Tour guides Germany > Munich

5 ideas for guided tours in Munich

• Viktualienmarkt

  

  The Viktualienmarkt is Germany’s largest weekly market and probably the best place to sample local food, mingle with Munich residents, and soak up its one-of-a-kind open-air atmosphere.
  Right in the heart of Munich, the market is home to 140 stalls selling food, drinks, fruit, fish, and vegetables, along with no fewer than 80 butchers and 35 bakeries.

  Let the smells and sounds of the Viktualienmarkt carry you away. Located in the lively Ludwigsvorstadt district, its square is lined with more than 300 shops, cafés, and restaurants. This historic spot dates back to the 18th century and is surrounded by beautiful old buildings. Whether or not you’re there to shop, it’s worth spending part of your day here — and its close proximity to Marienplatz makes it easy to reach at any point during your stay.

• Marienplatz

  

  In Munich’s historic center, Marienplatz has been bringing locals and travelers together for centuries. The square is dominated by the neo-Gothic town hall, its vast sculpted façade drawing all eyes when the glockenspiel chimes. Around it, cafés, trams, and passersby all flow together in constant motion.

  Look up and you’ll see the silhouette of the Frauenkirche, its twin towers topped with green domes, a landmark visible from afar. Just a few steps away, the Old Town Hall still stands — simpler, but just as striking in the scene. Together they create a contrast of eras that tells the story of the city.

  The square is far more than a monumental backdrop. Markets set up here — most famously the Christmas stalls in winter, but also in spring and summer. The streets leading away, Kaufingerstrasse and Viktualienmarkt, draw you into other atmospheres, with shops, market stands, and the scents of fresh fruit and spices.

• Nymphenburg Palace

  

  Among Europe’s great royal residences, the Nymphenburg Palace holds a special place. Built in the 18th century in a bold Baroque style, it served as the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria. Its richly decorated galleries and art collections, including those of the Kuenburg Museum, still bear witness to this splendor.

  The palace was enhanced by several European artists and architects, creating a blend where Rococo and Romanticism meet. The interiors, adorned with frescoes and delicate stuccoes, reflect the refined taste of the era and the political importance of the Dukes of Bavaria. Each room seems to reveal a different facet of court life.

  Outside, the park stretches over more than 200 hectares. Designed in the spirit of an English landscape garden, it is crossed by pathways, canals, and dotted with pavilions. Here you’ll find unique buildings like the Badenburg with its indoor pool, the Magdalenenklause intentionally built to look like a ruin, and the elegant Pagodenburg pavilion.

• Englischer Garten

  

  For a green escape just 30 minutes from downtown Munich in the Schwabing district, the Englischer Garten is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the peace of nature. This vast park, larger than Central Park in New York, is made up of rolling hills, with trees and winding paths at every turn.

  It features waterfalls, ponds, and plenty of hidden surprises. Munich’s English Garden also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. Visit the park during Oktoberfest or drop by for a summer festival like Tollwood.

  The Englischer Garten is one of the most romantic and enchanting parks in Germany. The most iconic spots are found mainly in its southern section: the 25-meter-high Chinesischen Turm (Chinese pagoda) with the city’s largest beer garden at its base, and a little farther on, the serene Japanese Tea House.

• Brewery Hofbräuhaus

  

  The Hofbräuhaus is one of those places that defines a visit to Munich. Founded in the late 16th century, this legendary beer hall has stood the test of time without losing its soul. Just steps from Marienplatz, you can already hear the laughter and music before you even step inside.

  Inside, the vast vaulted rooms echo with conversation and song. Guests share massive wooden tables, often with strangers, adding to the cheerful, communal spirit. Servers weave through the crowd carrying trays loaded with hefty beer steins and hearty Bavarian dishes.

  The star here is the house brew, Hofbräu Original Lager. Brewed for over 500 years using the same recipe, it’s served straight from the barrel — a detail that delights both first-time visitors and regulars.

  A trip to the Hofbräuhaus is as much about the atmosphere as the beer. Between the music, the smell of the food, and the lively chatter, you leave feeling like you’ve experienced something deeply, unmistakably Bavarian.