I used the Deutsche Bahn train app that proved invaluable sorting trains to and from the airport (Android version below)

What to do in Munich

Marienplatz and the New Town Hall

Marienplatz is the central square in Munich. Here you will find the bustling of tourists and some overpriced restaurants vying for your attention.  You will find the Old and New Town Halls as well as the Gothic tower housing the infamous Glockenspiel clock.

See the Glockenspiel

Munich’s town hall (the Neues Rathaus) in Marienplatz was completed in 1874 and is now the focal point of the city. Its main attraction is the Glockenspiel clock, with its 43 bells, that chimes each day at 11am, 12pm, and 5pm with 32 life sized figurines narrating 16th Century stories about Munich’s history, twirling around in a fun show each time the clock chimes.

Frauenkirche (The Cathedral Church of Our Lady)

The principle church of South Bavaria, the Cathedral Church of Our Lady dates back to 1488. The signature feature of the church is a rogue footprint found near the door which is said to be from the devil himself.

Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera House)

Built centuries ago, this theatre is totally stunning to see and well worth exploring whilst in Munich. 

Hofbräuhaus am Platzl

… quite simply because no visit to Munich would be complete without a visit to a beer hall!

English Garden

With nearly 50 miles of trails the English Garden is a massive park that offers numerous places to picnic, hike, and relax.

Near the entrance to the garden on the river Eisbach adjacent to John F. Kennedy Bridge there is an air of coolness were people can surf as the water flows out under the bridge. There’s also a great beer garden in the center too with a Chinese pagoda.

The Church of St Peter

St Peter’s church is Munich’s oldest parish church features art dating back six centuries including ceiling frescoes and a giant gilded altar. You can also climb the 300 steps for lovely views of the city from the tower. Admission to the tower is €5 (GB£4.30)

Olympic Stadium and Munich terrorist attack

If you plan to visit the Munich Olympic Stadium the Olympic village then aim to marry this with a visit to the BMW Museum. They are adjacent to one another.

Five miles from Munich is the Olympic Park was constructed for the 1972 games and has been an entertainment district within itself ever since. It’s home to a full sized athletics track, swimming pool and gymnastics arena, but, has become much more than that. It’s now a huge recreational park were locals are seen jogging, cycling and having picnics.

You can enter the Olympic stadium itself for €3.50 (GB£3.00)

Whilst at the Olympic stadium take a stroll to the Olympic village. During the games of 1972 a terrorist attack on the Israeli Olympic team orchestrated by affiliates of the Palestinian militant group Black September took place outside apartment 1. There is now a monument outside the main entrance to apartment 1 commemorating those killed by the attack.

BMW Museum

Five miles from Munich opposite the Olympic stadium is the BMW Museum and BMW’s head office. The company was founded in 1916 and the museum features exhibits about the history of BMW cars and motorcycles, with historic vehicles and prototypes.

The museum costs €10 (GB£8.50) but to walk around the “showroom” with its own cafe and gift shop is free.

Deutsches Museum

One of the largest technical museums in the world this museum is host to a huge array of exhibits focused on science and technology. For anyone interested in construction, engineering, aerospace, and the natural sciences this is a great attraction. There are sailing ships, windmills, space probes, robots, lifeboats, submarines and interactive exhibits. Admission is €15 (GB£13)

Asam Church

The Asam Church, built between 1733-1746, is named for its 18th Century designers, the Asam brothers. Its interior is extravagant. The church is small but the brothers made use of every inch of the interior covering the confined space in statues and paintings. Admission is free.

River Isar

Munich is not known for its cheap bars so if you want to do what the locals do pick up some food and beers and enjoy the view down by the Isar river. There aren’t any tables or chairs so bring something to sit on and people watch at one of Munich’s most popular hangouts.

Getting around Munich

Public transport in Munich is fast, reliable, and safe. One ticket can be used on all the public transport options – the U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (over ground), tram, and buses. A one day unlimited pass is €8.80 (GB£7.50), which is by far the best deal. You can also get a week long pass for €18.60 (GB£16.00).

Bicycle – Munich is incredibly bike friendly. There are cycle lanes that criss-cross the city almost like they have their own highway. You can rent bicycles starting around €16 (GB£13) per day.

Taxi’s are not cheap in Munich. Try to avoid them.

eScooter – By far the most fun way to travel around the city is by escooter. They are peppered all over the city.

Just download the app relating to that ‘brand’ of escooter. I used the Uber escooters that use the Lime app (Android version below, only).

Simply download the app and it’ll tell you where the nearest escooters are located, how much charge they have and if they have been reserved.

Just enter your card details to the app and pay per minute. I hired an escooter from outside my hotel and used the cycle lanes to ride 5 miles to the BMW museum. The journey took about an hour and cost roughly €15 (GB£13). It was alot of fun! The charge lasted the return journey, with room to spare.

Breaded Pretzel

With all the walking and exploring remember to stop for Germany’s most famous street snack: the salted breaded pretzel. These are served everywhere so be sure to stop and take a bite.

Where to eat

Wirtshaus in der Au

This has been ranked as one of the top places to eat in Munich located in the leafy suburb of Au. They offer indoor and outdoor dining under a canopy of trees serving typical Bavarian cuisine such as Pork Knuckle and Bavarian dumplings, with traditional Bavarian ales. It becomes very popular so my advice would be to reserve online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Boazn Offentliche Bedurfnisanstalt

 Boazn is located at Karl-Müller-Weg, Ludwigsbrücke 2, 81667 is a popular bar not too far from Wirtshaus in der Au, along the banks of the river Ludwigsbruke. Its a small venue that offers a little respite from exploring.

Der Spockmeier

Der Spockmeier is located near the new town hall at Marienplatz offers great lunch and evening menus in the traditional Bavarian style synonymous of Munich. It does become very busy so aim to get there early or make a reservation in advance.

Viktualienmarkt

Now this is a lively area brimming with market stalls, bierkeller’s and restaurants. It’s a very popular area and does become extremely busy of an evening especially around the weekends.

Rosi Kaffeehaus & Bar

Rosi Located at Rosenheimer Str. 2, 81669 near Wirsthaus in der Au is a relaxed cafe bar that offers indoor and outdoor seating in a relaxed atmosphere. It opens early serving breakfast and into the evening when the menu changes to more heartier meals.

Conclusion

There is alot to do in Munich. Before I arrived I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. The city surprised me. Yes, I did expect to witness the German efficiency and it was abundant but I wasn’t expecting how pretty the architecture is nor how much there was to actually see. I was very pleasantly surprised. Give Munich a weekend. I’ll be taken-back if you don’t enjoy it.

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