Munich can be explored through a wide range of themes: city history found in its squares and buildings, major exhibitions, architecture and green spaces, as well as the goods on offer at a market. For planning your trip, it helps to choose your main interests first. The historic sites tell stories spanning different centuries; the museum and Olympic Stadium offer other highlights, while the Monopteros and Mental Fit Path provide different ways to enjoy time outdoors.
City History in Squares and Buildings
Marienplatz has been at the heart of the city since Munich was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. The tower of the New Town Hall houses a carillon with 43 bells. The Gothic Frauenkirche was built in the 15th century; by 1488, the building was complete except for the tops of its two towers. These details show different aspects of the city’s architectural history: the enduring importance of a central square, a feature of the town hall and the progress of construction on a major church.
From 1508 to 1918, the Munich Residenz served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings. The Hofgarten is next to the Residenz and was laid out between 1613 and 1617, modelled on an Italian Renaissance garden. Elector Karl Theodor opened it to the public in 1780. Today, it is a green park on the edge of the historic Old Town; admission is free. Check this information locally before your visit.
Museums and Architecture
The Deutsches Museum on Museum Island invites visitors to explore 20 permanent exhibitions across 20,000 square metres. The entrance is next to Cornelius Bridge. The number of exhibitions and the area may change; if you are planning around the exact figures, check the museum’s latest information. The size also gives an idea of the extensive range of exhibitions on offer.
At the Olympic Stadium, the architecture itself is a defining part of its history: its sweeping tent roof and architectural lightness became emblematic of the cosmopolitan and democratic ideals of the 1972 Summer Olympics. There is also an important timing note for visitors: a renovation closure began in September 2025. Check the current status in advance rather than assuming that this date indicates whether it is open to visitors today.
Green Spaces, Views and Activities
The Monopteros in the English Garden was built by Leo von Klenze between 1833 and 1837. From there, you can look out over the meadows in the southern part of the English Garden and the silhouette of Munich’s Old Town. Sights include the Frauenkirche, the New Town Hall and the Old Peter. The construction dates tell the story of the Monopteros; the viewpoint offers a different perspective on the cityscape.
On a peninsula in the Olympic Park, the freely accessible Mental Fit Path offers tips on dealing with mental health problems and a range of sports exercises at eight stations. Check whether the path is currently available before visiting. Another kind of ascent takes you up the south tower of the Frauenkirche: a spiral staircase has 89 steps leading to a landing, from where an elevator for up to four people goes to the tower room. This route combines stairs and an elevator, but you should confirm that it is currently operating before your visit.
Market Stalls and Memorial Fountains
Around 100 stalls at the Viktualienmarkt sell goods including fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, bread, spices and delicatessen products. The number and mix of stalls may change. Alongside the market goods, fountains with statues commemorate Munich folk singers and comedians. Those named include Karl Valentin, Weiss Ferdl, Liesl Karlstadt, Ida Schumacher, Elisa Aulinger and Roider Jackl. The market’s goods and its public memorials are two distinct aspects of the place.
Discover more destinations: Aubing-Lochhausen-Langwied, Pasing, Milbertshofen-Am Hart, Grünwald, Garching bei München, München-Flughafen, Pullach im Isartal, Kirchheim bei München.
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