There’s more to Munich than the MarienPlatz, Englischer Garten and Hofbräuhaus. If you feel like you’ve seen it all, or are just looking for attractions away from the tourist crowds, here are four alternative things to do in Munich that will help you step off the beaten path.

1. Sarcletti Eiscafe

This place makes some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. It’s located slightly out of Munich’s centre, yet each I visited there was a queue outside, which says it all really. Sarcletti has been around since 1879, meaning they’ve had a long time to perfect their recipe. And perfect it they have. There’s always a least 40 different flavours to choose from all year round that vary from the traditional to more unusual ones. Poppy seed flavour anyone? Plus as all their ice cream is made there daily, so it tastes super fresh and is reasonably priced too.

 

Alternative things to do in Munich - Sarcletti Eiscafe

 

2. Church of St. Peter observation deck

Hidden just around the corner from MarienPlatz, the Church of St. Peter is one of the best alternative things to do in Munich if you want to get a great view of the city. Though be warned, to get to the top you first have to walk up the 300 wooden steps of the churches clock tower. And no, there’s no lift. The observation platform at the top loops around the clock tower giving you a complete 360 view across Munich and the countryside beyond. On a clear day you can see as far as the Alps, apparently. As the platform is quite small, it can feel a little squashed when its busy up there. That aside, the views of the old town are particularly great and the price very reasonable for such a central attraction.

 

Alternative things to do in Munich - Church of St. Peter observation deck

 

3. Waldwirtshaus beer garden

Forget the Hofbräuhaus. If you are looking to enjoy a stein or two a little more off the beaten path, Waldwirtshaus is the place to go. This beer houses’ name translates to ‘Forest Tavern’, which sums it up rather nicely. Nestled away in the southern suburbs, its highlight is it’s large beer garden that sprawls out under the trees. Here, you can try traditional Bavarian food from the outdoor stalls, relax in the sun with a drink, or listen to live jazz music in the garden during the summer months.

 

4. Visit Bavaria’s lakes

Munich also makes a great base for exploring some of the beautiful lakes Bavaria has to offer. The closest are Starnbergersee and Ammersee, just south of the city. The former you can easily reach on the S-Bahn, whilst the latter you can get to on a regional train. Both journeys take less than an hour. But the more scenic lakes and landscapes of Tegernsee, Walchensee and Königsee lie even further south just past the edge of the Alps. It’s easiest to reach them by car, but you can also get the train to both Königssee and Tegernsee from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof.

 

Alternative things to do in Munich - Bavaria's lakes

 

This isn’t by any means a complete list of alternative things to do in Munich. But hopefully it should be enough for you to start exploring a less touristy side to this beautiful city.

 

Have you found any other exciting alternative things to do in Munich? Let me know in the comments!

 

Interested in alternative things to do in other European cities?

Read my other alternative European city guides 


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