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Munich is the ideal place for a city break in Bavaria. Find out here where to find the tastiest treats and the top things to do in Munich, including the city’s must-see attractions, here!
The centre of Munich, the Bavarian metropolis, is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the city. The top things to see in Munich include Mary's Square (Marienplatz), Frauenkirche, St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter) and Viktualienmarkt. These tourist magnets are not only fascinating and rich in history but free to visit. The city is known worldwide for hosting the famous Oktoberfest. Munich offers this and much more. Let yourself be fascinated by the city's flair during a break. Visit its museums and enjoy memorable sunsets with a rooftop view over Munich.
Munich's English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of the most beautiful city parks in the world, more extensive than Central Park, Comprising 375 hectares. This vast green space runs from Altstadtring to the northeast of Munich along the west bank of the River Isar. The English Garden is popular among locals and tourists, a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park combines relaxation and activities with something for everyone to enjoy. Have you ever heard of the Eisbachwelle? Without any ocean access close by, people go surfing in the middle of the park! The Eisbachwelle is the world's most constant and most significant river wave within a major city. People have been surfing here for decades on waves about half a metre. Only experienced surfers should attempt to surf here. But if anyone you can swim and float through the English Garden's river. The 25-metre Chinese Tower is one of the most famous buildings in the English Garden, a pagoda from 1789 built in the imperial Chinese style. In summer, the Kocherlball takes place here, where a crowd gathers for the annual dance event at dawn. As the sun slowly rises, young and old dance to their favourite folk songs. Don't miss the Temple Monopteros. The ornamental temple built in Greek style is the best viewpoint in the park. From here, you can overlook the southern English Garden all the way to the towers of Munich's city centre.
A long walk through the English Garden can leave you looking for something to eat and drink. Why not take a break in one of the park's many beer gardens (Biergarten)? Beer garden culture has been a tradition in Munich for more than 200 years. These open-air drinking spots are among the city's top attractions. In Munich, you're even allowed to bring your own snacks! The Seehaus beer garden is an idyllic and romantic spot for a couple of drinks. Pick a bench on the lakeside and sip some cold beers before continuing your day.
We continue with our city trip to the centre of Munich. The city's heart is reasonably compact, so walking from place to place is easy. Whether you visit St. Mary's Square and the city hall, Frauenkirche or Viktualienmarkt, you won't need to travel far to get to your next stop.
St. Mary's Square is a perfect starting point. Why not enjoy a leisurely morning before heading into the city centre at lunchtime, when the Glockenspiel(chimes) ring in the square? For a long time, there was only one town hall on Marienplatz. The New Town Hall was built between 1867 and 1909 in neo-Gothic style, which makes it seem older. The Old Town Hall, however, is almost 400 years older.
The Frauenkirche (women's church) is also in central Munich. Head here to see the two towers stretching over 99 metres into the sky. The cathedral (the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich's Old Town) is a landmark of the city and belongs among the top things to do in Munich. It's free to visit inside the Frauenkirche and well worth the time you'll spend inside. Climb the tower of Munich's oldest parish church, Alter Peter, to view The Frauenkirche from above. Not to mention a beautiful view of the city's rooftops.
Whether you love beautiful architecture and history or want a memorable day out, Munich Residenz is a must. This former royal palace is the largest city palace in Germany. It's open to visitors, who can explore its unique architecture and rooms, plus art collections spanning the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical periods.
The Deutsches Museum is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It's home to around 28,000 objects from various fields, including Natural Sciences, Energy Production and Environmental Studies. The Kids' Kingdom is a perfect place for little ones to discover, making the Deutsches Museum an ideal attraction in Munich for family days out.
Munich's three Pinakothek Museums highlight different periods in art history. The Alte Pinakothek (Old Pinakothek) showcases works from the 14th to 18th centuries, Neue Pinakothek covers the 18th to 19th centuries, and Pinakothek der Moderne is a modern art gallery. We recommend making time to visit at least one during your trip to Munich, although you can save money when you choose a day ticket for all three Pinakotheken.
Time to get to know the top restaurants in Munich, feast on Bavaria's traditional cuisine or enjoy excellent international spots all over the city.
Looking for cheap eats in Munich? Head to Sim Sim in Augustenstraße for fresh falafel wraps and more. Or enjoy great pizza from Pizzesco Sprint in the Westend district; pick from classic options to speciality slices with truffle, potatoes and lots more. Enjoy unique Bavarian specialities at the Wirtshaus zum Straubinger. You can expect an authentic Bavarian pub atmosphere here, with delicious traditional dishes and atmosphere. The pub is only a stone's throw away from the Viktualienmarkt, Munich's largest market.
Of course, you can also find countless award-winning restaurants in Munich, perfect for celebrating in style. The Schwabing district is home to some of the best upscale eateries in the city. The Cochinchina in Kaiserstraße serves excellent Vietnamese cuisine and cocktails and boasts a beautiful atmosphere. Visit Schumann's Tagesbar in Maffeistraße for people-watching and an exciting menu. This spot's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so visit anytime for a great meal.
Munich's Viktualienmarkt was originally a farmers' market in the heart of the Old Town. Today, you can find traditional Bavarian specialities and more at over 140 stalls. Many cafés, delis and pubs are hidden among the action, making this a perfect place to sample Bavarian cuisine and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Munich is full of local bars with delicious drinks and friendly hosts. Die Goldene Bar is one of the most historic bars in Munich, worth visiting for the charming décor and drinks. Visit Maria Passagne in Haidhausen and ring the doorbell to enter. A dimly-lit room with small tables awaits you behind the door. In addition to exotic cocktails, you can order sushi and enjoy live music here at weekends. Also located in Haidhausen, Munich's smallest bar, the Barroom, serves great drinks and an impressive selection of rum.
Why not visit one of the many rooftop terraces in Munich? Enjoy refreshing cocktails, local beers and Peruvian brunch at the Dachgarten. The urban garden lies above the famous Karlsplatz square, on the roof of a multi-storey car park! The café in the Vorhoelzer Forum is another sunny spot to escape. It's on the roof of the Technical University of Munich in Maxvorstadt. Whether for coffee and cake post-shopping or a cold beer before a night out, the view over Munich, laid-back soundtrack and delicious drinks make the rooftop terrace a must.