The capital of Bavaria is often seen as one of the most expensive cities in Germany. However, there are plenty of incredible free things to do in Munich. I’ve put together a collection of the top free activities in Munich, from stunning parks to vibrant flea markets, to assist you in budgeting for your upcoming trip!
Table of contents
- The best free things to do in Munich: Activities and attractions
- Explore the city on a free walking tour
- Discover old and new cars at BMW Welt (BMW World)
- Visit the Neues Rathaus – New Town Hall
- Relax in the Englischer Garten – English Garden
- Visit the historical Olympiapark – Olympic Park
- Marvel at the incredible Churches
- See the gardens at the Munich Residenz
- Learn about history at the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism
- Step back in time at Feldherrnhalle – Field Marshalls’ Hall
- Browse one of the markets
- Summary
- Related posts
Munich is full of history, tradition and so many incredible attractions to see. But visiting doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are some top free things to do in Munich to help you save some money.
The best free things to do in Munich: Activities and attractions
What you need to know
- Is Munich a cheap city to visit? This entirely depends on how you want to spend your days. I’m not a big spender at all and found plenty of free things to do in Munich and didn’t find it to be an overly expensive city.
Munich City Pass
While it does require purchasing upfront, I think it’s always worth mentioning the Munich City Pass. Upon purchase, this pass grants you free access to public transportation and free admission to most of Munich’s top attractions. Moreover, it includes free access to the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and discounts at many of Munich’s top tourist spots and restaurants. Although there is an initial fee, if you plan to visit multiple attractions this pass offers great value for money.
Explore the city on a free walking tour
Exploring the city on foot is one of the best free things to do in Munich and provides a fantastic opportunity to see the city’s incredible architecture. There are some excellent free walking tours available, and I’ve outlined a few of them below:
- Munich Old Town: Great for history enthusiasts, this tour delves into Munich’s rich past, from lederhosen to political rallies. Learn all about the city’s history while taking in some of Munich’s top sights.
- Free tour of Munich: Perfect for first-time visitors, this 2.5-hour-long tour will introduce you to all of Munich’s best landmarks.
- Free walking tour of Munich: This tour offers a blend of history and sightseeing, taking you to some lesser-known spots in the city. Along the way, it offers an overview of how these places have played a role in shaping Munich into the dynamic city it is today.
Discover old and new cars at BMW Welt (BMW World)
You don’t have to be a die-hard car enthusiast to enjoy BMW Welt. This popular attraction, not to be confused with the BMW Museum, offers a glimpse of the newest BMW models. There’s a lot to see here, from luxury cars to motorcycles, as well as previews of future BMW projects. Entry is free and there’s even a cafĂ© that offers a unique dining experience thanks to its robotic barista. This is one of the best free things to do in Munich if you’re interested in cars!
Visit the Neues Rathaus – New Town Hall
In a city renowned for its remarkable architecture, Munich Town Hall manages to distinguish itself as one of the most impressive structures. Plan your visit to coincide with the daily Glockenspiel show, which occurs at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., showcasing significant historical events from Munich’s past. Finally, make sure to head through to the courtyard for even more stunning views of the town hall.
Relax in the Englischer Garten – English Garden
Visiting the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is a must-do activity in Munich and one of the best free things to do in the city. One of the largest inter-city parks in the world, there’s no shortage of places to see and areas to explore. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss out on:
Monopteros temple
Nestled in the heart of the English Garden, the Monopteros stands as an iconic landmark, providing great panoramic views of Munich. Erected in the 1800s, this temple continues to hold a special place in the hearts of tourists and locals alike.
Japanese Tea House
In the summertime, head over to the Japanese Tea House to see traditional tea ceremonies taking place. This beautiful Japanese structure, situated amidst the water, serves as a picturesque setting, perfect for capturing some unique photographs!
Chinese Tower
The Chinese Tower hosts Munich’s second-largest beer garden and stands as a fantastic central gathering spot in the park. Head on down during the weekends to see live performances from brass bands!
The Eisbach wave
No visit to the English Garden is complete without going to see the surfers on the Eisbach wave. This artificial wave offers surfers a place to practice year-round and has emerged as one of Munich’s most popular tourist spots. Watching the surfers on the riverbank was my favourite free thing to do in Munich and I can’t recommend making some time to do this enough!
Visit the historical Olympiapark – Olympic Park
Host of the 1972 Summer Olympics, a visit to the Olympic Park is an excellent free activity to do while in Munich. Aside from being a great place to relax amidst the beautiful scenery, there’s a lot to see and do here. Don’t miss the Walk of Stars around the lake to see how many famous names you can spot. Afterwards, climb the rubble hill made from World War II debris for great views of the park and the city.
Marvel at the incredible Churches
Munich is renowned for its stunning churches, each full of its own rich history and unique character. Taking the opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse architectural styles and intricate designs of these churches, both from the outside and within, is a great experience. This was one of my favourite free things to do in Munich so I’ve listed some of my must-see spots here:
Frauenkirche (The Cathedral Church of Our Lady)
Easily distinguished by its unmistakable duo towers, Frauenkirche is arguably Munich’s most famous church. Don’t miss out on the legend of the devil’s footprint, an imprint found in the church’s entrance hall believed to have been left by the devil while visiting.
Theatinerkirche (The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan)
Recognizable by its vibrant yellow facade and impressive dome, Theatinerkirche ranks among Munich’s most beautiful churches. Furthermore, the church is home to the Wittelsbacher Crypt, the final resting place for 49 members of the former royal family.
St Peter’s Church:
Located right in the middle of the city, it’s hard to miss St. Peter’s Church. The church houses the jewel-adorned skeletal remains of Saint Munditia who has been on display here since 1883. Visiting the church is free and you can pay to climb the tower for great panoramic views of Munich.
Asam Church
Hidden amidst the stores on a bustling shopping street is my favourite Munich treasure: the Asam Church. What awaits you beyond its entrance is a breathtaking masterpiece. Overflowing with incredible figures, statues, and art, the Asam Church distinguishes itself even within Munich’s rich cultural landscape.
See the gardens at the Munich Residenz
The Munich Residenz is a historic palace complex located in the heart of the city. Originally built in the 14th century, it served as the residence of the Wittelsbach monarchs for centuries, showcasing a blend of architectural styles and housing an extensive collection of art, artefacts, and royal apartments. While it does cost to enter the Residenz, there are plenty of beautiful courtyards and the Court Gardens to explore for free. Spending sunny afternoons here was one of my favourite free things to do in Munich!
Learn about history at the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism
Situated on the site that once housed the Nazi Party headquarters, the Munich Documentation Centre offers a compelling exploration of the history and ascent to power of the Nazi regime. With diverse exhibitions and events, the centre provides a fascinating and educational experience, making it one of the best free things to do in Munich if you’re a history enthusiast!
Step back in time at Feldherrnhalle – Field Marshalls’ Hall
Honouring the Bavarian army, the Feldherrnhalle stands as a remarkable testament to history, having been the location of Hitler’s failed putsch attempt and later becoming a significant symbol linked to the Nazi party. Today, serving as a memorial site, it also hosts outdoor concerts throughout the summer, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to its historical significance.
Browse one of the markets
Visiting markets is one of the best free things to do in Munich. There’s no shortage and even if you’re not looking to buy, just walking around is a great experience. Here are some unmissable spots:
- Viktualienmarkt: Can you even say you’ve been to Munich if you didn’t stop by Viktualienmarkt? Renowned as Munich’s most famous market, Viktualienmarkt boasts a diverse array of fresh produce and delectable local dishes. Without a doubt, this is the spot to visit if you’re on the hunt for exceptional food.
- Daglfing flea market: One of Munich’s biggest flea markets, Daglfing is full of all kinds of treasures, antiques and collectables. Despite being situated a bit beyond the city centre, Daglfing remains readily accessible via public transportation. Additionally, a spacious indoor selling area ensures that even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty to see and buy.
- Wiener Markt: Though not as grand as Viktualienmarkt, Wiener Markt is still well worth a visit. Surrounded by idyllic buildings, stores and cafes, Wiener Markt has been a daily food market in Munich for over 100 years. One of its more popular spots is the Hofbräukeller, one of Munich’s biggest beer gardens.
Summary
Is it cheap to visit Munich? It can be if you plan well! Exploring the city’s churches was a highlight of my trip. Moreover, the evenings I spent at the Englisch Garten are some of my favourite summer memories. In my experience, managing a budget while enjoying Munich is entirely achievable.
