Munich is a city that seamlessly blends rich history, cultural charm, and modern vibrancy. Germany is not known to be the cheapest country to visit. However, there are things you can do to avoid overspending during your trip. If you’re traveling on a budget, here are 10 affordable things to do in Munich on a budget that you should add to your itinerary:
1. Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours have become a staple agenda item whenever we are traveling, especially abroad. Booking one in Munich allows you to dive into its history and explore iconic landmarks like Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, and the bustling Viktualienmarkt while learning about the city’s fascinating past, all for free. We recommend using GuruWalk. Also, remember to tip your guide if you enjoy your tour.
2. English Garden
Escape the city buzz in the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, larger than Central Park in New York. It’s perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or cycling. Make sure to check out the Chinese Tower, the iconic beer garden in the midst of the park. Also, you can watch surfers ride the Eisbach river waves, anytime of year—all for free!
3. Affordable Bavarian Food
You cannot visit Munich without experiencing their traditional cuisines. Savor authentic Bavarian snacks like pretzels, Weisswurst, or Leberkässemmel from local markets or bakeries. Delicious, filling, and wallet-friendly, you can get most of these items for €1.50 – €5.
4. Beer Gardens on a Budget
Like the food, you cannot without tasting the beer and the best way to experience Munich’s famous beer culture are at affordable beer gardens. Check out our guide to the 8 most affordable beer gardens in Munich, ranked from most budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
5. €1 Museum Sundays
With Munich’s rich history, visiting the museums are a must. Luckily, on Sundays, many museums, including the Alte Pinakothek and the Glyptothek, offer admission for just €1. Explore art, history, and culture without splurging.
6. Marienplatz and Glockenspiel Show
Marienplatz, located in the heart of Munich, is the new city hall and the center of this magically city. Surrounded by restaurants and shopping, it is the perfect place to visit during your trip. While there, make sure to watch the famous Glockenspiel show. The mechanical figures reenact Bavarian history daily at 11 am and at 12 pm, and additionally at 5 pm from March to October. The best part is the experience is completely free. Make sure to get there at least 15 mins early to get a good spot to view.
7. Viktualienmarkt
This lively outdoor market is perfect for budget travelers and the first place we visited during our trip. At Viktualienmarkt, you can stroll through vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and affordable meals. Plus you can visit Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden, where you can have a delicious, yet cheap beer while you shop.
8. Nymphenburg Palace Gardens
Nymphenburg Palace Garden, one of the largest palaces in Germany, was the summer home for the Kings of Bavaria in the 18th century. While the palace interior has an entry fee, the sprawling gardens are free to explore. Enjoy the serene lakes, manicured lawns, and picturesque scenery.
9. Munich Residenz Courtyards
Being the largest city residence in Germany, the Munich Residenz should be on every itinerary and seeing the courtyards is a must. The best part is that the courtyards are free to access. They offer a glimpse of the grandeur of Bavaria’s royal history. If you want to see the inside, there will be a fee.
10. Festivals and Events
Plan your trip around free or low-cost events, like the famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) or the Tollwood Festival, which offers live performances and affordable street food.
Here are 10 affordable things to do in Munich. Munich proves that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy big experiences. With a mix of free attractions, affordable eats, and cultural gems, this Bavarian city offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or relaxing in lush parks, Munich is ready to charm you without breaking the bank.
Have you visited Munich on a budget? Share your favorite tips and spots in the comments below!
Looking to plan your next trip on a budget? Here’s our list on how to plan your perfect trip on a strict budget.
