Europe, Germany, Travel

Things to Do in Munich (A First-Timer’s Guide That’s Actually Helpful)

April 22, 2026

Visiting Munich for the First Time? Here’s What to Do

Table of Contents

Munich was one of those cities that instantly felt easy.

I’ve now visited Munich twice, and both trips felt completely different. The first time was for Oktoberfest which, as you can imagine, was loud, chaotic, vibrant, festive, and exactly what you’d expect. Did I mention it was so much fun?

My second visit was slower and more intentional. We focused on sightseeing, history, food, and finally experiencing a few of Munich’s most famous beer halls properly.

And honestly? This version of Munich completely won me over.
Between wandering the Old Town, stepping inside royal palaces, sipping beer in centuries-old halls, and ending winter evenings with hearty Bavarian meals, Munich delivered on every level.

If you love history, great food, and cities that are easy to explore, Munich is one of the best first stops you can choose in Germany.

⏰ Short on time?

👉 Save money by using this Munich City pass (includes free public trasport)

👉 Book these activities in advance

👉 Day trips we recommend

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.

Firstly, How to Get to Munich

Munich is one of the easiest cities in Germany to reach.

By plane:

Munich Airport (MUC) is a major European hub with direct flights from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The S-Bahn (S1 or S8) takes around 40 minutes to reach the city centre.

By train:

Munich is extremely well connected. Direct trains run from Salzburg (1.5 hours), Vienna (4 hours), Zurich (4 hours), and Berlin (around 4 hours). Munich Hauptbahnhof sits right in the city and makes onward travel easy.

By car:

We visited Munich as part of a road trip through Bavaria. While you don’t need a car in the city itself, Munich works well as a stop if you’re driving. Parking is limited in the centre, so choosing accommodation close to the Old Town (like we did) makes things much easier.

How to Get Around Munich

Getting around Munich is refreshingly easy, especially for first-time visitors.

Walking

Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is compact and flat, making it ideal for walking. Major sights like Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Frauenkirche, beer halls, and the Residenz are all within easy walking distance of each other.

If you’re staying centrally, you’ll barely need public transport on sightseeing days. We found we didn’t need it at all while focusing on the Old Town.

Public Transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Trams & Buses)

Munich has one of the best public transport systems in Germany.

U-Bahn (underground): best for getting around the city quickly
S-Bahn: useful for airport transfers and day trips
Trams: scenic and convenient for shorter distances
Buses: fill in gaps where trains don’t go

Tickets are integrated across all transport types. A day ticket or Munich Card is often the easiest option if you plan on using transport more than once.

👉 If you plan to use public transport more than once, I’d grab a Munich travel pass here to keep things simple

Bikes

Cycling is popular in Munich, especially around the English Garden and along the Isar River. Bike lanes are well marked, and rental bikes are easy to find if you want to explore beyond the Old Town.

Taxis & Rideshare

Taxis are reliable but more expensive than public transport. Rideshare apps operate in Munich, though you’ll rarely need them unless you’re heading out late at night or carrying luggage.

Driving

Driving in central Munich isn’t recommended unless necessary. Parking is limited and expensive, and much of the city centre has environmental zones. If you’re on a road trip (like we were), staying centrally but just outside the core pedestrian zone works best.

Where did I Stayed in Munich

Watch our hotel review staying at Bob W in Munich

👉 View the hotel here

Where I Stayed in Munich

We stayed at Bob W Munich Old Town, and it was genuinely ideal for a first-time visit.

It’s:

Right in the Old Town
Walking distance to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, beer halls, and major sights
Convenient if you’re arriving by car and want a central base

Being able to walk everywhere made sightseeing effortless, especially in winter.

Where to stay in Munich Old Town

($) 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian
($$) Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor
($$$) Hotel Bayerischer Hof

View more dreamy Munich hotels here

Sights to See in Munich’s Old Town

Marienplatz & New Town Hall

Marienplatz has been Munich’s heart since the 12th century. The Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) dominates the square, and the famous Glockenspiel performs daily at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm (plus 5:00 pm from March to October).

Yes, it’s busy, but standing there watching the figures move while church bells ring is one of those classic Munich moments you don’t skip.

👉 If you want more context than just standing in the square, I’d book a guided Old Town walking tour here

Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is Munich at its most local.

This open-air market is packed with stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, flowers, and Bavarian snacks. There’s also a beer garden right in the centre, making it an easy stop for lunch between sightseeing.

Even in winter, the market feels lively, and it’s a great place to try small bites without committing to a full sit-down meal.

Frauenkirche

Munich’s most recognisable landmark, the Frauenkirche is known for its twin onion-domed towers. Inside, it’s calm and understated, with Gothic architecture and the famous Devil’s Footprint legend adding to its character.

St Peter’s Church (Alter Peter)

Just around the corner, St Peter’s Church offers one of the best views in Munich. Climbing the tower is steep, but the panoramic view over the Old Town rooftops is worth it, especially on a clear day.

Munich Residenz

The Munich Residenz was once the royal palace of Bavaria, and it’s massive.

Inside, you’ll find lavish rooms, grand halls, and one of the most impressive palace interiors in Germany. Even if you don’t tour the inside, the courtyards alone are worth walking through.

👉 If you’re visiting in peak season, I’d recommend booking Residenz tickets here to skip the lines

English Garden & Eisbach Surfers

The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world and completely changes the feel of the city.

Highlights include:

Watching surfers ride the Eisbach river wave year-round
Beer gardens like the Chinese Tower
Wide open lawns perfect for walking or cycling

Watching surfers casually catch waves in the middle of a European capital never gets old.

Hofbräuhaus

The most famous beer hall in Munich, Hofbräuhaus dates back to 1608. It’s loud, crowded, and unapologetically touristy but it’s iconic for a reason.

Long communal tables, live brass bands, servers carrying multiple Maß beers at once, and a constant buzz make it feel like a proper Munich experience.

👉 If it’s your first time in Munich, a beer hall tour like this is a fun way to understand the traditions without feeling overwhelmed

Augustiner-Keller

If Hofbräuhaus is energetic chaos, Augustiner-Keller is traditional and relaxed. It’s one of Munich’s oldest beer halls and uses wooden barrels instead of metal kegs.

👉 I’d personally book a Bavarian food and beer tour here if you want help choosing where to go