Culture and leisure activities
Munich culture: inspiration, fun and leisure
Munich bursts with year-round leisure options that are simply unbeatable, catering to both indoor enthusiasts and friends of fresh air. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, the city offers something for everyone.
Do you need some inspiration? Have a look at this video!
New inner horizons: Museums and exhibitions
Art enthusiasts, history buffs, and science lovers – rejoice! Munich boasts a museum scene as diverse as it is impressive. From exploring the rich tapestry of German history to delving into the cutting edge of science and technology, Munich’s museums offer something for every curious mind.
The sheer number of exhibitions and venues is astonishing. We have curated a selection of Munich’s museum gems to get you started on your cultural adventure:
- Tech enthusiasts can geek out at the Deutsches Museum, a treasure trove of innovation.
- Modern and contemporary art lovers will find the Lenbachhaus, the Pinakothek der Moderne, and the Haus der Kunst well worth a visit. These museums are home to amazing collections of modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and graphics.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant urban scene at the MUCA (Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art).
- You can find an overview of some of Munich's great museums here.
Our Tip
For families, many museums in Munich only charge 1 Euro for admission on Sundays! It is a great opportunity to try something new for a reasonable price. Additionally, some of the city’s most important art museums do not charge admission for those under 18: the Lenbachhaus, the Alte Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, and the Museum Brandhorst are free for children and young people. For more detailed information, you can visit this link.
Green Munich - an urban oasis
A big city – for nature fans? With Munich, that is possible! Munich is a city that embraces nature. It offers many unique experiences, such as the Isar River, which provides a refreshing escape and is accessible from almost anywhere.
Sprawling parks like the English Garden (one of Europe’s biggest city parks) and ”Olympiapark” further connect you with nature. The Hellabrunn Zoo is the perfect place to experience both flora and fauna in one go, with streams from the Isar flowing through it. No wonder Munich residents adore the outdoors!
Breathtaking views - and beer garden delights.
You can enjoy such a sunny outlook on life, with beautiful Munich scenery all around you.
Panoramic Vistas:
Climb the towers of St. Peter’s Church or the ”Neues Rathaus“ for stunning city views. Hidden gems – like rooftop terraces with cafes and bars – offer unique perspectives.
Embrace the true heart of Munich at a traditional beer garden:
As spring arrives, residents gather under the shade of chestnut trees to enjoy snacks and cool beers. Feel free to bring your own food to the traditional beer gardens, like pretzels, ”Obatzda“ cheese spread, and salads – refreshing beers are available for purchase. Enhance your comfort with a cushion for the typical beer benches.
From competitive swims to summer fun: Munich baths
Munich’s many baths cater to all preferences. Indoor options like ”Dantebad“ boast 50-meter lanes for athletes, while ”Südbad“ offers a relaxed atmosphere. The ”Müller’sches Volksbad“ inspires visitors with its Art Nouveau architecture. In summer, outdoor pools with diving towers and slides become the go-to spots for aquatic adventures.
Our Tip
In Munich, there is always something going on: traditional festivals, exhibitions of world-famous artists, glamorous shows, and international trade fairs. On the Munich travel website, you can find an updated calendar of key upcoming events. The websites Rausgegangen and Mit Vergnügen also offer plenty of tips and information on events and things to do in Munich (pages in German).
High supply of high culture.
The world-renowned institutions that make Munich a cultural hub include the Bavarian State Opera, Residenztheater, and Kammerspiele. The ”Münchner Philharmoniker“ and ”Bayerisches Staatsorchester“ captivate global audiences with their regular performances abroad. Throughout the year, Munich is alive with a vibrant variety of high-class events.
Munich - a family-friendly playground
Living in Munich with kids is a constant adventure! The Bavarian capital offers a treasure trove of parks, museums designed for young minds, exciting day trips, and activities that will keep the whole family entertained – no matter the season or weather. Here is a guide to exploring Munich as a family – any time of year! If you are looking for specific child-friendly activities and events, Himbeer München is the place to start looking (page in German). Find out more about culture for kids on this subpage.
Party time: Munich’s festivals and events
Munich offers a wide range of events, festivals, and exhibitions all year round. Here is a small selection:
Film Festivals:
Filmfest München, Dok.fest, and Fantasy Filmfest are internationally renowned film festivals showcasing a diverse range of films.
Tollwood Festival:
A biannual celebration of creativity, sustainability, and nature: Tollwood features exceptional theater, performances, and live music (jazz, rock, pop, world). Explore the “market of ideas” for handmade goods and organic food from around the world.
Summer festivals:
Neighborhoods across Munich host various festivals and street parties during summer. There’s even a special festival just for children and young people.
Oktoberfest:
The world-famous beer festival is held annually at Theresienwiese.
IAA Mobility:
A major event highlighting innovations in transportation and mobility.
Do you want to be up-to-date about upcoming events and shows? The City of Munich offers a good overview throughout the year, and ”In München” is a great resource for your leisure activities. Their website offers monthly-updated information in German.
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More InformationSports: Munich - your perfect fit for fitness
Sports have an important place in the lives of the people of this city: Munich offers great sports, leisure, recreation, and fitness activities for every skill level. Do you want to find out about all the different ways to work out? Discover more here and here.
Find out how to join the recreational indoor sports program and Fit in the Park, as well as how to buy recreational sports tickets. You can purchase tickets in paper form as a single ticket or a strip card (4 tickets). For more information, visit here (page in German).
Marvelous food - for all tastes.
Are you a fan of good food? Munich seems to inspire leading chefs – since the Bavarian capital is topping the gourmet charts year after year. Besides fine dining locations and beer gardens, Munich also has many gems when it comes to restaurants.
There is something for every taste and budget!
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