Facts
Name of the city: Munich (German: München)
Location: Bavaria, South of Germany
Population: 1,566,000
Next international Airport: Munich Airport (MUC)
Next Airport flying to Asia: Munich Airport (MUC)
Exploring Munich is fun as the city is full of charm and fascinating history. The main attractions are described in the report Munich must see. Besides the great main attractions, the city has more to offer. Learn and experience the unique beer culture in one of the beer gardens, enjoy spectacular architecture in an office courtyard and the harmonious environment of a Japanese Tea House in the largest inner-city park worldwide.
Attractions off the beaten path
Church of St. Peter with spectacular rooftop platform
The St. Peter Church stands on Marienplatz since 1294. It is located just behind Marienplatz. Church’s history dates back to 12th century. Visiting the inside of the Church, you can see Gothic, Baroque and Rococo styles.
After climbing approx. 306 steps, you are awarded with a breath-taking view to the city center. You can see the Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, Marienplatz and the roofs of the old town. On good days, you can even see the alps.
Admission fee:
Entrance to the Church is free
The ticket to the tower costs for a regular ticket EUR 5.00 (reduced version EUR 3.00) (as of August 2022).
Augustiner Bräu – Munich oldest brewery
The success story of Munich’s oldest brewery, the Augustiner Brewery, began in 1328. At that time, the Augustinian monks began to brew beer in their monastery. Today, you can find Augustiner Brewery restaurant in the middle of the pedestrian zone.
Check out this page, to see the opening hours.
How to get there?
Take public transportation lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7 or S8 to Karlsplatz (Stachus) stop. From the station it is a 300-meter walk to the Brewery.
Umschreibung – endless staircase to heaven
The endless staircase is a hidden gem in Munich. It is located within a courtyard of an office building. Umschreibung is the German word for “circumscription”. For architecture lovers, this place became very popular recently.
You can visit the staircase anytime. The courtyard is freely accessible. I suggest not to visit during high noon as it may be difficult to take good pictures with the high sun.
How to get there?
Take metro U4 / U5 to Schwanthalerhöhe stop and walk about 100 meters.
English Garden – largest inner-city park worldwide
The oasis of Munich is the English Garden. It is located in the middle of the city. With a size of approximately 375 hectares (about 640 football pitches), it is the largest inner city park worldwide. The park is named English garden due to its natural style of an English landscape. The northern part of the English Garden is quieter. I enjoy the sights of English Garden and to relax I prefer going to the northern part.
The park is very popular by the locals. They meet in the park during the whole year and enjoy the sun, do sports, or even go cross-country skiing. Sights within the English Garden are the Eisbach wave, the Japanese Tea House and the beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm.
How to get there?
Take public transportation bus no. 100 to Nationalmuseum stop. Alternatively, take metro U3 / U6 / U4 / U5 to Odeonsplatz stop.
Eisbach wave – surfing in the city
The waves on the Eisbach river are located at the entrance to the English Garden. Surfers and visitors are attracted from all the world. It is a famous spot for surfing in the city center. I really enjoy seeing the surfers riding the waves, even in the wintertime.
How to get there?
Take public transportation bus no. 100 to Nationalmuseum stop. Alternatively, take metro U3 / U6 / U4 / U5 to Odeonsplatz stop. The Eisbach wave is located at Prinzregentenstraße opposite of number 22.
English garden – Berlin wall memorial
The historical monument of Berlin wall is located in Munich’s English Garden. The monument is part of the Memorial to Freedom and Reunification.
Do not you have time to see Berlin? With this memorial in Munich you can explore part of German history.
How to get there?
The monument is located at the southwestern edge of the English Garden. You pass by while walking from Odeonsplatz to the Eisbach wave.
Olympic Park
In Munich the Summer Olympic Games took place in 1972. Since the time the park is used in all kinds. You can visit concerts, festivals, the Sea Life Aquarium, do sports and even enjoy fantastic views from Olympic Hill. The possibilities in the park are divers. Stroll around the park and enjoy the landscape. Go ice skating in the Olympic Ice Sport Center or enjoy the water during the swim in the Olympic pool.
The architecture of the Olympic buildings is fascinating. The world-famous tent roof was constructed by the architect Frei Otto.
How to get there?
Take metro line U3 or U8 to Olympazentrum stop.
Olympic Hill – great views
Visiting the Olympic Park, I recommend walking up the Olympic Hill. From this point, you have an incredible view to the city, to the Olympic area and on good days even to the mountains.
Strolling around the Olympic Park is free. Enjoy your walk and explore different places within the great area.
Palace of Justice – impressive architecture
The neo-baroque complex was built between 1891 – 1897. You are allowed to walk freely within the palace. The impressive central atrium is absolutely worth a visit. My highlight is the central staircase.
You can visit the palace without any entrance fee. Please remember that it is a court, and the Bavarian Department of Justice has its seat on the top floor, so please act accordingly. Before entering, you will go through a security check.
Opening hours:
| Monday to Thursday: | Friday: |
| 8:00 am – 3:00 pm | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm |
How to get there?
Take any train to Karlsplatz (Stachus). You can see the palace just after exiting the station.
FC Bayern München – famous soccer club
The famous club FC Bayern München was founded on February 27, 1900. The soccer club has won international as well as national championships.
Within the city, you will find gift shops of the club. If you are interested in seeing a training of the famous players, you can visit the training area at Säbener Str. 51, 81547 Munich.
Courtyard of Munich New City Hall
I have visited Munich several times, but never went to the see the spectacular courtyard of the New City Hall. For me, it is a secret place, that I have discovered too late. You can enter it directly from Marienplatz. Seeing the old façade, I felt like in a fairytale. Do you like to feel being in a fairytale? Check out this blog post about castles in and around Munich.
aioutravel tip:
Do not look only to the beautiful façade. Do you see the labyrinth on the floor? In the summertime it is difficult to see as it is covered by chairs and tables.
Do you want to know more about Munich’s main attractions? Check out the blog posts about Munich’s main attractions and the castles in and around Munich.
Do you know more attractions off the beaten path in Munich? Which places did you enjoy the most? Please let me know. I am looking forward to it.