Things to do in  Munich

Munich is known for beer, and its famed Oktoberfest, which begins in mid-September, is the pinnacle. The well-known Hofbräuhaus tavern serves more than a million visitors yearly with ales, lagers, and giant German soft pretzels. Munich is also known for its architecture, with spots like the Marienplatz steeped in history.

You’ll want at least three full days in Munich, though, to properly tour the city’s 16th-century architecture, biergartens, and world-class museums, you may want a week. Consider using the city as a Bavarian hub for day trips to spots such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Salzburg, Austria.

Visitors have choices: Kick back with a Hofbräu Dunkel in the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus, tour the BMW Welt and Museum, take a walking tour of WWII sites including Munich Old Town Hall, and wander the English Garden, Marienplatz, and Deutsches Museum. Of course, that’s just the tip of the schnitzel.

The acclaimed Munich Oktoberfest ends early in the month, so autumn is about more than beer here. Explore the city’s gardens (Nymphenburg Palace Park), walking paths, and markets (the daily Victuals Market). On rainy days, head to Munich's Kunstareal arts district for your pick of incredible art museums and galleries.

No. Munich has never been the capital of Germany. That title has mostly belonged to Berlin (though Bonn was the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990). Munich, however, is the capital of Bavaria, a state in southeast Germany known for its beer, sausage, and lederhosen—and lake views.

Yes and no. Before the pandemic, Munich had nearly nine million visitors a year—with a robust tourist scene, regardless of season. The city’s most popular hotels, museums, and attractions are geared toward global visitors, but it’s still easy to go off-the-beaten path for more authentic experiences.