Munich tips for Oktoberfest visitors

For explorers: Munich's most beautiful sights

For explorers: Munich's top sights

What should you see in Munich? The Frauenkirche, Nymphenburg Palace and Marienplatz with the New Town Hall are probably among the first places that come to mind. Art lovers may think of the Pinakothek museums, while technology enthusiasts will want to visit the Deutsches Museum.

Our guide to Munich's top 25 sights shows you where to find them and what makes each one special. Another tip: Stop by the legendary Eisbach wave in the English Garden to watch the surfers, or walk from Viktualienmarkt via Marienplatz to the Munich Residence. Many of the city's classics are just a few minutes' walk apart in the Old Town.

👉 Many of Munich's major sights, including Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt and the Munich Residence, are only a short walk from one another in the Old Town.

Only one day? Discover Munich on a compact route

Between arriving, visiting Oktoberfest and heading home, you may only have one free day to explore Munich. But you can still see quite a lot: Our day route takes you from Viktualienmarkt to Marienplatz and the Frauenkirche, through the Old Town to the Munich Residence and Odeonsplatz. From there, continue to the Eisbach wave and the English Garden.

Of course, that's not exactly “all of Munich in one day” — but it's a great route for first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible without spending the whole day on buses and trains.

👉 If you only have one day, you can easily combine Viktualienmarkt, Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Munich Residence, Odeonsplatz and the English Garden into one sightseeing route.

Recharge for Oktoberfest: Walks around Munich

Oktoberfest also marks the arrival of fall, which officially begins on September 23. If you want to recharge after a long evening at the festival, a walk through one of Munich's parks can be just the thing.

Whether you head through the world-famous English Garden, the neighboring Maximiliansanlagen along the Isar River or the elegant grounds of Nymphenburg Palace: As the leaves gradually turn yellow in the fresh air and a light morning mist settles over the lawns ... well, before we get too carried away with the fall clichés, just take a walk around Munich before your next trip to the Theresienwiese!

👉 For a quiet break from Oktoberfest, head to the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace Park or take a walk along the Isar River.

Head up high: The best viewpoints over Munich

It never hurts to get your bearings first: One of the best ways to discover Munich is from above. From the south tower of the Frauenkirche, almost 100 meters above the ground, you can look out across the city and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.

If you're up for the climb, head up the roughly 300 steps of Old Peter for a fantastic view of Marienplatz and the Munich skyline. For an easier option, take the elevator to the tower of the New Town Hall.

The Monopteros in the English Garden also offers a beautiful panoramic view. Munich's highest viewpoint, the Olympic Tower, is currently closed for renovation. A free alternative is the nearby Olympic Hill, with sweeping views across virtually the entire city. Don't worry — it's only a hill!

👉 Some of Munich's best viewpoints include Old Peter, the New Town Hall tower, the Monopteros in the English Garden and Olympic Hill.

Art, technology and history: Munich museums during Oktoberfest

Munich is world-famous for its museums, but many visitors don't realize that several of the city's top institutions are just a few minutes' walk from one another in the Kunstareal museum district in Maxvorstadt. It's ideal for a cultural outing before an evening at Oktoberfest — and even more so if Munich's fall weather isn't cooperating.

Visit the Alte Pinakothek for masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the Rococo period, or the Pinakothek der Moderne, which brings together art, design, graphic works and architecture. Museum Brandhorst is a major destination for contemporary art, the Glyptothek at Königsplatz presents ancient sculpture, and the Lenbachhaus is home to the famous Blue Rider collection.

And Munich is about much more than art: If you're interested in technology and science, you can easily spend half a day or a full day at the Deutsches Museum.

👉 Oktoberfest and a museum visit are easy to combine: Many major museums are in or near the city center and can be reached quickly from the Theresienwiese by public transportation.

FAQ: What to do in Munich besides Oktoberfest

What can you do in Munich besides Oktoberfest?

For a short stay, explore the Old Town, Viktualienmarkt, the English Garden and the Eisbach wave. If you have more time, visit Munich's museums, Nymphenburg Palace, the Olympic Park or the Isar River.

What should you see if you only have one day in Munich?

A good route starts at Viktualienmarkt and continues via Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Munich Residence and Odeonsplatz to the Eisbach wave and the English Garden. Many of these stops are easy to combine on foot.

What can you do when it rains during Oktoberfest?

The Kunstareal museum district, with the Pinakothek museums, Museum Brandhorst and the Lenbachhaus, is an excellent option. The Deutsches Museum and the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum are also good choices regardless of the weather.

Where can you find Oktoberfest atmosphere outside the festival grounds?

During the WirtshausWiesn, numerous Munich restaurants and taverns offer Bavarian food, music and traditional beer-hall atmosphere away from the Theresienwiese as well.