Munich might be world renowned for its boisterous Oktoberfest, but the wonderful capital of Bavaria offers so much more than beer and lederhosen. If you’re spending a weekend in Munich, you won’t struggle to find amazing things to do – in either rain or shine. 

 

Below we have listed the best things to do in Munich over the weekend for you. Viel Spaß!

 

1. Explore/Walk Around

 

Walking around and exploring hidden spots is such an underrated activity. Munich is a big city, so, you won’t be lacking places to explore and things to discover.

 

If you don’t really know where to start, you can attend free walking tours that guide you through the cities highlights, on foot.

 

Munich is full of amazing architecture and gorgeous parks. A few of the sights we recommend that you make time to visit on your walks:

• The Gothic Neue Rathaus (translates to ‘New Town Hall’)
• The Medieval City Gates
• Fountains – We love Fischbrunnen, Wittelsbacher Brunnen and the Fountain of Fairytales.
• Ornate Churches – If you’re looking for some breath-taking churches to visit in Munich, you’re spoilt for choice. Asam Church is a favorite for many, but Church of St.Peter and Theatiner Church are also must-sees.
• The Glockenspiel

 

2. Beer Gardens or Beer Halls

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Of course, when you’re in Germany you need to have a taste of traditional German beer (or a non-alcoholic alternative). If you’ve picked a sunny weekend to visit Munich, why not relax in a beer garden?

 

The Chinese Pagoda often gets packed on a sunny day, and for good reason. Where else in the world could you drink copious amounts of beer, inside a Chinese temple with Bavarian music playing around you?

 

Either way, it won’t be difficult to find a good old-fashioned beer garden in Munich. For example, the Hirschgarten is the biggest beer garden in the world.

 

Weather doesn’t stop Munich from drinking beer. In the rain, snow or storm they just visit a beer hall. They’re kind of like beer gardens…but sheltered. As the name suggests, they’re basically just halls with shared tables, a great social spot for those looking to meet new people. The most famous beer hall in Munich is the Hofbrauhaus.

 

3. The Englischer Garten

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A visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the English Garden. Not only is this one of largest city parks in the world it’s also a surfing spot in Munich. Yes, you read that right – surfers actually come to the English Garden to catch some waves on the Eisbach River.

 

You can hire a bike, walk through the classic English styled country park, visit beer gardens, explore a Greek temple or sit down in a Japanese tea house.

 

To be honest, you could probably spend a full day in this thoughtful park. Experiencing classic Munich/Bavarian food and drink with a few surprises along the way.  Definitely a must-visit.

 

4. Museums

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How better to spend a weekend than in museums? Munich has such a variety of museums that, if you really wanted to, you could spend your entire weekend hopping from one to the other.

 

The BMW Museum might fill you with a little car-envy but it’s a definite must-do for all those car lovers out there. If you’re not such a car fan (and you’ve been dragged around) there’s a really nice restaurant that you could sit down in.

 

The Deutsches Museum is SO big, you might even need more than a weekend to look around it. It’s the world’s largest museum of science and technology, boasting about 28,000 exhibits. There will absolutely be something for everyone, kids included.

 

5. Grand Residenz

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At the first go the home of the Bavarian royalty, the Grand Residenz doesn’t look that incredible from the outside. However, it all changes once you take a step inside.  The interior will blow you away, from the marble to the gold all the way to the statues and artwork. It really is a home fit for royalty.

 

The Grand Residenz has 130 rooms, and you can tour around just some of the grandest rooms like the banqueting hall, the antique hall and the treasure chamber.  Take a look at the real royal crowns, swords, and artifacts whilst walking around a part of German history. What a way to spend the weekend.

 

6. Shopping

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We can’t really think of any better way to spend the weekend than by a good old shopping spree. Munich is a serial-shoppers dream. It’s full of designer, indie, high street and bargain shops. Just make sure you can still pack your suitcase afterward.

 

We suggest the Funf Hofe; a shopping and art gallery. You can also visit the pedestrian area on Neuhauser Straße; it is full of shops, tourist attractions and street performers.

 

The trendiest part of Munich is said to be the Glockenbachviertel. This is where independent, hip designers come with all their newest creations. Many have also bumped into famous people in this area.

 

7. The Olympiapark

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Most Olympic sites around don’t stick around – Munich is a little different. The Olympiapark was built for the 1972 summer Olympics. Sometimes the giant stadium is used for concerts, events or filming when it’s not being used for that, you can just walk around and enjoy the view.

 

You can partake in many cool activities in the Olympiapark like, boating and skiing. We have to hand it to Munich; it’s presumably the only city that you can ski, boat and surf in, on the same day.   

 

8. Visit Some Markets

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If you’re visiting near Christmas, you just have to visit a Christmas market. That just has to be on your checklist. However, Munich also offers other amazing markets, all year round. These are:

• The Flohmarkt Daglfing – A flea and antique market located on Rennbahnstrasse.
• Risen-Flohmarkt – The biggest flea market in Munich. Held once a year on the first Saturday in spring. Located on Theresienwiese.
• Viktualienmarkt – A food market held daily in the heart of the city. Find fresh fruits, meat, fish, wines and flowers here.

 

A weekend in Munich will no doubt leave you mesmerized. If not by the incredible architecture but by all the incredible hidden treasures.