The best things to do in Munich: a local’s guide to 2025

What is it? The largest folk festival in the world, right here in Munich.

Why go? The tradition of Oktoberfest dates back to the royal wedding in 1810 – and it’s now an iconic festival throughout the city, celebrated by drinking, belting ballads and dressing up in traditional Lederhosen. It really is a lot of fun, and the best part is it’s completely free to enter and take part (the drinks, however, might cost you a pretty penny). 

Time Out tip: Bring cash. Most tents accept debit cards, but some are still cash only (credit card usage is also limited). 

Address: Theresienwiese, 80336 München, Germany

Opening times: Different tents vary, but typically there’s something open from 9am until 1am 

Price: Free to enter. Beers upwards of €10 per litre. Rides typically around €5

What is it? Dating back over 200 years, open-air food market Viktualienmarkt offers a handy (and relatively inexpensive) pit stop if you’re exploring Munich’s historic centre.

Why go? Some 100 stalls offer a wide range of German and international delights from Monday through Saturday. You’ll find barrels of pickles, cheeses from around Europe and locally roasted coffee, as well as more recent additions such as the FIRST8 Kombucha stand and the newest branch of Munich-based deli Coucou Food Market. Come hungry!

Time Out tip: This market isn’t just for lovely sunny days. In late November and December, it hosts an annual Christmas Market, Alpenwahn, complete with carols, home-made cards and gifts and lashings of glühwein. 

Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 Munich

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm; Sunday closed (stalls vary)

Price: Prices vary depending on the stall

What is it? Open since 1901, this impressive indoor pool on the banks of the river has retained many of its original features.

Why go? There are murals and statues, as well as rows of old changing cabins along the balconies. When it comes to swimming, there’s a 100-foot-long pool which was once for men only, and a smaller, slightly warmer one which was originally for women – both are now mixed. Many locals head straight for the spa area complete with steam rooms and a Finnish sauna, or the hairdresser which has been in business since 1905. There’s a cafe too but we suggest heading to new hotspot Boazn, a bar in an old public toilet, instead. It’s right next door. 

Address: Rosenheimer Str. 1, 81667, Munich

Opening hours: Open daily from 7.30am–11pm 

Expect to pay: Around €6 

What is it? Surfing seems an unlikely sight in a landlocked city – but watching surfers master the main wave in the Eisbach (‘ice brook’) has become a pastime for locals and visitors alike.

Why go? Special boards and skills are needed for this cold-water sport, which was banned until 2010 and now draws brave professional and semi-professional athletes in wetsuits all year round. Unlike ocean surfing, there’s no paddling to catch the wave, which is artificially created on a concrete break. This means surfers must be ready to ride as soon as they hit the water. Fall and their turn is over. 

Time Out tip: Things can get a little weird here in summer, so be prepared to see a local or two surf completely naked. Obviously, that’s not a photo opp – remain respectful!

Address: Englischer Garten, 80538, Munich 

Opening hours: Open daily, all year round

Price: Free to watch

Gentrification is well underway in the once-edgy beating heart of Munich’s LGBTQ+ scene. The vibrant Glockenbachviertel remains one of Munich’s prettiest districts, brimming with chic boutiques, cosy cafes and buzzing bars. Tushita tea house on Klenzestrasse makes a cup of tea a spiritual affair with its assortment of 150 traditionally prepared blends and collection of kettles, teapots, cups, bowls, plus just about everything else in the tea arena (they also have a daily-changing vegan menu and excellent homemade cakes). Summer draws locals and visitors alike to the terrace of the Flushing Meadows Bar on the fourth floor of the hotel of the same name, where artisanal cocktails come with sweeping views of the city.

Address: 

Tushita: Klenzestraße 53, 80469, Munich

Flushing Meadows Bar: Fraunhoferstraße 32, 80469, Munich

Opening hours: Glockenbachviertel is open daily

Expect to pay: Free entry

What is it? In Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, a famous clock depicts different events from the city’s history with the help of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.

Why go? With two or three shows daily (depending on the season), the Glockenspiel on the tower of the Neues Rathaus always sees a crowd gather below. We recommend grabbing a coffee and settling in a few minutes early, before making a wager on which tiny knight will win the adorable duel.

Time Out tip: Take the lift up to the Café Glockenspiel for the best views. 

Address: Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany

Opening hours: Glockenspiel shows vary day-to-day, but typically happen at 11am and 12pm. In summer, there’s an extra show at 5pm. 

Price: Free to visit

What is it? Munich’s fabulous array of museums, many of which reduce their admission fee to one euro on Sundays.

Why go? Well, why wouldn’t you? It’s free after all. This humble list includes the Pinakotheken, the Bavarian National Museum, the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Man and Nature. Other money-saving options to look out for include the free evening entry to the Lenbachhaus on the first Thursday of the month and free evening entry to Haus der Kunst on the last Friday of every month. 

Time Out tip: A lot of these museums are located in the heart of the lively student district, Maxvorstadt. For a break in between museums, head to Türkenstraße or Schellingstraße for a great selection of cafes and restaurants.

Address: Various

Opening hours: Various opening times, but typically Munich’s museums are closed on Mondays

What is it? A collosal park originally built for the 1972 games. 

Why go? This ain’t just a park: Olympiapark is home to several attractions, lots of green space, a hill offering fantastic views and a beer garden or two. On the northern end you’ll find the former women’s Olympic village. The blocky bungalows here, most of which were rebuilt in 2007, are now much sought-after student accommodation.

Time Out tip: With the tenant of each given creative control of the exterior, you’ll find a sea of colourful and ever-changing paintings, a number influenced by pop culture – don’t miss the flat with a ‘Central Perk’ theme. 

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809, Munich

Opening hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk 

Expect to pay: Free entry

What is it? The city’s smallest and most unusual bakery.

Why go? Since summer 2023, the talented team at Bageri has been making focaccia and cardamon buns in the confines of an old shipping container. All the products are available to go and best enjoyed with a coffee – yes, they found space for an espresso machine too. Look for somewhere to perch outside and take in the surroundings, which include more shipping containers and an abundance of street art – all part of an alternative cultural centre known as Bahnwärter Thiel.  

Time Out tip: Not far away you’ll find Alte Utting, a decommissioned boat sitting on a railway bridge. The buzzy spot has a bar and several places serving food – and has to be seen to be believed! 

Address: Adlzreiterstraße 21, 80337, Munich

Opening hours: Thursday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 8.30am-4pm, Monday-Tuesday closed 

Expect to pay: €1 to €5 for baked treats

What is it? A pop-up beer garden that’s anything but traditional.

Why go? Located below street level on a construction site in Schwabing, Kosmos unter Null aims to show what can be done with temporarily disused urban spaces. Come for cheap drinks (beers start from €1.30), decks chairs, raised beds managed by local residents and good vibes. Oh, there are chickens too! The space is open daily – good weather only. 

Time Out tip: As one of the main aims of the project is to create a friendly neighbourhood hub, you are welcome to bring your own food and even beer. 

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809, Munich

Opening hours: Open daily from 2pm-10pm

Expect to pay: €1 to €5