What to do in Munich, Germany

Located in the south of Germany, Munich is a city you should visit at least once. It is known for its beer gardens, beautiful architecture, and of course Oktoberfest. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to experience Bavarian culture.

What makes Munich even better is its location close to the Alps. From the city, you can easily take a day trip to the mountains for a hike, visit a lake, or go skiing in the winter.

And the best part? You don’t need a car. Munich is easy to explore on foot, and the public transport system makes it simple to get around. Even the nearby mountains can be reached by train, making Munich a great destination if you want to combine a city trip with some time in nature.

Here’s what to do in Munich.

How to non-rev to Munich

Munich Airport (MUC) is the main international gateway to Munich and one of Europe’s busiest hubs, making it an excellent option for standby travelers. It offers extensive connections throughout Europe as well as numerous long-haul routes.

Here’s a quick overview of airlines flying non-stop to MUC. Use the StaffTraveler app to check flight loads and availability.

London	Lufthansa, British Airways, easyJet
Amsterdam	KLM, Lufthansa
Paris	Air France, Lufthansa
Frankfurt	Lufthansa
Zurich	SWISS, Lufthansa
Copenhagen	Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa
Chicago	Lufthansa, United Airlines
New York	Lufthansa, United Airlines
Dubai	Emirates, Lufthansa
Singapore	Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa
Doha	Qatar Airways
Toronto	Air Canada, Lufthansa

Visit Marienplatz

Start your visit at Marienplatz, Munich’s main square and the heart of the city. This is where you’ll find the impressive New Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel.

The square is always busy with locals and visitors, making it a great place to get a feel for the city. From here, many of Munich’s main attractions are within walking distance. If you visit around midday, you can watch the Glockenspiel performance, which draws crowds every day. Take some time to look around the surrounding streets as well, as they are filled with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.

Have a Drink at Hofbräuhaus

A visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Hofbräuhaus. This historic beer hall has been serving beer since the 16th century and is one of the most famous places in Germany.

Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere. Expect long wooden tables, traditional Bavarian food, and often live music. It can get quite busy, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons, but that’s part of the experience. The lively atmosphere makes it easy to understand why beer halls are such an important part of Bavarian culture.

Explore the Munich Residenz

The Residenz was once home to Bavaria’s royal family and is one of the most impressive buildings in the city.

Inside you’ll find grand halls, royal apartments, and beautiful courtyards. It’s easy to spend a few hours here if you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to see how Bavaria’s rulers lived. The rooms are incredibly detailed, with ornate decorations, chandeliers, and artwork throughout the palace. Even if you’re not usually drawn to royal residences, the scale and craftsmanship are impressive.

Do a Bike Tour

Munich is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Germany. Renting a bike or joining a bike tour is a great way to see more of the city in a short amount of time.

Many tours pass through the city center, along the Isar River, and through the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Cycling is a big part of daily life in Munich, and the city has plenty of dedicated bike paths. A bike tour is also a good option if you only have one or two days and want to cover more ground without relying on public transport.

Watch the Surfers at Eisbach

One of Munich’s most unique attractions is the Eisbach Wave. Located in the English Garden, this man-made wave attracts surfers year-round.

It’s surprising to see people surfing in the middle of a city, especially during winter when temperatures are close to freezing. Grab a spot along the bridge and watch the locals take on the wave. The surfers often queue for their turn, creating a fun atmosphere where visitors and locals gather to watch. It’s one of those places that feels completely unexpected and memorable.

Visit the Museums on Museum Island

If you enjoy museums, head to Museum Island. The area is home to several museums covering everything from science and technology to art and culture.

The Deutsches Museum is the most famous and one of the largest science and technology museums in the world. Even if you’re not usually a museum person, it’s worth a visit. The exhibits are interactive and cover a huge range of subjects, from aviation and space travel to engineering and communication. You can easily spend half a day here without seeing everything.

Take a Train to the Alps

One of the best things about Munich is how easy it is to escape into nature. Within about an hour by train, you can be surrounded by mountains, lakes, and hiking trails.

Popular day trips include Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lake Tegernsee, and Lake Eibsee. In winter, these areas are popular for skiing, while summer brings excellent hiking opportunities. The train journeys themselves are scenic, with beautiful views of the Bavarian countryside along the way. If you have an extra day during your trip, this is one of the best ways to experience a different side of southern Germany.

Even if you’re only visiting Munich for a short time, a trip to the Alps is well worth it. The contrast between the vibrant city and the peaceful mountain landscapes is what makes Munich such a unique destination.

Check seat availability for your non-rev flight today and start planning your weekend getaway.

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