Location: Munich
Top Things to do in Munich
Top 10 Free Things to do in Munich, Bavaria
Munich exudes Bavarian charm. Beer fanatics should head immediately to the Hofbräuhaus, a hops heaven that’s been churning out the good stuff since 1589. The drinking is downright legendary during Oktoberfest, a celebration of local beers and German specialty foods. Emulate world-class athletes at the Olympiapark, where skating on the Olympic ice rink will make you feel like a champion. The promenade of Marienplatz is perfect for people watching and gawking at the Glockenspiele of City Hall.
Restaurants in Munich
1. ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
The ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre is a cutting-edge free astronomy centre for the public located at the site of ESO Headquarters in Garching bei München, providing you with an immersive experience that will leave you in awe of the Universe we live in. The Centre provides school classes and families with an unforgettable learning experience, where even the most abstract and distant topics in astronomy and physics are explained and visualised in an innovative way.
Reviewed By BenGrandTour - London, United Kingdom
If you have any interest at all in your place in space this is a really really good tour of life, the universe and everything. I thought it would suit all ages and levels of knowledge. Plenty for everyone. I recommend doing it in the order it is laid out. When you start you find yourself walking on a large scale map from Munich to the Supernova Centre in Garching; then on to space travel, the solar system, our galaxy, the stars, the universe. How did it all start, how did life start, is life elsewhere possible, does the universe go on for ever, how do massive telescopes work, what do we use them for and why, what is dark matter and dark energy. Not to be missed. Go.
2. Theresienwiese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,464 reviews
This huge grassy park annually hosts the city's popular Oktoberfest.
Reviewed By liebe_amina - Munich, Germany
It is location for every festive celebration in Munich. With friends, with partner or with family. Make sure to wear comfy shoes, which are water/dirt and long hours of dancing resistant. A lot of live performances and quick bites - sausages, pancakes and many other delicious things. Public transport accessible. No entry cost, all areas free access. Only during Oktoberfest special terms for dining in tickets.
3. Marienplatz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,215 reviews
This prominent public square, the largest in Munich, still stands as the center of social activity in the city, much as it has throughout history.
Reviewed By tatianam22 - Charlotte, United States
We were lucky to visit Marienplatz during Christmas, so we could experience the magical part of the decorated tree, the Christmas market with all its colorful displays of baked goods, toys, gluhwein. It's a busy place in the heart of Bavaria, reflecting new and past, mixing old architecture and modern shopping malls. Bustling atmosphere, a sea of tourists and locals create a unique vibe of hospitality and generosity of Bavaria.
4. St. Peter's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,635 reviews
This 11th-century cathedral, the city's oldest remaining church, is best known for its beautiful golden interior.
Reviewed By RLWOrangePark - Ponte Vedra Beach, United States
The Church of St Peter is one of Munich's main landmarks as it is the oldest church in the city and has a 300 foot bell tower with an observation deck at 184 feet offering a panoramic view and great photo opportunity over the Old Town and the Marienplatz. If you want to take advantage of this view, you have to climb 299 steps as there is no elevator. When the weather is clear, it is said that you can see all the way to the Alps. There is a small 3 euro entrance fee to the observation deck which is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Inside the church is a magnificent 18th century gilded high altar and large ceiling frescos. A very macabre display in the church is located in the second chapel on the left side. There you will find the skeleton remains of St Mundita which is gilded in gold and covered with precious stones. Jewels even adorn her rotted teeth and false eyes. Mass times at the church are Saturday evening at 6 PM and Sunday 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 6 PM. Weekday masses are at 8:30 AM 10 AM, 11:30 AM and 6 PM. On many Sundays throughout the year (especially during significant church holidays) you can hear members of the Munich orchestra and the Chamber Choir St Peters perform Viennese classical music, South German romantic works and even contemporary music.
5. Holy Ghost Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
This cathedral is just one of Munich's many beautiful Rococo churches.
Reviewed By Moonamuslim
The Holy Spirit Church, at Marienplatze and Viktualienmarkt, in the center of Munich city center, is one of many beautiful churches in Munich and is definitely worth a visit, regardless of religion and culture. From the outside, the facade is already nice to look at But impressive from the interior. The festively decorated three-nave hall church in baroque style. The high altar, the columns, the statues, great and impressive stucco, as well as impressive paintings. Art in its true perfection. Let it take effect and enjoy for a moment. Just look at the photos to understand it. Entry is free, which is no longer the case with many religious houses (regardless of religion). Central in the city center, can be combined with many other sights. The Marienplatz - pedestrian zone with many shops, the town hall and the carillon at the town hall - are about 500 meters away.
6. Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,141 reviews
The sound emanating from this collection of 43 bells can be heard throughout downtown Munich.
Reviewed By Voyage37242985836
Beautiful building with chimes (Glockenspiel), the square is interesting and we recommend the visit.
7. New Town Hall (Neus Rathaus)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,466 reviews
Standing next to the old government building, the current home of Munich's city government is located on the Marienplatz.
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
There are numerous attractions to see at Marienplatz in the Old Town of Munich. However, none are as impressive as the Neo-Gothic Neus Rathaus (New Town Hall) which occupies the entire northern side of the square. This is a beautiful building constructed in the second half of the 19th-century, replacing the older and smaller Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) on the southeast side of Marienplatz. What you see here is a richly decorated facade with impressive Gothic features and numerous statues of figures representing the Wittlesbach dynasty. The clock tower is 85 metres tall and includes the delightful Glockenspiel, an ornamental chiming clock which performs twice a day (11am & 12pm) during winter months and a third time (5pm) during warmer months of the year. Do spend a few minutes to enjoy the exterior of the Neus Rathaus if you are fan of architecture and plan on being in the Marienplatz area of the Old Town during trips to Munich. Then continue onward, enjoying the monuments, fountains and other interesting buildings on the square.
8. Viktualienmarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,469 reviews
The city's largest and most famous outdoor marketplace.
Reviewed By vk1976 - New York City, United States
Great market place in the city center where you can find various food, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, honey, and the tee decors before Christmas.
9. Konigsplatz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
This large public square is constructed in the style of ancient Greece.
Reviewed By tanyabailey934 - Macclesfield, United Kingdom
Housing many museums and the NS documentation centre, this stunning area is well worth a visit. Although a lot of the area has been tastefully restored since the end of the last war, traces of the past still remain in the form of 2 concrete bases which held the so called temple, which once housed the remains of the NS members killed in the putsch. Adjacent to the NS documentation centre is the building where the Munich agreement was signed and is now a music school. Even if you just visit the NS documentation centre, take time to look at the other buildings that they mention and help them to bring the history to life and think of the attocities committed in their name.
10. Asamkirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,737 reviews
Reviewed By ParvizM2013 - San Diego, United States
This is a small church in Munich in the old town area very close to the Marienplatz. This is the Church of St. Johann Nepomuk, also known as the Asam brothers church. This is an amazingly beautiful and full of details built in a Baroque style by two brothers. The two Asam brothers who were sculptor and painter built this beautiful church as a showcase of their talent. They lived there and met with their clients over there. This is simply a breathtaking and magnificent monument with lots of great artful details. Bravo Asam brothers. It is a must see in Munich.
