Things to do in Bavaria

Activities, attractions and tours
Viktualienmarkt showing food and markets

Top places to visit

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle seems to exemplify the aesthetics of the European Middle Ages, which is always surprising given that the castle was built in the 19th century. The crown jewel of “Mad King” Ludwig II’s architectural exuberance, it is a masterpiece of Historicist Architecture, and is today one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Brave the crowds to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a truly unique building.
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Almost impossibly picturesque, Ludwig II’s masterpiece of turrets and white walls is perched like a fairy tale above an Alpine valley.

2. BMW Welt

BMW World is administered by BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Motor Works”). This company has been involved in the manufacture of automobiles, motorcycles and engines since 1916. The BMW headquarters are housed in the landmark four-cylinder tower near Olympia Park in the north of Munich. The BMW Plant, the BMW Museum and BMW World are situated next to the headquarters, and BMW encourages visitors to tour these in order to experience the history, the reality and the future vision of the brand.
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BMW World featuring modern architecture

3. Marienplatz

Considered the heart of Munich, Marienplatz is a busy square full of pedestrians, street performers and tour groups. Peaceful protests often take place here, as do rowdy celebrations when one of the local soccer teams wins.
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Use this central square as a base for sightseeing, or as a vantage point to watch the crowds and take in Munich’s famous carillon.

4. Olympic Park

Olympic Park was built for the 20th Summer Olympic Games, which Munich hosted in 1972. The site chosen for the event lies around 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) northwest of Munich’s city center. A massive tensile roof canopy links many areas of the park, including the 69,000-seat Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Swimming Pool. Today, the Park continues to host German and international sporting events. The outdoor Olympic Stadium and the indoor Olympic Hall are also venues for regular international concert acts.
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Formally the site of the world’s best-known sporting event, this park still offers plenty of attractions.

5. Zugspitze

Experience Germany’s highest peak at Zugspitze, a ski resort located on a beautiful glacier. The mountain’s high altitude, reaching 9,718 feet (2,962 meters) above sea level, ensures excellent snow coverage for powder-hungry skiers.
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Zugspitze featuring mountains as well as a large group of people

6. Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium is an innovative and all-encompassing arena for music and sports. It is part of the vast Olympic Park Munich complex that comprises a lake, a hall and a swimming pool. Admire the design of this large stadium, with its sweeping, round terrace and the scalloped netting that serves as a partial roof.
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Olympic Stadium which includes modern architecture and interior views

Popular places to visit

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Neuschwanstein Castle

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Almost impossibly picturesque, Ludwig II’s masterpiece of turrets and white walls is perched like a fairy tale above an Alpine valley.

Neuschwanstein Castle
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BMW Welt

4.5/5(99 reviews)

Gain an insight into how Germany became one of the worldwide leaders in the motor industry by learning about a uniquely Bavarian brand at this high-tech exhibition.

BMW Welt
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Marienplatz

4.5/5(402 reviews)

Use this central square as a base for sightseeing, or as a vantage point to watch the crowds and take in Munich’s famous carillon.

Marienplatz
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Olympic Park

4.5/5(139 reviews)

Formally the site of the world’s best-known sporting event, this park still offers plenty of attractions.

Olympic Park
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LEGOLAND® Deutschland

Enjoy the excitement at LEGOLAND® Deutschland and see why people love this theme park in Guenzburg. Take in the festivals in this family-friendly area.

LEGOLAND® Deutschland
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Allianz Arena

4.5/5(75 reviews)

Catch an event at Allianz Arena during your trip to Munich. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

Allianz Arena
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Zugspitze

5/5(16 reviews)

Ski and snowboard down powdery slopes, stay in an igloo and experience panoramic views over the Bavarian alps at this resort located on Germany’s highest glacier.

Zugspitze
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Olympic Stadium

4.5/5(72 reviews)

Take the roof tour for excellent views and try zip lining in this avant-garde stadium in a fun and historic complex.

Olympic Stadium
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Erding Thermal Spa

3.5/5(10 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Erding Thermal Spa during your travels in Altenerding. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Erding Thermal Spa

Areas of Bavaria

English Garden featuring a garden and a river or creek

Munich City Centre

4/5(16 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic breweries and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Munich City Centre. Check out top attractions like Marienplatz and Frauenkirche, and jump on the metro at Lenbachplatz Tram Stop or Karlsplatz (Stachus) Station to see more of the city.

Munich City Centre
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Altstadt-Lehel

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Marienplatz and Frauenkirche are top sights in Altstadt-Lehel, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Lenbachplatz Tram Stop or Karlsplatz (Stachus) Station to see more sights in the area.

Altstadt-Lehel
Heilig Geist Spital which includes a river or creek and heritage elements

Nuremberg Old Town

4.5/5(58 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and shopping highlight some notable features of Nuremberg Old Town. Make a stop by Frauenkirche or Heilig Geist Spital while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or White Tower U-Bahn to get around town.

Nuremberg Old Town
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Au-Haidhausen

4/5(53 area reviews)

Known for its interesting museums and fantastic breweries, there's plenty to explore in Au-Haidhausen. Top attractions like Gasteig and Nockherberg Paulaner Brewery are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Rosenheimer Platz Station or Wörthstraße Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Au-Haidhausen
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Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt

3.5/5(362 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic breweries and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt. Check out top attractions like Theresienwiese and Deutsches Museum, and jump on the metro at Goetheplatz U-Bahn or Sendlinger Gate U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
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Schwabing

4/5(60 area reviews)

Travellers choose Schwabing for its picturesque gardens. Hop aboard the metro at Parzivalplatz Tram Stop or Schwabinger Tor Tram Stop and check out top sights like Olympic Park.

Schwabing