You’re standing in Marienplatz, looking up at the Glockenspiel, and honestly, you're probably a little underwhelmed. It’s the classic "must-do," right? But here’s the thing about finding the best things to do in Munich: if you just follow the crowds, you’re going to spend your whole trip staring at the back of someone else’s raincoat.
Munich isn't just a museum of Bavarian clichés. It’s a city where people surf in the middle of a park while it's snowing, and where "liquid bread" is a legitimate lunchtime food group.
The Beer Garden "Rules" Locals Actually Follow
If you head straight for the Hofbräuhaus, you’ll find beer and pretzels. You’ll also find about 5,000 other tourists. It's an experience, sure, but if you want the real soul of the city, you need to head to the Augustiner-Keller or Hirschgarten.
Did you know you can bring your own food?
Seriously. In Munich, the beer garden is basically a public living room. As long as you buy your drinks from the brewery, you can spread out a literal feast of home-packed Obatzda (that's the funky spiced cheese dip) and pickles on the wooden tables. It’s a tradition that goes back to the 19th century when breweries started selling beer directly from their cellars. To keep the local small-time innkeepers from revolting, the king decreed that the breweries couldn't sell food—so the people brought their own.
Things to do in Munich Beyond the Marienplatz
Most people think the English Garden is just a nice place for a stroll. They’re wrong. It’s actually bigger than Central Park in New York, and it’s the site of the famous Eisbachwelle.
✨ Don't miss: How Much is a Kings Island Fast Pass: What Most People Get Wrong
At the southern tip of the park, right next to the Haus der Kunst museum, there is a permanent standing wave. Even in the dead of January, you’ll see surfers in thick wetsuits lining up to drop into the freezing water. It’s one of the weirdest, most captivating sights in the city.
Don't Just See the Art, Experience the Architecture
The Kunstareal is the museum district, and while the Alte Pinakothek has the heavy hitters like Rubens and Rembrandt, the architecture of the Pinakothek der Moderne is a masterpiece in its own right.
- Museum Brandhorst: Check out the facade—it's made of 36,000 ceramic rods in 23 different colors.
- The Infinite Staircase: Tucked away in the courtyard of a KPMG office building (yes, really), this double-helix staircase by Olafur Eliasson is an Instagram dream that most travelers walk right past.
- Asamkirche: This tiny church on Sendlinger Straße is the architectural equivalent of a maximalist fever dream. It’s dark, gold-leafed, and slightly claustrophobic in the best way possible.
The Secret View That Beats the Cathedral
Everyone tells you to climb the tower of the Frauenkirche. It’s okay. But if you want the "postcard shot" of the city—the one where you can actually see the cathedral's iconic twin onion domes against the backdrop of the Alps—you have to go to St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter).
✨ Don't miss: Riversdale House Museum Maryland: What the History Books Usually Skip
It’s 299 steps. There is no elevator. Your legs will hate you. But when you get to the top, the 360-degree view of the Old Town is unmatched. On a clear day, the "Föhn" wind blows down from the mountains, making the Alps look like they’re sitting right on the edge of the city limits.
Why 2026 is Different
If you’re visiting in January 2026, you’re in luck because the Schäfflertanz is happening. This traditional guild dance of the barrel makers only occurs every seven years. It dates back to 1517 when, according to legend, the dancers took to the streets to cheer up the population after a plague outbreak. It’s a rare, colorful spectacle that you won't see again until 2033.
The Dark History and Honest Remembrance
You can’t talk about Munich without acknowledging its role as the "Capital of the Movement" during the Nazi era. Instead of just doing a generic walking tour, visit the NS-Dokumentationszentrum. It’s built on the exact site of the former "Brown House" (the Nazi party headquarters). It’s a stark, white cube of a building that doesn't shy away from the city's difficult past.
For those looking to pay respects outside the city, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a 20-minute train ride away. It’s a heavy day, but it’s essential for understanding the weight of 20th-century history.
Practical Logistics for the Modern Traveler
Getting around is incredibly simple, but don't bother with taxis. The U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (suburban train) are the city's arteries.
- The Isar River: Locals spend their summers (and winters) at the Reichenbachbrücke. Grab a beer from a nearby kiosk and sit on the pebble banks.
- Viktualienmarkt: This isn't just for groceries. It’s the best place in the city for a quick, high-quality lunch. Try the soup stands or get a Leberkassemmel (Bavarian meatloaf roll) from one of the butchers.
- Sunday Museum Rule: Most state-run museums in Munich only cost 1 Euro on Sundays. If you’re on a budget, plan your art crawls accordingly.
Munich is a city of contradictions. It’s incredibly wealthy and polished, yet it feels rugged and outdoorsy. It’s deeply conservative in its traditions, but has a thriving, edgy subculture in neighborhoods like Glockenbachviertel and the Werksviertel.
Basically, the best way to "do" Munich is to stop trying to check boxes. Buy a pretzel, find a bench in the Hofgarten, and just watch the world go by for an hour. That’s the most Bavarian thing you can possibly do.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the weather for the "Föhn": If the sky looks unnaturally blue and the air feels warm, head straight to the top of St. Peter's Church for the best Alpine views.
- Book the BMW Factory Tour: If you want to see the assembly lines, you often need to book weeks in advance—don't just show up at BMW Welt expecting a spot.
- Validate your train ticket: If you buy a paper ticket for the S-Bahn, remember to "stamp" it in the little blue or orange machines before boarding, or you'll face a €60 fine from the plainclothes inspectors.