates back to 1488, and is one of the biggest cathedrals in Europe. Soaring above the centre of Munich, its domed towers are available to climb. offering panoramic views across the city.
The BMW Museum
Moving into the modern era, this museum showcases the achievements of one of Munich's most famous companies. Crammed with authentic BMW sports cars, it's a motorist's dream.
The Deutsches Museum
Even if you think you've seen enough museums, try to find time for this exceptional museum of technology. Germans are masters at engineering and inventing, and every milestone is on display here. If you love finding out how things work, and marvel at human ingenuity, you could easily spend all day wandering its halls. For those on a weekend break in Munich, this museum is an ideal stop to explore German innovation.
Visit the English Garden
Over 900 acres of bliss in central Munich, the English Garden never fails to delight, with its manicured flower beds, surprising pagodas, and winding pathways. You could easily spend cheap holidays to Munich with a book or two in its grounds, watching the world pass by.
See the Kunstareal Museums
Munich's museum district is a cultural dynamo. Visit world-class galleries like the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, see mesmerising ancient exhibits at the Glyptotek, or head to any of 18 immersive, unmissable attractions - all within a short walk of each other. Whether it’s a short break in Munich or a longer stay, the Kunstareal is a highlight for culture lovers.
Galleries
Munich is home to some of the greatest art galleries outside of Berlin. Alte Pinakothek is the place to go for Old Masters, and you’ll inevitably spend a good few hours basking in artwork by some of the greatest heavyweights, from Albrecht Dürer and Michael Pacher to Titian and Botticelli. If you prefer modern art, Pinakothek der Moderne is the largest modern art museum in Germany, and you’ll find work here by Dali, Klee and Beuys amongst hundreds of others. Other top museums in Munich include Museum Brandhorst and the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum.
Public squares
Munich’s public squares are the life and soul of the city. Marienplatz is a very popular meeting spot and a great place to kick back and people watch. This square is where you’ll find the Neues Rathaus (New Townhall) with its extravagant Neogothic façade and handy tourist office. Also in the square is Mariensäule (Mary’s Column), erected in the 17th century to commemorate victory over the Swedish army during the Thirty Years’ War. Another popular square is Karlsplatz, where you’ll find the medieval Karlstor. This structure marks the limits of Munich’s ancient city wall, which kept the city protected from the medieval period until the end of the 18th century. Finally, Odeonsplatz is a square that lies beside the 19th-century Maxvorstadt quarter. In Odeonsplatz you’ll find the Feldherrnhalle and Residenz, home to Bavaria's Wittelsbach, rulers until the First World War.
Bavarian beer
For beer-lovers, Munich goes hand-in-hand with Oktoberfest. During this famous festival the city overflows with Bavarian beer and lederhosen, and if you happen to be visiting during the celebrations you’re in for a raucous time. Not that the festivities are limited to Oktoberfest – Munich is world-famous for its beer halls and beer gardens. If the weather is nice, there’s no better way to unwind in the afternoon than by heading to the outdoor Biergarten Rathenauplatz. Another popular destination is Augustiner Bräustuben, a traditional beer hall where you can also grab some delicious local specialities such as Schweinshaxe (pork knuckles). For a real Bavarian atmosphere, head to the vast Hofbräuhaus and join in with a sing-a-long as you drink locally brewed beer.
Even outside Oktoberfest, a weekend break in Munich offers plenty of opportunities to sample Bavarian beer in its traditional beer halls.
Green spaces
There are plenty of green public spaces in Munich, including the vast Englischer Garten and the elegant Hofgarten. To the north of the city is the Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 Olympic games and a fantastic location for afternoon strolls and lakeside picnics.
Best time of the year to visit Munich
Munich is the kind of city that's worth visiting at any time of year, but there are some standout events that make a trip even more appealing. Most famously, the city hosts Oktoberfest in September and early October, which mixes incredible beers with funfair rides, fine food, and a party atmosphere. The best weather is definitely in mid-Summer (late June to August), but Munich also appeals when the snow falls around Christmas and the New Year. So don't be afraid to book city breaks to Munich. It's a destination with plenty to offer, whatever the season.
