Getting to know Munich
What you can do for free in Munich
- Watch the Glockenspiel shows
The Glockenspiel can be found within the Rathaus (city hall). Every day at 11 a.m. and noon (and 17:00 in summer), 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures are used to reenact historical Bavarian events. The show lasts for 15 minutes. - Visit the Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is located in Marienplatz. You can climb the steps of the cathedral’s towers and get a mesmerizing view of Munich’s cityscape and the Bavarian Alps from the top. - Visit The English Garden
Englischer Garten is the green heart of Munich. The green area is bigger than New York’s Central Park. This is a great place for a day of relaxation and nature appreciation.
You know what else is free in Munich? Attending Oktoberfest! There’s no admission to the celebration and the events and parades are also free to watch. There are also companies that offer free walking tours in Munich, mostly in Marrienplatz.
Top spots to visit
- Marienplatz
Marienplatz has been Munich’s central square since the city’s foundation. Besides the previously mentioned Rathaus with its Glokenspiel, Marienplatz is also the home of many other attractions, such as Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Mariensäule and Fischbrunnen. - Munich Residenz
The Munich Residenz is one of Europe’s most fabulous palaces. It has been the seat of dukes, electors and kings of Bavaria for centuries, and it is now a huge tourist spot in Munich, with three main sections and amazing surroundings that can be visited and admired. - Nymphenburg Palace
This large baroque palace also extends on a pretty large area, measuring 600 meters from wing to wing. While visiting this place, you can go through the Central Pavillion, the Palace Chapel, the Marstallmuseum, the Nymphenburg Park and the Amalienburg.
Hidden spots to visit
- The Rose Island
Roseninsel is the only island on the Starnberg lake. The Bavarian king Maximillian II and then his son, Ludwig II, had their summer residence here. Today, the royal villa is a small museum, open to the general public. - Drehleier Theater
This theater keeps old entertainments arts alive! The repertoire involves musicals, burlesque, cabaret and comedy. The on-site restaurant is also a good choice if you want to have a fantastic meal while watching a show. - Underground mines in the Deutsches Museum
Besides the incredible exhibitions of the German Museum (ranging from technology to history and aviation), this amazing place also showcases all sorts mining technologies, from the Middle Ages to modern day, in a 700-meter-long gallery.
Restaurants
Some of the best fine-dining restaurants, with menus mostly based on the European cuisine are: Broeding, Little London Bar&Grill, EssZimmer and Atelier Gourmet.
Best local cuisine restaurants include Pils Corner, Steinheil 16, Zum Durnbraeu and Zum Brunstein.
Spend less money but still on some great and more diverse food at Muenchner Suppenkueche, Sababa, Thai Fresh Cuisine and Ringlers.
Recommended time for visiting
Munich is definitely a crowded tourist destination for a big chunk of every year. Summer is considered peak season, as well as the period between the end of September until mid October (because of the famous Oktoberfest) and also during the winter holiday season, due to its wonderful Christmas markets. The weather is not extreme at any time, and the best time to visit Munich is probably whenever your favorite event is taking place!
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Avg. temp. (°C) | -1 | -1 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 1 |