When people think about Germany, what usually comes to their minds is the image of German people dressed in traditional dresses, holding a beer stein in one hand and a pretzel in the other. What they do not realize is that this image does not represent the entire German culture, but only one state, Bavaria.
Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, and wouldn't it be illogical to come all the way to Germany and not experience the rich culture of Bavaria that we often see portrayed in the media?
I was lucky enough to have a few friends here, and they showed me around some of the coolest parts of why they made Munich their homes. So, I decided to compile a list of unique things to do in Munich, as well as some of the unmissable things to do in and around Bavaria. Without further ado, here are the 10 best things to do in Munich for solo travelers.
- Munich Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Munich?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Munich
-
10 Best Things to Do in Munich
- Climb Up St. Peter's Church
- Explore Marienplatz
- Picnic at the Olympic Park
- Try the beer-flavored ice cream at the Crazy Ice Cream Maker
- Visit the Nymphenburg Palace
- Stroll around the English Garden
- Drink at the Hofbräuhaus
- Spend a day at Neuschwanstein Castle
- Visit Linderhof Palace
- Visit Eagle's Nest, Hitler’s famous mountaintop retreat
- More Munich Activities
- Germany Travel Video
- How to Get to Munich?
- How to Get Around Munich?
- What to Pack for Munich, Germany?
- Further Reading for Germany
Munich Things to Do Map
| ❤️ Must Visit: | St. Peter's Church |
| 🥘 Place to Eat: | Hofbräuhaus |
| 🌤️ Best time: | May-September |
| 🕓 Time to spend: | 2-3 days |
Quick Summary: Things to do in Munich
- Wombat's The City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof (Budget)
- MEININGER Hotel München Olympiapark (Mid-Range)
- BEYOND by Geisel (High-End)
- Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Premium All-Inc Tour from Munich (10 hours 30 minutes) 🏅 Top Pick
- Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich (10 hours 30 minutes)
- Private Neuschwanstein Castle skip the line Tour in Mercedes Van (8 to 10 hours)
10 Best Things to Do in Munich
1. Climb Up St. Peter's Church
A good rule of thumb for finding the best viewpoint in any old European city is to look for some sort of clock towers or cathedrals where one can usually climb up and get a nice view of the city, and Munich is a prime city for that.
St. Peter's Church is one of the best places to do just that. Considered to be the oldest church in Munich, St. Peter's Church is also one of the most important landmarks in the city.
It is well located right in the center of Marienplatz, the old town area, and it has a 56-meter-high lookout tower with a 360° platform that will allow you to admire the beauty of Munich from above.
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In order to access this platform, you will have to pay 5 EUR to enter the tower and then brave your way up the 300 steps until you reach the top.
It is pretty demanding, but trust me, the view is worth every single drop of sweat you shed climbing it. The church opens daily from 12:00 AM to 4:30 PM, every day except on Easter Friday, Shrove Tuesday, and New Year's Day. The church is free to enter, but the lookout tower costs 5 EUR per person.
Where to Stay in Munich?
2. Explore Marienplatz
Marienplatz is Munich's city town square where all the cool architecture is concentrated. It is truly a paradise for architecture lovers here.
From left to right, you will be surrounded by all kinds of cool traditional European buildings, all of which somehow survived the mass destruction caused by WW2.
Right at the center, you will also find Mary's Column, from which the square got its name. The monument was erected in 1638 to commemorate the end of Swedish occupation, and it is now one of the main features of this beautiful square.
3 weeks before Christmas, the famous Munich Christmas Market will take place in Marienplatz, and you can stroll around, buy some Christmas goods, and enjoy foods and drinks all around.
It really is the heart of Munich, and it would be a shame if you didn't get to see it while you are in Munich. If you are looking to dive deeper into the history of Munich during the Third Reich, I highly recommend you go on the Hitler and the Third Reich Munich Walking Tour, which will help explain what happened in Munich during World War 2.
3. Picnic at the Olympic Park
Olympic Park is the site of the infamous 1972 Summer Olympics Game that was overshadowed by the Munich massacre, in which eleven Israeli athletes, coaches, and a West German police officer at the Olympic village were killed by Palestinian Black September members.
The place has a dark history behind it, but the current state of the place is far from what it once was, with its vast grassland full of trees being converted into a recreational park for locals and tourists to enjoy.
The park sports the iconic "tent-style" roofs that are definitely ahead of their time. The idyllic grassland is also dotted with small ponds, lakes, and rolling hills where you can picnic and enjoy a nice summer day.
The park is located on top of the highest slope north of the city. To get there, you have to either take a tram or the metro by following the instructions here.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
4. Try the beer-flavored ice cream at the Crazy Ice Cream Maker (Der Verrückte Eismacher)
The Crazy Ice Cream Maker (Der Verrückte Eismacher) is a charming little ice cream place that is popular among students and locals who live around the Universität area, and they don't serve your typical ice cream flavors.
My local friend took me to this place, and she told me to try out some of the weirdest ice cream flavors they serve here, like the beer-flavored ice cream, which was surprisingly great. Then, I tried the kebab-flavored ice cream, which was as weird as it sounds.
The beer flavor was actually really good, but I can't say the same for the kebab flavor. Somehow, my brain just couldn't register the fact that a white scoop of ice cream that looks sweet could taste so... beefy.
It was definitely interesting and a unique thing you can do in Munich, and if you are looking for something fun to do, come enjoy the weird-flavored ice cream at Der Verrückte Eismacher.
5. Visit the Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace is a royal residence of former rulers of Bavaria located just outside of Munich. It boasts a 200-hectare area, lavish decor, and a vast symmetrical baroque garden that will blow your mind away when you see it.
The interior and exterior of the palace are lavishly decorated with rococo-baroque architectural style throughout. You will likely need at least half a day to cover the vast grounds of the palace, so be sure to spare some time.
Surrounding the palace is also a massive botanical garden that extends as far as the eyes can see. It is one of the most elaborate gardens I've seen so far. Its idyllic vibe is perfect for a peaceful stroll and plenty of photo opportunities.
Best of all, it is free to enjoy the garden, and you can walk as far and wide as you wish. However, if you want to see the stunning interior of the palace, you are going to have to pay the entrance fee to get inside. If you have a few hours to spare in Munich, be sure to drop by Nymphenburg Palace.
6. Stroll around the English Garden
Right in the middle of Munich, you will find a nice green space that is the English Garden, where one can escape the bustling city of Munich and be among nature.
This expansive urban park was constructed in the 18th century, and it stretches across the city from the city center all the way to the city's northern limit, covering more than 910 acres of area. This is incredible for such a big city like Munich.
Within the park, you will find over 78 km of cycling and jogging trails across the entire park, with many landmarks and recreational areas you can explore while you are in Munich. You will also find beer gardens here in the summer if you wish to take a break in between jogging with a beer stein 😂.
All in all, the English Garden is truly the lungs of Munich, and if you are craving some nature in this vast city, I highly recommend you spend a few hours at the English Garden while you are in Munich.
7. Drink at the Hofbräuhaus
I know, I know, this is as touristy as it can get when it comes to things to do in Munich, but if you want to get the Bavarian traditional experience of slamming 1-liter beers in 5 seconds and eating an oversized pretzel among large lively crowds of people, Hofbräuhaus is still the best place to be.
The atmosphere at Hofbräuhaus in the evening is extremely lively and cheerful, with people drinking, socializing, and enjoying the live traditional music playing in the background.
They serve your stereotypical German foods and beers at a tourist price, but you don't really go there for the food. You go to Hofbräuhaus for the fun vibe, and if that is what you are looking for, you are going to love Hofbräuhaus.
One problem I found is that it is always crowded, so be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes finding people who are about to leave, and you can swoop in before they are taken. If you don't want to deal with all the hassles of finding places to eat in Munich, a better option is to go on the Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour and rely on a local guide to take you through the culinary scene in Munich.
8. Spend a day at Neuschwanstein Castle
Of course, your visit to Munich wouldn't be complete without visiting the fairy-tale medieval castle that is the Neuschwanstein Castle, a castle that was used as an inspiration for the castle design in the famous Disney's Cinderella.
Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th Century by order of King Ludwig II, and it is located on top of a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen, Bavaria.
The castle is now open to the public, and you can stroll around the castle or go on a guided tour, which should take about 45 minutes. You can also reach the famous viewpoint where you will be able to snap that popular photo of the castle from afar.
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle independently can be quite challenging, and if you do not have a lot of time, I would recommend that you go on an organized Neuschwanstein day trip from Munich instead. This trip provides you with a coach to take you to the castle and back, as well as all the entrance tickets and a guide to take you through the history of this castle in detail.
9. Visit Linderhof Palace
Another stunning royal palace that you should visit while you are in Munich is Linderhof Palace, the smallest of the 3 royal castles built by King Ludwig II as a hunting lodge.
Despite its size, the palace still boasts an extravagant facade design, a ton of lavishly decorated rooms and chambers, as well as elaborate symmetrical gardens that you can stroll in.
Getting there by yourself is not worth the effort, but if you are already visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, most organized tours will also include a stop by Linderhof Palace, and I think this is the most convenient way to see the place.
10. Visit Eagle's Nest, Hitler’s famous mountaintop retreat
If you are looking for a cool, unique place to visit in Munich that involves stunning nature and snowy mountains, with a touch of the dark past of WW2, I highly recommend you go on a day trip and visit Berchtesgaden. Check out the Eagle's Nest, one of Adolf Hitler's famous mountain top retreats.
Hitler's mountaintop retreat is located on top of Mt. Kehlstein, at 1,834 meters above sea level, in the cozy mountain village of Berchtesgaden. It has a balcony with a sweeping view of the stunning alpine peaks of the Bavarian Alps.
With an organized day trip, you will be able to get a guided tour through the rooms and chambers of Hitler's retreat with many of the original features and decors still intact, as well as get access to the terrace and an unbeatable view of the Alps. If you have a day to spare in Munich, I highly recommend you visit Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest.
How to Get to Munich?
The best way to get here is to fly either directly to Munich or into one of Germany's hub cities like Frankfurt or Berlin and take a bus from there. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find all the cheap flights from where you live to Germany and compare them so that you can find the one that best fits your itinerary.
Trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) are very accessible in Germany through online payments via their website or mobile app. The train stations are also centrally located in the city center, so if you want the easiest option, go with the trains.
For the cheapest option, I always go with the bus operated by Flixbus. They are reliable, on time, and usually cheaper than others. Munich is a big city, so coming here with a bus is probably not too difficult.
To book a train, you can either load the DB Android app/iOS app or book it through their website.
For Flixbus, you can easily book it on their website, and you should get the ticket through your email, where you can show it to the driver at the specified bus stop. Make sure to check where the bus pick-up and drop-off spots are before you book anything. The good thing about Flixbus is that they always include maps of both pick-up and drop-off spots in their email receipt, so you don't have to look it up.
How to Get Around Munich?
Most of the places mentioned in this article are within walking distance, but there are a few places where you have to take a tram/metro or rely on organized tours to get there and back.
Daily Budget
Traveling here will typically cost you more than visiting most other countries. You can expect to spend around $45 - $65 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Munich, Germany?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Munich, Germany:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
That is it for the 10 Unique Things to Do in Munich for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Munich, Germany! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Munich, Germany independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Germany
I hope you found this guide helpful in your trip planning. If you want to read more about Germany, I have written a few more travel guides, all listed here:
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Germany? 2-3 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Germany.
- Are you traveling to Germany as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
- Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
- Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
- Berlin, the creative capital of Europe, has so much to offer that you can spend a week there without getting bored. If you are heading that way, be sure to check out my hipster travel guide on the top 12 things to do in Berlin.
- Dresden is one of those underdog cities that has the same level of creativity as Berlin, but with lower travel costs and fewer tourists compared to other famous cities in Germany. Visit my travel guide on the top 6 things to do in Dresden page for more information.
- If you are going to Cologne, watch out for your bag, as I got my bag snatched from the train station there. Read about my experience getting my bag stolen in Cologne and how I dealt with it here.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- You can also watch my Germany travel video here: "Alone in Germany" travel video.
- To see all the articles about Germany, visit the Germany Travel Guide page.
- Looking for a place to go after Germany? How about France, Switzerland, or Poland? Visit our France travel guide page, Switzerland travel guide page, and Poland travel guide page for more.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Western Europe Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
2 Comments
So in love with your video! You really capture the mood and makes me excited going to Munich soon!! Thanks for the insider tips as well! :))
Thank you for the comment and the kind words Oflavia :) You will love the city! :)
If you have more time in germany, you should also check out other cities like Dresden and Berlin too :)