Veröffentlicht von Munich is one of Germany’s most beautiful and diverse cities. The Bavarian capital combines royal history, world-class museums, lively beer culture and green parks in a very compact area. Whether you are visiting for one day or a long weekend, these Top 10 sights in Munich give you an excellent overview of what makes the city special.
This list focuses on must-see highlights that first-time visitors should not miss.
Discover Munich with a Guided Tour
See the main highlights efficiently with a walking or hop-on hop-off bus tour.
1. Marienplatz
The heart of Munich is Marienplatz. This central square has been the city’s focal point since the Middle Ages. Here you will find the impressive New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its famous Glockenspiel show.
Why visit?
- Historic center of the city
- Glockenspiel performance at 11:00 and 12:00
- Excellent starting point for sightseeing
2. Frauenkirche
The twin towers of the Frauenkirche are Munich’s most recognizable skyline feature. Built in the 15th century, the cathedral is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture.
Highlights:
- View from the south tower
- Devil’s Footprint legend
- Peaceful interior atmosphere
3. Viktualienmarkt
Just steps from Marienplatz lies the lively Viktualienmarkt. This open-air market is perfect for tasting Bavarian specialties and enjoying a beer garden in the middle of the city.
- Fresh food stalls
- Local sausages and cheese
- Traditional beer garden
4. Munich Residence
The Munich Residence was the royal palace of Bavarian rulers for centuries. It is one of Europe’s largest city palaces.
Why it’s special:
- Lavish halls and rooms
- Treasure chamber
- Beautiful courtyards
5. English Garden
The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world. Larger than New York’s Central Park, it stretches from the city center far north.
Top experiences:
- Eisbach surfers
- Monopteros viewpoint
- Beer garden at the Chinese Tower
6. Hofbräuhaus
The legendary Hofbräuhaus is Munich’s most famous beer hall. Founded in 1589, it offers traditional Bavarian food, live music and a lively atmosphere.
7. Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace is a magnificent Baroque palace located west of the city center.
Highlights:
- Grand Hall (Steinerner Saal)
- Expansive gardens
- Peaceful canals and park walks
8. Olympic Park & Olympic Tower
The Olympic Park was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The futuristic tent-style roof architecture is unique.
Don’t miss:
- Olympic Stadium
- Olympic Lake
- View from the Olympic Tower
9. Pinakothek Museums
Munich is famous for its art collections. The three main Pinakothek museums include:
They cover art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle (Day Trip)
While not inside Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular excursions from the city.
Why include it?
- Iconic fairytale architecture
- Scenic Alpine backdrop
- Perfect full-day experience
How Many Days Do You Need?
- 1 day: Focus on Old Town highlights
- 2 days: Add English Garden or museums
- 3 days: Include a palace or day trip
Munich is compact and walkable, making it easy to see many highlights in a short time.
Is Munich Worth Visiting?
Yes. Munich offers a perfect mix of history, culture, beer traditions and green spaces. It is ideal for city breaks, cultural trips and as a base for exploring Bavaria
Other Top 10 Sights List for Munich – Video Youtube
Munich Sights: Longer List Top 50
Marienplatz
Nymphenburg Palace
Frauenkirche
English garden
Viktualienmarkt
German museum
Hofbräuhaus
Olympic Park
Old Pinacoteca
new town hall
Glyptothek
Peter’s Church
Munich Residence
Pinakothek der Moderne
BMW Museum
Lenbachhaus
Asam Church
Eisbach
Allianz Arena
Brandhorst Museum
State collections of antiquities
Königsplatz
Feldherrnhalle
Bavarian National Museum
Museum of Man and Nature
Munich City Museum
Schack Gallery
Five Continents Museum
Jewish Museum Munich
Oktoberfest Museum
Toy Museum
Munich Public Observatory
Artists‘ House at Lenbachplatz
Andechs Monastery
New and great: Virtual reality tour through the Andechs monastery with VR glasses (directly at the monastery): More information and booking
Palaeontological Museum Munich
Art Nouveau apartment
Glyptothek
Blutenburg Castle
Museum Villa Stucco
Munich State Coin Collection
Hellabrunn Zoo (Zoo)
Peter’s Church
Schleissheim Castle
Flugwerft Schleissheim
Prinzregententheater
Dachau Palace and Park
Dachau concentration camp
Poing Wildlife Park
Dachau Local History Museum
Starnberg Lake and Ammersee
These attractions cover a range of interests, from history and culture to nature and art. Have fun exploring the many sights in and around Munich!
Our recommendation: Best city tours in Munich
3 bus-lines, all with one ticket: Be sure to buy tickets for CitySightseeing Munich cheaply online using this link
You can get out on the way and continue on the next bus (hop-on hop-off)
Bookable online with a discount using using this link
All 3 lines depart directly opposite Munich main station