Munich Things to Do

A short hop across the border from Munich, the picturesque Austrian city of Salzburg makes a popular day trip from the Bavarian capital, tucked beneath the snow-capped Bavarian Alps. The hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is famed for its old-world sophistication, with grand concert halls and elegant shopping arcades tucked down cobblestone avenues and the glittering Salzach River running through its heart.

Whether you’re an art fanatic or a history buff, Munich’s many museums offer an abundance of fascinating exhibitions – the only question is where to start. Want to visit them all? Time your trip for the city’s famous Long Night of Museums, when Munich’s art galleries, museums and cultural venues stay open past midnight and host a series of species exhibitions and screenings.

Once you’ve finished admiring Munich’s medieval architecture, exploring its many museums and indulging in a pint (or three) in the city’s famous beer gardens, there are plenty of options for venturing further affield. From grand palaces to Mozart’s birthplace, these are some of the best day trips from Munich.

Germany’s biggest Baroque palace and one of Munich’s most impressive tourist attractions, the Schloss Nymphenburg, or Nymphenburg Palace, is reachable by tram from the city center and makes a spectacular addition to any Munich tour itinerary.

Munich’s hard partying reputation centers around the annual Oktoberfest festival, with the city’s famous beer gardens pumping a steady stream of German beer, but if it’s heaving dance floors and blaring music that gets you going, Kunstpark, or Kunstpark Ost (KPO) is the place to be.

With its snow-blanketed landscapes, mountaintop castles and lush meadows, Bavaria has long inspired fairytales and if you’re looking for romantic destinations, Munich has plenty more to its cupid’s bow than Oktoberfest parties and beer gardens. Here are a few ideas to get you started.