Sites

The Residenz is in the center of Munich and is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. It is the largest city palace in Germany, and the interior is on par to the grandeur of Versailles Palace outside of Paris. As part of the entrance fee, an audio guide is included and expect to spend at least 2 hours to explore the interior of the palace. Additionally, during the winter months there is a Christmas Market next to the palace.

Marienplatz — The center square of Munich and the heart of the city. Spend a day strolling the streets of the old-town, taking in the Bavarian architecture. You will find Munich’s biggest Christmas Market – Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz. Make sure you go at night to see the square and Christmas tree lit up.

English Garden — Englisher Garten is one of the biggest urban parks in the world (larger than Central Park!) Spend a morning strolling through the garden, and while the beer gardens may not be open in December, the Chinese Tower turns into Christmas Market. This garden is also home to the local surf spot! The strong current of the Eisbach River creates a small wave that attracts and endless line of surfers, performing tricks before diving into the canal to lineup again.

Victuals Market — One of my favorite spots in Munich. A local market of many food and souvenir options. Use it as a pit stop to fill up your day bag with various meat, cheese and bread/pastries, or stop at one of the many food stall options. Stop by the Beer Garden to enjoy a stein, bratwurst and pretzel.

Nymphenburg Palace — A 30 minute tram ride from Marienplatz you will find the grand Nymphenburg Palace. The interior is beautiful, but I would recommend using your time to see the inside of the Residenz and explore the gardens of Nymphenburg Palace. If it is cold enough for the canal to freeze over, locals come to ice skate or play curling.

Christmas Markets

Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz — This is the main Christmas Market in Munich, found in the main square of the old town. A very popular market, with a great atmosphere and the perfect way to start your stay in Munich. Try to go up to the top of St Peter’s Church to get a stunning view of the market, and tree all light up. Two additional markets are often missed in short walking distance from Marienplatz. Kripperlmarkt, which has a nativity scene focus, and Rindermarkt, which is a smaller market, with more locals and a must have drink…Feuerzangenbowl! (A flaming mulled wine.)

Munchner Freiheit — Located in Schwabing, and near the English Garden, this market has a greater focus on handmade crafts. A great spot to pick up gifts for you or loved ones.

Chinesischer Turm — In winter, the Chinese Tower in the English Garden turns into a Christmas Market. A great market to visit during the day, as you are exploring the garden.

Day Trips

Neuschwanstein Castle — With limited daylight in winter, it will take a full day to visit Neuschwanstein, but is worth the trip. There are many tour options available. However, if you want to do it yourself, it is easy enough to navigate there. Take the train to Fussen (2 hours) and then there are many buses available to the castle (15 minutes). Make sure you pre purchase tickets beforehand.

Regensburg — If you are looking for a truly Bavarian Christmas Market experience, I highly suggest making a day trip out to small medieval town of Regensburg. Considered to be the ‘Christmas-market capital,’ the entire town is covered with four Christmas markets, each with a slightly different focus.

Restaurants

Andy’s Kablegarten — Don’t let the uninspiring interior fool you, this is necessary visit during your stay in Munich. One of the best schnitzel’s I have had in Germany, and an authentic restaurant experience. The serving sizes are huge, so you could always share one between two, and enjoy some of the many side options.

Bergwolf — Similar to Andy’s Kablegarten, this unassuming restaurant is simple, but has some of the best currywurst in Munich. A perfect stop to pop in on your way home, after a night of drinking at one of the many beer halls.

Café Frischut — You will find many bakery options in Munich, and majority will be fantastic! This is worth a stop just to try their Schmalznudel A Bavarian style donut that is similar to a jelly donut, but better! The line can be big here, but it moves quickly.

Wirsthaus in der au — This is where you will find the best Bavarian food overall. An extensive menu of options, great atmosphere and live music, come here for an authentic Bavarian experience.

Bars and Beer Halls

Hofbrauhaus — While it is the most famous and touristy beer hall in Munich, it is a necessary stop. The 3-story beer hall is always busy and can have a long wait to get in. I would suggest going early in the afternoon, when crowds are smaller but still a great vibe.

Augustiner-Keller — My personal favorite beer hall in Munich. More of a local experience, and has some of the best Bavarian food offerings in Munich. While you will see the beer garden, the hall inside is huge and seats hundreds of people. Spend a night here, make some friends, and enjoy a stein or 5 with live music playing the soundtrack of your evening.

Pfalzer Residenz Weinstube — A good place to stop for a wine before or after visiting the Residenz. If it is not too cold, sit outside and enjoy a glass of red while taking in the architecture of the palace.

Alte Utting — A truly unique bar experience. Alte Utting is a decommissioned boat that was placed on a decommissioned railroad, and turned into a bar/food spot. There are multiple food stalls to choose from, and live music most nights

Holy Home — Local bar with a dive bar feel, and DJs spinning every night.