Just a short five-hour journey from the Czech Republic, Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a must-visit destination with something for everyone. Nestled along the Isar River at the foot of the Alps, Munich offers more than just Oktoberfest and world-class beer. BMW enthusiasts will love the automotive attractions, while art lovers can find endless inspiration in the city’s galleries. Trendy food spots, including excellent Asian cuisine, cater to foodies, and yes, even surfers will find a place to ride the waves. So, what are the best things to do and see in Munich?
1) Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
The best way to explore any city is by starting from a great vantage point! As soon as we arrived in Munich, we made our way to Marienplatz and headed up the tower of Peterskirche. It’s quite the climb—nearly 400 steps to the top—but the effort is well worth it. On a clear day, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the city, and if you’re lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the distant Alps.
2) Glockenspiel at the Neues Rathaus
The chimes at Marienplatz are sure to surprise you. Built in 1908, they bring to life a story from the 16th century. This intricate masterpiece features 43 bells and 32 life-size figures, reenacting a jousting tournament where one knight dramatically falls from his horse. The craftsmanship is truly remarkable and adds a touch of history to the heart of Munich.
3) Marienplatz
The square, home to the Neues Rathaus and Peterskirche, has been a central part of Munich since 1158, once hosting markets and tournaments. Today, it’s best known for its magical Christmas markets, which begin three weeks before Christmas, filling the square with festive cheer and seasonal delights.
4) Hofbrauhaus beer hall
Beer holds a special place in Munich, and it’s evident in the fact that the state itself manages a beer hall here. In fact, it’s the only state-owned brewery in the city. Just as every visitor to Pilsen should experience the brewery restaurant Na Spilce, in Munich, this beer hall is a must-visit for anyone wanting an authentic taste of the city’s brewing tradition.
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5) BMW Museum
Even if you’re not a huge car or BMW fan, I can promise you’ll still enjoy the BMW Museum—it’s one of the highlights of Munich.
The museum takes you through the brand’s entire history, showcasing some of the most beautiful, elegant, and luxurious models. You’ll get a glimpse into BMW’s design process and learn what goes into building a racing formula car. Plus, if you speak English or German, you can download a handy app that will guide you through the museum for an even richer experience.
6) Go to Nymphenburg in summer
This palace, with its stunning gardens, is a must-see, especially in the spring and summer. It’s no surprise that Bavaria’s former rulers often chose this magnificent castle as their residence—it’s truly a place of regal beauty.
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7) Frauenkirche church
Another iconic landmark in Munich is the Frauenkirche, recognizable by its two identical onion-shaped towers. Built in the 15th century, the church suffered significant damage during World War II, and restoration efforts are still ongoing. Like Peterskirche, you can climb one of the towers of the Frauenkirche for a great view of the city.
8) Which museums in Munich?
Munich, Germany’s third-largest city, is home to over 80 museums. But with so many options, which ones should you visit?
- Deutsches Museum: The most famous museum in Munich and the largest technology museum in the world.
- Glyptothek: The only museum entirely dedicated to ancient sculptures.
- Museum Brandhorst: A modern art museum, opened in 2009, featuring works by Hirst, Warhol, and Basquiat.
- Kartoffel Museum: Yes, Munich even has a potato museum—making it a quirky spot to explore, though it might surprise you just as much as finding one in Nova Scotia!
- Pinakothek: In the 19th century, this was Europe’s largest art museum, and it still impresses with its vast collection.
9) Surf in Munich
The Eisbach wave, a true symbol of Munich, is located at the edge of the Englischer Garten. Be prepared—the water is chilly, even in the hottest months, with summer temperatures around 17°C (63°F). If you can handle the cold, you can even surf in winter, as the wave rarely freezes. Just make sure to bundle up and not let the cold get to you!
10) Viktualienmarkt
For a taste of local flavors, head to the Viktualienmarkt, where you’ll find a little bit of everything—from fresh vegetables and spices to authentic Bavarian specialties. It’s the perfect spot to experience the local food scene.
Best Ways to Travel to Munich Without a Car
By bus: you can get to Munich from Prague by Flixbus, prices reportedly start at 150 CZK, we saw the cheapest tickets for about 379 CZK. Flixbus staffs the bus like the airlines, so it pays to buy your ticket as early as possible. The more crowded the bus is, the more expensive the ticket is. The journey takes five hours and the buses are comfortable. 🙂
By train: with Czech Railways the journey will cost you about 630 CZK
We have a 20% discount on tickets with Flixbus in the Czech Republic. Click here for a discount.
By Bus: You can travel from Prague to Munich with Flixbus, with prices starting as low as 150 CZK, though we found the cheapest tickets around 379 CZK. Flixbus uses dynamic pricing similar to airlines, so it’s best to book early for lower fares. The bus journey takes around five hours, and the buses are comfortable.
By Train: Traveling with Czech Railways will cost around 630 CZK for the trip.
You can purchase Flixbus tickets for travel within the Czech Republic here.
Best Hotels in Munich
Our Top Pick: Motel One München – Deutsches Museum
We couldn’t have been happier with our stay! Motel One, just a ten-minute walk from Munich’s city center, had everything we love about a hotel. We were fortunate to stay for free through an Instagram collaboration, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The hotel features beautiful design, a great workspace, and an organic-quality breakfast fit for a king. Plus, we were lucky enough to get a room on the ninth floor with stunning views of Munich and the mountains in the background! The rooms may be compact, but they’re so smartly designed that there’s absolutely nothing to complain about.
In addition to the Deutsches Museum location, Motel One has seven other branches throughout Munich. If you want to be in the heart of the city, check out Motel One München Sendlinger Tor. All the hotels offer similar prices and services, with the only difference being their unique design styles.
Top Dining Recommendations for a Great Meal in Munich
We happened to discover a hidden gem just outside Eisbach—Halong Bay, a small Asian restaurant that truly surprised us. While the interior isn’t particularly eye-catching, the food more than made up for it. We hadn’t had a Pad Thai this good since our trip to Thailand, and Lukáš claimed their Pho was the best he’s had in Europe! We were so impressed that we even ordered sushi, which was equally phenomenal. And to top it off, the prices were very reasonable, especially for Munich.
Map of Munich with locations marked on the map
Download the interactive map to Google Maps with all the places we talk about in the article.
