Bavaria’s capital mixes beer-hall tradition, royal palaces and easy access to the Alps and fairy-tale castles. Here are the best things to do.
The 8 best things to do in Munich
The central square and its chiming clock show in the New Town Hall.
One of Europe’s biggest city parks — beer gardens, and surfers on the Eisbach wave.
The world’s most famous beer hall — liter steins, pretzels and oompah.
The gourmet open-air market for a Bavarian lunch and produce.
The grand baroque summer palace and gardens of the Bavarian kings.
Sleek showcase of design and driving — fun even for non-car-buffs.
The opulent former royal palace in the city centre.
The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney, about two hours away.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Residenz, Hofbräuhaus, English Garden. Day 2: Neuschwanstein or Dachau memorial.
Tips for visiting Munich
- Visit in late September–early October for Oktoberfest (book beds months ahead)
- Trains reach Neuschwanstein, Salzburg and the Alps for easy day trips
- Beer gardens are best on a sunny afternoon — bring cash
The Hofbrauhaus is a photo op, not a beer hall
Every Munich list pushes the Hofbräuhaus, and you should go in for two minutes, take the photo, and leave. It’s a tour-bus canteen now: crowded, loud, oompah band on loop, and you’ll struggle to find an actual Münchner at the tables. Locals drink at the beer gardens, and the one to know is the Augustiner-Keller off Arnulfstrasse. It’s the city’s third-largest garden at around 5,000 seats, beer comes straight from wooden barrels (a bell rings when a new one is tapped), and a litre Maß of Edelstoff runs about €10-11. Crucially, it has a Selbstbedienung (self-service) section where Bavarian tradition lets you bring your own food and just buy the beer.
The free spectacle nobody books is the Eisbachwelle, a permanent standing river wave at the south end of the English Garden where surfers have ridden year-round since the 1970s, wetsuits in the snow and all. You can watch for as long as you like, no ticket. On transport: from 1 January 2026 a single MVV ticket for the central Zone M is €4.20 and a one-day Single-Tageskarte is €10.10, with kids 6-14 now riding free on day tickets. If you’re hopping around all day, the day ticket pays for itself by the third ride.
Munich FAQ
How many days do you need in Munich?
Two to three — the city plus a castle or Alpine day trip.
Is Munich good as an Alps base?
Yes — it is the gateway to Neuschwanstein, the Bavarian Alps and Salzburg.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.