Top 7 things to do in Munich

Munich is a place steeped in history. When you think of Munich’s past, you inevitably think of its darkest hours. It is the city that saw the emergence of Nazism under the watchful eyes of Adolf Hitler. Although visits to memorials move all visitors, it is nonetheless very interesting to visit these places steeped in history. Munich is known for its large number of museums, so rest assured that there’s plenty to visit during your stay in Bavaria.

1- Discover the Dachau memorial

Category:€€ / Cultural

Description: Located just over an hour from Munich, Dachau is infamous for its concentration camp. Opened in 1933 by Himmler, Dachau was Germany’s first concentration camp. Over the course of a 5-hour tour, you’ll be immersed in a striking, surreal world as your guide leads you through the camp’s various historic buildings. You will also visit the museum’s exhibition centre and the cinema before returning to Munich by train.

2- Admire the impressive Neuschwanstein castle

Category: €€€ /Cultural

Description: Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous castle: Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous castle with over a million visitors a year, and it’s easy to see why. Perched 200 metres high on a rocky spur, the castle, built in the 19th century on the orders of Ludwig II, then King of Bavaria, is a real jewel. As an anecdote, this castle inspired Disneyland to make their famous Sleeping Beauty film. Not surprising, given the splendour of the building! On your return to Munich, take a short break to visit the Wieskirch church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, you can buy a cheese platter with sausages from a Bavarian farm for a traditional sandwich.

3- Take part in the famous Oktoberfest

Category: Unusual / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: When we talk about Munich, you can be sure that those around you will mention Oktoberfest. For those unfamiliar with this festival, it’s the biggest funfair in the world. It takes place every year from mid-September (on the first Saturday after 15 September) to 2 or 3 October. The Oktoberfest is better known as the “beer festival”. The first Oktoberfest took place on 17 October 1810, after the wedding of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. That’s 214 years of existence! Oktoberfest begins with the emblematic parade of over 8,000 men and women in traditional dress. This is followed by a rush to the bars to celebrate the start of hostilities. In all, over 6 million festival-goers from all over the world take part in this highly convivial event.

4- Learn about beer culture in Munich

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Discover Munich’s most legendary food market and treat yourself to local specialities. The Viktualienmarkt is a world-famous market that has been in existence since 1807. This gigantic market covers an area of 22,000 m2, with a total of 140 shops of all kinds. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, plants, local delicacies and, of course, stalls where you can feast on fresh local produce such as Weißwurst (white sausage) or the famous pretzels. You can visit the market with a guide, but you can also wander around on your own and discover the market for yourself.

5- Savour local specialities at a famous Bavarian market

Category:€€ /Gastronomic

Description: Discover Munich’s most legendary food market and treat yourself to local specialities. The Viktualienmarkt is a world-famous market that has been in existence since 1807. This gigantic market covers an area of 22,000 m2, with a total of 140 shops of all kinds. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, plants, local delicacies and, of course, stalls where you can feast on fresh local produce such as Weißwurst (white sausage) or the famous pretzels. You can visit the market with a guide, but you can also wander around on your own and discover the market for yourself.

6- Attend a classical music concert

Category: €€ / Cultural

Description: The city of Munich has seen a number of world-renowned classical artists such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, considered to be the greatest composer of classical music along with Beethoven and Joesph Haydn. Every Thursday and Saturday, concerts are held in the mythical Rezidenz building. This building, which was once the royal palace, is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. The art inside is breathtaking. The concert takes place in the Hofkapelle. Your ears will certainly appreciate the works of Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi performed by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.

7- Discover Munich’s urban legends

Category: € / Unusual / Cultural

Description: Without doubt the most unusual way to learn about the city of Munich. Let yourself be carried away by the legends, each as incredible as the next. You’ll discover Munich from a different angle and you may never see the city in the same way again!