Your Trip to Munich: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Things to Do With Kids Top Museums in Munich Munich's English Garden Complete Guide to Oktoberfest Top Restaurants in Munich Best Beer Halls Top Beer Gardens Guide to Munich's Hofbräuhaus Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Munich International Airport Guide Best Munich Hotels Public Transportation Top Tours of Munich Day Trips From Munich Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Your Trip to Munich: The Complete Guide close Overview Europe Germany Munich & Bavaria Free Things to Do in Munich By Birge Amondson Birge Amondson Birge is a German-born travel writer based in Berlin and Los Angeles who has written for Zagat and Northstar Travel Media. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 08/04/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre Munich has benefited from its rich history and has many fine buildings and sights that glorify its wealth. Luckily for budgettravelers, the Bavarian capital also offers many free things to see and do. Here are the best free Munich attractions and sights, from walking tours to a singing clock to open-air markets. Sometimes the best things in Munich are free. 01 of 10 Glockenspiel TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja View Map Address Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 23300155 Web Visit website Munich's iconic Glockenspiel sits within the Rathaus (city hall). Every day at 11 a.m. and noon (and 17:00 in summer), a crowd gathers in front of the building on Marienplatz to hear the traditional Glockenspiel chime for a 15-minute show. For over 100 years it has reenacted historical Bavarian events with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. Look for the golden bird that chirps three times to mark the end of each show. Insider tip: If you miss the main show times, an angel and a night watchman make an appearance at 21:00. 02 of 10 Frauenkirche Harald Sund/Getty Images View Map Address Frauenplatz 12, 80331 München, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 2900820 Web Visit website The magnificent Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is also located on Marienplatz. Its sturdy towers shape Munich's skyline. Inside, visitors walk around the Teufelstritt "Devil's Footstep," one of the few surviving elements of the pre-WWII cathedral. Legend holds that this black mark in the shape of a footprint is where the devil stood. Climb the steps of the cathedral’s towers for a breathtaking view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps. 03 of 10 Feldherrnhalle TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 290671 Web Visit website The Feldherrenhalle, or Field Marshal’s Hall, was commissioned by King Ludwig to commemorate the Bavarian army. In 1923, the stately hall became infamous when Hitler’s attempted coup to overtake the Bavarian government was defeated in front of the Field Marshal’s Hall. However, it still has issues as a cult site for National Socialist. 04 of 10 Residenz TripSavvy / Chira Chirkijja View Map Address Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 290671 Web Visit website 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 museums of interior decoration. 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 ceiling of gold and paintings. Although the museum itself is not free, you can roam ten impressive courtyards and beautiful historical gardens without paying a cent. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Viktualienmarkt TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja View Map Address Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 89068205 Web Visit website The bustling Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s oldest and best farmers' market, dating back to 1807. Locals, tourists, and even the city’s top chefs come here to fill their baskets and marvel at the traditionally decorated booths. Browsing this outdoor market is a feast for all senses and while any time is a good time to visit, make sure to stop by for a festival. Everything from weighing celebrities to brewers' day to the opening of Spargelzeit is cause for celebration. If shopping has worn you out, take a break at the Biergarten Viktualienmarkt. Every brewery in Munich presents its beer specialties here with a rotation of about six weeks. 06 of 10 Theatine Church TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Salvatorplatz 2A, 80333 München, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 2106960 Web Visit website The Catholic Theaterinerkirche, Theatine Church, adds some Mediterranean flavor to Munich. Built in the 17th century by an Italian architect, the inside is made out of white stucco, while the façade is awash in warm yellow colors. The church, one of the finest examples of Italian baroque in Munich, borders the royal Odeon’s Square. 07 of 10 The English Garden TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja View Map Address Munich, Germany Get directions Phone +49 89 38666390 Web Visit website Relax in the English Garden (Englischer Garten), the green heart of Munich, which is even bigger than Central Park in New York. Locals love their park for its many lakes, traditional beer gardens, overgrown paths, and lush lawns like the Schoenfeld Wiese, where you can also sunbathe nude. 08 of 10 Free Munich Walking Tour TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja View Map Address Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany Get directions Web Visit website Take part in a free, English-speaking walking tour through Munich and get a personal introduction to the Bavarian capital. There are a plethora of companies which operate in Munich with some specializing in local guides, different languages, etc. Most walking tours start in Marienplatz. Look for guides that are entertaining as well as knowledgeable. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Oktoberfest f.cadiou/Getty Images View Map Did you know that Oktoberfest is free? You don't have to pay admission to visit the most famous beer festival in the world, and all Oktoberfest parades and events are free too. The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Today, the largest beer festival in the world attracts over 6 million visitors annually who are free to enjoy traditional oompah music, rides, and atmosphere. 10 of 10 Lake Starnberg TripSavvy / Chira Chirakijja View Map Address Lake Starnberg, Germany Get directions Web Visit website Munich is the gateway to the Alps and surrounded by beautiful Bavarian countryside. Take a trip to the Würmsee (in German), which lies 16 miles south of Munich. Ideal for a day trip, it is lined by some of King Ludwig’s best palaces. The lake is a favorite destination for many locals. Activities to Do with Kids in Munich, Germany Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit