10 Obscure Things to Do in Munich
After spending a few months as a tour guide in Munich, I want to share a few unforgettable experiences that made my time in this beautiful city that little bit more special.
This isn't your usual top 10 attractions list; it's a list that (hopefully!) inspires you to see Munich as the unexpectedly breathtaking backdrop to the kinds of travel stories you actually want to hear!
Let's dive in!
1. SWIMMING THE EISBACH
WARNING! ❗️ Swimming the Eisbach is super dangerous and prohibited in some parts of the river. If you don't know exactly where to enter and exit the river, you will get hurt.
OK, so this is not the kind of disclaimer you want to hear before starting a list on the best things to do, but trust me when I say, the Eisbach was what made the summer of 2019 a top 5 of my life. So, grab some beers, put them in the river and find some locals to show you how to float the Eisbach.
My survival tips are to keep your feet up off the ground (it's about 120-130cm deep and the water travels fast), when coming up to the surfers, there are ropes going over the river that you need to hold onto (hold on tight and wait for your turn to go through), and lastly, when going over the surfing wave, lay on your back, staying as flat as possible, going feet first.
If this all sounds too complicated, ditch the togs, find a good spot in the Englisch Garten and embrace the German FKK spirit! In all its glory!
2. GRAB SOME KAISERSCHMARRN AT THE CHINESISCHEN TURM
Nobody does Biergartens quite like the Germans (especially Bavarians) and the one at the Chinese Tower in the Englisch Garten is a good mix of locals, tour groups and travellers all sharing the same tables.
Biergartens reinforce this sense of fellowship among strangers, and nothing breaks down social barriers quicker than bretzels and bier. Go alone or with a group of friends, you'll quickly be drunkenly raving about the whole concept of a biergarten to anyone who will listen. Oh yeah, and try the Kaiserschmarrn to add a dollop of sweetness to your biergarten experience - it's a deliciously ugly dessert that any sweet tooth will love!
3. BIKE DOWN THE ISAR FROM THE DEUTSCHES MUSEUM TO PULLACH
The cool thing about Munich is how bicycle-friendly it is. One of the many memorable bike rides for me while living here begins at the Deutsches Museum heading south towards Pullach. It doesn't take long to completely forget you're in Germany's third largest city. You'll whizz past men deeply engrossed in chess games, vibrant street art and several undeniably gorgeous spots where one can take a moment to pause, sit, and just relish the joy of not being tethered to a desk or waiting tables.
Oh, and those Bavarian biergartens? They're strategically placed along the way like siren calls. "Come, have a beer! And maybe a bretzel... or three." It's a trap, but the best kind.
4. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM HACKERBRÜCKE
This isn't just any bridge; it's the city's unofficial sunset-viewing gallery. As the sun dips, casting a golden palette over the city, locals grab a spot here, many with a chilled beer in hand (of course!) to admire a truly epic view.
The soundtrack of trains going underneath you, people chatting and traffic add to the feeling you're in a movie of your life and this is one of those shots that will feature in the happy montage at the end.
5. TRY YOUR HAND AT FUSSBALL AGAINST THE PROS
Germans take their fussball very seriously. So, if you're feeling particularly daring, why not try your hand against some of the best? And by 'try,' I really mean just that!
There's this super low-key, retro gem near Sendlinger Tor called FLEX. It gives relaxed and unpretentious underground-Berlin-bar vibes. Not only can you 'attempt' to beat the locals at fussball, but you can also dive into a nostalgic journey with pinball machines, pool tables, and a few vintage arcade games. It always surprised me that Germany doesn't have video game arcades where kids typically hang out on weekends - I guess Chess and Schafkopf are the games of choice here.
6. SWIM IN MUNICH'S OLDEST ROMAN BATHS
Why settle for a regular pool when you can channel your inner Roman emperor or empress, right in the heart of Munich? Togas optional.
With intricate art nouveau details adorning its walls and majestic arches overhead, you will feel like royalty popping into the Müllersches Volksbad for a dip. There is also a sauna here where it's strictly no clothes allowed - birthday suit attire only.
7. EAT THE BEST GERMAN SCHNITZEL (FROM A CROATIAN RESTAURANT)
I am prepared to hear a lot of pushback on this one. One of the best schnitzels I had in Germany came from Opatija, a no-frills, good-service, German menu restaurant with a Balkan infusion. As a tour guide I would always direct people to this place because otherwise they would likely end up down at the Hofbrauhaus, eating substandard food served by grumpy, overworked waiters. Make sure to ask for the Schnitzel "Wiener Art" with potatoes. Come hungry!
8. CONFESS YOUR SINS AT ASAMKIRCHE
I wouldn't normally put a church in any of my top sites, but prepare to be utterly bamboozled, visually engorged and utterly BEDAZZLED at the spectacle that is Asamkirche. There are seven confessionals in this pocket-sized 30-foot wide space, so if you see a hole in the wall, jump in and get talking - promise we're not listening!
FUN FACT: This church was dedicated to Saint Nepomuk, the patron saint of keeping your word. With fantastic acoustics inside, Asamkirche would have been a great place to hang out back in the day and overhear all the latest gossip in town.
9. WANDER DER AMPER AB DACHAU
You hear 'Dachau' and you probably think about the concentration camp. But Dachau is so much more. It is a beautiful old town, rich in history and nature. When I first arrived in Germany, I was lucky enough to stay here and I would spend my evenings and weekends exploring the many paths along the Amper river. The scenery is gorgeous with Maypoles, insect hotels, bridges, spectacular bird watching, river reflections to die for, traditional fachwerk houses and picturesque clearings that look like they've come straight out of a brother's Grimm fairytale.
For maximum effect, do this exploring in Spring. The colours will blow your mind. If you stay overnight I recommend making your way up to the Dachauer Schloss in the evening (with a beer of course) to enjoy a spectacular sunset view with all the cool kids of Dachau.
10. JUMP ON THE NUMBER 19 TRAM TO SEE THE BEST PARTS OF MUNICH
No bright red hop on hop off bus will ever do justice to what can be seen by this tram in Munich. The number 19 tram will take you down the luxurious Maximilianstraße, past monuments, across the historic Isar bridge, quick stop at the famous Augustiner Brewery and into the modern part of Munich, stopping at the main train station.
There we have it!
That's my list. Munich is one of the most interesting, beautiful cities in the world and while you can spend your time in Marienplatz, wandering around the Residenz, shopping at the Viktualienmarkt or checking out the BMW museum (don't get me wrong, ALL definitely worth doing!) these tourist attractions were very rarely the most memorable places that made me fall in love with this city.
So often when we travel, it is the hidden corners and unplanned moments that etch the most fond memories.