Munich is situated in Southern Germany in the area of Bavaria.  Munich is filled with history, art, entertainment, and, of course, beer.  The moment I stepped off the train, I instantly fell in love with Munich and the Bavarian area.  I hope that this Munich Bucket List will inspire your travels to Munich and the Bavarian countryside!  I look forward to going back and adding even more to this list!

1. Attend Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, the most iconic festival in Germany, is an annual tradition that dates back to 1810 when Bavarians celebrated Prince Ludwig’s marriage.  For two weeks, Oktoberfest is filled with drinking, dancing, music, food, and fun.  I have not yet attended Oktoberfest, but it is high on my bucket list!

2. Admire the Cars at the BMW Welt and Museum

At the BMW Welt and Museum, you can see the past and present BMW models.  Continue to the next showroom and take a look at the latest and greatest BMW models and their technology.

3. Bike Around the City

Munich is a very green, bike-friendly city!  Rent a bike and explore everything this wonderful city has to offer!

4. Drink a Beer at the Hofbrauhaus 

The Hofbrauhas is a world-famous beer garden.  It is very popular filled with tourists and locals alike having a grand, merry time!  Order a beer and enjoy the atmosphere!

5. Eat a Schnitzel or Wurst

Or, any other German cuisine!

6. Go on a Beer Tour

Or, visit several of the beer halls and beer gardens.

Recommendation: Beer lovers, take the Munich Beer Tour: Beer in Bavaria by Context Travel.

7. Go to St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Munich.  This Bavarian Church is located on the hill where Munich’s original monks settled.

Insider Tip: You can climb to the top of St. Peter’s Church for an ahhh-mazing view of Munich’s Old Town.

8. Have Dinner at the Olympic Tower

The Olympic Tower has a revolving restaurant on the top with wonderful views over Munich.  Go on a clear day and you will see the Alps!

9. Look at Art at Alte Pinakothek

Alte Pinakothek is Munich’s painting gallery with European collections from the 14th through the 19th century.  If you’re a massive art lover, continue next door to the Neue Pinakothek with collections from the 19th and 20th century (and check out Van Gough’s Sunflowers).

10. Pay Your Respects at Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau was the first Nazi Concentration Camp.  There are no words to do this site justice.  It is worth the short trip outside Munich to pay your respects and honor the victims of the Holocaust.

Recommendation: To fully appreciate Dachau and the history, I recommend going on the Memorial Sites and Memory: Dauchau Day Trips by Context Travel.

11. Picnic at the Englischer Garten

The Englischer Garten is one of the largest public parks in the world.  You can spend an entire afternoon here exploring the bike trails, the walking paths, one of the world’s largest outdoor beer gardens, a Chinese Tower, Japanese Teahouse, lakes, and so much more!

Recommendation: Since there is so much to see, do, and learn in the Gartens, I suggest taking the English Garden Tour: Urban Landscapes in Bavaria by Context Travel.

12. People Watch in the Marienplatz

The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and it should be one of your first stops in Munich!  Admire the medieval style building, the New Town Hall.  While you are there, catch the animated show on the clock tower, the Glockenspiel. It is a tad disappointing, but still worth a couple of minutes to watch!

Insider Tip: The Glockenspielt, a 15-minute show depicting traditional Bavarian stories, starts at 11am every day (as well as 12pm and 5pm on summer days)

 

Recommendation: The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and the perfect place to take an old town walking tour.  Although there are a lot of free tours, I suggest taking the Introduction to Munich: The Making of Munich by Context Travel.  Take this tour on your first day in Munich to learn about the history of Munich, get a wonderful introduction to the city, and some awesome recommendations!

13. Take a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is probably all Europe’s most famous castles. Built as a private summer retreat for “Mad” King Ludwig II, it is located in southern Bavaria.  It also was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disney World.  It is worth the day trip to see this gorgeous and magical castle!

Recommendation: I went on the Small-Group Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Luxury Coach Day Trip from Munich by Viator.  The luxury coach and the fabulous tour guide made this long day one of my favorite day trips ever!

14. Take a World War II and Third Reich Tour (Nazi Party)

This tour was one of the most interesting, fascinating, and thought-provoking tours I have ever experienced.  As a World War II buff, it was very interesting to learn about how, where, and why the Nazi Party was born and flourished here in Munich.  While Germany does not want to highlight and pay tribute to its past, there are small reminders hidden around the city.

Recommendation: If you are a World War II buff, like myself, take the WW2 Nazi Munich Tour: Hitler and the Third Reich by Context Travel.  It still is one of my favorite tours of all time!

15. Tour Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace was once the summer home of Bavarian royalty, the Wittelsbach family.  It is located three miles northwest of Munich and worth the visit!

16. Shop in the Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is an open market that has just about everything.  When I was there in October, they were just setting up Christmas booths — ohh the smells, the food, the trinkets!  Lovely!

Recommendation: If you are a foodie or want to learn more about the Bavarian cuisine, take the Savoring Munich Food Tour: Beyond Viktualienmarkt by Context Travel.

17. Surf at the Eisbach

Eisbach, a small man-made river, is located in the English Gardens.  And, yes, you can surf in land-lock Germany!  If you are a pro, then catch a wave!  If not, then enjoy watching the pros surf!

18. Sport a Dirndl and/or Lederhosen

Get into the Bavarian spirit and wear a dirndl and/or lederhosen!

19. See Asamkirche (Asam Church)

This Baroque masterpiece was designed by two architects and brothers as a private chapel to show off their work.   It is a jaw dropping!

20. Stroll through the Kaufingerstrasse

The Kaufingerstrasse is a car-free street filled with shops.

21. Visit the Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz served as the seat of government and was the home to Bavarian monarchs, particularly the powerful rulers of the Wittelsbach family. Although much of the Residenz was destroyed by Allied air raids during World War II, it was reconstructed to show the beautiful and luxurious Rococo style.   During your visit, make sure to check out the Treasury filled with crowns and jewels!

22. Visit a Christkindlmarkt

Munich and the surrounding areas have some of the best Christmas markets in Germany.

23. Window Shop on Maximilianstrasse

Maximilianstrasse is Munich’s street filled with high-end shops and boutiques!