Munich, Germany is a magnificent city to explore. From Gothic masterpieces and historic castles to Baroque churches and quirky attractions, the Munich Old Town is heaving with incredible things to see!
Munich is a city we have returned to time and time again. Whether skipping through Munich on a Layover or staying for a long weekend, we’ve always enjoyed our visits to the capital of Bavaria.
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One of the things we love about Munich is its walkability. The city center is compact and flat, making it easy to see Munich sights on foot.
Therefore, we have created an ideal Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour that showcases the best of the city – and it’s free!
Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour Details
We feel self-guided walking tours in Munich are a great way to get acquainted with the city sights.
While many travelers make a beeline for the most renowned attractions, there are hidden gems to find, too. Our walking tour of Munich navigates to some lesser-known places, without missing any of the landmark spots.
On the route, we highlight 25 points of interest – plus, we share a few tips for things to do in Munich after your walk.
The journey is about 3.5 miles in length and will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Later, we share a Munich map that is marked with all the places to see for an overview of the walk.
For walking directions, you can use the pin drops provided, but you will need connectivity. We recommend upgrading your cellular plan to include international data, using an eSim (with an unlocked phone) or purchasing a Pocket WiFi Device – like GlocalMe.
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A Little History Before Your Munich Walk
Before you set off on your Munich Self-Guided Walk, you may want to brush up on its rather lengthy history.
Munich was founded in 1158 and by 1175 the small city, with Marienplatz at the center, was fortified with protective walls.
By 1330, Munich had outgrown these fortifications. The walls were expanded and eight city gates were built. Three of those strongholds still stand today.
Munich was further strengthened in the early 1600s. However, by the 18th century, the walls were seen as useless and were mostly destroyed.
Today, the main sights of Munich remain in the area that was once walled. Historic churches and squares alongside beautiful buildings – and Munich beer gardens – are all within the Old City center.
Throughout history, both fire and war destroyed many of the city’s prominent structures. What you see now is a mix of styles and more than a few replicas.
Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour, Germany
There’s a lot to see in Munich – so lace up your shoes and let’s start discovering the ‘Village of a Million People’!
#1 Karlsplatz in Munich
MAP. Karlsplatz marks the western edge of the Munich City Center – and it’s the perfect place to begin your walking tour in Munich.
The square that emerged when the city walls were torn down is named for the man who ordered their destruction.
On the east end of the square is the imposing Karlstor Gate. It was a key entrance into the fortified Munich town until the 18th century.
#2 Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)
MAP. The pink façade of Burgersaalkirche is hard to miss. It resembles a regal building more than a church. That’s because it was built in 1709 as a ‘citizen’s hall’ and not consecrated until 1778.
On the ground floor is the crypt of Pater Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit priest who was known for his resistance against the Nazis. On the second floor is the glittering church, beautifully decorated with frescoes.
#3 Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)
MAP. The 400-year-old Michaelskirche was originally built as part of the Jesuit College. Today, it is known for two things.
First, it is recognized as the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps. Second, St. Michael’s is renowned for having the second largest barrel-vaulted roof (after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome).
Inside the expansive building is a crypt containing royal tombs, including that of “Mad” Kind Ludwig II.
#4 Damenstiftskirch (St. Anna’s Church)
MAP. Damenstiftskirche was built in 1733 and the interior was designed by famed German architects, the Asam brothers, two years later. While the facade is quite plain, the interior is in the late Baroque style.
What exists today is a replica, as only the outer walls remained after World War II. The church is often referred to as St. Anna’s for the convent next door, which is now a girls’ school.
#5 Allerheiligenkirche am Kreuz (Church of All Saints)
MAP. Allerheiligenkirche – along with its bell tower – was built in 1478 of simple red brick. The interior was embellished in the Baroque style in 1620. It was the first Munich church with a cemetery for the St. Peter parish.
#6 Asamhof Passage Munich
MAP. Strolling down Asamhof Passage makes the busy city seem miles away. Outdoor cafes draped in flowers line the shaded alley. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a coffee or tea.
#7 Asamkirche (Asam Church)
MAP. Asamkirche, known officially as St. Johann Nepomuk Church, is one of the most intriguing attractions on our Munich Walking Tour.
The church was built by the Asam brothers as a private chapel – and they retained full control over the design.
While the small space measures just 72 feet long by 26 feet wide, nearly every inch is bedecked in the over-the-top Baroque style.
#8 Sendlinger Tor (Sendlinger Gate)
MAP. Built as part of Munich’s second city wall, Sendlinger Tor was erected in 1318. The towers on either side were added in 1420, creating 3 separate arches.
They were replaced in 1906 with a single arch, which suffered only slight damage in World War II. Here, you can see remnants of the old Munich city wall, too.
#9 Viktualienmarkt (Victual’s Market)
MAP. When the original Munich market outgrew Marienplatz in 1807, the traders were moved to its current location at Viktualienmarkt.
Today, there are 140 stalls selling unique and traditional products. It’s a wonderful place to pick up local delicacies and items for a picnic.
Surrounding the market are permanent shops, most of which house local butchers. They sell prime cuts of meat – along with ready-to-eat Leberkas Semmel sandwiches, a Munich specialty!
Be sure not to miss the expansive beer garden. The shaded space is a fine place to stop for a sausage on a roll and a Bavarian beer.
Nearby, you will find a classic blue-and-white striped Maypole, which is a key feature of May Day celebrations in Munich.
#10 Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church)
MAP. Heiliggeistkirche was built in the late 1300s for the order of the Hospice of the Holy Ghost, but was remodeled in the 1700s.
The choir buttresses and north wall of the nave are the only remaining portions of the original church. Step inside if you want to see the collection of artworks or light a candle.
#11 Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church Munich)
MAP. In the 11th century, long before Munich was a city, a church stood where Peterskirche is today. It was perched on the only hill in the area.
It remains the oldest parish church in Munich (although destruction, rebuilding and expansions have altered the original design). The 300-foot-tall spire was added in the 17th century.
The Peterskirche bell tower – which has 306 steps – can be climbed for a fee and provides spectacular views.
The church has several altars – look in the second altar on the left to find a blinged-out skeleton of St. Munditia.
#12 Rindermarkt (Cattle Market Munich)
MAP. Historically, Rindermarkt was the cow market. The only remnant that points to its past is the cow fountain (and maybe a few stalls selling local products).
To the south stands Lowenturm, a medieval tower that dates to the 15th century. The red-brick, crenellated structure stands awkwardly among modern office buildings today.
Ruffinihaus, a group of homes at Rindermarkt #10 (on the opposite side of the fountain from the tower), date to the early 1900s and are exquisitely decorated.
#13 Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady Munich)
MAP. Frauenkirche, also called Munchner Dom or Munich Cathedral, is a city landmark and a Munich must-see attraction. The massive cathedral has a capacity of 20,000.
Constructed of brick in the Gothic style, the church was built within 20 years, starting in 1468. The onion-domed towers, which rise up 325 feet, are unmissable.
The originally planned Gothic spires were too expensive to complete, so the more affordable domes were used instead (and not finished until 1525).
If you go inside, be sure to look for the ‘Devil’s Footprint’ in the entrance hall. According to legend, the Devil stomped on the floor when he lost a bet to the architect.
Note, too, that the South Tower is open to visitors (for a fee). The view from the top is incredible – although we preferred climbing Peterskirche, as we could see the Cathedral from that vantage point.
#14 Marienplatz (Mary’s Square Munich)
MAP. Since 1158, Marienplatz has marked the center of Munich. It has been used for tournaments, as an outdoor marketplace and today is a gathering spot for tourists and locals.
It’s also the site of the Munich Christmas Market during the month of December. It’s consistently ranked as a Top European Christmas Fair!
In the center is Mariensaule, Mary’s Column, which was placed in Marienplatz to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation in 1638. The gold statue of Mary at the top dates to 1590.
At the northeast corner is Fischbrunnen. The Fish Fountain is a fun spot for a picture and actually dates to the Middle Ages.
#15 Neues Rathaus & Glockenspiel (New Town Hall & Carillon)
MAP. On the north side of Marienplatz is the dazzling 400-room Neues Rathaus, which houses the city’s government.
The building was constructed between 1867 and 1908. The exterior is intricately decorated in the Gothic Revival style and extends 328 feet along the main square.
The Munich Glockenspiel is an iconic storytelling music box on the tower. It comes to life for 15-minute shows at 11am, 12noon and 5pm in the summer. The 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures tell the story of a Duke’s marriage.
The tale, set in 1546, is complete with a jousting tournament and the story of Schafflertanz – or the Coopers’ Dance – which is said to have begun in 1517 during the plague to give hope to citizens.
#16 Altes Rathaus (Munich Old Town Hall)
MAP. On the east end of Marienplatz is Altes Rathaus. This is where the local government met until 1874 when the New Town Hall was opened.
The striking building dates back to the 1300s, but was redesigned during the 1400s in the Gothic style. The two tunnels that run through it were created in 1877 and 1934.
The tower marks the former Talburg Gate, one of the original entrances to Munich. Today, it houses the Toy Museum, which requires a fee to enter.
#17 Alter Hof Palace (Old Court)
MAP. The Alter Hof Palace was once the residence of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV – the first king of the House of Wittelsbach dynasty. The Imperial Castle dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest royal residence in the city.
The five-winged palace had to be completely reconstructed after World War II. Now it’s a popular gathering spot on warm summer days.
Inside, there is a multimedia exhibition about the history of the Old Court – but it’s fun to just walk through the lovely courtyard, too.
#18 Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus
MAP. A luxury grocer, deli and restaurant, Dallmayr can trace its history to the early 16th century. Although the space is modern, it retains an old-fashioned vibe with traditional weight balances and curated specialty shops.
Step inside to see the cases filled with gorgeous, handmade creations – along with a superb selection of seafood, meat, wine, cheese and desserts.
Above all, the brand is known for their coffee. In fact, Dallmayr is the premier coffee in Germany. If you have time, enjoy a cup along with a cake in the café upstairs.
#19 Max-Joseph-Platz
MAP. Named for Bavarian King Maximilian Joseph (who ruled in the early 1800s), Max-Joseph-Platz is a grandiose square with his statue at its center.
Bounded by neo-classical architecture, top sights are the National Theatre with its striking columns, the 18th century Palais Toerring-Jettenbach mansion and the Munich Residence, the former royal palace.
#20 Odeonsplatz
MAP. The spacious Odeonsplatz Square sits on the north end of the Old Munich Town. It was created in the late 1700s at the site of a former city gate.
For centuries, it has been a place of gatherings, parades and processions. The space was designed with Italian influences – starting with the first building constructed on the square: Palais Leuchtenberg.
The Feldherrnhalle – or the Field Marshals’ Hall – is the covered gallery that imitates the famous Loggia della Signoria of Florence, Italy.
It was built in 1841 to celebrate the Bavarian Army. However, it is most famous for being the site of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup by Hitler and the Nazis.
#21 Theatine Church
MAP. Theatine of St. Cajetan and Adelaide is yet another gorgeous church in Munich. While the double-towered, ochre-yellow façade is sumptuous, the brilliant white interior is the true highlight.
Built in the 17th century in gratitude for the birth of a royal heir, the church was designed in the Italian Baroque style.
Inside, you will find multiple organs, the tomb of King Maximiian II and Queen Marie and a crypt where several members of the Royal Wittelsbach Family are interred.
#22 Residenz Munchen Palace
MAP. The expansive Munich Residence is the largest palace in the city center. It served as the royal home of the Wittelsbach monarchy for centuries.
Origins of the palace date to the late 1300s. The complex as it stands today features multiple buildings, including the Alte Residenz, the Konigsbau and the Festsaalbau.
A series of courtyards connect the buildings – and visitors are free to walk through. The interior of Residenz Munich is also open to the public, but an entry ticket is required.
#23 Hofgarten
MAP. The immaculate Hofgarten is a pristine example of an Italian Renaissance garden. It was laid out in the early 1600s as the palace gardens. At the center is the Diana Pavilion – or Dianatempel.
The east side of the park is bounded by the Bavarian State Chancellery – or Bayerische Staatskanzlei. It’s recognizable by its faded copper dome, stone columns and modern glass wings.
Sitting below the Chancellery is a war memorial – Kriegerdenkmal – dedicated to the region’s soldiers who died in World War I. It’s worth going down the steps to see the statue of the soldier inside.
#24 Dichtergarten
MAP. Dichtergarten – or Poets’ Garden – is a peaceful little pocket to stroll through The land was once a bastion during the Thirty Years’ War.
It was repurposed into a monastery garden, then a park for the Ministers of Finance and later a gas station and parking lot!
Thankfully, today the 2-acre forested park is lush with trees and benches – and the landscape is dotted with statues.
#25 English Garden and Munich Surfing Spot
MAP. One of the more peculiar attractions in Munich is the Eisbachwelle. Located on the south end of the sprawling Englischer Garten, Eisbachwelle is a ‘standing wave’ in the fast-flowing Eisbach River.
Regardless of the season, experienced surfers ride the wave, providing entertainment for themselves as well as the onlookers.
We recommend watching the mesmerizing action for a bit, then following the riverside trails into the English Garden (more details below). Congratulations on finishing our Munich Self-Guided Tour!
Munich Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tour Map.
After Your Self-Guided Walk in Munich
While you have completed our self-guided tour of Munich – we do have a few suggestions of where you can go next!
Thirsty Walkers: Beer Halls in Munich
Now that you’ve checked off our list of things to see in Munich, you can partake in a Bavarian tradition and make your way to a German beer hall. Of the many places to drink beer in Munich, Hofbrauhaus (MAP) ranks supreme.
Origins of the Hofbrauhaus in Munich date to 1589. Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, established the brewery as he wanted a fresh supply of brown ale for the royal household.
Today, the beer hall – which was built in 1897 – is a place of gathering for locals and tourists from around the world.
Live bands play traditional German folk songs. Wooden picnic tables are shared with new-best-friends. Enormous pretzels are sold by staff in traditional Bavarian dress and waiters effortlessly carry multiple liters of Hofbräuhaus beer to thirsty patrons. Prost!
More Bavarian Beer Halls
While we love the jovial atmosphere at Hofbrauhaus, it’s far from the only Munich beer hall.
Andechser am Dom is a cool little spot. The small restaurant (with a nice patio) serves beer from the Andechs Monastery Brewery.
Beer was first made there in 1455 by seven Benedictine monks. While the brewery, still run by monks, is quite a distance from Munich’s city center, the restaurant in the city center offers an opportunity for you to get a taste.
Other fun Munich beer halls are Weisses Brauhaus im Tal and Herrschaftszeiten Das Paulaner im Tal. The rustic Augustiner-Keller is a landmark and a great spot for a stein as well. For something more intimate and local, try Le Clou Munchen.
Ambitious Adventurers: More Munich Sightseeing
If you still have some pep in your step, we recommend pushing on! From the Eisbachwelle Surfing Wave, follow the paths north into the sensational English Garden Park.
Find your way to the elevated Monopteros Greek Temple and the Chinese Tower (the beer garden here is absolutely hopping in the summertime).
Next, exit the park to the west and wind through the neighborhood to the Siegestor Triumphant Arch. Circle back toward the Old Town via the University District and pop into St. Ludwig Church, which hosts an exceptional altar fresco.
Culture Vultures: Munich Museums
If after your walking tour you want to delve deeper into the cultural side of the city, step inside one of the marvelous museums or historic spaces.
Our top pick is to visit the Munich Residence Palace to see the absolutely exquisite interior. It’s even better with a local guide.
For art, go to Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne or Museum Brandhorst. Visiting on a Sunday? Admission is only 1 euro!
The Bavarian National Museum hosts a stunning collection of ancient artifacts. Meanwhile, the Deutsches Museum is filled with robust exhibits detailing technology.
More Pretty Parks in Munich
While the English Garden Park is the largest green space in the center of the city, there are other verdant pockets that are well worth seeking out.
Both Alter Botanischer Garten and Maximiliansplatz are small and ornate parks with fountains. They are practically next to each other on the edge of the Old Town near the train station.
Maximiliansanlagen is a lush riverside spot with tons of trails and monuments. The park stretches for one mile along the eastern Isar riverbank.
The spacious Olympiapark to the northwest of the city center hosted the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Now, it’s a favorite local park that offers views of the surrounding Alps on clear days.
Munich at Night
Regardless of where you wind up after your self-guided walk, be sure to take a stroll through Old Town Munich after dark.
The walk on Neuhauser Street – from Marienplatz and Karlsplatz – is iconic and even more atmospheric at night than it is during the day.
Travel Tips for Munich
Deciding what to do in Munich is just one facet of planning a trip. We have some honest advice for traveling to Munich, too.
Where To Stay in Munich
We have spent many nights in Munich – as it’s a major hub for flights to the United States and the rest of Europe.
Recently we spent a few nights at ArtHotel, which sits just south of the train station and a short walk to the Old Town. We appreciated the spacious rooms, cool artwork and fantastic included breakfast.
We enjoyed our stay at the fun MK Hotel Munchen City, too. Located in a local brewery, the rooms are well appointed and comfortable.
We have also shacked-up at Buddy Hotel, which is a solid budget choice. It is a 5-minute walk to Karlsplatz and the tiny, minimalistic rooms are very clean.
Munich Packing Tips
We have a few more bits of advice about what to pack for your trip. So grab our Free Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Germany!
A pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes are essential. Between cobblestone streets and all the walking, you will need them!
Bring a true travel camera so that you can capture the beauty of the city. We shoot with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and is a great value camera.
You will want a good travel day bag for your trip – one that will deter pickpockets. We use small zippered backpacks that are big enough to tote everything we need for long days out.
General Munich Travel Tips
If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Munich, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
As you begin making plans and reservations, organization is key! Our Printable Travel Planner will help you stay on top of the details as you plan your Munich trip.
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Travel Guides for Germany
- Berlin in 3 Days & Self Guided Walk
- What To See in Frankfurt & Free Walking Tour
- Things To Do in Dusseldorf
- Reasons To Go to Freiburg
- How To Spend 3 Days in Dresden
- Tips for Planning a European Vacation
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