There's always something to discover in Munich. Going on holiday alone has one big advantage: you can experience the atmosphere and Munich's sights at your own pace – here you will find lots of tips for exploring the city on your own.
- Shopping: Pedestrian Street & Flea Markets
- Sightseeing: Audio-Guides, Group Tours & Rikshaws
- Culture: Munich's Museums, Theatres and Cinemas
- Gastronomy: Beer Gardens, Pubs & Co-Dining-Restaurant
- Night Out in Munich: Bars & Clubs
- Out and About: Parks & Excursions
Exploring the city while shopping is a particularly enjoyable experience, as you can take as much time as you like. In addition to the popular Fussgängerzone (pedestrian street) around Marienplatz (square), Munich also boasts a small shopping mile in Hohenzollernstrasse in Schwabing. Equally enticing are the picturesque alleyways around Gärtnerplatz (square), with small shops featuring Munich labels and designers. Munich's flea markets are definitely also worth a visit: The night flea markets and courtyard flea markets are particularly popular: you can stroll leisurely through the various neighbourhoods and engage in conversation with locals.
The great thing about a solo break is that you can explore the city at your own pace and only visit the sights that truly interest you, without having to stick to anyone else's schedule. Munich is ideal for sightseeing tours on foot or by bicycle and apps like story2go provide audio information of the city’s most popular attractions.
Alternatively, you can join a group and explore the city centre – for example on a guided tour of the old town, Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) or of one of the exciting city districts. For those not keen on too much walking, the city offers rickshaw tours through the old town and the Englischer Garten.
Munich has a vast museum landscape that is perfect for exploring on your own. After visiting the Kunstareal, Haus der Kunst (art gallery), the MUCA, Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum (museum), or the Kunsthalle with its changing exhibitions, you can relax at the on-site Museum Café. An overview of current exhibitions is available on our website.
Cinema is always a great idea! Munich has some fantastic small movie theatres that are definitely worth a visit. For example Studio Isabella in Maxvorstadt district, the Arena in the Glockenbachviertel district, the Neue Maxim in Neuhausen district or the city cinemas at Karlsplatz-Stachus (square). If you want to indulge in a more luxurious movie night in Munich, the ARRI cinema in the university district, the Astor Cinema Lounge at Bayerischer Hof Hotel or at Gloria Palast in the city centre are the places to go to.
As single seats are more likely to be available at the last minute, solo travellers are often fortunate to be able to plan a spontaneous visit to the opera. Remaining tickets are accessible either online on the theatre website or at the box office.
In summer, it is easy to find a single seat in one of Munich's beer gardens and enjoy a great meal at one of the many beer tables. Even in the large pubs, like the Hofbräuhaus, Ratskeller or Pschorr joining other guests at a table is common practice.
For all those, who do not want to eat alone, the Café-Restaurant Togather in Westend district offers a unique concept: In Munich's first co-dining restaurant, guests eat at large tables and can chat casually over lunch or dinner. For a quick bite to eat, Munich offers snack bars or markets – for example Viktualienmarkt, where many Munich locals spend their lunch break.
Spend the evening at the counter of one of the small, cosy bars, like the Barroom in Haidhausen disrict, or enjoy a beer in one of the popular pubs like Café Kosmos at the Central Station. For a more sophisticated experience, head to one of the upmarket hotel bars, like Falk's Bar at Bayerischer Hof Hotel or check out one of Munich's jazz clubs. The university district always has something going on, even during the week, and it's a great place to mingle with the locals. Afterwards, you can go dancing in one of the clubs, like Bahnwärter Thiel, Charlie or Rote Sonne.
Munich's parks and gardens offer all kinds of leisure activities – from walks to (ice)bathing to outdoor sports. Winter bathing fans can join groups like the Munich Hot Springs, which are becoming increasingly well organised. Schedules are available on the respective websites.
In addition to the English Garden and Schlosspark Nymphenburg (park), the Isar river with the Rosengarten (park) is also perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, you can embark on a quick exploration trip of Munich, especially by rental bike and cycle south along the Isar river. Schleißheim Palace also offers a beautiful excursion. In Schleissheim's extensive park you can wander endlessly and without interruption, with opportunities to visit the various pavilions and palace buildings before enjoying the delights of the Schlosscafé Oberschleissheim or the Café zum Schloss. The park complex remains one of the most outstanding European Baroque gardens to this day.
