Alright. So Munich doesn’t have all the hype and impressive landmarks that Paris and Rome have. However, it does have charming streets, relaxing parks and fun, lively beer gardens.
You won’t go hungry or thirsty, with the biggest beers and ‘Brezel’s (pretzel in German) you’ve ever seen. Not to mention mouthwatering potatoes.
And this city is active! Runners, bikers, and even surfers! No, you are not mistaken. There is no ocean near Munich. But that doesn’t stop these adventure junkies. Where there’s a river, there’s a way…
Munich is also home to the world-renowned annual Oktoberfest. It was “cancelled” when we were there due to the COVID pandemic, but luckily we still enjoyed smaller festivities, beer floats, and lots of lederhosen. Maybe too much lederhosen. Lol. Actually, I was a bit bummed that I didn’t have my own dirndl!
Here is enough to keep you busy for a fun few days in Munich (with or without kids):
Run wild in the English Garden. Join a yoga class. Take the kids to a playground. Don’t feed the ducks though. I recently was told that it’s not allowed.
Go surfing in the river! Or just watch and say you did.
Snag a selfie at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden.
Get some fresh produce at Viktualienmarket.
Indulge in a giant ‘Brezel’ at one of our favorite restaurants, Spatenhaus.
Watch the clock show at Marienplatz at 11 or 12
‘Prost’ the locals at a beer garden with the biggest beer you’ll ever attempt to drink. Hofbrauhaus is one of the most popular with its live German music. Ask around for what to order as some plates looked delicious but ours was so-so.
Bike the city – use Mike’s Bike Tour if you want a guide (or use the free hotel ones if you stay at Munchen Palace)
If beer is your thing (and if it’s not yet, then it will be by the time you leave Munich, or at least after having one bite of that giant pretzel) then hit up Paulaner brewery for a tour, If your kids are along for the ride, then sit back and relax at Augustiner Keller while they make some German friends at the playground. It’s just steps from Marientplatz but looks like it is smackdab in the forest.
Climb St. Peters for a view of the city
Pick up some yummy sandwiches from Kafer gourmet grocery store (there is one right by Hotel Munchen Palace)… ohh my mom and I could have roamed this cute little market for hours
Learn a little something at the Deutches Museum
Let the kiddos run around outside the Nymphenburg palace and botanical garden
Satisfy your animal-lovers at the city zoo (recommend booking online in advance)
Baby Tips
If your baby is still new to purees/solids, they should love Germany’s potatoes. And you will find them anywhere. I’d recommend Kartoffelpuree / Kartoffelbrie (mashed potatoes) or Salzkartoffeln (boiled potatoes). I also gave my 10 month old the inside of the fries which worked just as well.
Most of the streets and crowds were stroller-friendly. However we did not do any public transportation so I can’t vouch for that.
Everywhere we ate had clean highchairs available. There’s nothing more comforting than seeing a filthy high chair right before your food comes out. “I’d hate to see the kitchen,” right?
Spatenhaus did not have a changing table, at least not in their downstairs bathroom. I don’t know about the remaining hundreds of restaurants in the city though, sorry!
Read my best kid-friendly hotels in Europe for some top notch recommendations in two different optimal locations.
Once you’re done carb-loading and sight-seeing, be sure to explore the surrounding areas with some fun-filled day trips.
Prost!
