Munich was one of the cities that most surprised me in Europe– in a good way.
From the moment we arrived, entering the city by bus, I was taken aback by the city’s size. As we made our way from quite residential neighborhoods to the Old Town, the architectural styles quickly started to change. It might not have been the cute gingerbread-style houses typical of the Rhineland, but it was something just as special.
Filled with large, open pedestrian spaces and green parks, Munich seemingly had it all. Had we finally found the most livable city in Europe?
I instantly began to picture myself moving there, but I also wondered if such a town would be too boring for my tastes. Other than during Oktoberfest, this city sees very little tourism, and I thought maybe it was due to a lack of things to do. As the week went on I learned that wasn’t the case at all, as Munich offers plenty for visitors and locals alike.
So today I'd like to share with you 50, yes, 50!, things to do in Munich:
1. Spend the day at Schloss Nymphenburg. This Baroque palace was once considered to be the countryside despite it’s convenience position downtown modern Munich. Back then it was used as the summer residence of Bavaria’s previous rulers, and today, along with its garden, it has become one of Munich’s most popular attractions.
2. Head out to Olympiapark. Constructed for the 1972 Olympics, this strangely designed metal playground is still used today as a venue for many events. Even if nothing in particular is going on, it still makes for an interesting trip as there are daily tours and exhibitions showcasing the past Olympic games.
3. Watch the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz. If you’re coming with high expectations, you'll probably be disappointed, but nevertheless, you can’t come to Munich without witnessing this icon. Every day at 11am, with additional times in summer, the Glockenspiel bells chime as stories from the 16th century are re-enacted, with the finale being a classic jousting match between Bavaria and Lothringen– Hmm, I wonder who wins…
4. Experiment at the Deutsches Museum. The Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest museum of science and industry. With over 28,000 exhibited artifacts, it’s easy to spend a whole day, or two, at this world-class museum.
5. Go shopping at Viktualienmarkt. Munich’s most famous permanent market, Viktualienmarkt is visited by both tourists and locals daily. Each day you'll find a wide variety of produce as well as specialty items like fresh fruit smoothies, baked goods and other such treats. Perfect if you’re looking to take home some Bavarian souvenirs!
