Munich is a city that is perfect for visiting year-round. In this article, we round up some of the best attractions to visit in the Bavarian capital in every season. From palaces to fresh food markets, there’s always something to enjoy in the city, no matter the weather.
Spring
Spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit Munich for plant enthusiasts. The flora is in full bloom, and the climate is pleasant enough for long walks through the city and its many landmarks.
Tulpengarten
Just a short train ride from the city centre is the stunning Tulpengarten. Nestled in a valley and home to over 150 varieties of tulips, this 20,000 square metre garden is best enjoyed in the spring, when the flowers are in full bloom.
Get tickets and directions to the Tulpengarten here.
Nymphenburg Schloss
This stunning marvel of Baroque architecture served as the main summer residence of the House of Wittelsbach. The spacious grounds, water features, and gardens are best enjoyed on days in spring when the weather is best for long walks. Be sure to explore all the wings of the palace and the surrounding garden pavilions – each offering a different perspective of the vast grounds.
Discover the colourful history of this monument here.
Summer
Summer is always an exciting time in Bavaria – there’s almost always something going on. It doesn’t get sweltering – with temperatures rarely reaching 35 degrees, but it does help to take summer showers into account when planning your journey.
English Garden
Opened in the 1700s by an Englishman, this garden stretches from the city to the northeastern suburbs, and offers some much-needed greenery amongst the buildings. Featuring a number of monumets that pay homage to Japanese, Chinese, and Greek culture, this lively garden is best visited in summer, when community activities are in full swing.
Learn more about the English Garden here.
The Isar River
Surfing? In Munich? It’s definitely a thing. The Isar River is a local favourite to cool off on those long summer days. Sunbathing, surfing, and barbecues all happen here, and it’s not uncommon to see a pooch or two joining in on the fun. Stop by the Eisbach – the part of the Isar that runs through the English Garden for a soft introduction to surfing.
Here is a list of activities to do in and around the Isar.
Autumn
The temperatures are dipping, the winter coats are coming out of the closets, and the days are getting shorter. Autumn in Munich is a beautiful time – the browning tree-lined streets lend character to the classic architecture of the city.
Müller'sches Volksbad
The Isar may be too cold for a dip, but this opulent indoor swimming pool on the bank has perfect conditions year-round. Built in the 1900s in the flashy Art Noveau style, there are murals, bronze sculptures, and stucco ceilings to marvel at while you enjoy your laps. Guests looking to unwind in a palatial setting can treat themselves to a Turkish bath or sweat it out in the Finnish sauna.
Find out more about this luxurious pool here
Viktaulienmarkt
Autumn is a great time to get some hearty produce, and there’s no better place for that than the old market of Germany. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and a variety of artisanal meats are sold in this 22,000 square metre market. With a history that stretches back more than two centuries, this is a must visit in the cooler months.
See what the markets have to offer here.
Winter
We get it, no one really wants to go outdoors in minus two degree weather - here’s our roundup of attractions that can be enjoyed from the warmth of the indoors in Munich’s freezing winters.
Olympiaturm
Warm yourself up on a cold day by zipping through the sky at seven metres a second. The Olympic Tower offers an unparalleled perspective of Munich from behind a pane of glass, so you’re shielded from the elements but not from the view. Standing at a height of 190 metres, guests can marvel at the full landscape of the city - from the surrounding alps to the old town, and everything in between.
Book your bird’s eye view experience here.
Munich Residenz
The Nymphenburg Schloss may have frozen over, but there’s no reason you can’t visit a royal residence. The Munich Residenz in the city centre is a historic former residence of the Wittelsbach family. Dating back to the 1500s, this palace is a cornerstone of Bavaria’s history. Step into this lavish residence and learn more about this history of Munich and the city’s former rulers.
Here’s how you can experience a slice of German history.
