Munich has benefited from its rich history and has many fine buildings and landmarks that glorify its wealth. Fortunately for budget travelers, the Bavarian capital also offers plenty of free things to see and do. Here are the best free sights and attractions in Munich, from walking tours to a singing clock and open-air markets.
Sometimes the best things in Munich are free.
Carillon
Direction
Marienplatz 8, 80331 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 23300155
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Munich’s iconic Glockenspiel is located inside the Rathaus (town hall). Every day at 11am and noon (and 5pm in summer), a crowd gathers in front of the building at Marienplatz to hear the traditional Glockenspiel chime for a 15-minute show.
For more than 100 years, he has recreated historical events in Bavaria with 43 bells and 32 life-size figures. Look for the golden bird that sings three times to mark the end of each show.
Tip : if you miss the main show times, an angel and a night watchman make an appearance at 9:00 p.m.
woman Church
Direction
Frauenplatz 12, 80331 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 2900820
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The magnificent Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is also located on Marienplatz. Its sturdy towers shape the Munich skyline.
Inside, visitors walk around the Teufelstritt “Devil’s Footprint”, one of the few surviving items from the pre-World War II cathedral. Legend holds that this black footprint mark is where the devil was.
Climb the steps of the cathedral towers for a breathtaking view of Munich’s cityscape and the Bavarian Alps.
Feldherrnhalle
Direction
Residenzstraße 1, 80333 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 290671
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The Feldherrenhalle , or Field Marshal’s room, was commissioned by King Louis to commemorate the Bavarian army. In 1923, the stately hall became infamous when Hitler’s coup attempt to overtake the Bavarian government was defeated in front of the Field Marshal’s Hall. However, it still has problems as a place of worship for the National Socialist.
residence
Direction
Residenzstraße 1, 80333 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 290671
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The residence is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, and its oldest buildings date back to the 14th century. It is also the largest city palace in Germany.
Today, the residence houses one of the best European interior decoration museums. Don’t miss the Antiquarium (Hall of Antiquities) from 1568. It is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps and beyond, beautiful, with a gold ceiling and paintings.
Although the museum itself is not free, you can tour ten impressive courtyards and beautiful historic gardens without paying a penny.
Viktualienmarkt
Direction
Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 89068205
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The bustling Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s oldest and best farmers market, dating back to 1807. Locals, tourists, and even the city’s best chefs come here to fill their baskets and marvel at the traditionally decorated stalls. Exploring this open-air market is a feast for all the senses, and while any time is a great time to visit, be sure to stop by a festival. Everything from celebrity weighing to Brewers Day to the opening of Spargelzeit is cause for celebration.
If shopping has exhausted you, take a break at the Biergarten Viktualienmarkt. Each brewery in Munich presents its beer specialties here with a rotation of approximately six weeks.
Theatine Church
Direction
Salvatorplatz 2A, 80333 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 2106960
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The Catholic Theatine Church Theaterinerkirche , adds a bit of Mediterranean flavor to Munich. Built in the 17th century by an Italian architect, the interior is made of white stucco, while the facade is flooded with warm yellow colors. The church, one of the best examples of Italian Baroque in Munich, borders the royal square of Odeon.
The english garden
Direction
Munich , germanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 38666390
Web
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Relax in the English Garden ( Englischer Garten ), the green heart of Munich, which is even bigger than New York’s Central Park. Locals love its park for its many lakes, traditional beer gardens, overgrown paths and lush gardens like the Schoenfeld Wiese, where you can also sunbathe in the nude.
Free walking tour of Munich
Direction
Marienplatz, 80331 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
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Take part in a free English-speaking walking tour of Munich and get a personal introduction to the Bavarian capital.
There are a large number of companies operating in Munich with some specializing in local guides, different languages, etc. Most walking tours start at Marienplatz. Look for guides who are entertaining and knowledgeable.
Oktoberfest
Direction
Theresienwiese, Bavaria Ring, 80336 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 23300
Web
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Did you know that Oktoberfest is free? You don’t have to pay admission to visit the world’s most famous beer festival, and all Oktoberfest parades and events are free, too.
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Teresa. Today, the largest beer festival in the world attracts more than 6 million visitors a year, who are free to enjoy traditional music, walks and atmosphere.
Lago Starnberg
Direction
Lake Starnberg, GermanyGet directions
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Munich is the gateway to the Alps and is surrounded by the beautiful Bavarian countryside. Take a trip to the Würmsee (in German), which is 16 miles south of Munich.
Ideal for a day trip, it is bordered by some of King Ludwig’s finest palaces. The lake is a favorite destination for many locals.
