Munich Sightseeing - Best Tours & Day Trips in Munich, Germany: Frauenkirche

Munich Sightseeing: The 8 Best Munich Tours & Day Trips

One of Germany’s most celebrated cities, Munich is famous for its beer culture, traditional Bavarian food, excellent museums, and, of course, Oktoberfest. From the opulence of the Residenz to bustling beer halls, you’ll never run out of things to do and see in Munich. It’s actually quite difficult to narrow down all the sightseeing in Munich to a few highlights, especially if you have just a couple of days to see this captivating German city.

To help you make the most of your time in Munich, we have selected our list of the top Munich tours and day trips to the surrounding German countryside. Here you will discover Munich’s best sights, as well as fun short trips outside of the city. From extravagant castles to quaint picturesque European towns, Germany’s scenic Bavarian region has something for everyone.

Read on to discover the best 8 tours in Munich for your German holiday!

How to Book Tours in Munich

While there is no shortage of tour agents in Munich, we actually prefer booking our tours online. GetYourGuide is our go-to for booking tours. You can compare all the tour options around Munich in one place and choose the excursion that is just right for you. Plus, GetYourGuide has an excellent cancellation policy in case your holiday plans change.

Munich: Top 8 Tours & Day Trips

1. See Munich’s Top Spots on a Walking Tour

Munich Sightseeing - Best Tours & Day Trips in Munich, Germany: Marienplatz

What better way to start sightseeing in Munich than with a walking tour of Munich’s most famous locations? The guides are knowledgeable, entertaining, and work for tips so these walking tours are the best in Munich. There is so much to discover in Munich beyond beer and Oktoberfest. On this tour, you’ll see all of the highlights, conveniently wrapped into two hours. If you only have one day in Munich then this is the tour for you.

This Munich sightseeing tour starts in the Marienplatz, Munich’s central square and the epicenter of this city’s long history. With a distinctly Bavarian feel to it, the Marienplatz is full of street performers, musicians, restaurants, and shops. Located in the center of Old Town, your guide will tell you about the history of Munich and point out buildings of historical significance, like the impressive gothic-style New Town Hall. You’ll also get to see Munich’s famous mechanical clock, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel.

Continuing, the group will visit the landmark Church of Our Lady, or Frauenkirche. Most visitors will recognize it immediately because of its two domed towers that distinguish it from the rest of the Munich skyline. Next, you’ll pass by the famed Hofbräuhaus beer hall, one of the most celebrated beer taverns in the world. 

You’ll explore the vibrant outdoor market of Viktualienmarkt, full of delicious German food and Bavarian handicrafts. And at the Royal Residence, you will learn the stories of the Bavarian royal family. For the final stop on your tour of Munich, you’ll visit the Church of Peter, Munich’s oldest church that has stunning ornate frescos and interiors.

You’ll leave this Munich walking tour more knowledgeable about the origins of Oktoberfest and Bavarian beer culture. It’s the perfect way to explore one of Germany’s most picturesque cities. 

Your walking city tour of Munich will include:

  • An English or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Tips of the best locations to eat or drink beer

Book A Free Walking Tour of Munich


2. Eat and Drink Your Way Through Munich on a Bavarian Beer and Food Tour

Munich Sightseeing - Best Tours & Day Trips in Munich, Germany: Bavarian Beer & Food

Munich is known worldwide for its tasty brews and for its annual Oktoberfest celebration. So, of course, in Munich, there’s no shortage of renowned German breweries, lively Bier gardens, traditional Bier halls, and famous taverns.

On this Bavarian beer and food tour, you will sample local delicacies. You will also learn all about the history, culture, and production of beer. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit several of Munich’s best beer halls and swap tales with fellow travelers. All of this while sampling the best Bavarian-style food and beer. Highlights of your evening out in Munich will include an exclusive tour of the Oktoberfest Museum and a stop at the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus Tavern.

Be sure not to eat before the tour, you’ll be offered plenty of traditional Bavarian food, like Weisswurst (a white sausage that this region is known for), dumplings, and roast pork. The food is paired with several different delicious varieties of German beer.

You are more than welcome to continue on your own after the tour ends with the new friends that you meet during your tour. If you are lucky, you might even see a performance from a traditional Bavarian Oompah band!

Your Bavarian beer & food tour will include the following:

  • Fully guided tour by English-speaking local resident
  • Personal advice and recommendations
  • Transport to the historic center of Munich
  • Entrance to an exclusive private tour of the Oktoberfest Museum
  • Beer sampling session
  • Table reservation at a traditional beer hall
  • A giant platter of traditional Bavarian food

Book a Bavarian Beer & Food Tour

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3. Attend a Concert at the Munich Residenz

Best Tours in Munich Germany + Day Trips: Munich Residenz

Looking for a unique Munich sightseeing opportunity? Every Thursday and Saturday at 6:30 pm,  the Residenz Soloists and members of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra perform in the Hofkapelle (Court Chapel) of the Munich Residenz.  

The Hofkapelle is an amazing venue – small and intimate – that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. In fact, Mozart himself once played at the Hofkapelle. The interior of the chapel is exquisitely decorated. You’ll enjoy marveling at the colorful frescos while listening to the orchestra perform.

Immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries makes for one of the most memorable evenings out in Munich. The performance is lively and is suitable for classical music lovers and those that are new to the genre.

The concert program at the Residenz changes weekly and you’ll hear masterpieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, and other great composers of the Baroque and Classical periods. You’ll also have the option of adding a meal or a 3-Course dinner with beer when booking at an additional cost.

Make sure you book your Munich Residenz concert tickets well in advance as this small venue frequently sells out!

Buy Tickets for a Concert at the Munich Residenz


4. Explore Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace

Best Tours in Munich Germany + Day Trips: Neuschwanstein Castle

For one of the best day trips from Munich, you’ll want to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace. Both are exquisite architectural gems and should not be missed during your trip to Southern Germany!

This German castle tour includes visits to both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof as well as a stop for shopping and exploring in Oberammergau, a charming Bavarian town that resembles something out of a fairytale.

Your full-day Bavarian castle tour will depart near the main railway station in Munich at 8:30 am, where you’ll board a comfortable bus for a smooth 1.5-hour bus ride. Your first stop, Linderhof palace was inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the French influence is readily apparent.

Munich Sightseeing - Best Tours & Day Trips in Munich, Germany: Linderhof Palace

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the immaculately manicured gardens as well as the interior of the palace (tickets purchased separately). Your guide will tell you all about the crazy King Ludwig II of Bavaria and how he built the castles of his dreams, both of which you will see today.  

After a stop for photos and lunch in Oberammergau, the group will arrive at the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle where you’ll get a few hours to explore this breathtaking landmark. It’s one of the most impressive sites in Germany, thanks to its prime location at the foot of the Alps. If you think Neuschwanstein Castle looks familiar, that’s probably because it was the inspiration for the castle at Walt Disney World. When it comes to Munich sightseeing, you simply can’t miss Neuschwanstein Castle!

The entire tour lasts 10.5 hours and you will arrive back in Munich at approximately 6:30 pm. 

Your Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace tour will include:

  • Travel in a luxury tour bus with a tour guide
  • Audio guides
  • You’ll need to purchase your castle entry ticket separately: 8.50€ for Linderhof Palace and 13€ for Neuschwanstein Castle. You can buy tickets during the tour.

Book a Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace

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5. Learn about the Holocaust at Dachau Concentration Camp

Munich Sightseeing - Best Tours & Day Trips in Munich, Germany: Dachau Concentration Camp

Did you know that Germany’s first concentration camp, Dachau, is located just thirty miles outside of Munich? The site is now home to the Dachau Memorial. It is a place to learn about the significance and tragedy of the Dachau concentration camp during the time of National Socialism in Germany.

The advantage of booking a tour of the Dachau Memorial is that a qualified guide will show you the grounds of the former camp, the historical buildings, and parts of the permanent exhibition all while providing additional background about World War II and further insight into the horrors that occurred at Dachau. 

On your tour, you will be guided through the prison cells and gas chambers. You will hear firsthand accounts of the prisoners’ own experiences and the suffering they faced. During this tour, you will imagine everyday life in the camp from its beginnings to its liberation by the US Forces in 1945. The knowledgeable guide will explain the meaning behind the pictures and exhibits in the museum.

Learn about the dark history of the holocaust during this thought-provoking tour and experience the somber atmosphere of Dachau firsthand – it’s a grim but important sight to see in Munich.

Your Dachau Memorial tour will include:

  • Guided tour of the Dachau Memorial Site
  • Transportation by train

Book a Guided Tour of the Dachau Memorial Site


6. Drive the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, Germany’s most Instagrammable town

Best Tours in Munich Germany + Day Trips: Rothenburg on the Romantic Road

For another amazing Munich sightseeing experience, you should visit the cozy medieval village of Rothenburg, one of Germany’s most colorful towns. This full-day tour traverses the Romantic Road, a route that links together some of Bavaria’s most picture-perfect towns and famous castles. During the drive, you’ll soak in the beauty of the German countryside. 

The first stop will be Harburg Castle, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved castle complexes in southern Germany. You’ll be able to explore the castle and see how residents protected themselves within the high walls and defended against invaders in the middle ages.

After a short rest and coffee, the tour continues to Rothenburg, a charming medieval town. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander along the beautiful cobblestone streets exploring this unique walled city. Shop for a souvenir in the boutiques, have a meal, or sip a Bier in one of Rothenburg’s traditional pubs.

One thing that makes Rothenburg so special is the plethora of traditional half-timbered houses that Germany is known for. You’ll want to make sure you have your camera with you as Rothenburg is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the country! 

Your drive back to Munich will be through one of the largest hops-growing regions in the world, the Hallertau. This full-day tour is a great way to see one of the most beautiful regions of southern Germany.

Your Romantic Road and Rothenburg tour will include:

  • Travel in a luxury bus with a tour guide
  • Skip-the-line tickets
  • Entry to the Harburg is not included in the tour price (€8)

Book a Tour of Rothenburg and Germany’s Romantic Road

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7. Discover beautiful Salzburg, including sites from “The Sound of Music”

Best Tours in Munich Germany + Day Trips: Salzburg, Austria

Not too far from Munich lies beautiful Salzburg, surrounded by lakes and the stunning snow-capped Alps. Though most famous for being the setting of the film, The Sound of Music, Salzburg is also the hometown of Mozart and you can still see his residence and the cafes he frequented. 

While Salzburg is located in Austria, it’s actually quite easy to visit as a part of this Salzburg day trip from Munich. Your tour will start at Munich Central Train Station at 9 am, where a guide will meet you for a 2-hour train ride from Munich to Austria.

Upon arriving in Salzburg, your guide will give you a map and during the 1.5-hour tour, you will be shown the major sights. You’ll then have an additional three hours to explore the city on your own once you are oriented. 

Salzburg is an old-world beauty. Stroll down the city’s UNESCO-protected streets, admiring the extravagant chapels and palaces. Wander through the beautiful Mirabelle Gardens to see sights filmed in The Sound of Music. Be sure to see the stunning Domkirche (Salzburg Cathedral), one of Salzberg’s most striking buildings. And you can’t miss the Festung Hohensalzburg set high on the hill above the city, it’s one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.

This memorable tour is a great way to see the medieval churches, monasteries, and catacombs that Salzburg offers. After a day of exploring, you’ll meet back up with the group to return to Munich.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your passport as you’ll be traveling from Germany to Austria. Passport checks sometimes occur when traveling via train between two countries in the EU. 

Your Salzberg day tour will include:

  • Transport on the 1.5-hour train journey from Munich to Salzburg and back
  • Fully-guided tour
  • Map of Salzburg

Book a Day Trip to Salzburg


8. Visit Historic Nuremberg, One of Germany’s Most Famous Cities

Best Tours in Munich Germany + Day Trips: Nuremberg

For another great day trip, take a scenic train ride north of Munich to the historic city of Nuremberg. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring Nuremberg’s quaint old town, sampling delicious regional food in its cafes, and shopping in its world-famous Christmas markets – even if you’re visiting in the summer (they are actually open year-round).

Nuremberg is also known for its involvement with the Nazi Party, and if you’re a history buff you can see the actual Nazi Party Rally Grounds and some of the largest Third Reich buildings. Art lovers will enjoy Nuremberg’s Gothic churches, which contain pieces by some of Germany’s most talented artists. And photographers will love the colorful markets that have been part of the city for nearly 700 years. There is something for every taste in this enchanting German city.

This full-day tour from Munich to Nuremberg departs at 8:40 am from Munich’s central station for the short 90-minute train ride to Nuremberg. During the tour, you will learn all about the unofficial capital of the first Germanic Empire and the role that the city played during the Second World War. The city also played an important role in the Reformation era as well as in the scientific and printing revolution.

Your tour will also include a visit to one of the most iconic landmarks, the stunning Nuremberg Castle that overlooks the city. Nuremberg is one of Germany’s most famous cities, and there is so much to see that it’s easy to miss some of the best sights if you don’t have a guide. Luckily, this tour ensures you’ll see the best of Nuremberg even if you only have a day to explore!

Your tour of Nuremberg will include:

  • English speaking guide
  • Fully-guided tour of the historic city center and the Nazi Party rally grounds
  • 2-way ticket for the transport from Munich to Nuremberg via train 

Book a Day Trip to Nuremberg

That’s it! The best tours and day trips in Munich, Germany. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.


Planning a trip to Germany? Check out our favorite books and travel guides.

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About the Author:

  • Nick Wheatley

    Nick took his first solo trip abroad to Ireland and Scotland when he was just 19. Since then he has visited over 70 countries around the world (plus 45 states in the USA).

    He coupled his passion for travel photography with Val’s passion for writing and thus Wandering Wheatleys was born. He now lives in Asheville with his two rambunctious kids, Humphrey and Wilhelminha.

    Besides photography, Nick loves eating the weirdest food he can find in a country (sheep’s brain currently sits in first place) and making Val get up an hour before sunrise to make sure he gets “the good light”.

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