What to do on a weekend in Munich
11 attractions that you can’t miss when you come to Munich for the first time. These are the main places you should visit when if you are spending a weekend in Munich:
Nr.1
Marienplatz
The heart of Munich. Always full of people, always full of life. Here you can start your weekend in Munich. The Rathaus dominates the square with its gothic design and its famous carrion in the main tower. In the middle of Marienplatz stands a high column with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, watching over the city and the whole region. Tip: climb up the 300 stairs of St. Peter’s Church, in front of the Rathaus. From its top you will enjoy a stunning view on the Rathaus and on the whole city. Trust me, it is worth the effort!
Nr. 2
Viktualienmarkt
A few steps away from Marienplatz, once a farmers’ market, today the dream of every food lover. Whether you are looking for typical Bavarian products, a cup of Gluhwein in winter or some fresh cut flowers, this is the perfect place for a Saturday stroll. Tip: try the typical Leberkaese Sandwich with sweet mustard.
Discover more on the official website: https://www.viktualienmarkt-muenchen.de/
NR. 3
Englischer Garten
You could get lost forever in this huge park that crosses the city. Starting from the south and going towards the north you should stop at the Eisbachwelle to see people surfing in the middle of Munich. Afterwards, move to the Greek style temple, walk towards the Chinese Tower. Here you can enjoy a glass of beer in its huge Biergarten or a cup of gluhwein during the Christmas markets and then move forward towards the small lake, even more beautiful at sunset. Beer lovers will find a lot of hidden Biergartens in and around the park. Tip: Probably my favourite beer garden in Munich, on the shores of the small lake, stop for a beer and some Bavarian food at the Seehaus, while sitting under the trees illuminated by colourful little lights.
NR. 4
Isar and Gärtnerplatz
The Isar is the river that crosses the city, not so famous among tourists but worth a visit, most of all on a summer day. Here thousands of people spend their weekends sunbathing, drinking a Radler or biking along its shores. Not so far from it, the Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods. These two areas are known for their cosy cafés, lively bars and little shops. They are the perfect spot for a walk in the sun. Tip: Gärtnerplatz and its surroundings is where you should be during the weekend. Here you will find cool bars, hidden clubs and probably the best nightlife in Munich.
NR. 5
Olympiapark
Built for the Olympic games in 1972, it is now one of the most visited parks of the city. It consists of various buildings, including a big concert hall, a small lake and a lot of green areas. The small hill that watches over the park is the perfect spot for sunset lovers and joggers. Moreover, take the elevator that brings you to the top of the television tower to enjoy a beautiful view on the whole city. Tip: if you are visiting Munich in the summer, you should check which concerts are planned for those days. You might be able to picnic on the grass listening to Ed Sheeran or One Republic for free.
NR. 6
Allianz Arena
If you love football there is no need to introduce this building. It is the first stadium in the world with a colour changing exterior. I strongly recommend to look for tickets to experience watching a match in the stadium (they can be expensive). Another option is a guided tour of the building. This way you’ll be able to “walk the walk” that leads Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller to the field before the games with the Champions League music in the background. Tip: the arena changes it colour at night on special occasions, you might want to see it for example during Christmas time or St Patrick’s Day.
Discover more on the official website: https://allianz-arena.com/en
NR. 7
Residenz München
Moving back to the city centre, one of my favourite indoor attractions is the Residenz, the former palace of the monarchs of Bavaria. Its beautiful interior will leave you speechless. Here you can get lost in the hallways of the palace and imagine dancing like in Anastasia. We suggest to follow the longest tour not to miss any of its beauty. Tips: when you leave the palace look for the lion statues in front of the main entrance, legends say that touching them will bring you luck.
Discover more on the official website: https://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/index.htm
NR. 8
Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz
The Residenz’s garden, Hofgarten, is stunning in spring with its colourful flower beds, fountains and its pavilion (but also covered in snow it isn’t that bad!). Here you can enjoy the sound of violins or cellos played by groups of musicians in its pavilion. Leaving the garden, you will find yourself in Odeonsplatz, one of the main squares of the city. Visit its church and admire the huge statues of lions looking over the square. Tip: if you get to the end of Hofgarten you will find a suggestive war memorial that you might want to visit.
NR. 9
Nymphenburg Palace
To conclude your weekend in Munich, you can’t miss the Nymphenburg palace. It was Built as a summer residence from the dukes of Bavaria. Away from the centre of the city, the palace with its big fountains and canals is one of the main attractions of Munich. Take some time to get lost in the park that surrounds it and visit its interior. Trust us, the main hall with its golden stuccoes will leave you speechless. Tip: hidden in the park but worth a visit you will find the botanical garden. It is open all year round, with 4500 square meters of beautiful greenhouses full of cacti and other tropical plants.
Discover more on the official website: https://www.schloss-nymphenburg.de/englisch/tourist/admiss.htm
