Munich, Germany is a city rebuilt after war that takes pride in the cultural heritage of the region. With so much going on since it's a big city, it can be hard to pick what to do and prioritize on your visit there. There are palaces, a wide variety of museums, day trips and of course lots of local food and culture to experience. We've compiled this list of some of our highlights to help get you started planning your journey to this amazing place.
Walking Tour
I personally love to start my visit to a new city with a walking tour, it helps me get the lay of the land and see a few highlights before diving deeper into any particular area of interest. With much of the city rebuilt and restored, a walking tour will be the best way to get your bearings and understand the history behind the Old Town. The walking tour we went on for our particular trip was great as it allowed us entry into a few places to really see some beautiful things up close, but your Kingdom Konsultant Agent can help you find the best one for your needs.
Munich Residenz
The Residenz (royal residences) are in the main tourist area of Munich and quite easy to get to by foot or public transportation. There is quite a bit of variety within, and gorgeous details to absorb. The website describes it best "The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a Castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town. The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty."
Visit a Biergarten
Can you really think of Munich without thinking of beer? The biergarten (beer garden) is a cultural icon in this area of the country and Munich has a ton of options to choose from. You can go to the Hofbrahaus which is a restaurant-style biergarten with service to your table with traditional bavarian cuisine and live music. It is very well known and a bit touristy, but locals come here too. If you want a more traditional experience, try the Biergarten at the Viktualienmarkt (an open air market with a variety of vendors.) The market is worth a stop on it's own, but grab a sausage or some fresh fruit from a local vendor and bring it over to the Biergarten tables. As long as you order drinks from the Biergarten, you can bring in your own food and you will certainly have locals enjoying a meal nearby!
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| Prost! |
Eat Like a Local
Aside from beer, Germany is also known for sausage, spätzle and pretzels among other things. You will find these options all over, from stalls in the Viktualienmarkt to sit down dining establishments. Of course, I tried all the local goodies and enjoyed quite a bit. We also had some great Indian food and a potato pizza at restaurants nearby our hotel in the city. Since Munich is a sizable city, you will find cuisines of all sorts to try and something to please every palate!
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| A pretzel is a perfect beirgarten snack |
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| Käsespätzle with melted cheese - Spaetzle egg noodles with grated cheese mix and fried onions |
Stroll through the English Garden
For a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the English Garden is a perfect stop. It is a sprawling and beautiful public park with open areas for picnics and sports, a river for swimming, and everything in between. In the center, there is even a Biergarten, anchored by a Chinese-style building so you can't miss it, which was my personal favorite of the trip (and we went to four!) Take a break and take in some nature, stop for a beer and snack, or just people watch for a bit.
Bonus: Castle Day Trip
If you have a bit more time in your visit to Munich, there is a stop in the Alpine region a few hours away that is a must-do for Disney fans. Take a trip out to Schloss Neuschwanstein, also known as Neuschwanstein Castle (often bundled with another castle stop in a tour) to see the original fairytale castle that inspired Walt Disney's own castle creations! You are only allowed inside with a guided tour, so be sure your tour included entrance tickets! You will learn about the history of the "Fairytale King" while seeing the stunning rooms and views in this castle that never was. Your Kingdom Konsultant agent can help you find the perfect tour to fit your travel needs as there are a few options to get you out there.
