Insider Tips for Munich

There are also hidden corners in Munich, unknown neighborhoods, or tours that are off the beaten path. Where can you find the best street art, the best exhibits, and the most beautiful places to relax and dine? During my last short trip to Munich, I sought out the insider tips for Munich and alternatives to the well-known sights of the Bavarian capital.

Not for locals and connoisseurs, but for visitors and tourists, like you and me. Are you ready for your next city trip?

Note: Here's my link to the article for the sights in Munich on the travel blog. Tips for hotels, guides, and tickets for attractions can be found here in the travel tips for Munich. View all information about the Munich City Pass here (it's worth it).

When it comes to the city of Munich, the statements are quite similar: Munich is the largest village in Germany. And this is not meant negatively at all. Munich is a big city, but in many corners, it doesn't feel that way. Compared to Cologne or Berlin, Munich is somehow cozy and somewhat green.

Most attractions and hidden gems can be explored on foot, for example, along the North-South and East-West passages. I had my bike with me and rode part of the route. Unfortunately, the rain interrupted, and I had to cut it short. Because the tour leads along the Isar, you rarely feel like you're in a major city. Just a great tip for Munich.

Route: The tour starts or ends at the BMW Welt and takes you through the Olympic Village, the memorial site of the 1972 Munich Olympic tragedy + memorial stone, Olympiaberg (great view), Eisbach and Eisbachwelle, Bavarian National Museum, and the Friedensengel along the Isar and Prater Island, the Rose Garden, the Isar steps, and Thalkirchner Bridge to the destination, Gasthaus Hinterbrühl by the lake with a beer garden. Ideal for winding down the day.

Caution: Be mindful of the entrance to the Rose Garden, which is not easily visible from the bike path. At some points along the route, you have to dismount and walk your bike, as cycling is forbidden.

Here you can use the app komoot to follow the route of the North-South Passage or take it as a walk.

Alternatively, you can explore the East-West passage (view route on komoot). It starts at the Friedensengel. Other locations include Bogenhausen Cemetery, the Chinese Tower, and Monopteros in the English Garden, Milchhäusl, Ludwig Maximilian University, the Memorial Site of the White Rose, Alte Pinakothek, Königsplatz, the Lenbachhaus mentioned below, Hubertusbrunnen, and Nymphenburg Palace with its garden (one of my top sights in Munich).

You can also book a city hike through the Munich East-West passage with a guide here on the Munich Tourism website (duration 3 hours, cost 25 euros per person including a stop at Milchhäusl and a drink of your choice).

Everyone knows the English Garden in Munich. Of course, because the Eisbach wave with surfers is no longer a hidden gem. Just like the great kiosk Fräulein Grüneis, where you can buy an ice cream or a cool drink. You can read more about this in the article for sights in Munich.

My best tip as an alternative to the English Garden: the Rose Garden.

The beautiful little park right next to the Isar is very well-kept and little known to tourists (yet). The garden was originally created to cultivate plants and trees. In the late 1980s, the park was opened to the public. Since all plants and roses have signs with the names of the varieties, you can spend a lot of time here searching for the most beautiful rose.

Many tourists pass by the entrance, which is difficult to find (especially for cyclists). Therefore, it is more serene here than in other parks. Benches and chairs invite you to linger everywhere. Take a walk and sniff the fragrant roses. A great alternative to the English Garden.

One of the most beautiful places in Munich for me. I especially loved the poisonous plants garden with its small stream winding through it. Additionally, you can read on the boards which plants you should rather not eat.

Better-known alternatives to the Rose Garden are the English Garden and the Olympic Park.

Opening hours: April to September Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 9 PM. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 9 PM. From October to March Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Entry is free.

The history of Werksviertel-Mitte fascinates me and can be summed up in three words: multifunctional, urban, international. Behind the Munich East Station, where the company Pfanni produced its dumplings, mashed potatoes, and convenience mix for nearly 70 years, a new trendy district is emerging: Werksviertel-Mitte Munich. The area is still privately owned, and you should consider it in your program for Munich.

Great emphasis is placed on sustainability. Buildings are constructed gradually, not all at once. On the vacant lots, the Umadum Ferris wheel or the Container Collective with bars and small shops stand.

There are offices, an inclusivity restaurant next to a star-rated kitchen, hotels, and hostels. A great after-work and party location thanks to the Container Collective with fantastic shops and bars. On the roof of Werk 3, there are even sheep, quails, and bees. Next to it is a cabin. In the middle of the city.

In the old potato silo of Werk 4, you can find the Heavens Gate climbing gym, which has designed its routes up in the old silos. I got a peek inside and was truly impressed. A large bouldering area and walls with 30-meter-high climbing routes make your heart race.

One thing that should not be overlooked is the gastronomy. Many great locations from coffee roasters to authentic Thai food with Tuc Tucs and a street food atmosphere. A fantastic district that you should explore on your next trip to Munich. The foundations for a district where you can have it all are already laid. Super exciting!

Tips for dining in Werksviertel-Mitte: Mun (Sushi Gourmet Streetfood), Khanittha (very authentic Thai street food), Aleppo Grill

Breakfast: Coffee Roastery, Boulangerie Dompierre, Mariss Bar next to Gambino Hotel

Bars: Bar of Bel Air (Container Collective),

Book a tour in Werksviertel-Mitte to visit the sheep on the roof in Werk 3 along with Stadtalm.

The world's largest mobile Ferris wheel, towering at 80 meters, is once again in motion. I got to ride it a day before its official reopening. The ride lasts 30 minutes, and at the base station, you can stock up on drinks and snacks before the ride. On clear days, you can enjoy not only the entire Munich skyline but also a panoramic view extending to the Alps.

"Umadum" is Bavarian for "around". The Ferris wheel has 27 gondolas, each accommodating 16 people (8 during COVID).

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM

Prices: Adults 12 euros, children and teenagers (ages 6 - 15) and seniors over 65: 9 euros

With the Munich City Card free (with the Munich Card -20% discount)

Compared to other German metropolises, Munich doesn't have much street art. However, if you know where to look for street art, there is plenty to see.

On my second-to-last visit to Munich, we explored street art on our own. Now I participated in a bike tour with Stefanie from MUCA. The tour was fantastic as I learned many facts and background stories about the artworks. If you haven't had much experience with graffiti and stencils, you'll learn everything there is to know about the creation of graffiti and the techniques of the artists!

If you wish to explore Munich through alternative (bike) paths, you must book this engaging tour. I had a great time. The best part was that afterwards, entrance to MUCA was free. For me, it's a real insider tip for Munich.

Tumblinger Hall of Fame

Alter Viehhof and Bahnwärter Thiel

Thalkirchner Straße, kiosk across from MS Utting starting the walls toward Schlachthof

Underpass Friedensengel

Cornelius Bridge

Werksviertel-Mitte

Candidplatz

Muffathalle

After visiting MUCA, you'll likely become a fan of the icons of Urban Art: Banksy, Os Gêmeos, Shepard Fairey, or Swoon. In the rooms of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MUCA), you can admire originals of contemporary art in Munich. The exhibition 'Icons of Urban Art' showcases original works by now world-renowned artists. The current special exhibition features an icon from the 1970s, displaying the shadow men of the "Godfather of Street Art," Richard Hambleton. The title of the exhibition is "Richard Hambleton - the Forgotten Shadow Man."

The bunker next door will soon open. There, you will find more artworks and installations over a larger area. I got an early look inside and have to say: It's worth it.

Make sure to visit this hotspot for the street and urban art scene. For me, it's the best of all the alternative sights in Munich. By the way: MUCA houses the largest Banksy collection in Europe and showcases over 20 originals by the street artist.

Address of MUCA: Hotterstraße 12, 80331 Munich

Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10 AM to 8 PM, closed on Tuesdays

Street Art Bike Tour with MUCA visit: from 25 euros, bookable here on the MUCA website

Duration of the bike tour: approximately 3 to 3.5 hours

Purchase this travel guide: Street Art Munich: A Guide for Munich Locals, with many illustrations and stories of development

You can also participate in graffiti workshops

As they say? Trying is better than studying. Therefore, I recommend that you definitely take a tasting tour at the Viktualienmarkt. The market has been supplying Munich residents with all sorts of culinary treats and delicacies since 1807. Along with historical information, you are told the history of many stores around it. Since the tour, I now know, for example, which bakery chain is the busiest in Germany.

If you want to know where to find the best coffee, the tastiest pretzel, and the best cheese, this tour is just right for you.

Of course, there are also some specialties to taste: from cheese to freshly squeezed juices, Franconian sausage specialties, and pretzels.

Book directly on the simply Munich website

Duration about 2 hours

Cost 30 euros

The tour is conducted by officially trained guides from the Bavarian capital Munich.

Some call it the witch's house, others the tree house. It doesn't matter, as this place awakens every childhood dream of having your own tree house (which I never had, but my best friend did). In Giesing at Gans Woanders, you can sit in the witch's house among trees in a cozy atmosphere.

Gans Woanders is thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail. Step inside and explore the individual rooms. I loved being under the roof by the piano the most.

From cake to rosemary fries and pizza (vegetarian and vegan after 5 PM), you will also be well-fed here. For me, it's the best place to go out and, by far, still not as well-known as Bahnwärter Thiel or MS Utting.

The counterpart Gans am Wasser is reportedly just as great. Some even say they prefer it. Due to heavy rain, I couldn't bike to Gans am Wasser. I'll definitely make a point to go on my next visit to Munich!

Address: Pilgersheimer Str. 13, 81543 Munich

Opening hours: Sunday 10 AM to 10 PM; Monday - Wednesday 10 AM to 11 PM; Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 12 AM. Food is served until 11 PM, Sundays until 10 PM

View website

What is more important than having a good breakfast with rolls or bread in the morning? You can get all that at Julius Brandtner in his glass organic bakery. You can see that everything is made by hand through the glass windows from the outside.

The philosophy: everything organic, everything made by hand. This way, you can watch how the rolls and bread are kneaded and folded. An art in itself. Moreover, there are only five products. I think that's more than enough since all of them are excellent. I had the pleasure of trying everything. My conclusion: the fluffiest rolls and the best bread I have ever eaten!

During my visit, I received feedback from many of you that this is indeed by far the best bakery in Munich. Be sure to try the breads and rolls when you are in Munich! My favorite: the Organic Bread Craft 25 made from organic whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, and organic natural sourdough from rye whole grain. Delicious!

Address: Nordendstraße 23 (Schwabing)

Pop-up at Aroma Coffee Bar: Tuesday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM and Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM

You can learn more about the philosophy on the website

Follow Julius and his team on Facebook and Instagram

The Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus is an art museum of the Bavarian capital Munich with changing special exhibitions. It is located in the Lenbach Palace, the former villa of the painter Franz von Lenbach. The historic villa has a lovely courtyard garden that you definitely shouldn't miss. Currently, this can only be visited with a ticket.

The Lenbachhaus houses the world's largest collection of "The Blue Rider," one of the most important artist groups of the 20th century. Notably, it includes works by Wassily Kandinsky, oil paintings, drawings, watercolors, sketchbooks, and reverse glass paintings. Additionally, you can examine significant artists like Franz Marc, August Macke, or Paul Klee more closely. A truly wonderful museum!

Address: Luisenstraße 33, 80333 Munich

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM, except Thursday until 8 PM. Closed on Mondays

Included in the Munich City Pass (The Munich Card only offers discounts)

Entry: 10 euros

Just a few meters away from the Lenbachhaus, you will find another hidden tip: The Paleontological Museum Munich. A free and publicly accessible part of the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology in the Kunstareal Munich.

Here, you can embark on a journey to prehistoric times and see the remains of long-extinct animals. The impressive skeletons of a pterosaur, the largest Bavarian dinosaur, Plateosaurus, the Mühlendorf primeval elephant, or the skull of a triceratops are quite impressive. Just like the skeleton of a giant deer and a fish lizard.

Did you think you'd encounter remnants of dinosaurs right in the middle of Munich? I felt briefly like I was in the movie "Night at the Museum."

Family tours are also offered.

Entry is free.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM to 4 PM; every first Sunday of the month open from 10 AM to 4 PM

More info on the official website

Olympic Park and Summer or Winter Fun

Swimming at Flauchersteg and then to the beer garden Zum Flaucher

Instead of Hofbräuhaus, head to Augustiner Keller or Hofbräukeller

The diverse Türkenstraße with great cafés, restaurants, and shops

Take a trip to one of the five lakes: Ammersee, Starnberger See, Wörthsee, Pilsensee, and Wesslinger See

Note: Currently closed due to renovation work. Additionally, the lease with the previous operator has expired.

The best view of Marienplatz is without a doubt from Alter Peter. However, if you want to enjoy a great view of the entire Munich skyline, I recommend the café in Vorhoelzer Forum on the roof of TU Munich. From the roof, you have an excellent view of Königsplatz to Frauenkirche, Theatinerkirche, and the Olympic Tower. On clear days, you can even see the Alps from here.

The café offers inexpensive food and coffee. You can't eat cheaper in the city center of Munich while enjoying such a great view.

The entrance is a little hidden. They mainly want to keep the café for the students, so you won't find any signs inside the building. Use the entrance on Arcisstraße. Go left inside the building until you reach the elevators. Go to the 4th floor, as you usually have to walk up the last level (5th floor).

In summer (May - August) from 9 AM to 10 PM

In spring and autumn (March - April and September - October) from 9 AM to 9 PM

In winter (November - February) from 9 AM to 6 PM

Open the map on your smartphone to navigate quickly through Munich. In this map, you will find all the insider tips as well as attractions for Munich. It includes recommended places, hotels, museums, and restaurants, and beer gardens.

Are you living in Germany? Then travel (also for environmental reasons) by train. Alternatively, you can arrive by long-distance bus Flixbus, which often has deals.

In addition, parking spaces in Munich are rare, and underground garages are expensive (at least 15 euros per day).

I highly recommend the Gambino Hotel in Werksviertel-Mitte for the places mentioned in this article. Book a room with a view of the Umadum Ferris wheel (category: CLASSICO riesenrad). The view is exceptionally beautiful.

The location in the newly emerging district is ideal, as you have many options for dining, breakfast, street art, and even a climbing gym with 30-meter-high walls.

Tram line 19 is also known as the sightseeing line. It is part of Munich's public transportation network and passes by all the major sights in Munich.

For the price of a normal ticket, you can get an overview. The tram starts in Pasing and ends at the Berg am Laim stop and then returns. Do you have a Munich City Card with public transport? Even better; you can ride for free.

A ride takes just under an hour.

I love exploring Munich by bike. The bike paths are great. In the city center, there are separate bike paths that you can use.

You can ride beautifully among greenery along the Isar. In good weather, you can see much more of the city by bike and get from A to B much faster.

Alternatively, there are also e-scooters from many providers in Munich. However, the rides can get expensive quickly.

I'm a fan of the small and compact Dumont Direkt travel guides. The Munich edition has always prepared me well for the trip. Absolute recommendation!

Additionally, I purchased the Picture Atlas by Dumont for Munich. It not only offers tips for great places but also small stories we always enjoy reading for trip preparation.

You can find some of the places mentioned here in the Travel Guide to Happy Places in Munich. It has real insider tips from locals.

In addition to Gans Woanders, I of course visited a few places to eat on this city trip to Munich. Some of the tips for great food and bars can be found under the section "Werksviertel-Mitte", while others are here:

Alte Utting: Particularly beautiful here at sunset. The pizza from the wood oven (I had the vegetarian one) is highly recommended.

Fresh beer: Self-brewed beer and a plethora of craft beer varieties to try. Near Bahnwärter Thiel and Alte Utting.

Blitz Restaurant: A brilliant mix of vegan-vegetarian-Mexican. There's also street art on the walls, naturally in Mexico style. Be sure to reserve a table in advance (best through the Fork app).

Of course, also at Viktualienmarkt, for example at Kaspar Plautz (everything with potatoes).

Leave us a comment at the end of the article and let us know how your visit was. I look forward to more insider tips for the next city trip to the Bavarian capital Munich. You can find the most important sights here in my Munich sights article.

Do you want to always receive the best travel and insider tips? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, or subscribe to my newsletter to get regular updates and exclusive tips.

♥ Do you enjoy using my tips? Say thanks with a coffee ☕️ My articles are the result of extensive research, personal experiences, and honest recommendations - entirely without AI. I write them to help you plan your travels stress-free and with genuine, self-tested tips. If you appreciate my work and simply want to say thank you, I would be grateful for a small donation in my virtual travel fund. Every contribution helps me continue to create high-quality content for you with passion and independence. Thank you!

Trust is important: In some of my articles, you will find referral links (affiliate links). If you book or buy something through one of these links, it costs you nothing extra - but I receive a small commission. This way, you can support me without any additional effort and help keep this blog alive. Thank you for being part of my community and sharing my passion for authentic travel!

Disclaimer: A big thank you to Simply Munich for the idea for alternative sights and city hiking. This article was created in a paid collaboration. My opinion is, of course, my own and honest.