I’ve been to the Rheine Valley and Berlin– but Munich has been my favorite place that I’ve seen so far in Germany.

Approaching Marienplatz in Munich; May 2019

What Makes Munich Worth Visiting?

The city is simply too cute for words; and then of top of that, Munich has some mind-blowing architecture that can’t be captured in a picture.

It can only be tattooed in your mind.

Everywhere you turn in Munich; you find something like *this.*

Munich is the definition of the word, ‘charm’. You’ll leave in awe of how adorable it is.

It’s a very mesmerizing city; and anyone from Germany will be in agreement with that statement.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Munich?

Munich is small, meaning that you can comfortably see all of the major sights in 2 days and 2 nights.

Where Should I Stay in Munich?

I stayed right outside of the Munich Train Station, on the side closer to the Old Town and Palace of Justice – and this made for the perfect spot for a solo female traveler as I was easy walking distance to everything in Munich!

Wondering what to do while you’re there?

9 Things to Do in Munich as a First Time Traveler

Here are a few ideas of what to do in Munich if it’s your first time going to the city:

1. Explore Marienplatz

This goes on my list of the most beautiful squares I’ve seen in Europe, besides St. Mark’s Square in Venice and Grand Place in Brussels.

It’s a great mix of both tourists and locals. You can shop, marvel in the stunning scenery you’re surrounded by, or grab a German pretzel. Which brings me to…

2. Eat Some Schnitzel or Other Classic German Dishes

Though I had been to Germany twice before, I had somehow never tried the famous thin cutlet…

… probably because I’m vegetarian, making it a little harder to do so.

It was high on my list this time around, and I succeeded beyond my own expectations. For some reason, it was wet, cold, and rainy when I was in Munich this past May.

I found an atmospheric, cozy vegetarian place called Max Pett.

It’s one of the best plant-based places I’ve ever eaten at in my travels around the world

I not only ate vegan schnitzel, but had a carrot ginger soup that hit the spot after the walking around an inclement Munich…

Carrot Ginger Soup from Max Pett; May 2019

… and classic, cold German potato salad.

My mouth is watering just remembering what this tasted like… this vegan schnitzel was some of the best phony meats I’ve ever had - to the extent I gave my compliments to the chef!

What is the Best Vegan Place to Eat in Munich?

If you’re in Munich looking for some vegetarian German dishes, I strongly suggest you come here. It’s quiet, romantic – and perfect for both solo travelers looking for a place to journal (like me) and for friends or family to take a break from sightseeing.

3. Enjoy the Garden near Munich Residenz

Munich Residenz was under construction of some sort, so there wasn’t much to see…

… but the garden beside it is adorable.

4. Spot all the Town Halls

You already saw New Town Hall, in Marienplatz…

View of Old Town Hall in Marienplatz in Munich; May 2019

… but did you get picture of the Old Town Hall, too?

5. Find Frauenkirche Cathedral

Because so many of Munich’s biggest tourist attractions were all near Marienplatz, I felt like I was in one of those “Look & Find” books that I read to the kids I babysit.

Frauenkirche Cathedral in Munich, Germany; May 2019

Frauenkirche Cathedral is the building with the two green-colored half-dome roofs.

6. Try to Photograph Rathaus Glockenspiel

It’s hard to take a good shot of this guy… but it’s very rewarding once you do.

Rathaus Glockenspiel in Marienplatz in Munich; May 2019

7. Walk through the English Gardens

Like I mentioned earlier, I had some not-so-optimal weather on my hands; so, I walked through a grey, cloudy version of Munich’s English Gardens…

Walking through the English Gardens in Munich; May 2019

… I think it’s prettier if you get the chance to walk through the English Gardens in Munich on a clear day. It’s reminiscent of Regent’s Park in London and Phoenix Park in Dublin – big, and residential.

8. Take a trip to Nymphenburg Palace

After having been to Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, other palaces I’ve seen simply don’t measure up.

While I was there, I met a couple who was ecstatic about palaces and castles. If you’re like the two of them, and you’re into historic tours of this sort – I recommend you buy a ticket inside.

It also makes for the perfect indoor activity for when the weather doesn’t cooperate in Munich.

9. Wander through Victuals Market

If you’ve read my other posts, you know what I sucker I am for a good market. This one was no disappointment.

View near Victual’s Market in Munich; May 2019

Fruits, veggies, spices, sauerkraut, real bratwurst… anything and everything you’ll find is as fresh as it could be.

I always get a kick out of seeing the, “mini” bananas when I’m abroad; only to realize that that’s their actual size and that we manipulate our fruit in the U.S. — I always get a kick out of seeing the, “mini” bananas when I’m abroad; only to realize that that’s their *actual* size and that we manipulate our fruit in the U.S.

I hope this gave you a few ideas of what you can do during your upcoming trip to Munich.

Want to see all the things I just talked about in this post in action? Watch my Munich vlog, below!

If you’re looking for other things to do in Germany, click here.

Last updated: June 10, 2025

9 Things You Must Do in Munich