Munich is full of history and traditional Bavarian flair, it’s one of my favourite cities in Germany and is a great visit all year round. The city has so many amazing outdoor spaces and activities, especially during the warmer months. Whether you enjoy shopping at markets or relaxing lakeside with a drink, Munich is the perfect summer destination!
Table of contents
From vibrant festivals and famous beer gardens to surfing and swimming, here’s all the information you need to make the most of your Munich summer trip!
Munich in summer: The best things to do and see
What you need to know
- Is Munich worth visiting in Summer? Absolutely! Some of my favourite summer memories are from visiting Munich during that time of the year.
- How hot does Munich get in Summer? Typically summer in Munich will see highs of around 25ºC
- What are the best things to do in Munich in Summer? Of course this depends on what you like to do but I recommend spending as much time outside as you can. There are so many great outdoor spaces in Munich to explore.
Parks
Munich is full of incredible parks and, although it’s great, there’s so much more to see than just the English Garden. Here are some great parks to visit in Munich in Summer:
The Englischer Garten (English Garden)
One of the largest inner city parks in the world and located in the heart of Munich city centre, the English Garden is the perfect summer retreat. There’s so much to see and do here, here’s a quick rundown of all the major spots in the park:
Japanese Tea House
Gifted to Munich in 1972 by Sapporo, Japan, the Japanese tea house is one of the most picturesque spots in the park. During the summer months, you can even enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies here.
Monopteros temple
Perched atop a hill, a 16-meter-tall temple offers incredible panoramic views of both the park and the city. Built between 1833 and 1837, this structure has stood the test of time and remains a beloved focal point of the English Garden.
Chinese Tower
Standing about 25 meters tall, the Chinese Tower is home to Munich’s second-largest beer garden. It’s a great place for food and drink, and on weekends, you can enjoy live music performances!
The Eisbach sufers wave
A visit to the English Garden isn’t complete without seeing the surfers on the Eisbach wave. This man-made wave offers a unique year-round surfing spot on the Isar River and has become one of the park’s most popular attractions. This was one of my favourite places to hang out in the park and I can’t recommend it enough if you’re visiting Munich in Summer!
Rosengarten – Rose Garden
Rosengarten is one of the most peaceful parks in the city, perfect for relaxing if you’re visiting Munich in summer. True to its name, Rosengarten is filled with over 200 species of roses, beautifully showcased and cared for. There are also lots of themed gardens to explore like the lilac garden and even a poisonous plants garden! Even if you’re not a flower lover you’re sure to find something you love in this enchanting park.
Westpark
A lively urban hub filled to the brim with activities for everyone to enjoy, Westpark has to be one of the best parks to visit in Munich in Summer. With two large lakes, beer gardens, play parks and a lake stage to host open-air events, there’s certainly lots to see. The park also features an East Asia Ensemble, complete with Chinese and Japanese gardens, a Thai Sala temple, and a Nepalese pagoda!
Olympiapark – Olympic Park
Originally built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park has since been transformed into a popular green space in the city. There’s plenty to do beyond relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Climb the rubble hill, made from World War II debris, for great views of the city. Explore the Walk of Stars to spot some famous names. Thrillseekers can climb the roof of one of the stadiums or zipline 35 meters above the park. If that still isn’t enough, hire a pedal boat and set sail on the Olympic Lake.
With such a huge variety of things to do, Olympic Park has to be on your list of places to visit in Munich in Summer!
Botanical Garden in Munich-Nymphenburg
Featuring over 16,000 plant species, the Botanical Gardens are a paradise for plant lovers. There’s so much to explore, specialized greenhouses showcase aquatic plants, lilies, orchids, desert plants, and more while themed outdoor areas include an insect garden, fern gorge, and even an Arctic area. I love Botanical Gardens and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. Even if you aren’t big on plants, the Botanical Gardens make a great place to visit in Munich in summer!
Tollywood Summer Festival
For a few weeks each summer, the Olympic Park is overtaken by the Tollywood summer festival. You’ll find beach bars, markets, live music, theatre performances, art exhibitions, and 50 organic food stalls offering treats from around the world. With so much happening, this celebration of life and culture is a must-visit if you’re in Munich in summer!
Beer gardens
Munich and beer gardens are a classic love story—you are in the heart of Bavaria, after all! One of the best ways to enjoy Munich in summer is by spending warm evenings outside, enjoying delicious food and drink. There are some great places to pick from, here are just a couple:
Viktualienmarkt Biergarten
The Viktualienmarkt Biergarten is a beloved spot among both tourists and locals. Located in the heart of Viktualienmarkt, it’s an ideal destination if you’re feeling hungry. While you’re required to purchase drinks on-site, you’re welcome to bring your own food, so take some time to explore the market beforehand and pick up something tasty.
One unique aspect of the Viktualienmarkt Biergarten is its rotating beer selection. They offer only one type of beer at a time, but this changes every six weeks as different breweries take their turn.
Seehaus im Englischen Garten – Lake house in the English Garden
Located right on the banks of Kleinhesseloher Lake, Seehaus provides an exceptional waterfront dining experience. This spot serves all the traditional beer garden dishes and even has a self-service area. With around 2,500 seats, it exudes the lively spirit of a classic beer garden, making it a fantastic place to visit in Munich in summer.
Outdoor swimming
When the weather heats up, what better way to cool down than by enjoying some outdoor swimming? Munich offers plenty of spots for this, whether you prefer natural settings or man-made pools. Outdoor swimming is a fantastic way to experience Munich in summer!
Feldmochinger See – Feldmochinger Lake
Covering 16 hectares, Felmochinger Lake stands out as one of the largest open water spaces in central Munich. Choose your spot wisely: the eastern banks are great for families, while the western area boasts a volleyball court. And for those seeking an au naturel experience, there’s a designated nudist beach on the southern shores.
Michaelibad open-air swimming pool
If you want a traditional man-made outdoor pool and not a natural body of water, this is for you. Not only does this pool have a 10m diving board, but also the longest water slide in Munich. There’s also a child-friendly pool and plenty of outdoor activities including volleyball courts and football pitches. With so much to offer, it’s the perfect place to visit in Munich in summer!
Naturbad Maria Einsiedel
Naturbad Maria has to be one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor bathing spots. What sets it apart? It’s naturally maintained and free of chemicals. Don’t worry though, the water quality is strictly maintained and is perfectly safe! Surrounded by trees and green fields, this outdoor pool offers a picturesque setting for a relaxing swim.
See Munich from above
Munich is full of historic churches, cathedrals and buildings with a few allowing you to climb their towers for incredible views of the city and surrounding areas. On a clear, sunny day, you can even see the Alps from certain vantage points. This makes tower climbing a perfect activity in Munich in summer! Here are a few places where you can climb the towers:
- St. Peter’s church – 56 meters
- Frauenkirche – 95 meters
- New Town Hall – 85 meters
Visit a market
Wandering around a market on a sunny day was one of my favourite things to do during my visit to Munich in Summer. Whether you’re on the lookout for a tasty treat or a unique gift, you’ll be sure to find it at a market. Here are two of my favourites!
Flohmarkt München-Riem – Flea market
Bavaria’s largest open air flea market, Flohmarkt München-Riem, is a thrifters’ paradise. Here, you’ll discover anything and everything, from clothes to furniture, toys to antiques. Spanning around 75,000 m², the site also offers several places to grab a bite to eat, making it the perfect destination for a day of treasure hunting.
Viktualienmarkt – Food market
Often at the top of tourists’ Munich bucket lists, Viktualienmarkt is the ultimate food market. With over 100 stalls selling all kinds of fresh produce, as well as restaurants and even a beer garden, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds here. My favourite has to be Der Verrückte Eismacher (The Crazy Ice Cream Maker) if you’re in the mood for some crazy ice cream flavours, the perfect way to cool down when visiting Munich in summer!
Rooftop bars
Munich has an incredible skyline, and what better way to enjoy it than from a rooftop bar? There’s a great range to choose from, whether you want something laid-back and casual or a bit fancier. Here are just a few options:
Flushing Meadows Hotel & Bar
Flushing Meadows is a fantastic fifth-floor bar that offers great cocktails and stunning views. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to visit in the evening during Munich in summer.
Transit Rooftop Bar
One of the trendiest rooftop bars in Munich, Transit offers a more relaxed and chilled-out vibe. There’s a great range of food and drink and the venu also hosts street food festivals over the summer.
Blue Spa Rooftop Terrace
If you’re looking to really splash out, Blue Spa Rooftop Terrace is for you. This place has exceptional panoramic views of the city and you can even make use of the venue’s pool and sauna!
Guided tours
If you’re looking to learn more about Munich’s history, there’s no better way to do it than on a guided walking tour on a sunny day. Discover the city’s past, get to know your way around and unearth some of Munich’s hidden gems. Here are a few great options:
- Free tour of Munich: A class guided tour around the city visiting all the major tourist attractions
- Delicacy tour through Munich’s Old Town: Eat your way through the Old Town on this food-tasting tour!
- Third Reich walking tour: One for history enthusiasts, learn about Munich’s role in the Nazi uprisings.
Summary
I had an amazing time visiting Munich in the summer and can’t recommend it enough. With its fantastic outdoor spaces and activities, Munich is perfect for enjoying warm weather. Whether you’re here for a day trip or planning to travel for a longer stay, you definitely won’t be bored!
