Things to do in Munich in a short visit

Things to do in Munich (in a Day and a Half)

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Things to do in Munich in a short visitWe made a quick trip to Munich while staying in Bayerisch Gmain, Germany. Honestly, I wasn’t really excited about it. I wasn’t not excited about it, I just had no idea what to expect. Turns out is it a lovely city and there are a lot of fun things to do in Munich.

Our friends from home, Deena and Todd, hooked us up with their friends from high school who are currently living in Munich. It was such a treat to meet interesting, fun people and connect with someone outside our family. Hanging out with just the four of us is great, but once in awhile a little outside energy is nice.

The video tells all. Then scroll down to plan your own quick stay in Munich.

Things to do in Munich
Free Munich Walking Tour

Take a free city tour with Sandeman’s New Europe. Make a reservation online before you go.

Surf the Eisbach in the English garden

Even in the middle of winter, you’ll see die hards surfing at the south end of the park. There is an artificial wave on the manmade river called the Eisbach. You can even take a surfing lesson if watching from the bridge isn’t enough.Things to do in Munich

Stroll Through the english garden

The Englische Garten (English Garden) is one of the largest urban parks in the world. After watching the surfers, stroll along the paths in the English Garden. In winter, there are sledders on the little hill, in summer you can watch (or join in) naked yoga in the park.

From beer gardens, to museums, to a Chinese pagoda, there is a lot to see in the English Garden. If you are only in Munich for 36 hours, you won’t see it all, but check out this free self-guided walking tour and plan out which sights you don’t want to miss.

Eat, Drink, and make friends at the Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus is Munich’s oldest beer hall and most visited. There is a reason that it is packed with tourists and locals — it’s really fun. Pull up a bench at a communal table, order a big, tasty beer and make friends with your neighbor. Be sure to grab a huge pretzel when the vendor walks by.


There is a lot more to see, including visiting Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, so I think we need to plan another trip. If you want to keep traveling through Germany, take a three hour train trip and spend a day in Heidelberg.


Need more to do in Munich?

Check out this post from the Crazy Tourist.

Or these books!

Top 20 Things to See and Do in Munich - Top 20 Munich Travel Guide (Europe Travel Series Book 21)

BindingKindle Edition
Number Of Pages48
Product GroupDigital Ebook Purchas
Publication Date2015-03-26T00:00:00.000Z
Release Date2015-03-26T00:00:00.000Z
Price Disclaimer

Rick Steves Pocket Munich & Salzburg

BindingPaperback
BrandRick Steves
Edition1
ManufacturerRick Steves
Number Of Items1
Number Of Pages200
Part NumberColor photos and maps throughout
Product GroupBook
Publication Date2015-08-18T00:00:01Z
Release Date2015-08-18T00:00:01Z
Price Disclaimer

Other Germany and Austria Posts


How to make the most of a short trip to Munich -- what to see, do, and drink

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20 thoughts on “Things to do in Munich (in a Day and a Half)”

  1. Edith Conyers

    Fantastic video clip and report! Loved it and especially the “cameo” appearance of Henry!
    Always loving it and enjoying it to the hilt!!
    Thanks for the fun in following your adventures
    HUGS to all

  2. I didn’t do the English garden when I was in Munich as it’s on your things to do in 36 hours I must have missed out. I’d love to experience the drinking in there, even in the cold and snow! The beer you had in the tall glass looks very tasty! Great video, I love how you showed the train journey to Munich.

    1. The English Garden is so big that you’d almost have to dedicate a couple days to see it all. And that beer was tasty!

  3. I loved the video. You sure work hard on your blogs. Those are some great tips. I am amazed to know that surfing is popular in winter as well. I am afraid of water in winter, haha. That surfing shot in the video was exciting. I wish I could do that too.

    1. Thanks! I do spend a lot of time on them!! The surfing did look pretty exciting, but I think I would want to learn when it’s warm out.

  4. Great video guide to Munich. I have never thought of visiting before, to be honest but it looks like a cool city. I think I’d like the beer (and the beer festivals, and the pretzels!)

    1. Yes, the beer is great and I would love to go to one of the fests. My favorite thing about this trip was that I had no idea how much I would like the city.

  5. This comes right at the right time! I’ll have one evening in Munich on one of my next trips. Will definately check out the Hofbräuhaus. I’ll leave the ice wave though. Not for me. Lol

    1. You won’t regret the Hofbräuhaus! The surfing is pretty fun to watch, but I am with you- not going in!

  6. I did not expect to see surfing on your list for Munich! I would go out there just to watch the surfers, and enjoy my pretzel and beer at the same time.

  7. I didn’t know that there was so much to do in Munich. I love the free walking tours so I will definitely do that. The ones I’ve done have been so informative. I also enjoy gardens so I will visit the English Gardens too.

    1. We’ve gotten into the free walking tours lately and look for them wherever we go. Such a great way to get to know a city.

  8. Looks like you had a great time! I think eating and drinking German food would be top of my list! Love beer and bratwurst!

  9. I’ve only spent a few hours in Munich, and most of it was spent at Oktoberfest but I would love to go back someday. There seems to be so much to do. Looks like such a cool city, especially the surfing in the park!

    1. Oktoberfest seems really fun, but I could see how you would be so focused on that, that you wouldn’t see much else.

  10. I don’t know how I missed the surf pool in the English Garden when I went in April 2014 but I might have to go back just for that! I am a big beer drinker and big fan of German beers in particular, and I loved the relaxed environment and beer halls there. Hoping to go back for Oktoberfest this year 🙂

    1. Beer can be a distracting force! :). Fortunately, the Chinese pagoda beer garden isn’t too far from the surfers!

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