Free things to do · Munich · Germany
6 free things to do in Munich
Munich without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Munich without paying an entry fee: Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus, Frauenkirche, Englischer Garten and Viktualienmarkt are all free. Bring your own picnic to a self-service beer garden and buy only the drinks.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 6
- Cost level
- Expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and November
Free sights and experiences
Landmark · Altstadt
1.Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus
Arrive ten minutes early and stand towards the back of the square near the Fischbrunnen fountain, where the view up to the tower is clearer than from under it.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Kids
- Architecture
Religious site · Altstadt
2.Frauenkirche
Stand on the Devil's Footstep at the entrance; from that spot, the side windows are hidden by the pillars, as the legend describes.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
Park · Schwabing
3.Englischer Garten
Rent a bike to cover the length of the park, stopping at the Chinesischer Turm for a beer and pretzel.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
- Iconic
Market · Altstadt
4.Viktualienmarkt
Build a picnic from the stalls and eat it in the beer garden, where bringing your own food is allowed.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Shopping
- Iconic
Religious site · Altstadt
5.Asamkirche
It is easy to walk past; look for the rocky facade between the shopfronts on Sendlinger Straße.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Art
- Off the beaten path
Architecture · Altstadt
6.Odeonsplatz, Theatinerkirche and Hofgarten
Walk from here up Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor and on into Schwabing.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Couples
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Altstadt | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus, Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, Asamkirche and Odeonsplatz, Theatinerkirche and Hofgarten | 45 minutes + 30 minutes + 1 hour + 20 minutes + 45 minutes |
| Schwabing | Englischer Garten | 2–4 hours |
Worth a small ticket
Historic site · Altstadt
Hofbräuhaus
Look for the regulars' tables (Stammtisch) marked with signs; don't sit there unless invited.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Food
- After dark
- History
Park · Olympiapark
Olympiapark
Go up the Olympic Tower on a clear day for the Alpine panorama, or join a guided climb across the stadium roof.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Architecture
Gallery · Maxvorstadt
Alte Pinakothek
Visit on a Sunday, when Bavarian state galleries charge a symbolic entry fee, but expect more visitors.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- History
Gallery · Maxvorstadt
Pinakothek der Moderne
Start with the design collection in the basement, especially if you are visiting with teenagers.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Viewpoint · Altstadt
St. Peter's Church tower
Climb when the weather report mentions föhn; it brings crystal-clear views of the mountains.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Photo spot
- Active
Gallery · Maxvorstadt
Lenbachhaus
Head straight for the Blue Rider rooms, then enjoy the villa's garden and café.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
More ways to save
- Bring your own picnic to a self-service beer garden and buy only the drinks.
- Several Bavarian state museums, including the Pinakotheken, charge a symbolic fee on Sundays.
- Avoid Oktoberfest dates if you are on a budget; hotel prices can triple.
- A group day ticket for public transport is good value for two or more people travelling together.
- Many sights are free: the Englischer Garten, the Frauenkirche, BMW Welt, the Asamkirche and the Viktualienmarkt.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Munich expensive to visit?
Munich is expensive for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Munich?
Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus: Arrive ten minutes early and stand towards the back of the square near the Fischbrunnen fountain, where the view up to the tower is clearer than from under it.