Compare Munich city breaks

What to do in Munich

While it can be tempting to spend much of a Munich city break relaxing in a beer hall, be sure to discover what else makes Germany’s third largest city so special. Allow time to discover its historic buildings, to explore its green spaces and to look at some artistic masterpieces.

Marienplatz

This square at the heart of Munich is a great starting point for exploring. You’ll find the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) here as well as the Mariensäule (St Mary’s Column), a 17th-century column with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary.

Start a shopping trip or guided walking tour from here, or sit and sip a coffee while people watching. Munich’s annual Christmas markets fill the square from late November until late December.

Englischer Garten

Take some time out in Munich’s Englischer Garten (English Garden), which is one of the largest urban parks in the world. There are 48 miles (78km) of paths to explore as well as a lake, Japanese teahouse and a small Greek temple, Monopteros, which is an excellent viewpoint to look out over the city.

You can enjoy a drink in one of its beer gardens too and, for something different, watch the surfers in its man-made river.

Nymphenburg Palace

Built in the 17th century to celebrate the birth of Bavarian heir, Max Emanuel, this baroque palace west of the centre has gorgeous period rooms and expansive formal gardens.

On a self-guided tour, highlights include the Gallery of Beauties portraits in Queen Caroline’s apartments, the ceiling frescoes in the South Apartments and the palace chapel. After you’ve looked around, stroll through the pretty gardens or, if you’re visiting between April and mid-October, take a gondola ride in the central canal.

Hirschgarten

Combine a visit to Nymphenburg Palace with a trip to Munich’s biggest beer garden, which is just a 15-minute walk away. In a beautiful location next to a deer park, there’s seating for 8,000 under chestnut trees.

You can bring your own picnic or buy traditional snacks to accompany your Augustiner and, as it’s part of a historic restaurant, you can stick around for a more substantial meal. It’s a child-friendly place to drink, with a playground, carousel and water playground.

Alte Pinakothek

Founded in the early 19th century by King Ludwig I, this museum has more than 700 pieces of art from the 14th to 18th centuries and is packed with works by the Old European Masters. Highlights include Virgin and Child by Leonardo da Vinci, Self Portrait by Rembrandt and Last Judgement by Rubens.

Savvy travellers should plan a visit on a Sunday when the admission charge is reduced to one euro.

Where to stay in Munich

For families

Travelling with little ones? You’ll probably want some green space nearby to burn off some energy. If so, consider staying in bohemian Schwabing in the north of the city, which is next to the expansive Englischer Garten park. It has a more relaxed feel than the centre of the city but still has restaurants and cafes aplenty.

Peaceful Haidhausen, also known as the French Quarter, is an alternative option for families. It’s close to the river for pleasant family strolls and has charming cafes with tempting slabs of cake. Its independent shops and food markets are great if you are self-catering.

For travellers on a budget

If you’re looking for a cheap Munich city break, the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt area is an excellent option. South of the old town, you’re within walking distance of the big sights and there are plenty of budget accommodation options including hostels and apartments. The city’s main station is here too and there’s plenty to do, including visiting the city’s science and technology museum and quirky places to drink.

There are also some reliable budget options in Nymphenburg in the northwest. While you’re a little out of the centre, you’ll have two major Munich attractions nearby – Nymphenburg Palace and the Hirschgarten beer garden.

For food and drink

Whether you fancy Michelin-starred tasting menus or informal Italian dishes, you’ll find them in Schwabing. There are trendy cafes and bars to choose between too, as well as the sprawling Englischer Garten to explore to work up an appetite.

Alternatively, opt to stay centrally in Munich’s old town, Altstadt, where you can pick up treats from the Viktualienmarkt food market or relax in restaurants serving food from around the world. You’ll also be able to drink in the historic Hofbräuhaus beer hall that’s around 500 years’ old.

For nightlife

For lively nightlife options a short walk from your hotel, look for accommodation in hip Glockenbach, where independent venues are flourishing. It’s the centre of Munich’s LGBTQ scene and has a fantastic range of cocktail bars to try out. You’ll also be close to the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz theatre for a culture-filled night out.

Schwabing is also home to plenty of independent bars, clubs and jazz venues. Its residents combine students, artists and well-heeled locals who you can mingle with in hip bars, cultural venues and high-end restaurants.

For culture

To be surrounded by historic buildings and some of the city’s top sights, stay in Altstadt, Munich’s old town. Here you’ll find the Marienplatz square with its Rathaus-Glockenspiel displays, St Peter’s church with its viewpoint and the Frauenkirche church which has twin domed towers.

If you’d like to be within easy reach of many of Munich’s museums, look to stay in Maxvorstadt which is home to two universities. This is where the Kunstareal museum quarter is with the Pinakotheken art museums. You’re also next to the Englischer Garten in Maxvorstadt and can relax in the Augustiner Keller beer hall that dates back to 1812.