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The best things to do in Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle, Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel, the Residenz, a beer hall and day trips into the Alps. Here is what to book and what is free, with honest advice on what is worth the price, what happens if a tour is cancelled and which castle tours include the ticket.

See our picks
The Frauenkirche's two towers with green domes above the red roofs of Munich's Old Town
Short answer

The best things to do in Munich are Marienplatz and its Glockenspiel, the Residenz, a beer hall like the Hofbräuhaus, and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Book Neuschwanstein ahead: you can only see the inside on a guided visit at a fixed time. Watching the Glockenspiel and walking into BMW Welt are free.

Our 7 picks for Munich

Three ways to Neuschwanstein first, then a history walk, a hop-on hop-off bus, Rothenburg and the FC Bayern Museum. All seven show free cancellation on GetYourGuide.

  • Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles above a frozen lake in winter from €76 per person Our top pick

    10–10.5 hours 4.6 (17,197) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Neuschwanstein and Linderhof full-day trip

    Both of King Ludwig II’s castles in one day, on a big coach with a guide. Castle tickets come with it if you pick that option. The walk up to Neuschwanstein takes 30 to 40 minutes, uphill.

    Best for Both castles in one day

    Check availability: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof full-day trip on GetYourGuide
  • Neuschwanstein Castle on its hill at sunset, with autumn trees below from €71 per person

    10 hours 4.7 (4,433) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Neuschwanstein full-day trip by train or bus

    One guide stays with you all day, and you travel by train or bus. Castle entry is not included: the listing says you pay €24 on the morning. The castle’s own ticket is €21 plus a €2.50 online fee.

    Best for Neuschwanstein with a guide all day

    Check availability: Neuschwanstein full-day trip by train or bus on GetYourGuide
  • A gilded statue group in the fountain in front of Linderhof Palace from €194 per person

    10 h 30 min 4.8 (1,811) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Premium Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, small group

    Both castles with up to 28 people, skip-the-line tickets, and snacks and drinks on board. It runs in English only. Expect a 30 to 40 minute walk up to Neuschwanstein.

    Best for Fewer people, tickets sorted

    Check availability: Premium Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, small group on GetYourGuide
  • The Feldherrnhalle, a stone hall with three arches, on Odeonsplatz from €29 per person

    Flexible 4.6 (7,755) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Third Reich and WWII walking tour

    A 2.5-hour walk that starts at the Tourist Information in the Old Town Hall on Marienplatz. It passes the Hofbräuhaus and the Feldherrnhalle and ends at Königsplatz.

    Best for History fans

    Check availability: Third Reich and WWII walking tour on GetYourGuide
  • The tent-like roofs of the Olympic Stadium seen from above, with the city behind from €25 per person

    24 or 48 hours 4.3 (4,838) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Hop-on hop-off bus, 1 or 2 days

    A 24- or 48-hour ticket for 3 bus routes, with audio commentary. All routes start at Luisenstraße 4 by the main station. Lines run out to Nymphenburg Palace and the Olympiapark.

    Best for A first look at your own pace

    Check availability: Hop-on hop-off bus, 1 or 2 days on GetYourGuide
  • Red roofs and a gate tower in the medieval town of Rothenburg from €82 per person

    10 h 30 min 4.5 (2,572) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Rothenburg and the Romantic Road by bus

    A 10.5-hour coach trip to the restored medieval town of Rothenburg, with a stop at Harburg Castle. Harburg entry is extra: €12, or €9 under 16, by card only. Expect cobblestones and a steep hill.

    Best for A medieval town in a day

    Check availability: Rothenburg and the Romantic Road by bus on GetYourGuide
  • from €19 per person

    1.5–3 hours 4.5 (1,254) reviews on GetYourGuide

    FC Bayern Museum and Arena View

    Entry to the FC Bayern Museum and a view of the Allianz Arena from the north stands. There is no tour guide: you use an audio guide in the Allianz Arena app. The locker room and pitch are not included.

    Best for Football fans and families

    Check availability: FC Bayern Museum and Arena View on GetYourGuide

Every Munich guide

Each guide compares the tours and tickets for one sight, activity or day trip, with official prices first.

Castles & day trips

City sights & tours

Beer, festivals & planning

Munich tours and tickets compared

Munich tours and tickets compared
Tour or ticketFromDurationCastle ticketWho it suitsWhy we picked it
Neuschwanstein and Linderhof full-day trip 4.6 (17,197)€76
per person		10–10.5 hoursIncluded if you pick that optionBoth castles in one dayOver 17,000 reviews, the most of any pick here.
Neuschwanstein full-day trip by train or bus 4.7 (4,433)€71
per person		10 hoursNot included: €24 on the dayNeuschwanstein with a guide all dayA full guided day for less than the coach trips.
Premium Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, small group 4.8 (1,811)€194
per person		10 h 30 minIncluded (skip the line)Fewer people, tickets sortedThe highest-rated castle trip here.
Third Reich and WWII walking tour 4.6 (7,755)€29
per person		FlexibleNo castleHistory fansIt traces how the Nazi movement rose in Munich, with over 7,700 reviews.
Hop-on hop-off bus, 1 or 2 days 4.3 (4,838)€25
per person		24 or 48 hoursNo castleA first look at your own paceThe easy way to reach the outer sights without planning trains.
Rothenburg and the Romantic Road by bus 4.5 (2,572)€82
per person		10 h 30 minHarburg extra: €12, card onlyA medieval town in a dayThe classic Romantic Road day, with the travel sorted.
FC Bayern Museum and Arena View 4.5 (1,254)€19
per person		1.5–3 hoursNo castleFootball fans and familiesThe official ticket, marked so on GetYourGuide.

  • Neuschwanstein and Linderhof full-day trip

    €76 per person10–10.5 hours 4.6 (17,197)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    Included if you pick that option
    Who it suits
    Both castles in one day
    Why we picked it
    Over 17,000 reviews, the most of any pick here.

  • Neuschwanstein full-day trip by train or bus

    €71 per person10 hours 4.7 (4,433)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    Not included: €24 on the day
    Who it suits
    Neuschwanstein with a guide all day
    Why we picked it
    A full guided day for less than the coach trips.

  • Premium Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, small group

    €194 per person10 h 30 min 4.8 (1,811)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    Included (skip the line)
    Who it suits
    Fewer people, tickets sorted
    Why we picked it
    The highest-rated castle trip here.

  • Third Reich and WWII walking tour

    €29 per personFlexible 4.6 (7,755)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    No castle
    Who it suits
    History fans
    Why we picked it
    It traces how the Nazi movement rose in Munich, with over 7,700 reviews.

  • Hop-on hop-off bus, 1 or 2 days

    €25 per person24 or 48 hours 4.3 (4,838)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    No castle
    Who it suits
    A first look at your own pace
    Why we picked it
    The easy way to reach the outer sights without planning trains.

  • Rothenburg and the Romantic Road by bus

    €82 per person10 h 30 min 4.5 (2,572)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    Harburg extra: €12, card only
    Who it suits
    A medieval town in a day
    Why we picked it
    The classic Romantic Road day, with the travel sorted.

  • FC Bayern Museum and Arena View

    €19 per person1.5–3 hours 4.5 (1,254)

    Details
    Castle ticket
    No castle
    Who it suits
    Football fans and families
    Why we picked it
    The official ticket, marked so on GetYourGuide.
  • Only the premium castle trip states a group size: up to 28 people.
  • None of the seven picks you up at your hotel. Each starts at a meeting point, such as Sonnenstraße 3 for the castle coaches.
  • All 7 offer free cancellation.
  • Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 28 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Our top 10

Top tourist things to do in Munich

The big sights first. Each one shows what it costs and, where it helps, the tour or ticket we would book.

  1. The painted figures of the Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall at Marienplatz

    Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel

    The Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall has 43 bells and shows two scenes from Munich history. It plays daily at 11 a.m. and noon. From March to October, it also plays at 5 p.m.

    Free to watch from the square.

  2. Neuschwanstein Castle above green forest, with lakes in the distance

    Neuschwanstein Castle

    You can only see the inside on a guided visit at a fixed time. The castle’s own adult ticket costs €21, plus a €2.50 online fee. Under-18s go free.

    Our pick: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof full-day trip, from €76 per person

  3. The Diana Temple at the end of a hedge-lined path in the Hofgarten

    The Residenz and the Hofgarten

    The Residenzmuseum costs €10 for adults, and under-18s go free. The Court Garden (Hofgarten) next to it is free for everyone.

    Museum €10. The Hofgarten is free.

  4. A full glass beer mug with foam on a table

    The Hofbräuhaus

    The beer hall was founded in 1589. It is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight. Groups of fewer than 4 need no reservation, and the ground floor has free seating.

    No ticket. Book a table only for 4 or more.

  5. Nymphenburg Palace behind its long canal on a sunny day

    Nymphenburg Palace

    The palace ticket costs €10 for adults. From 16 October to March, the palace opens daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Palace €10.

  6. The Deutsches Museum tower lit up at night above the Isar

    The Deutsches Museum

    An adult day ticket costs €18 from 2 November 2026. The museum opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30.

    Adults €18 from 2 November 2026.

  7. BMW Welt and the BMW Museum

    BMW Welt is free to walk into. The BMW Museum costs €17 and opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

    BMW Welt is free. Museum €17.

  8. The row of poplars along the camp road at the Dachau memorial site

    The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

    The memorial site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes only on 24 December. Entry is free, and you need no appointment.

    Free entry. No appointment needed.

  9. The Oktoberfest

    The next Oktoberfest runs from 18 September to 3 October 2027 on the Theresienwiese. Entry to the grounds and to the beer tents is free.

    Free entry. Next: 18 September to 3 October 2027.

  10. The lit-up "Münchner Christkindlmarkt" sign across a street at night

    The Christmas markets

    The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026. It is closed on Sunday, 22 November.

    From 20 November 2026.

Fun things to do in Munich

For fun in Munich, start with a beer hall like the Hofbräuhaus, then add a guided walk or a bus ride past the sights.

The Hofbräuhaus is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight. Groups of fewer than 4 need no reservation.

Cool things to do in Munich

For something cool after dark, join an evening walk with a night watchman and his lantern. By day, a bike tour with a beer garden stop is a relaxed way to see the city. Our walking and bike tour guides compare both.

Unique things to do in Munich

Football fans can visit the FC Bayern Museum, which its listing calls the largest club museum in Germany. The ticket adds a view of the Allianz Arena from the north stands.

For a medieval town, the Rothenburg day trip on the Romantic Road takes 10.5 hours.

Things to do in Munich for young adults

The U-Bahn runs all night on Friday and Saturday nights, so a late night out is easy. In the center, a train comes about every 15 minutes in each direction.

The next Oktoberfest runs from 18 September to 3 October 2027. Entry to the grounds and the beer tents is free.

Things to do in and around Munich: day trips

The best day trip from Munich is Neuschwanstein Castle, often with Linderhof Palace on the same day.

Check what the castle tour includes before you book. The Neuschwanstein and Linderhof trip includes castle tickets only if you pick that option. The premium small-group trip includes skip-the-line tickets. The trip by train or bus does not: its listing says you pay €24 on the morning.

Booking yourself? The castle sells timed tickets for €21, plus a €2.50 online fee. Tickets at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau are for the same day only, and they can sell out by late morning.

Rothenburg is the other classic: a restored medieval town on the Romantic Road. The trip stops at Harburg Castle, where entry is extra.

Two trips have closures right now. The Eagle’s Nest is closed until further notice after a fire on 23–24 October 2026. The Zugspitze is fully closed on 9–13, 16–20 and 23–26 November 2026.

Things to do in Munich in November

In November, Munich starts its Christmas season: the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz opens on 20 November 2026.

  • Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz: 20 November to 24 December 2026, closed on Sunday, 22 November.
  • Christmas village in the Residenz (Kaiserhof): from 16 November, daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., free entry.
  • Eiszauber ice rink at Karlsplatz (Stachus): from 13 November. Adults pay €8 to €14 for a 2.5-hour slot.
  • Tollwood winter festival on the Theresienwiese: from 24 November. The grounds are free.

Weather and the Glockenspiel in November

The Glockenspiel plays at 11 a.m. and noon only. The 5 p.m. show runs from March to October.

Long-term averages put November’s mean high at about 47°F (8°C), so pack a warm coat. Plan any Zugspitze trip around its November closures.

Things to do near Munich Airport on a layover

With 5 hours or more between flights, you can see the Old Town. The S1 and S8 trains leave about every 10 minutes and reach the main station in about 40 minutes. Both also stop at Marienplatz.

A single ticket costs €15.10 each way. The Airport-City-Day-Ticket, from €17.50, covers the ride in, the ride back and all rides in the city until 6 a.m. the next day.

Leave plenty of time to get back through the airport before your flight.

Booking tips

  1. Book the castle first

    Neuschwanstein has timed entry, and same-day tickets at the Ticket Center can sell out by late morning. Fix that day before the rest of your trip.

  2. If your plans change

    All seven picks show free cancellation on GetYourGuide. Read each tour’s own cancellation terms before you book. Tickets bought from the castle itself cannot be changed or cancelled.

  3. Check what the castle tour includes

    Some castle tours include the ticket, and some do not. Look for “entry tickets” in the list of what is included.

  4. Bring cash and a card

    The trip by train or bus asks you to bring cash. On the Rothenburg trip, Harburg Castle takes cards only.

Questions people ask about Munich

What are the best things to do in Munich?
The best things to do in Munich are Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel, the Residenz, a beer hall like the Hofbräuhaus and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. On a second day, add Nymphenburg Palace or the Deutsches Museum.

Should I visit Munich or Berlin?
Pick Munich if you want castle and Alps day trips, beer halls or the Oktoberfest. Neuschwanstein and the Zugspitze are both day trips from the city. The next Oktoberfest runs from 18 September to 3 October 2027.

What can I do on a layover at Munich Airport?
With 5 hours or more, take the S1 or S8 into the city. It is about 40 minutes to the main station, and the trains also stop at Marienplatz. The Airport-City-Day-Ticket, from €17.50, covers the ride both ways.

Where should I stay in Munich?
It depends on your plans. Our guide on where to stay in Munich compares the areas, from the Old Town to the main station.

More things to do in Munich

Live prices and open dates for every Munich tour, straight from GetYourGuide.

See every Munich tour with today's prices and open dates on GetYourGuide.

Browse all on GetYourGuide

Browse all of them on GetYourGuide

Sources (25), facts checked on 28 October 2026

Written by the Best Travel Destinations editorial team.