Munich sees over 8 million tourists a year. It’s one of Europe’s top tourist destinations and there are certainly a lot of things to do in and around the capital of Bavaria. As a local, I have been exploring my beautiful hometown for more than 20 years. Every day I see busloads full of tourists on their way to the top highlights like the famous central square, the art quarter, or the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus.
But with a history of almost a thousand years, it will probably not surprise you that there are landmarks enough to fill more than just one day in Munich. Whether you’ve seen it all or love to explore a city off the beaten paths, I felt it’s about time to compile a little list of the most underrated tourist attractions in my hometown.
None of them are truly secret but read 10 guides on the best things to do in Munich, and I’m positive not one of them features all of these amazing places. But enough of the preface, let’s get started, shall we?
1. Schleissheim Palace
There are quite a lot of palaces and castles near Munich. Most tourists will visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg or the Residence Palace. But there is actually a fourth palace absolutely worth visiting: Schleissheim Palace.
The stunning complex is located only 30 minutes away from the city center and invites you to stroll through an outstanding baroque garden. Even better, there are three palaces you can explore: The Old Palace, the New Palace, and Lustheim Palace.
2. Cuvilliés Theatre
Concerts, musicals, theaters, ballets, and operas are part of our life these days. But for the longest time, these performances were almost exclusively a pastime of the aristocracy and wealthy. In Munich, you get the chance to visit and an outstanding example of a rococo court theater.
Inside the Residence Castle (but not part of the regular tourist tour!) you will find the amazing Cuvilliés Theater. There is a separate entrance and a separate fee to do the tour. There are also regular nightly performances, which might just be the best way to end a day in Bavaria’S capital.
3. Art Nouveau houses
Ask 10 tourists what they picture when they think of Munich, and you will probably hear something like Oktoberfest, beer, lederhosen, and a beautiful old town. While you can certainly see all that, there is one aspect almost no tourist guide I know features: Our stunning Art Nouveau houses.
Maybe because a lot of them were bombed during World War II? But you should know that in the districts of Schwabing and Bogenhausen a vast number of these survived the last century and are ready for you to explore on a free walking tour!
4. Ägyptisches Museum in München
Munich is one of the top museum cities in the world. There is an art gallery for every day of the month and more (here’s a list of the top 10). So, most tourists will focus on the Pinakotheken, Deutsche Museum, BMW World and maybe the Lenbachhaus. But you should http://themunichguide.de/day-trips/castles-near-munich-germany/definitely also know that there is an amazing Egyptian Museum in Munich.
They do have quite some world-renowned exhibits (like the golden treasure hoard of the Nubian Queen Amanishakheto or the oldest datable glass vessel in the world). What I personally love the most is the extremely modern and contemporary way they present all those artifacts from 2,000 years ago and more. Definitely check it out (here is the official website)!
5. Botanical Garden
Do you want to know my favorite spot in Munich? It’s a tough call because there are so many of them, but if I had to take a pick, then I’m sure the Botanical Garden would be at the top of the list. There are huge greenhouses and wonderful flower arrangements as far as the eye can see.
It’s especially beautiful in spring when the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are blooming. There is also a huge rock garden where you can view rare specimens from alpine regions all over the world. It’s quite amazing.
Note: There is also a beautiful Rose Garden close to the city center and right on the banks of the river Isar if you love flowers.
So, that’s a wrap! I hope I was able to inspire you to leave the beaten tourists paths in Munich and maybe even stay a day or two longer. Make sure to comment below in case you would love to add beautiful but underrated spots in Munich. I’d be happy to hear your thoughts!
About the author: Norman has visited been living in Munich for more than 20 years and looks back on over 30 years of travel experience. When he is not reclining in the pool of a fantastic luxury hotel or exploring one of the most remote corners of this planet, you will find him writing about his hometown on his blog.
