Top 9 free activities to enjoy in Munich

Although Munich isn't known for great deals, it surprisingly offers a variety of unique activities and attractions that won’t cost you a dime.

Whether you’re into music, cars, world-class soccer, beautiful gardens, history, or stunning architecture, Munich has a free experience waiting for you. Check out our guide to the best options.

1. Enjoy or eavesdrop on live performances at Olympiapark

A visit to Olympiapark, the venue for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, is always delightful, especially in warm weather when you can catch a free concert while exploring the grounds. During August and one weekend in June (Pentecost), the Theatron Festival hosts live bands at the amphitheater by the Olympic Lake, featuring genres from hip-hop to gospel, pop, and punk.

Even better, grab a blanket and a drink to join the crowds on Olympiaberg, where you can listen to stars perform live from the nearby open-air Olympiastadion, which has hosted major acts like Beyoncé, Linkin Park, and Katy Perry.

Wondering when to visit Munich? Check out our seasonal guide for tips

2. Admire luxury vehicles at BMW Welt

Car enthusiasts should head straight to this 'cathedral of cars' near Olympiastadion. Located next to the BMW factory, BMW Welt serves as an expansive showroom showcasing the entire lineup of the brand, from sedans and Minis to racing cars, electric vehicles, and even Rolls-Royces.

The striking futuristic structure, crafted from glass and steel, features a double-cone design topped with a roof that resembles a floating cloud. While entry to the showroom is free, visiting the nearby BMW Museum does incur a fee.

3. Find tranquility in the Englischer Garten

While many parks are free, few compare to Munich’s Englischer Garten, which surpasses both London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park in size. Head to Kleinhesseloher See (a lake) to relax on the lush lawns for sunbathing or a picnic.

This urban retreat also boasts a Greek-style temple offering stunning views and several charming beer gardens. The most notable—and one of Munich's largest—is located around the iconic Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), a striking five-tiered wooden pagoda.

Tip for planning: If you visit the Japanisches Teehaus at the right time, you can experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, which takes place just twice a month from April to October and cannot be reserved in advance.

Interested in exploring more of Munich? Check out our guide to the city’s top experiences

4. Observe the surfers on the Eisbach from the 'shore'

Munich is renowned for its beer, sausages, and... surfing. Yes, you read that right! At the southern end of the Englischer Garten on Prinzregentenstrasse, crowds gather on a bridge to cheer for wetsuit-clad surfers riding the waves in the fast-moving Eisbach, a 2km (1.25 mile) creek that flows through the expansive park. The combination of rocks, strong currents, and tight space makes this surfing spot quite perilous—legal only since 2010. It's best for visitors to stay on dry ground.

Planning tip: Even on hot, sunny days, it’s wise to avoid swimming in the river. The current is surprisingly strong and poses safety risks.

5. Marvel at the rococo beauty of Asamkirche

Among Munich’s many churches, the petite Asamkirche is a hidden rococo treasure nestled between residential buildings on a bustling street filled with shops and cafes. Lavishly adorned, this church served as the private chapel for artist brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam, who lived next door and personally decorated every inch of its walls with paintings, cherubs, gold leaf, and intricate stucco work, creating a breathtaking ensemble.

6. Enjoy the music and atmosphere of Hofbräuhaus

A visit to Hofbräuhaus, the most renowned beer hall in the world, is essential for anyone in Munich. Even if you’re not in the mood for massive steins of beer, you’re welcome to stroll beneath the beautifully painted vaulted ceilings and pause to enjoy the lively oompah band in the various halls.

As you soak in the festive atmosphere, keep in mind a somber part of history: the grand banquet hall upstairs was the site of the National Socialist Party’s first major gathering in 1920.

Planning tip: If you’d like to take a piece of Munich home, Hofbräuhaus has a gift shop on the ground floor offering a wide range of beer-related souvenirs.

7. Enjoy a free event at Gasteig HP8

While the postmodern Gasteig cultural center may not be the most attractive building in Munich, it boasts exceptional acoustics. Here, you can catch free lunchtime and early evening concerts featuring talented students from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater (Academy of Music and Theater). There’s typically at least one recital every day.

As the campus undergoes extensive renovations expected to last for years, events—including free concerts—are now being held at Gasteig HP8 in the Sendling neighborhood.

8. Experience royal splendor at Nymphenburg Park

Enhance your Munich visit with a stroll through the magnificent gardens of Schloss Nymphenburg. The free grounds feature various water elements, including a canal that transforms into an ice-skating rink during the winter months, along with several palace outbuildings. The most notable among them is the ornate Amalienburg, which charges a small fee for those wishing to explore its lavish interior.

Traveling with children? Check out the best family activities in Munich

9. Watch champions practice at the FC Bayern München training facility

Tickets for a match with FC Bayern München—Germany’s premier Bundesliga team—are not only pricey but also hard to obtain. However, you can catch these world-class soccer players in action during their training sessions, which are completely open to the public at no cost.

These training sessions take place occasionally at the team’s headquarters located on Säbener Strasse, approximately 6km (4 miles) south of the city center, just a 10-minute walk from Mangfallplatz U-Bahn station. Be sure to check FC Bayern München’s website for the schedule before you go.