You made it to Bavaria! I bet the beer brought you here! If you are in the mood to discover some not-so-touristy places (yet! because obviously, I was also a tourist), here are some cool places to check out in Munich. Keep in mind you will have to use public transport to get around.

Munich had street art, alternative culture, chill, and creative vibes. I’ve included some of the places which locals love to go to, too. This could be your guide to where to get in touch with some true Bavarians! So what are the cool places in Munchen that you have to check out?!

If you have a lot of time on your hand and want to also explore the centre with all of its touristy places, check out the self-guided walking tour of Munich.  There you have the famous central square with its singing clock, the beer halls and gardens, and the place to see the lovely panoramic view of the city.

After walking around like crazy to see all of the above, I decided to wander on and check some not-so-central scenes. Some may even call these places to be closer to Berlin’s culture, than to the Bavarian one. But it’s up to you to decide.

Bahnwärter Thiel

Address: Tumblingerstraße 29

Who said German street art could only be found in Berlin? 

Bahnwärter Thiel is a place where an old train meets a forgotten metro wagon and gives a home to alternative cultural programs. The train wagon is where live radio sessions are held, and occasionally bus concerts.

The Bahnwärter Thiel has a diverse cultural program, offering theatre plays, art exhibitions, and movies for its visitors, which transforms into a club at night.

It is one of the cool places in Munchen you have to check out.

Come and chill out. But beware of the opening times. Except for some special holidays, the place it’s open from 6 pm. But who comes here?

Musicians, artists, curious people, and night owls meet here—a meeting place where there is always something to discover. Look, listen, dance. Or, first of all, learn to dance in the occasional dance workshops with live music. Maybe just try the Brazilian Forró?

Pinakothek der Moderne

Address: Barer Str. 40, 80333 München, Germany

Sure, you can go to the Alte Pinakothek (the old art museum), but the really cool one is this modern art museum, which is right across the street from the old one.

Apparently, all the museums are in the same place. The city center of Munich is not that huge, and if your legs are used to walking, you can walk around all day. And still, discover places.

Café im Vorhoelzer Forum

Address: Arcisstraße 21, 80333 München, Germania (inside the TUM university)

This is the cafe of the technical university. Seems like I am attracted to these universities. Just kidding. I am instinctively attracted to any cool place, and the Café im Vorhoelzer Forum is one of the cool places in Munchen.

The place of this cafe is perfect. After you finish visiting any of the museums around, like the above mentioned (Pinakothek der Moderne), this is the perfect place to relax and have a drink, a snack.

They even have pizza, all at student prices. And the cafe is on the top floor, which means it’s a rooftop cafe with an opened terrace. You’re welcome!

After exploring the city with Sabrina (IG: @janus_void) and Kash from Budget Traveller, these two were really hungry. Unfortunately, not vegan. But still a great place for a coffee.

Eisbachwelle

Address: Prinzregentenstraße, 80538 München, Germany

The surf wave from the English Garden, which I also mentioned in my self-guided walking tour of Munich.

Even if you plan to just relax and not do a lot while in Munich, a trip to this place you have to take because there are people getting a break from work and surfing here for a while. Then they’re putting their suits back on and head to their office. Have you ever seen anything like it? Because I haven’t.

Lost Weekend (Coffee Shop)

Address: Schellingstraße 3, 80779 München, Germany

This is, put, the best vegan coffee shop in Munich! And it is another top cool place in Munchen that I love.

It looks more like a co-working space, with large tables, cool inside, friendly staff, and an overall cool and alternative atmosphere. They even have a small bookshop inside.

Words’ Worth

Address: Schellingstraße 3, 80799 München, Germany

Right next to the vegan coffee shop, you will find another cool place to check out, especially if you are a tourist or an expat. This English bookshop is what you will enjoy doing on a lazy afternoon.

Fünf Höfe Munich

Address: Theatinerstraße 15, 80333 München, Germany

This is a high-end shopping mall.

However, window shopping is free. The most attractive things about this place were the work of art used to decorate the passages. Of course, this is one of the cool places in Munchen!

Starnberg

Starnberg is a small and chic town just 30 km away from the Munich central train station.

It is a lovely sight for a summer day, as it has one of the famous Bavarian sights of the Alps in the distance and the clearness of the lake to enjoy. This is definitely a cool place to check out in Munich, or better said, in Bavaria!

Come early, rent a bike, and go around the lake.

There are some gardens and parks which you can use to relax, sit in the sun, or you can even go for a swim. I understand how many people may be reticent to swimming in a lake, especially if you are used to the sea, but after living for almost 1 year in a similar town in Austria, I can say this is the kind of place where I like to spend some of my summer days.

Starnberg is well connected to Munich via S6 and some other trains, which pass by every 20 minutes or so. Just as you hop off the train, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the lake. I loved it here, but unfortunately, it was too late to rent a bike.

If you have more days in Munich, check out these perfect day trips from Munich. Ah, Bavaria has so much to offer. You could spend months here and still find new things to do around.

Is there nightlife in Munich? Of course!

After those long hours, you will spend in the beer gardens (which are open until midnight), the narrow streets of Munich hide some fun bars.

Like in any other city, Irish bars are present.

We all know the reputation of the Irish people and How Dublin is full of them, but we must admit it is fun to drink a beer in an Irish bar. I recommend these two from Munich: Kilian’s Irish Pub and Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant. 

Oh, and the famous Le Clou (right next to Viktualien Markt, behind the Heiliggeistkirche), a typical English which is small but famous for its open mind atmosphere, where you can talk to locals while enjoying a beer at the bar. Freddie Mercury used to hang out in this bar, as you will find pictures of him everywhere.

Is there any cool hostel to stay in Munich? You bet!

The Wombat’s City Hostel in Munich has a great location, friendly staff, a cool place to chill (or work), and a cool bar, which is called the WOMBAR!

I stayed for three nights at Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof, and it was absolutely lovely. I almost never needed to pay for public transport because everything was within walking distance.

Wombat’s bar is a great place to get to know other travellers, especially during the happy hour. This place was probably the place where I met the most people during my entire stay in Munich. The bar is open only for the hostel’s guests.

What was my favourite thing about the Wombats hostel? Cannot decide. It’s a mixture of the great location, lovely dorm rooms, amazing private room (which had a balcony), lovely breakfast (hummus …yummy), and friendly and helpful staff.

The fact that it’s so close to the train station solved all my problems regarding carrying my stuff.

It took me 5 minutes. I just had to cross the street! Would I stay there again? YES!! But in case this option isn’t available, check some other hostels in Munich on HostelWord or great-located hotels in Munich (on Booking) for the best Munich trip stay.

What else can you do in Munich?

Book a day trip to the gorgeous Neuschwanstein Castle! You should reserve an entire day for this trip. It will not disappoint, and you don’t want to miss it.

I hope I have inspired you to visit some of these cool places in Munchen. Have a great time while you’re in town (bc it’s magical)!

If you are heading to Berlin, then make sure to check out the Berlin Before and After the Wall self-guided walking tours.

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This post was brought to you as a result of the #wombatsTraveller blog trip, created and managed by iambassador (http://www.iambassador.net) in partnership with wombat’s CITY HOSTELS [https://www.wombats-hostels.com].
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