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Travel guide Munich
If you're looking for a fun city trip on a budget, Munich is definitely the place to go! I spent 4 days in Munich for Adele and Coldplay concerts and also took the time to explore the city. Munich is a great city for walking, and you’ll come across beautiful spots, many of which you can visit for free. Especially if, like me, you don’t have much time and don’t want to spend money on activities that take hours, this walking (or public transport) route is a great recommendation!
1. Marienplatz
The walking route starts at Munich’s central square: Marienplatz. Here, you can admire the historic Neues Rathaus, the ornate neo-Gothic town hall. The famous Glockenspiel plays daily at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. You can also visit the courtyard of the Neues Rathaus, which houses a restaurant with a stunning view of the building.
At Marienplatz, you'll also find St. Peter's Cathedral. This is Munich’s oldest church. You can enter for free and take a look at the Roman Catholic cathedral, which was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style.
2. Frauenkirche
A short walk further to Frauenplatz Street, you will see the Frauenkirche. This Gothic church was bombed during WWII and has been restored. The church is free to visit, and when inside, don’t forget to look for the legendary Teufelstritt (Devil's Footprint)!
3. St. Michael's Church
As you continue walking, you’ll reach St. Michael’s Church. It was built in the Renaissance style. This church is also free to visit. A fun fact is that you walk through Neuhauser Street, a popular shopping area so that you can enjoy a mix of culture and shopping.
4. Karlsplatz/Stachus
At the end of the street, you’ll arrive at Karlsplatz (often called Stachus by locals), offering a lovely view of a fountain and the District Court Munich I.
5. Odeonsplatz
From here, you can choose to either walk or take the metro from Karlsplatz to Odeonsplatz. Odeonsplatz is a large square featuring the Feldherrnhalle, a classicist loggia designed by Friedrich von Gärtner, which honors the Bavarian military leaders Johann Tilly and Carl Philipp von Wrede.
Also located on this square is the Theatinerkirche, a Baroque Catholic church. Its bright yellow façade makes it hard to miss it, and inside you’ll find ornate white stucco work. This church is also free to enter.
6. Münchner Residenz
Adjacent to Odeonsplatz is the Münchner Residenz, a massive palace with beautiful surrounding gardens. You can take a pleasant walk through the gardens, relax at a café, or sit on one of the benches or the grass. Inside the palace, there is a museum, but the entrance requires a fee. The tickets cost around €10. If you have time, it’s worth visiting as the interior is said to be stunning.
7. Bavarian State Chancellery
As you walk through the gardens of the Residenz, you’ll arrive at the Bavarian State Chancellery, offering a beautiful view.
8. Nymphenburg Palace
Another stunning palace with beautiful gardens is Nymphenburg Palace. Although there is an entrance fee to visit the palace, the surrounding gardens are free to explore. Spanning over 200 hectares, you can enjoy a peaceful walk along ponds, statues, and pavilions. Although I didn’t go inside, the Baroque architecture is said to be breathtaking, and entry costs around €8.00.
9. Olympiapark
Originally built for the Olympic Games, Olympiapark is a must-visit with plenty of attractions and activities combining sports, culture, and relaxation.
The most iconic feature of Olympiapark is the Olympic Stadium. I saw Coldplay here, and many other concerts and events are also held here. A fun tip: if you can't get concert tickets, you can join thousands of other fans on Olympiaberg, where you can enjoy the concert from a distance. For Coldplay, the entire hill was packed with people. With the flashlights, it looked very magical.
Also, don’t miss the Olympiaturm, the highest building in Munich at 291 meters. For €13, you can take the elevator to the observation deck, offering a panoramic view of Munich. On a clear day, you can even see the Alps.
The park also hosts festivals, open-air cinemas, and sporting events. Make sure to check the event schedule when planning your visit.
10. BMW
Within walking distance of Olympiapark, BMW fans can find the BMW Welt, the BMW Museum, BMW's headquarters, and the BMW factory.
Entry to BMW Welt is free. It’s an exhibition and experience space where you can see the latest BMW models and explore interactive displays. If you're interested in cars, technology, or design, this is a must-see! The museum showcases BMW's evolution and innovations in engine technology and environmental sustainability. Entry to the museum is around €12.00, with reduced fees for eligible visitors (€8.00 for youth, students, and seniors). There are also 2-hour guided tours of the BMW factory, which cost between €8.00 and €10.00.
Are you curious about my recap of Munich? Check out my social media!
