Free Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour: Highlights & Overlooked Gems (With Map!)

Lying right at the heart of Europe, Bavaria’s capital is often called “Germany’s secret capital.” Munich is understandably one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and it never fails to charm with its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere and cavalcade of fine buildings, museums, shops, and green spaces. A Munich walking tour is the best way to explore the mix of the city’s urban, classic, and contemporary sights. This post includes a map for a self-guided free walking tour of Munich. Enjoy your walk! 🙂

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Why Choose This Free Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour?

This free self-guided Munich walking tour itinerary is perfect if you are short on time and trying to save some money. With our free map, you can easily follow the route without hiring an expensive guide for the day.

The tour will take you past most of the city’s major attractions, landmark public buildings, places of worship, cultural venues, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll also learn a few lesser-known facts about Munich along the way.

The tour will take you through the center of Munich, focusing on the attraction-studded boroughs of the Old Town (Altstadt), Maxvorstadt, and Altstadt-Lehel.

Munich Walking Tour Itinerary

I’ve divided this free Munich walking tour into a basic and an advanced tour. The basic walking tour covers a total distance of approximately 5.65 kilometers (3.5 miles). 

This tour starts at the Justice Palace (Justizpalast) and terminates at the Angel of Peace (Friedensengel) monument. Of course, you can do this walking tour the other way around if it suits you better.

If you feel you’re up for it, you can proceed with the advanced tour in which the main sights are along the Isar River and the southern part of Old Town. The advanced walking tour adds approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) to the basic walking tour. So, the basic and advanced walking tours add up to a total of 8.85 kilometers (5.5 miles).

Feel free to take a break if you feel jaded along the way. I have included some cafés and restaurants on the map where you can take a breather and grab a bite. On this Munich walking tour, you will see:

1. Justice Palace
2. Old Botanical Garden
3. Old Stock Exchange
4. Wittelsbach Fountain
5. Künstlerhaus
6. Stachus
7. Karlstor
8. Neuhauser Straße/Kaufingerstraße
9. Bürgersaal
10. Augustiner Stammhaus
11. St. Michael’s Church
12. Church of Our Lady
13. Marienplatz & New Town Hall
14. St. Peter’s Church
15. Old Town Hall
16. Church of the Holy Spirit
17. Hofbräuhaus
18. Alter Hof
19. Max-Joseph-Platz
20. Feldherrnhalle
21. Theatine Church of St. Cajetan
22. Hofgarten
23. Bavarian State Chancellery
24. Prinz Carl Palais
25. Haus der Kunst
26. Eisbach Wave
27. Bavarian National Museum
28. Schack Collection
29. Angel of Peace
30. Maximilianeum
31. Müllersches Volksbad
32. Deutsches Museum
33. Isartor
34. Viktualienmarkt
35. Ohel Jakob Synagogue
36. Munich City Museum
37. Asam Church
38. Sendlinger Tor

1. Justice Palace

Start your Munich walking tour at the Justice Palace (Justizpalast). The Palace of Justice is a Neo-Baroque complex built between 1891 and 1897 by architect Friedrich von Thiersch.

The Palace of Justice is one of the best-known late 19th-century landmarks in Munich. It houses the Bavarian Department of Justice and parts of the Munich Regional Court. Remarkably, it is one of the few historic 19th-century buildings to survive the bombing of Munich in the later stages of World War II.

Jacky and I LOVE classical architecture and ornate, detailed old buildings. The Justice Palace is no exception, and it is awe-inspiring to behold due to its immense dimensions and the Neo-Mannerist detail in the structure.

At the time of its construction, the Palace of Justice’s vast steel and glass dome, which acts as a skylight, was a great novelty. The interior – particularly the main hall and the central staircase directly beneath the dome – features an extraordinary wealth of detail in its design.

2. Old Botanical Garden

The small park just opposite the Justice Palace was formerly home to Munich’s Old Botanical Garden (Alter Botanischer Garten).

Originally used for botanical research and education, it now serves as a public park where visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst nature. The garden features beautifully landscaped lawns, diverse plant species, and picturesque walking paths.

It is famous for its Neptune Fountain, which has a figure based on Michelangelo’s David. 

Today, the Old Botanical Garden’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely strolls. Its rich history and lush greenery offer a refreshing escape from the bustling city life of Munich.

For a place of welcome refreshment, enjoy a cold brew among the park’s exotic trees.

3. Old Stock Exchange

The Old Stock Exchange (Alte Börse) building at Lenbachplatz 2 is one of the most well-known historical landmarks in Munich. This Wilhelminian-style building was originally designed by architect Albert Schmidt in the Neo-Baroque style for Deutsche Bank and was erected between 1896 and 1898.

It served as the headquarters of the Munich Stock Exchange from 1963 until 2007. Today, the building is home to several offices and social clubs.

The architectural splendor of the building reflects the might of the financial institution formerly housed within its walls. Don’t forget to admire the building’s richly structured sandstone façade, rounded corner avant-corps, Corinthian columns, and sculptural decorations!

4. Wittelsbach Fountain

The Wittelsbach Fountain (Wittelsbacher Brunnen) is the finest fountain in Munich. Built between 1893 and 1895 to commemorate the completion of the city’s new water supply system, it was based on design drawings by the sculptor Adolf von Hildebrand.

The majestic fountain symbolizes both the healing and destructive qualities of water. It is dominated by two allegorical figures: the sculpture on the left is of a woman seated on a bull, holding a bowl, symbolizing the healing qualities of water.

On the right, a man sits astride a horse, throwing a boulder, representing water’s destructive might. Looking lovely during the day, the Wittelsbach Fountain is a treat to see in the evening when it’s lit up.

5. Künstlerhaus

Standing like a piece of jewelry that has fallen out of time, the Munich Künstlerhaus (Artists’ House) is situated amid the chaotic city life around Lenbachplatz. This attractive building was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style and is characterized by its stepped gables and bronze decorations.

Originally built as a clubhouse for artists, the Künstlerhaus was once a meeting place for artists, industrialists, and the aristocracy. It now hosts small exhibitions, workshops, and concerts.

The renowned Munich painter Franz von Lenbach played a significant role in its completion, especially the interior. The rooms are decorated in Italian Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles.

6. Stachus

Stachus is a large, bustling square that was designed and constructed when the old town walls of Munich were torn down in 1791. One of the busiest squares in Europe, Stachus is a popular meeting point in Munich.

The official name of the square is Karlsplatz, in honor of the Palatinate Elector Karl Theodor. However, because Karl Theodor was extremely unpopular with the Bavarians of Munich, they defiantly avoided the name Karlsplatz and instead came up with the nickname “Stachus.”

The name Stachus most likely stems from the inn and beer tavern Stachusgarten that once stood here. Though a department store has now replaced the inn, Munich locals still refer to this busy intersection as Stachus.

The large fountain in the middle of the square is a famous postcard motif and acts as a magnet on hot summer days when shoppers and office workers seek a place to unwind. In winter, the fountain makes way for an ice-skating rink.

The semi-circular square is framed by two arms of buildings inspired by Italian architecture.

7. Karlstor

The Karlstor is the first of the three medieval gates you will see on this Munich walking tour. Standing at the western entrance to the Old Town, the gate was built from 1285 to 1337 and served as one of the main defensive fortifications and a checkpoint.

Karlstor was originally known as the Neuhauser Tor and the gate received its present name in 1791 in honor of Elector Karl Theodor, who ordered the demolition of the old walls to enable Munich to grow.

Over time the Karlstor has been enlarged, strengthened and rebuilt several times. The gate was redesigned in Neo-Gothic style in 1861. being damaged in World War II, the Karlstor was rebuilt in a simplified form.

Although the Karlstor is overall a rather plain structure as old city gates go, there are several statues and busts set into its walls. Within the gate itself, you’ll notice three bronze figures that were originally part of the fish fountain in Marienplatz (which you’ll see later).

8. Neuhauser Straße/Kaufingerstraße

The main pedestrian zone in the Old Town, Neuhauser Straße/Kaufingerstraße, is Munich’s largest shopping street. It is almost impossible to visit Munich without walking on this street.

Running for about 700 meters (0.45 miles), the busy street starts as Neuhauser Straße and then becomes Kaufingerstraße towards Marienplatz. It is filled with attractive 19th-century buildings, cafés, and shops.

Numerous fruit and vegetable stalls and jaunty street performers enliven this boulevard, luring both locals and tourists alike by combining culture and shopping.

9. Bürgersaal

Dating from 1710, the Bürgersaal (“Citizens’ Hall”) was the meeting place and house of worship for the Marian Congregation, a Jesuit community of consecrated priests and brothers dedicated to honoring Mary’s Immaculate Conception. It was designed by Giovanni Antonio Viscardi, and in 1778 the hall became a fully consecrated church.

The Bürgersaal’s rather austere and unassuming façade, which sports a statue of the Madonna and Child, fronts a two-story interior. The lower church contains the tomb of the beatified Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit who staunchly resisted the Nazi regime.

The upper church, meanwhile, is a hidden gem and one of my favorite Munich attractions. Featuring 19th-century frescoes, its dazzling interior glitters with Rococo stuccowork and includes an interesting bas-relief on the high altar.

I highly recommend visiting the Bürgersaal to anyone who enjoys seeing old churches and architecture, especially in the Rococo style.

10. Augustiner Stammhaus

Beer and Munich go hand in hand, and beer is virtually unavoidable in the city. The Oktoberfest in Munich is the biggest and most famous beer festival in the world, running every year for 16 to 18 days from mid or late September to the first Sunday in October.

Two adjoining houses with picturesque 19th-century façades form part of the oldest surviving brewery in Munich—the Augustiner-Bräu, founded by Augustinian monks and established in 1328. The brewery was based here until 1884, after which it relocated to a larger location on Landsberger Straße.

Augustiner-Bräu is one of the six Munich breweries that can supply Oktoberfest beer and, in my opinion, is the best of the six. The storied interior of the brewery hall is a fine example of the aesthetics and atmosphere of a Munich restaurant pre-World War I.

Besides beer, traditional favorites of Munich/Bavarian cuisine such as Brezn (soft pretzel), Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle), and sausages such as Bratwurst and Weisswurst are served here.

11. St. Michael’s Church

Built for the Jesuits and completed in 1597, St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche) is the largest late Renaissance church north of the Alps.

The church’s ornate three-tier façade, with its double doorway, sloped roofline, and large sculpture of the Archangel Michael, is a stunning example of Mannerist architecture. It was inspired by the Gesù Church in Rome, the home of the Jesuit order.

The rows of niches contain figures of Bavarian and imperial rulers engaged in the defense of Christendom.

The interior of St. Michael’s Church is strikingly cavernous, and the barrel vaulting over the nave is second in size only to that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Its crypt houses about 40 forlorn tombs of Bavaria’s former ruling family, the Wittelsbachs. Among those laid to rest in the crypt is the “Mad” King Ludwig II (who commissioned the construction of the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle), perhaps the family’s most notorious member.

12. Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) is one of the must-see sights in Munich. It stands on the site of an earlier Romanesque parish church and was built in just 20 years, from 1468 to 1488.

The imposing triple-naved brick Church of Our Lady is the largest Gothic building in southern Germany and is famous for its two huge towers. Each tower is 99 meters high and crowned by distinctive copper onion domes.

The twin towers of the Church of Our Lady now serve as landmarks on Munich’s skyline and have also become a symbol of the city. By law, no buildings are permitted to be built higher.

Except for the towers, much of the church was destroyed during World War II, and the rest was rebuilt essentially from scratch. The simple but elegant interior of the church features a triple-nave hall measuring over 100 meters (330 feet) in length and almost 40 meters (130 feet) in width.

The church is home to treasures including a Marian painting dating from around 1500 by Jan Polak, the Memminger Altar, and the monumental tomb of Emperor Ludwig IV of Bavaria.

A notable attraction inside the Frauenkirche is the Devil’s Footstep (Teufelstritt). This footprint, complete with a spur at the heel, is said to have been made by the devil when he was tricked into thinking that the church didn’t have any windows (which it obviously does).

13. Marienplatz & New Town Hall

Marienplatz has been Munich’s main square ever since the city’s founding in 1158. Surrounded by several fine historic buildings and outdoor cafés, it is usually bustling with locals and tourists.

Marienplatz was once a market square and public forum and has witnessed all of the most important events in Munich’s history. It was originally called Schrannenplatz (“Grain Market Square”) as it was the main marketplace in the Middle Ages.

The square is named after the Mariensäule, a Marian column erected in its center in 1638 as an act of thanksgiving for the city’s survival during the bloody Thirty Years’ War. The column is topped by a golden statue of the Virgin surrounded by four putti around the plinth.

A popular attraction on Marienplatz is the 19th-century Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain), which was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II.

Marienplatz’s northern boundary is completely dominated by the richly ornamented New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). One of my favorite things to see in Munich, the building is simply a feast for the eyes and can turn people who don’t give a toss about architecture into ardent fans.

Although the structure looks medieval, it was actually built between 1867 and 1908 and is a prime example of Neo-Gothic architecture. When the Old Town Hall became too small for the Munich administration, it was decided to build a new building based on the town hall of Brussels.

There are many intricate details on the façade, and the many sculptures allude to Bavaria’s legends and history, as well as many allegorical figures.

Crowds of tourists and locals gather in Marienplatz every day to witness the famous Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall’s 85-meter (279-foot) high clock tower.

Taking place at 11:00, noon (and 17:00 from March-October), the 43 bells and 32 figurines of this elaborate “cuckoo clock” re-enact stories from Munich’s history on two levels – a historical tournament of the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lotharingia, and the Schäfflertanz (Dance of the Coopers).

14. St. Peter’s Church

Next up on this Munich walking tour is St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche), the oldest parish church in the city. Affectionately known locally as “Alter Peter” (Old Peter), the church traces its origins to the 12th century and was built on the foundations of a Romanesque basilica erected around 1000.

Over time, it has been restored in various architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo.

The church’s rich interior is decorated with gilded baroque accents and trompe l’oeil medallions. It also has a magnificent high altar and aisle pillars adorned with exquisite 18th-century figures of the apostles.

In clear weather, it’s well worth the long climb up St. Peter’s 91-meter (299-foot) high steeple for superlative views of the Old Town and even the Alps.

15. Old Town Hall

Munich’s Old Town Hall was documented for the first time in 1310. Much of the work on Munich’s first town hall was done in the 15th century, though it has undergone repeated redesigns over the centuries to suit the mood of the times.

The Old Town Hall looks newer now than the New Town Hall because it took a pummeling in World War II and was rebuilt in its original late Gothic style after the war.

Today, it is one of the prettiest buildings in the Old Town due to its distinctive fairytale-like appearance and various coats of arms on its tower façade. It’s no surprise that it gets so much love from avid Instagrammers.

Although the city administration moved out of the building in 1874, ceremonial events such as the conferring of honorary citizenship still take place in the banqueting hall. Since 1983, it has housed the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum).

16. Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit (Heilig-Geist-Kirche) is one of Munich’s oldest buildings, ranking in importance alongside the Church of Our Lady and St. Peter’s Church. It was built in the mid-13th century on the foundations of a medieval chapel and sanatorium that existed there.

Originally a Gothic building, the Church of the Holy Spirit underwent several renovations over the years. In 1724, the church was remodeled in the Baroque style and its Neo-Baroque façade dates from 1895.

The church’s interior is a fine example of the combination of Gothic and late Baroque elements. Particularly interesting are the walls adorned with stucco decorations and the ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from the hospital’s history.

17. Hofbräuhaus

Ranking high among the must-see Munich attractions is the legendary Hofbräuhaus, undoubtedly the world’s most famous beer hall. It is so popular in fact, that it is Munich’s biggest tourist draw after Oktoberfest.

The present Neo-Renaissance style Hofbräuhaus was built in 1897, but the tradition of a beer house on this spot dates from 1589. It was founded by Duke Wilhelm V in 1589 and as the crown on its façade suggests, it was the Wittelsbachs’ personal brewery to make the “court brew” (Hof Brau).

Spread over three floors, 3,500 beer drinkers can crowd in here on any given night. The cavernous ground-floor hall (Schwemme) is the epitome of the stereotypical Bavarian lifestyle. 

Here it’s eternal Oktoberfest and servers dressed in lederhosen and dirndls serve liters of beer to hordes of people while the changing brass bands play classic drinking songs.

• Click here to book a Bavarian Beer and Food Culture Tour in Munich

18. Alter Hof

Constructed between 1253 and 1255, the Alter Hof was the first fortified residence built for the Wittelsbachs within the walls of Munich. Its purpose was to protect the ruling family not only from outside invaders but also from rebellious citizens.

The Alter Hof remained the imperial residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty until the 15th century when it was eclipsed by a grander palace, and gradually the seat of power was moved there. Today, it serves various functions and is mostly home to offices and stores.

The reason why the Alter Hof is well worth seeing is that it still retains its original Gothic character. On its south side stands a late Gothic tower decorated with the crests of the Wittelsbachs.

The most striking feature of the Alter Hof is the distinctive bay window known as the “Affenturm” (Monkey Tower). There’s an intriguing backstory as to how it acquired its name.

Legend has it that a monkey from the court menagerie kidnapped Ludwig IV (who would later become Holy Roman Emperor) and climbed with him to the top of the turret. Naturally, this caused great hysteria, and blankets and pillows were spread out on the floor in case the monkey dropped the boy.

Luckily, the monkey calmed down and carefully climbed down to put the child back in the crib.

19. Max-Joseph-Platz

Max-Joseph-Platz is one of the largest and most elegant squares in Munich. It was built in the Neoclassical style in the early 19th century on the site of a Franciscan convent in honor of Bavaria’s first king, Maximilian I Joseph, who drew up the Bavarian constitution, the first in Germany, in 1818.

The centerpiece of the square is a grand statue of Maximilian I Joseph, mounted on a high pedestal with four stone lions flanking its base. The monument shows the seated king holding the scepter of Bavaria in his left hand, while his right hand reaches out to bless Munich and the state of Bavaria.

The square is surrounded by lovely architecture and is flanked by the monumental façades of Neoclassical buildings on three sides: the Residenz to the north, the National Theater to the east, and the arcaded Töerring-Jettenbach Palace to the south.

The Residenz was the home of the Wittelsbach dynasty until 1918. Begun in 1385 as a moated castle, the rulers of Bavaria transformed what had been a simple moated medieval castle into a magnificent palace laid out around ten courtyards.

Exhibiting a mishmash of styles, the Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany. Today, it is one of the most eminent palace museums in Europe, and its attractions include the lavish halls of the Residenz Museum, the richly gilded rococo Cuvilliés Theater, and a range of gold and silver treasures.

One of my favorite buildings in Munich is the National Theater. Resembling a classical Greek temple, it draws you in with its portico featuring eight Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment adorned with statues and paintings.

The National Theater is famous for premiering Richard Wagner’s world-renowned operas: Tristan und Isolde (1865), The Mastersingers of Nuremberg (1868), Rheingold (1869), and The Valkyrie (1870). Today, it is the principal home of the Bavarian State Opera and is considered one of the world’s outstanding opera houses.

The façade of Palais Töerring-Jettenbach was inspired by that of the Hospital of Innocents (Ospedale degli Innocenti) in Florence. I love how its ocher-colored arcade-style loggia contrasts well with the red walls behind it.

Formerly home to a post office, this aristocratic palace is now a luxury residence and also houses high-end boutiques.

20. Feldherrnhalle

Located on Odeonsplatz, the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall) is a monumental open-air loggia that stands as a tribute to the Bavarian army. It was built between 1841 and 1844 and modeled on the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.

The Feldherrnhalle consists of a large open hall fronted by three huge arches. The two massive Bavarian lions are flanked by the larger-than-life statues of Count Johann Tserclaes Tilly, who led Catholic forces in the Thirty Years’ War, and Karl Philipp von Wrede, hero of the 19th-century Napoleonic Wars.

The Feldherrnhalle is inextricably tied to one of the most significant events in modern history – the infamous Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup d’état by Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler. On 8 November 1923, Hitler announced the start of the “people’s revolution” in the Bürgerbräukeller and ordered the takeover of the central districts of Munich.

The following day, approximately 2,000 people acting on Hitler’s orders were stopped by a police cordon outside the Feldherrnhalle on Residenzstraße. Four policemen and 16 of Hitler’s supporters were shot and killed.

The coup was quashed, and Hitler fled to Uffing am Staffelsee but was arrested and imprisoned in Landsberg Prison. During his nine months there, he wrote his infamous autobiographical manifesto, Mein Kampf.

During the Nazi era, Hitler turned the Feldherrnhalle into a memorial to the Nazis killed during the failed putsch.

21. Theatine Church of St. Cajetan

Named for a group of Roman Catholic clergy, the Theatine Church of St. Cajetan (Theatinerkirche), is Munich’s best example of Italian Baroque. It owes its glorious appearance to its founder, Princess Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, who commissioned it in gratitude for the birth of her son and heir, Max Emanuel, in 1662.

The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan is modeled on Rome’s Sant’Andrea della Valle. Work on the church began in 1663 and it was a good 100 years before François de Cuvilliés designed the Rococo façade.

The church’s striking yellow façade stands out in the Munich skyline. Delightful cupolas top its two 70 m (230 ft) tall towers. 

The uniqueness of the church’s towers also lies in their marvelous spiral volutes, inspired by those of the famous Basilica of Saint Mary of Health in Venice. The interior cool white interior forms a surprising contrast to the exterior and features superb stuccowork.

Since 1954 the church has been under the care of the Dominican Friars and is also known as the Dominican Priory of St. Cajetan.

22. Hofgarten

Munich’s Hofgarten is one of the largest Mannerist-style gardens found north of the Alps and exudes a distinctly southern European air. Originally laid out for members of the royal court in 1613, this geometrically designed garden was opened to the public in 1780.

The center of the garden is dominated by the polygonal Temple of Diana (Hofgartentempel), built by Heinrich Schön in 1615. It has great acoustics, and there’s often a musician or two performing here for tips.

The Hofgarten’s comfortable park benches are one of the best places in Munich to give your feet a rest. If you want, you can also catch a game of boules being played on the side gravel paths.

23. Bavarian State Chancellery

The imposing Bavarian State Chancellery (Bayerische Staatskanzlei) defines the eastern edge of Hofgarten. Its unique blend of modern glass and steel architecture with historicist themes makes it a must-see for architecture aficionados in Munich.

Constructed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Bavarian State Chancellery incorporates the central dome of the former Bavarian Army Museum, originally built in 1905 on the site of the Hofgarten barracks.

It serves as the executive office of the Minister-President of Bavaria and coordinates the various ministries of the state.

24. Prinz Carl Palais

The Prinz Carl Palais in Munich is a graceful Neoclassical mansion from the early 19th century. It is the official seat (not residence) of the Bavarian Minister-President but has only been used by the state government as a venue for official receptions since the Minister-President’s office moved into the Bavarian State Chancellery in the early 1990s.

The building once served as the seat of the diplomatic mission of Austria-Hungary and later as the residence of the Minister-President of Bavaria.

Prinz Carl Palais’s light-yellow façade is considered one of the finest examples of classical proportion in Munich, with a portico that has a high pediment standing before a series of Ionic pilasters.

25. Haus der Kunst

Haus der Kunst is a colonnaded, Neoclassical-style building and one of Munich’s most significant examples of Hitler-era architecture. Built between 1933 and 1937, the building became the model for National Socialist architecture.

It was officially opened in 1937 as Haus der Deutschen Kunst (House of German Art) by Hitler himself. During the Third Reich, the palatial building showcased only propaganda art deemed “truly German” to mirror the Nazi aesthetic.

Today, the Haus der Kunst hosts cutting-edge temporary exhibitions of the world’s major contemporary artists, photographers, and sculptors.

26. Eisbach Wave

Munich has emerged as one of the world’s unlikeliest surfing hotspots despite being over 300 km (190 mi) from the nearest sea.

Courtesy of a short, man-made river called the Eisbach, which flows through the English Garden, the largest public park in Munich, the Eisbach Wave (Eisbachwelle) is one of the most popular and unique Munich attractions.

The Eisbach Wave is about 1 meter (3.3 ft) high, 12 meters (40 ft) wide, and has a flow velocity reaching about 5 meters per second. It first appeared in the early 1970s after the city submerged concrete blocks under the eponymous Eisbach Bridge to break up the current.

You’ll see wetsuit-clad daredevils attempting to ride the Eisbach Wave in rain, hail, snow, or shine. The wave is strictly for experts, as the velocity and low depth of the water make surfing here very dangerous for novices.

As the name Eisbach (“Ice Creek”) implies, the temperature of the water is quite chilly. Even on the hottest summer days, the water rarely reaches more than 15°C (60°F).

The Eisbach Wave consistently attracts large crowds, with onlookers on the bridge often captivated by the surfers below.

27. Bavarian National Museum

The building of the Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum) is one of the most visually impressive architectural accomplishments on this Munich walking tour. Designed by Gabriel von Seidl and erected between 1894 and 1900, the building features an intoxicating mix of architectural styles.

While the edifice’s prevailing look is German Renaissance, the east wing is Romanesque, and the west wing incorporates both late Baroque and Rococo styles. The dominant central structure, on the other hand, is early Baroque.

The building’s eclectic exterior reflects the richness and variety of art and cultural works found within the museum’s collection.

28. Schack Collection

Formed by Friedrich von Schack, a wealthy baron from Mecklenburg, the Schack Collection (Sammlung Schack) boasts an intriguing collection of 19th-century paintings.

German-speaking artists such as Franz von Lenbach, Carl Spitzweg, Carl Rottmann, Anselm Feuerbach, Moritz von Schwind, and Arnold Böcklin are well represented here.

One of the underrated museums in Munich, the Schack Collection primarily features landscapes, historical scenes, legends, and mythology.

The collection is housed in a historic building, whose sandstone façade features a two-story columned loggia bordered by pilasters with Ionic columns. On the tympanum, there is an imperial coat of arms flanked by eagles, dedicated to the emperor.

29. Angel of Peace

The Angel of Peace Monument (Friedensengel) is an iconic landmark commemorating the 25 years of peace following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Erected between 1896 and 1899, it stands in the Bogenhausen district, overlooking the Isar River and offering a commanding view of Munich.

Architecturally, the monument features a grand 38-meter (125-foot) high Corinthian column, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman design, topped with a golden statue of the Angel of Peace.

The angel, crafted by sculptors Heinrich Düll, Georg Pezold, and Max Heilmaier, is depicted with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in her right hand, symbolizing peace, and the Nike of Samothrace figure in her left hand, representing victory.

At the base of the column is a beautifully designed temple-like structure with a portico supported by six Ionic columns.

The relief medallions of the corner columns of the Angel of Peace contain portraits of the rulers and generals of the Franco-Prussian War. I love the four gold mosaics (one on each side) on the inside which depict the allegories of Peace, War, Victory, and Culture.

The site also features four fountains with bronze sculptures of dolphins and tritons, contributing to the tranquil ambiance.

30. Maximilianeum

Completed in 1874, the stately Maximilianeum was designed as an elite education foundation for Bavaria’s most gifted students, regardless of their status or wealth. Since 1949, it has also served as the seat of the Bavarian parliament.

The Maximilianeum, keeping with the splendor of the many palatial buildings lining Maximilianeumstraße, is truly a sight to behold. Its 150-meter wide terracotta façade features a triple-arched entrance topped by the figure of an angel, serving as the focal point.

Designed in the Renaissance style, the Maximilianeum’s slightly concave façade is adorned with busts and statues. A closer look reveals its colored mosaics on a gold background that decorate the semi-circular blind windows.

31. Müllersches Volksbad

Munich’s oldest indoor public swimming pool is a must-visit for anyone enthusiastic about swimming, taking a sauna, or interior design. Indeed, the Müllersches Volksbad is considered to be among the finest in Germany and has been thrilling visitors since it opened in 1901.

The exterior and interior are notable for their Art Nouveau architecture with strong Neo-Baroque and Moorish elements. Rich in ornamentation, Baroque-inspired elements such as wall paintings, stucco, bronze statues, and ornate iron grilles can also be found in the bath.

32. Deutsches Museum

Located on a small island in the Isar River, the Deutsches Museum (German Museum of Masterpieces of Science and Technology) is the world’s largest natural science and technology museum. It is one of Munich’s must-see sights and welcomes around 1.5 million visitors annually.

Housed in an enormous building, the collection of the Deutsches Museum is spread out over 66,000 square meters, with seven floors of exhibits. It was founded in 1903 and its huge collection covers the greatest technological achievements from the Stone Age to the present day.

The exhibits are diverse and cover fields such as mining, aerospace engineering, ceramics, image script codes, printing, photography, music, bridge building, robotics, textiles, etc.

The Deutsches Museum also has two satellite branches in Munich – the Flugwerft Schleißheim which focuses on the history of aviation and the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum which is dedicated to land transport.

33. Isartor

The Isartor is the easternmost of Munich’s three remaining city gates and the only one that has been preserved in its original form. Its central tower dates back to the mid-14th century and its two eight-sided towers are from the early 15th century. 

The arcades in the towers are decorated with friezes representing the triumphal procession of Ludwig IV of Bavaria after his victory at the Battle of Ampfing in 1322.

Today, Isartor’s southern tower houses the Valentin-Karlstadt-Museum, a humorous museum dedicated to the actor and comedian Karl Valentin, often referred to as the “Charlie Chaplin of Germany.”

34. Viktualienmarkt

No tour of Munich sightseeing would be complete without visiting the Viktualienmarkt. This lively open-air market really is the beating heart of downtown Munich.

Affectionately called “Munich’s stomach,” it features more than 140 stalls and shops offering a diverse range of goods, from fresh produce and exotic fruits to local Bavarian delicacies and gourmet foods.

The market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and the quality of its products. Shoppers can find an array of fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and seafood, as well as specialty items like truffles, olive oils, and handmade chocolates.

In addition to food, Viktualienmarkt also offers flowers, spices, and a variety of household items.

Don’t forget to check out the maypole in the center, which towers over Viktualienmarkt. The groups of figures attached to the maypole depict motifs from traditional Munich life.

The bottom of the maypole celebrates one of the world’s oldest food laws. As early as 1487, Duke Albrecht IV issued the Munich Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot), stipulating that Munich beer could consist only of three ingredients: barley, hops, and water (it was only later discovered that a fourth ingredient, yeast, is always present in fermentation).

The law was enacted to ensure set quality standards and to prevent unscrupulous brewers from using unsavory and even harmful ingredients to adulterate what was then seen as a basic foodstuff. The Munich Purity Law of 1487 was later adopted across Bavaria in 1516.

N.B. The Viktualienmarkt is open 24/7, but the market stalls are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

• Click here to book a Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour

35. Ohel Jakob Synagogue

The Ohel Jakob Synagogue (Ohel-Jakob-Synagoge) is the principal synagogue of Munich’s Jewish community, the second largest in Germany. Along with the adjacent Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum), it is a repository of Jewish culture in the city.

The name of the synagogue is the same as the old one which was torn down in 1938 during Kristallnacht. Quite fittingly, it was inaugurated on 9 November 2006, the 68th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Visually striking, the Ohel Jakob Synagogue consists of two stacked cubes – a solid travertine base topped with a delicate glass structure encased in a bronze metal veil. The base of the modern building is reminiscent of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

The upper glass structure represents a tent, symbolizing the 40 years the Jews spent wandering the Sinai Desert. The synagogue’s bronze doors contain the first 10 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, symbolizing the Ten Commandments.

36. Munich City Museum

The Munich City Museum (Münchner Stadtmuseum), founded in 1888, is located in a historic building that was once the arsenal and stables for the city’s militia. The museum showcases Munich’s rich history and cultural heritage through a diverse range of exhibits.

Visitors can explore collections that include artifacts, photographs, and documents highlighting the city’s development from its founding to the present day.

The museum also features unique exhibits on the National Socialist period, puppetry, and musical instruments. The striking Gothic Revival architecture of the building adds to the museum’s charm, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

37. Asam Church

The Asam Church (Asamkirche) is undoubtedly my favorite of all the churches in Munich. Its official name is the Church of St. Johann Nepomuk, but it’s known as the Asam Church in honor of its architects, the brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam.

One of the hidden gems in Munich, the late-Baroque Asam Church stands out on the heavily commercialized Sendlinger Straße. Built between 1733 and 1746 in a confined space, the church’s interior has peculiar dimensions: a total length of 28 meters (92 ft), a width of 8.8 meters (29 ft), and a height of 18 meters (62 ft).

The Baroque-style façade gives no hint of the splendor within. The arch over the doorway depicts St. John of Nepomuk surrounded by cherubs and two angels.

The Asam Church’s nave, with its low-key lighting, is a Baroque masterpiece, richly adorned with intricate stuccowork, frescoes, and gilded ornaments. The ceiling fresco, painted by Cosmas Damian Asam, depicts the life of Saint John of Nepomuk.

The high altar features a dramatic crucifixion scene, illuminated by natural light from hidden windows. Marble columns and elaborate carvings embellish the walls, creating a sense of opulence and grandeur.

Every surface is meticulously detailed, reflecting the Asam brothers’ dedication to creating a breathtakingly ornate sacred space.

38. Sendlinger Tor

The final sight of our free Munich walking tour is the Sendlinger Tor. The Sendlinger Tor once served as the gateway to an important trade route to Italy via Innsbruck. Now, it’s the gateway to a trendy cultural center.

This Gothic gate was built in 1318 as part of the second effort to build a wall around medieval Munich. It originally had a large central tower, which was removed in 1808. Today, the two ivy-clad side towers are all that remain.

Guided Munich Walking Tours

If you are very short on time or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of a self-guided Munich walking tour, you can also opt to take a guided tour instead. Two ones I can recommend are –

Guided Tour of Munich Old Town Highlights: This 2-hour walking tour of Munich, led by a knowledgeable guide, takes you around the highlights of Munich’s historic old town. Listen to interesting stories and legends as you go past historic landmarks.

Third Reich & WWII Tour Munich Walking Tour: Discover Munich’s dark past and the genesis of the Nazi Movement in the city by taking a 2.5-hour tour of the sites of mass rallies, and much more.

What Else to See in Munich

Obviously, there is plenty more to see in Munich than what we have covered in our walking tour. Places like the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace, the sprawling English Garden, atmospheric beer gardens, and excellent museums like Alte Pinakothek and the BMW Museum all deserve to be seen.

Munich is also the ideal starting point for excursions to the postcard-perfect medieval old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the historic city of Nuremberg, Germany’s highest peak – Zugspitze, or Neuschwanstein Castle – the fairytale castle which inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

You could also take a day trip from Munich to Eagle’s Nest – Hitler’s mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps above Berchtesgaden or visit Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg on a day trip from Munich.

Where to Stay in Munich

The variety of accommodation in Munich is vast, and it’s possible to find something to suit all tastes and budgets. The majority of hotels and hostels can be found on the periphery of the Old Town and in Schwabing.

If you choose a place further from the center, make sure that it has good public transport connections.

N.B. Munich is a major location for international trade fares so keep in mind that accommodation of any sort can be harder to find in Munich when trade fairs take place in the city and during Oktoberfest.

Hostel: Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof, a great choice next to Munich’s main railway station

Budget: B&B Hotel München-Olympiapark, a solid option near the Olympic Park

Mid-range: Hotel Torbräu, an excellent choice in the historic Old Town, just 400 m from Marienplatz

Splurge: Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor – a concept by Hyatt, a sumptuous choice in the trendy Schwabing district

Further Reading For Your Munich Visit

That summarizes our comprehensive free self-guided Munich walking tour. However, we reckon you’ll find the following resources useful for planning your trip to Munich!

More Self-Guided Walking Tours in Europe

In case you enjoyed our self-guided Munich walking tour, do check out our other self-guided walking tours of major European cities.

• Free Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Helsinki Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Stockholm Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Oslo Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Hamburg Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Budapest Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Vienna Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Salzburg Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Prague Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Bratislava Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Zagreb Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Tallinn Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Riga Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Vilnius Walking Tour

• Free Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour

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Now, what do you think? Did you enjoy our self-guided walking tour of Munich? Are there any other stops that we should be adding? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!