Munich, Germany is filled with incredible things to do for first-timers. This city is highly visited and recommended by backpackers due to the affordability and exciting adventures throughout the city. It’s the perfect stop on a European backpacking adventure!
From drinking giant beers from steins at traditional beer houses to admiring the gothic architecture, there is something to do for all travel styles. The stunning city is bound to capture your heart and create everlasting memories!
Continue reading to explore the most incredible things to do in Munich, Germany for first-timers!
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Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany for First-Timers
Visit the Main Square, Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the main square in the heart of Munich. It boasts buildings with incredible gothic architecture! This area is filled with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.
Watch the Glockenspiel Clock Show at New Town Hall
The New Town Hall building is home to a famous clock – the Glockenspiel! Since it was constructed in 1908, the clock puts on an automated show with various figurines daily. Crowds gather to watch the unique show, so try to get there ahead of showtimes to get a good view!
Visit the Holy Ghost Church
This church boasts stunning architecture and is one of the prettiest churches in the city. The interior is just as beautiful with giant white pillars and the ceiling and walls are covered with art.
Wander Through Victuals Market
Victuals Market is located off of Marienplatz and is the most popular outdoor market in the city. Here, you explore many stalls with fresh fruit, cheeses, traditional foods, and more. It’s a great place to stop for a snack before heading to the park to relax!
Take a Stroll Through the English Garden
The English Garden is a large green space in the middle of the city. It boasts many restaurants, beer gardens, water sports, and a great lawn for lounging. It feels like an escape from the city, even though it’s quite close to downtown!
Watch the Surfers on the Eisbach River
Locally within the English Garden is the Eisbach River. Here, there is a man-made wave where locals and vistors come to surf! It’s quite an interesting sight to see people in full surf gear within a park in the city. It is recommended only experienced surfers partake as there is not a lot of space and lots of rock.
Visit the Iconic Frauenkirche
This stunning Gothic cathedral is an iconic church in the city of Munich. It is known for the tall towers on the front of the building. It is a symbol of the city and one of the best things to do and see in Munich, Germany for first-timers!
Make Friends at the Legendary
Hofbräuhaus
You can’t visit Munich without visiting a beer hall. Hofbräuhaus is the most famous beer hall in Munich, built in 1589. It is filled with long picnic benches where people gather to enjoy giant litre steins of beer. You can also order traditional foods here as well.
Go on a Pub Crawl
A pub crawl through Munich is a great way to explore some of the top bars and clubs throughout the city. Visitors from all over the world partake in the adventure, tasting different local beers and snacks around the city.
Indulge in Giant Pretzels
Aside from the litre beers, the thing I talk about most about my trip to Munich is the pretzels that were bigger than my head! These are sold in many places throughout the city. They are available in many flavours, such as traditional salted, cheese, and pizza. They are definitely a must-try during your trip to Munich!
Explore the City on a Bike Tour
One of the best ways to discover what the city has to offer is to head out on a bike tour. It’s a great way to ensure you hit all of the highlights and learn about some of the city’s history.
Visit Olympiapark
Olympiapark was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics and is a gorgeous area that is mostly used for events. It is a neat place to walk through and check out events all year round!
Visit the Incredible Schleissheim Palace…
This palace complex is absolutely stunning. Everything about this place feels straight out of a movie. From the well-manicured gardens to the stunning architecture and art-filled interior, it is a great place to visit when exploring Munich.
… and Nymphenburg Palace!
Another stunning palace located near Munich is Nymphenburg Palace. It is considered one of the best things to do in Munich, especially for first-timers! Just like Schleissheim Palace, this palace boasts an incredible garden and buildings to explore.
Taste Traditional Pork Knuckles at Augustiner am Dom
Well, I am a vegetarian so I personally haven’t tried these. But people in my tour group raved about the roast pork knuckle from Augustiner am Dom. With a side of potatoes and a German beer, it makes for a really traditional meal!
Check Out the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a great way to start off the morning with a coffee in hand. There’s something soothing about walking through a well-gardened area first thing in the morning! This large garden is home to a series of paths that lead you through both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Go Shopping at the Midnightbazar
The Midnightbazar is a flea market that is filled with vintage items, clothes, and much more. It takes place on certain Saturdays, when locals visit to find bargain items. You will likely find a really unique item to remember your time in Munich!
Visit the BMW Museum
If you’re into cars, the BMW Museum is a must-visit for you! There are different models on display that lead you through the history and evolution of the BMW.
Book a Place to Stay in Munich
Booking.comConclusion
There are so many amazing things to do in Munich, Germany for first-timers. I first visited the city in 2015 and have been twice more since then. I love the architecture of the buildings, the beer, and the food. You bet you’ll find me there again within a few years!
Further Reading: 10 Underrated Places to Visit in Europe!
Have you been to Munich? What would you recommend as the best things to do in Munich, Germany for first-timers? Let me know in the comments!
2 Comments
Steve Collins
Can’t wait to go back to Europe
deventuretime
Same!