Munich Travelers Recommend

Munich is known for its annual Oktoberfest extravaganza, but the Bavarian capital is just as busy during the summer months. Travelers will find plenty of ways to enjoy Munich's sun, culture, and food in summer—here are a few of our favorites.

• Watch (or join!) the surfers riding the man-made waves on the Eisbach River in the English Garden.

• Take a day trip to visit some of Germany's most famous fairytale castles, including Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace.

• Explore the city by bike or Segway and enjoy a picnic in the park.

• Spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing at an outdoor beer garden.

• Treat your stomach to a food and beer tour to experience Germany's beloved dining traditions.

• Take a day trip to Mozart's hometown in Salzburg.

As the birthplace and former headquarters of the Nazi Party, Munich played a key role in the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich—and World War II. Here are some of the places in and around Munich that World War II history buffs must not miss.

The Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall

The Hofbrauhaus is where Hitler and the National Socialists held their first meeting in 1920, and where Hitler delivered one of his first speeches on the burgeoning ideology of Nazism in Germany. Today it’s a popular Bavarian beer hall where visitors and locals alike sip steins and take in the festive vibe.

Feldherrnhalle

Feldherrnhalle was the site of the famous Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, when officers of the Bavarian State Police clashed violently with Adolf Hitler supporters who were trying to storm the Bavarian Defence Ministry and seize power. Following the failed coup, Hitler was arrested and sentenced to a term in prison.

Headquarters of the German Workers’ Party

Forerunner of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, the short-lived German Workers’ Party was founded in Munich’s Hotel Fuerstenfelder in January 1919. Party members—including a young Adolf Hitler—joined together here to discuss themes of nationalism and anti-Semitism.

Brown House (Braunes Haus)

Situated between the Karolinenplatz and Konigsplatz, the Brown House was the former headquarters of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. It was here, from 1930, that Hitler ran an office and the Nazi Party planned rallies that changed the path of history in Europe and the world.

Eagle’s Nest

A popular site for day trips and walking tours from Munich, Eagle’s Nest sits atop the summit of the Kehlstein, a peak in Bavaria’s Berchtesgaden Alps. During Third Reich rule, the Eagle’s Nest played host to social gatherings for members of the Nazi Party.

Dachau Concentration Camp

Heinrich Himmler opened Dachau, the first of the infamous Nazi concentration camps, in 1933. From then until its eventual liberation in 1945, the camp saw some of the Holocaust’s worst atrocities committed by members of the Nazi Party.

Visit Bavaria’s royal castles and you’ll get a serious dose of German history and fairytale architecture, courtesy of their maker, King Ludwig of Bavaria. See below to discover the most ornate palaces in the region and learn how best to see them.

Neuschwanstein Castle

The inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Neuschwanstein was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Capture the architectural grandeur and picturesque mountain scenery on a visit to this UNESCO-listed site.

How to Visit Choose between small-group and private tours, many of which combine a visit to Neuschwanstein with stops at other German castles, such as Linderhof and Hohenschwangau. Opt for a multi-day trip to explore more of Bavaria, or spend the day in the quaint village of Oberammergau before returning to Munich.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes near the Austrian border, the magnificent Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II.

How to Visit: For the royal treatment, choose a full-day tour that visits multiple Bavarian castles, including Hohenschwangau, Linderhof, and Neuschwanstein. 

Linderhof Palace

Thought to be modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France, Linderhof Palace is the smallest of the three palaces built by the king and the only one that he lived to see completed.

How to Visit: Keep Munich as your home base by booking a single-day tour to Linderhof (many of which combine a visit to this palace with stops at other castles), or choose a multi-day trip to see more of Bavaria.

Herrenchiemsee Palace

One of King Ludwig II’s homes on Herreninsel Island, Herrenchiemsee showcases the king’s legacy. It is also thought to be modeled after the Palace of Versailles.

How to Visit: Herrenchiemsee Palace is most often visited from Munich by train. A guided trip through the palace, combined with a walking tour of the palace’s gardens and a boat tour of the surrounding islands, is a great way to spend a full day.

Three days in Munich gives you time to discover the city’s beer, food, art, nightlife, architecture, and palaces; marvel at the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney; and even squeeze in a day trip. And if you’re visiting over Oktoberfest or the Christmas period, that’s even better. Read on to find out more.

Day 1: City Sights and Bavarian Brews

Start your first day with a thorough orientation of the Bavarian capital. Soak up sights such as the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady (Frauenkirche), the Munich Residence palace, and Marienplatz, fortifying yourself with coffee and cake en route. If the weather’s friendly, enjoy lunch in the English Garden park. Next, discover the city’s world-class art scene. See old masters at the Old Pinakothek, 19th-century and impressionist stars at the New Pinakothek, and modern works at the Modern Pinakothek. Wrap up the day with the city’s signature experience, a night in a historic beer hall with dirndls, an oompah band, gallons of beer, and hearty Bavarian fare such as pork knuckle.

Day 2: Castles and Cocktails

Start your second day, perhaps, with Bavaria’s signature breakfast: weisswurst, the white sausage that’s only eaten before noon. Then head out to Mad King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle for a tour of its magical turrets, chambers, and halls. Then return to Munich and explore its signature regal sights: the extravagant Munich Residence, where Bavaria’s rulers sat in state for centuries, and Nymphenburg Palace with its opulent gardens. Alternatively, continue your countryside adventure with a trip to majestic Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig grew up, or Linderhof Palace, Ludwig’s answer to Versailles. Come evening, discover wealthy Munich’s more sophisticated side over cocktails and light bites in a high-end bar.

Day 3: Day Trip or Dachau

Your third day in Munich is a great opportunity to discover the city’s dark past. Start with a walking tour of the city’s many Nazi-era landmarks, learning about key points on Hitler’s rise to power. Then catch the train a little way out of the city to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, where the first of the Third Reich concentration camps opened in 1933. Alternatively, if World War II history is too dark for you, feast on beauty with a day trip to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze; the beautiful Austrian city of Salzburg; or along south Germany’s dazzling Romantic Road. For your last evening, delve deeper into Munich’s international present. Feast at one of the city’s excellent Afghan restaurants, then don your glad rags and party till dawn at your pick of its high-class, high-energy clubs.

Oktoberfest is by far the largest beer festival in the world, attracting more than 7 million visitors to Munich every year to enjoy the liquid gold. The 16-day event's temporary sparkling city of 34 vast beer tents, fairground attractions, music and specially brewed beer served in Masskrüge (one-liter) mugs certainly makes for a memorable experience.

The Beer

Thanks to the 16th-century Bavarian Beer Purity Law still in place today, Oktoberfest guests are guaranteed the highest quality Bavarian brews at the event. All beer served is from one of Munich's Big Six breweries: Augustiner, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, Hofbräu and Hacker-Pschorr. About 6.9 million liters of beer are consumed over the course of the festival (that's enough to fill 43,000 bathtubs), and it should be noted that Oktoberfest beer has a higher alcohol content than other varieties. In addition the beer, traditional Bavarian food is also served, including Hendl, salt-roasted chicken, and Dampfnudl, sweet dumplings served with vanilla sauce. Also, the drinking age in Germany? 16.

The Atmosphere

Oktoberfest is known as one giant, joyous party, with Bavarian Blasmusik (brass band music) played in every tent, each of which has its own personality. The 10,000-person Hofbräu-Festzelt tent is an especially festive area, where it's possible meet travelers from all around the world in addition to plenty of Germans—85% of attendees arrive at Oktoberfest from Bavaria and other parts of Germany. Travelers can enjoy what locals call Gemütlichkeit—a friendliness, comfortable coziness and relaxed appreciation for the old-fashioned good things in life. In addition to participating in the colorful Bavarian triathlon of eating, drinking and singing, guests can also wander the 103-acre grounds and take a ride on the carousel or see the Wiesn faigrounds from the top of the Ferris wheel.

How to Attend

Given the event's enormous popularity, it's best to book tickets in advance and reserve a table in one of the major tents. Tickets can be combined with a tour of the Oktoberfest grounds, a Segway tour around Munich or a historical beer festival walking tour. It's even possible for those traveling in Austria to book an Oktoberfest experience that begins with transport from Salzburg to Munich.

With two days in Munich, you can discover the city’s art, architecture, beer, and food; explore its Nazi past; and marvel at Bavaria’s signature fairy-tale castle, Neuschwanstein. And if Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets are in season, all the better. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in the Bavarian capital.

Day 1: City Sights and Bavarian Brews

**Morning:**Start the day by orienting yourself in Munich. Don’t miss landmarks such as the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady (Frauenkirche) and the Munich Residence palace; if weather permits, soak up the sights in the English Garden (Englischer Garten) park. Be sure to stop for a Munich ritual: coffee and cake (kaffee und kuchen).

**Afternoon:**Discover the role that Munich played in the Nazis’ rise to power, perhaps on a walking tour of the city’s many Third Reich landmarks. Alternatively, head to Dachau, just 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the city center, to pay tribute at the somber site of Germany’s first concentration camp.

**Night:**It wouldn’t be Bavaria without beer. Spend your first night enjoying Munich’s signature experience: a night in a classic beer hall with oompah bands, dirndls, lederhosen, and epic quantities of pork and potatoes. In summer, be sure to stop by one of the city’s seasonal beer gardens, too.

Day 2: Castles, Art, and Cocktails

**Morning:**Wake up early for the long trip out to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale edifice that Bavaria’s Mad King Ludwig II built in the 19th century. True castle junkies may want to make a day of it by adding a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig grew up, or Linderhof Palace, which he built.

**Afternoon:**Whatever your taste in art, Munich’s Pinakothek has you covered. The Old Pinakothek delivers European old masters from Botticelli and Titian to Rubens and Dürer; the New Pinakothek has 19th-century titans such as Van Gogh and Manet; and the Modern Pinakothek offers Picasso, Dalí, and so much more.

**Night:**Spend your final night in Munich discovering a more modern side of this prosperous city. Sip vino and nibble light bites in a shipping container; savor fine cocktails courtesy of Munich bartending legend Charles Schumann; or, if you’re still thirsty for beer, swing by one of the city’s contemporary craft beer bars.

While there's much to see and do in Munich, the attractions outside the city limits can be equally alluring. From pristine Alpine lakes and fairy-tale castles to quaint mountain villages and sobering concentration camp sites, here are our top must-do day trips from Munich.

Neuschwanstein Castle — about 75 miles (120 kilometers) away

Built in the late 19th century by Bavaria’s “Mad" King Ludwig II, this castle is famous for its audacious Disney-esque architecture. Most day tours to the castle from Munich include round-trip transportation and skip-the-line access, while some incorporate trips to other royal residences in Bavaria, such as the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig II’s childhood home, and Linderhof Palace.

Salzburg — about 93 miles (150 kilometers) away

Less than two hours from Munich by train, the picturesque city of Salzburg sits just across the Austrian border. Most tours from Munich include train tickets, a guided walking tour, and free time to explore on your own. Wander the Old Town (Aldstadt), visit the mighty Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), and check out prominent Sound of Music filming locales such as Mirabell Palace and Garden.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site — about 19 miles (30 kilometers) away

The troubling legacy of the Third Reich is remembered at Dachau, where Hitler set up his first concentration camp in 1933, mere weeks after coming into power. Dachau’s proximity to Munich makes it possible to visit the memorial site and take a World War II tour of Munich in the same day.

Lake District — distances vary

Munich is an ideal jumping-off point from which to explore the Bavarian lakes and the Austrian Lake District (Salzkammergut). Enjoy relaxed cruises on Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee), King’s Lake (Konigssee), or Lake Hallstatt (Hallstätter See), which are encircled by soaring Alpine peaks and lush valleys.

The Bavarian capital of Munich has long been among the most popular destinations in Germany, and for good reason. This city is full of architectural marvels, from the neo-Gothic New Town Hall and the medieval main square of Marienplatz to the Gothic-meets-Renaissance cathedral of Frauenkirche. Sports lovers will surely be familiar with the Bayern Munich soccer team, while the annual Oktoberfest attracts beer lovers from around the world. 

Plus, if you feel like getting out and exploring for the day, there’s plenty to do and see in the surrounding region, from the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein to the sobering Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Here are some of Munich’s must-do activities. 

From the Bavarian city of Munich, the Austrian border is just a 1.5 hours' drive away through striking German countryside, making nearby Salzburg an easy day trip destination. See below for the best ways to explore this Baroque city from Munich.

Salzburg City Tours

A guided tour is a great way to discover all that Salzburg has to offer, especially when visiting from Germany. See Hellbrunn Castle, Mirabell Palace, and the Mozart Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus), the former home of classical music king Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Traveling with a tour guide and a group will allow you to explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town without having to worry about transport from Munich.

Combo Tours

Choosing a combo tour will take you from Munich to Salzburg, while also allotting time to explore the best of the Bavarian countryside. Head out to absorb the beautiful Lower Bavarian Alps and see filming sites used in the 1965 classic The Sound of Music, then visit Salzburg’s churches and squares. You can then continue through the Lake District toward the postcard-perfect town of St Wolfgang, where Mozart was born, all before getting transported back to Munich.

Things to Know

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

• Because Salzburg and the surrounding countryside are a couple hours’ journey from Munich, most day trip tours last upwards of eight hours.

• Be sure to bring a camera to capture the gorgeous mountain scenery.

• An extended two-day tour can be a great way to see all the sights at a relaxed pace.

Germany’s third city and the capital of Bavaria, Munich delivers so much more than the annual Oktoberfest beer frenzy and adorable Christmas markets. A bewitching blend of historic architecture, green parks, and contemporary arts and style, Munich belies its staid reputation. Here’s how to get a decent taste of the city in just one day.

Morning: City Circuit

Start the day by orienting yourself in the city, perhaps on a Segway tour, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or a bike tour. Check out historic architecture such as the Munich Residence palace, the Old Town Hall, and the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady (Frauenkirche); amble scenic squares such as Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz; and soak up the fresh air in the vast English Garden (Englischer Garten) park. Along the way, be sure to stop for a Munich ritual: coffee and cake (kaffee und kuchen). Don’t miss indulgent treats such as Bavaria’s favorite Prinzregententorte sponge, with chocolate buttercream and apricot jam.

Afternoon: The Dark Side

Munich played a central role in Hitler’s rise to power. It was here that he first attempted to take control of Germany, during the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, and many Nazi-era landmarks survived the bombing during World War II. A walking tour of Third Reich Munich is a fascinating journey into the city’s—and Germany’s—dark past. Alternatively, travel a little way out of the city to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, where the Nazis opened their first concentration camp in 1933. Tens of thousands died here, while many more were sent to their deaths at Auschwitz.

Night: Bavarian Brews

Even if you miss Oktoberfest (which, despite the name, runs from mid-September to early October), an encounter with Bavaria’s No. 1 export—beer—is a must. A trip to a classic beer hall, perhaps the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus, is essential. Soak up the atmosphere as dirndl-clad waitresses and lederhosen-sporting waiters bear foaming steins, an oompah band plays, and hearty Bavarian faves from pork knuckle to sausage steam up the kitchen. In summer, don’t miss the city’s vast beer gardens. If time permits, check out Munich’s burgeoning craft beer scene, with contemporary beer joints as stylish as anything you’ll see in Berlin or Austin.

The 19th-century Wittelsbach rulers of Bavaria shaped their capital in the image of Europe’s cultural behemoths, transforming Munich into “Athens on the Isar River.” It’s a legacy that continues today as Munich remains an important European cultural center. Here are some ways to explore Munich’s cultural side.

Go museum-hopping at the Kunstareal.

Visit Munich’s top museums in one swoop with a visit to Kunstareal, Munich’s museum quarter. Here, you find the three Pinakotheken galleries—Old Pinakothek (Alte Pinakothek), New Pinakothek (New Pinakothek), and Pinakothek der Moderne—as well as Lenbachhaus art gallery and Museum Brandhorst. Admission to some of these institutions is included as part of multiattraction sightseeing passes. 

Visit royal residences.

The former palaces of Bavarian royals are scattered around Munich and the surrounding regions. They serve both as architectural eye candy and as repositories for art, antiques, and decorative objects. Some, such as the Munich Residenz (Residenz München) and Baroque-style Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg), are situated within Munich itself, while others, such as Linderhof Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Hohenschwangau Castle, can be easily visited as part of day trips.

Catch a music performance.

A night out at a concert is a classic Munich activity. Attend orchestral performances at the Rococo-style Cuvilliés Theater, Max Joseph Hall, or the Hofkapelle (Court Chapel)—all of which are in the Munich Residence. For something less formal, catch oompah bands performing at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall.

Attend Oktoberfest.

Immerse yourself in traditional Bavarian culture at this world-famous festival, which starts in mid-September and features parades, processions, and a fairground. Attendees don traditional Bavarian garb while they eat, drink, and dance the days away. Some packages include a tour of Theresienwiese, the festival site, as well as food, beer, and reserved spaces in an Oktoberfest tent.

With vast green spaces, nature on its doorstep, and plenty of sunny beer gardens and cozy beer halls, Munich is an ideal spot for a laid-back city break. And while the Bavarian capital can get crowded, there are also peaceful pockets for escape—provided you know where to look. Here’s how to beat the crowds in Munich.

Go to green spaces.

When you need some time away from the urban bustle, head to a Munich park. The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is bigger than Central Park, with plenty of room to stretch out without bumping elbows. Or walk or picnic on the banks of the tranquil Isar River.

Book tickets in advance.

While you can’t avoid crowds at top attractions, you can minimize wait times by purchasing tickets in advance. Prebook tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle to avoid lengthy lines (and potentially getting turned away) at the ticket office. Make an Oktoberfest reservation well in advance to avoid wading through the crowds and searching for a seat.

Time your visits carefully.

Choosing when to visit Munich is as important as where to visit. Nighttime sightseeing tours are a great way to see top sights when many other travelers are off the streets. If you want to experience Oktoberfest without the biggest crowds, avoid opening and closing weekends. Better yet, try going early on a midweek morning when most locals are at work.

Escape to mountains and lakes.

Give city crowds the slip on day trips out to the Bavarian countryside and the Austrian Lake District (Salzkammergut). Lakes such as Chiemsee and Wolfgangsee make serene day-trip getaways, while Herrenchiemsee Castle is a crowd-free alternative to the popular Neuschwanstein Castle.

Avoid Oktoberfest.

Munich is busiest for Oktoberfest when more than 6 million visitors pour into the city. The crowds, noise, and buzz are all part of the Oktoberfest fun, but it’s not for everyone. If you want to explore the city without big crowds, it’s best to visit at another time of year. 

Explore by bike.

Public transport is often busy at rush hour, as are roads. It’s often quicker and less stressful to explore Munich by bike. Bikes allow you to explore more of the city in less time, and there are lots of well-kept bike routes to follow. Opt for a stress-free bike tour for a seamless experience.

Munich residents pay a high price for rent and real estate. Fortunately, budget travelers can experience the best of the city without inflicting too much damage on their bank balance—providing they plan ahead. From super savers to sightseeing passes, here is how to get the most bang for your buck in this Bavarian metropolis. 

Book a Super Saver

Super Savers combine two bestselling activities into one discounted tour. Enjoy much-loved Munich attractions and activities, including bike, beer, and World War II tours, as well as out-of-town trips to Dachau, Salzburg, and the Romantic Road.

Buy a Sightseeing Pass

City passes are a natural choice for budget-conscious travelers, offering access to multiple museums, galleries, and historical sites, for one set price. Some sightseeing passes come with included hop-on hop-off bus transport or included use of public transit, making them an appealing option for those on a budget.

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

While Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is walkable, attractions on the outskirts such as Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) and Olympiapark require visitors to hop in a taxi or take public transport. Save yourself money and the hassle of navigating by booking a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which also includes the benefit of onboard commentary and drop-off and pickup at most major attractions. 

Tour the City by Bike

Cycling in Munich is a breeze, with well-marked bike lanes covering much of the city. Save on transport costs and parking fees by renting a bike. Or opt for a low-cost bike tour, which allows you to cover more ground than you could on foot and sightsee in the company of a guide.

In the 19th century, King Ludwig I made it his mission to establish Munich as an artistic and cultural center, financing various art and architectural projects that continue to be relevant today. From the museums of the Kunstareal district to the street art, here are the highlights of Munich’s vibrant art scene.

Old Pinakothek (Alte Pinakothek)

Classic art takes center stage at this well-known gallery, with old masters dominating. Don’t miss Rubens’ The Great Last Judgement, and enormous fresco almost 20 feet (6 meters) high.

New Pinakothek (Neue Pinakothek)

The New Pinakothek takes off where the Old Pinakothek leaves off. The galleries focus on the major European art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, from Romanticism to impressionism.

Pinakothek der Moderne

The last of the Pinakotheks is devoted to 20th-century art, with Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol all represented. Space is also given to applied design, graphic arts, and architecture.

Museum Brandhorst

Pop art and abstract expressionism are among the 20th-century movements spotlighted at this contemporary art museum, including Cy Twombly’s Lepanto series and more than 100 of Andy Warhol’s pieces.

Haus der Kunst

Built in 1937, Haus der Kunst originally showcased only Nazi-approved work. After the fall of the Third Reich, the gallery turned its attention to artists banned by the Nazis, and now hosts innovative exhibitions of contemporary paintings, photography, sculpture, and more.

Urban Art

Though Berlin is still the epicenter of Germany’s urban art scene, Munich has its own rich collection of street art. Some of the best examples can be seen in the city’s pedestrian underpasses, such as the one that runs under the Angel of Peace monument (Friedensengel) near the Isar River. Urban art exhibitions can also be seen at MUCA, Munich’s Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art.

Host of the world’s largest beer festival, Munich has long been a mecca for beer lovers. But it isn't only Oktoberfest that scores fans—Bavarian food is some of Germany's most renowned. Here are some can't-miss dishes and food tours in Munich.

Must-Try Dishes

Nothing says Bavaria quite like a giant salted pretzel, brown and crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. These treats are often served with a white sausage known as weisswurst and a cold beer. Meat lovers will drool over schweinshaxe, a roasted fall-off-the-bone-tender pig knuckle, typically served with a potato dumpling, red cabbage, or another must-try side dish, sauerkraut. Spaetzle, Germany's answer to pasta, are chewy dumplings tossed with cheese and fried shallots. No meal would be complete without dessert, and in Munich, that's often apfelstrudel, a traditional strudel made with apples and apple mousse.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a day or nighttime food tour to sample some of Bavaria's best bites.

• Go behind the scenes at a Munich brewery to learn how the iconic German brew is made.

• Join in the festivities during Oktoberfest in autumn.

• Cycle the city in the morning and sip a cold beer in the evening with a combo tour.