DeutschMunich sightseeing: Unmissable sites in and around Munich
Are you planning to combine your visit to the Oktoberfest with a city break in Munich? Not sure what sights should make it onto your itinerary? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here we profile all the top sightseeing destinations and attractions in Munich, helping you plan a trip to the Bavarian capital that lives long in the memory. No matter whether shopping, culture, museums or original Bavarian cuisine is at the top of your agenda, there is something for everyone here.
Shopping around Marienplatz
Munich is one of the best cities around for a shopping trip and some serious retail therapy. The best place to start your shopping expedition is undoubtedly Marienplatz, the pulsating heart of Munich. This is where locals and tourists come to explore the city center, as well as experience the world-famous bells ringing out from Munich’s town hall. The Bavarian capital’s best shopping areas are just a stone’s throw from the square, as is the world-famous Viktualienmarkt and Munich’s most exclusive shopping street – Maximilianstraße. A whole host of museums, hotels and restaurants are also easily accessible on foot from this central location.
And what better way to round out a great shopping experience than with some sumptuous food? We suggest taking a walk through the unspoiled Viktualienmarkt, a food market where you can try a whole host of delicacies at the authentic market stands that populate the square. A veritable institution when it comes to fine dining and the culinary arts is Dallmayr, another place which is well worth a visit, if only to explore and gawk at its incredible delicatessen department. If you feel like treating yourself, there’s no better way than with a glass of champagne and something delicious here. Are you looking for heartier fare? Want to try something typically Bavarian? If so, then head for the Hofbräuhaus.
And what would Munich be without its famous soccer team Bayern Munich? You don’t have to be a soccer nut to make the most of this opportunity to tour the club’s world-famous stadium, the Allianz Arena. If you have time during your break, a stadium visit is easy to combine with a trip to the Oktoberfest.
Cultural delights: Museums & historical sites in Munich
Fans of culture also have plenty to explore in the Bavarian capital. Munich’s Residenz, a building steeped in over 600 years of history, is just a few blocks away from Marienplatz and Maximilianstraße. This was once the opulent home of dukes before the structure was extended and renovated by King Ludwig I.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Munich’s Pinakotheken – a series of exhibitions showcasing work from some of the world’s most renowned artists. From Leonardo da Vinci through to Andy Warhol, a whole range of art from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century is presented here. In combination with the Museum Brandhorst and several other museums in the Maxvorstadt district, the area is known as Munich’s “Kunstareal”.
A leafy oasis in the city
If you want to do something peaceful and relaxing to offset the fun and music of the Oktoberfest, then Munich also has you covered. The English Garden, a huge municipal park, is popular with locals and tourists alike – here you can experience Munich at its purest and most colorful. This huge park is an ideal place for strolling, jogging, sitting in a beer garden or even surfing on the famous Eisbachwelle wave. This is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and see Munich from its more peaceful and idyllic side.
