Munich is a fascinating city and there is plenty to see and do here even if you are travelling on something of a shoestring. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the city’s famous beer culture, or you prefer to engage in some more refined pastimes, such as bike tours and architectural sights, there’s a huge range of activities and attractions to keep even the most active budget sightseer entertained. If you need a few tips on where to begin your shoestring tour, here are the top 10 things to do in Munich on a budget.
1. Visit the Marienplatz. This is the heart of Munich’s Old Town with quaint cobbled streets and some fascinating historical sights like the “Frauenkirche,” or Church of Our Mother, which was 90% destroyed during World War Two and has been painstakingly rebuilt. Spend an hour or so wandering around here and soak up the city’s history.
2. The Church of Our Lady. This fabulous church on Mariensquare is one of Munich’s well-known landmarks. If you’ve got the energy then climb up the steps of the cathedral’s towers, where you will find some wonderful views of Munich and the Alps in the distance.
3. Sign Up For A Free Walking Tour. There are a number of fascinating tours that you can sign up for in Munich, where you will be walked around historical, cultural and entertaining sights in the city by people who do it just for the love of it. New Munich Tours (http://www.newmunichtours.com
4 Take A Bike Tour. Bike tours are also another cheap way to see the best of Munich – from the Hofbräuhaus, to the Eisbach river surfers, from the city palace of the Wittelsbach dukes and kings, to the nudist meadow in the center of the English Garden.
5. The English Garden. The Englischer Garten is a huge open space in the centre of Munich with lots of different areas to explore. There are beer gardens, a large number of lakes and verdant green lawns – like the Schoenfeld Wiese, where you can sunbathe in the buff, should the fancy take you.
6. Consume Your Weight In Bratwurst. Munich is widely viewed as the “Beer Capital of the World” and is also known for its bratwurst and giant pretzels. You can eat and drink cheaply here by sticking to the local specialties and get a taste of what Cologne culinary culture is all about.
7. Visit The Olympiaturm. The intriguingly named “Olympiaturm” is a large structure in the middle of the Olympic Park that was built as part of the site for the 1972 Olympics. The tower is an excellent place to come for views over Munich and – on a clear day – all the way to the Alps.
8. Hang Out At The Munich Glockenspiel. Every day at 11 am and noon, you can head to Munich’s Town Hall on Mariensquare to hear the 100-year-old Glockenspiel chime. One of the highlights of the little routine is the golden bird that sings 3 times at the end.
9. Viktualienmarkt. For the foodies among you wanting a little more than pretzels and beer, the Viktualienmarkt dates back to 1807 and is one of Munich’s best farmers markets. Browse the outdoor market, alongside locals and chefs, and explore the local seasonal produce.
10. Munich Palace. This beautiful building is the former royal palace of the Bavarian kings and queens, and many parts of the Residence date back to the 14th century. The European museum of interior decoration inside the Residence is not free but you can explore the lovely courtyards and beautiful extensive gardens for absolutely nothing.
Amy is a guest blogger from Easyjet who offer flights to Munich, Cologne and Berlin from a number of UK airports
