Weekend in München

The former royal palace's inner courtyards and gardens are free to enter. The ornate architecture gives a feel for Bavarian opulence without paying for the museum.

Tip: Walk through the Hofgarten behind it for a quiet spot. The main entrance is free but the treasury costs. Stick to the courtyards.

Oldest church tower in Munich. Climbing the tower costs a small fee, but the church itself is free, with impressive interior and a free crypt. The square outside offers great views

Tip: Don't pay for the tower climb—the free view from the nearby Petersplatz steps gives a nearly equivalent panorama. The crypt is often empty and serene.

A daily fresh food market established 1807. Stalls sell produce, flowers, cheese, meats, and what locals call the best weisswurst in town.

Tip: Grab a cheese or sausage snack at one of the standing tables – no cover charge. The beer stand near the maypole is run by local breweries and pours cheaper than tourist spots.

A daily food market with stalls selling produce, flowers, cheese, and local snacks. No entry fee but bring cash for samples or a pretzel.

Tip: Go early on a weekday for fewer crowds. Don't buy bottled water here—it's cheaper at any supermarket nearby. Try the Obatzda cheese spread.

Museum of Munich city history. Some exhibitions are free, especially the permanent collection on selected days or times. Check the website for 'free Thursdays'.

Tip: Thursday evening after 5pm often has free entry to the main collection. The film museum downstairs is separate and cheap, not free.

A peaceful Renaissance garden behind the former royal palace, with fountains, hedges, and a temple.

Tip: Enter from Odeonsplatz. Bring a picnic and sit by the central fountain — free and rarely crowded.

The original medieval residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty, dating back to the 12th century. A quiet, cobbled courtyard with a small free museum inside the old palace.

Tip: The free museum shows a 10-minute film about Munich's history in a restored vault. Best part: the courtyard has a free public toilet and a nearby bakery for cheap pastries.

Famous beer hall dating from 1589. You can walk in, grab a bench, order a beer (€8 for a litre), and listen to oompah music. Entry is free, drink costs are reasonable.

Tip: Avoid the upstairs restaurant. Head to the main hall downstairs – it's rowdy, authentic, and you'll share a table with strangers.

The main central square with the Neues Rathaus. The mechanical glockenspiel re-enacts a 16th-century wedding and jousting tournament daily.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before 11am or 12pm (March–October) to get a spot on the right-hand side steps for the best view. Avoid noon on Saturdays when the square is packed.

Munich’s central square since the 12th century, dominated by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. The Glockenspiel re-enacts a 16th-century tournament twice daily.

Tip: Arrive by 11:55 AM to stake out a spot in front of the Rathaus for the 12 PM show. For quieter views, climb the Altes Peter tower (small fee, about 3 EUR).