The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Munich

The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Munich:

Where to Go in Munich

Marienplatz

The center of all of Munich since 1158, Marienplatz is one of the top sights to see in Munich. No solo female travel guide to Munich would be complete without it! The Glockenspiel, or the big clock tower, is located here, along with St. Peter’s Church and two town halls. There are often festivals going on at Marienplatz, especially during the summer. Make sure not to miss one! Your time will be filled with beer, singing, traditional Bavarian music, and more beer.

Read more: Headed to Munich this summer? Know exactly what to pack and how to pack it with my Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Summer in Europe!

The English Garden

Especially when the weather is nice, walking around The English Garden is one of my favorite things to do as a solo female traveler in Munich. With over 48 miles of jogging/cycling trails and an area of over 1.4 square miles, it’s one of the world’s largest urban parks! While in the park, consider renting a boat on the pond. Also, make sure to get a beer and a pretzel the size of your face at the food pavilion in the center of the park! Finally, don’t miss the surfers – yes, you heard me right! Surfers! There’s an artificial wave pool in one corner of the park where you can watch people surf. Or give it a try if you’re an experienced surfer yourself!

The Hofbräuhaus

You haven’t seen Munich if you don’t at least visit the Hofbräuhaus, a must for any solo female travel guide to Munich! This massive beer hall not only serves delicious beer and food but is also a historical hotspot. There are three floors including an outdoor courtyard for when the weather is nice. An interesting fact: all the rooms except for the historic beer hall “Schwemme” were destroyed in World War II bombings.

Read more: Find out which other European countries to add to your itinerary with my Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Europe

Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt)

Every solo female travel guide to Munich should include visiting the Viktualienmarkt in the center of the city! This daily farmer’s market features so much food that you won’t know where to start. There are also people selling jewelry and handicrafts. Wandering through the food stalls and taking in the sights, smells, and tastes of Munich is a great free activity to do in Munich as a solo female traveler.

Nymphenburg Palace

This rococo-style palace used to be the summer home of the former rulers of Bavaria of the House Wittelsbach. It was completed in 1675 by Italian architect Agostino Barelli. Go just outside the center of Munich to enjoy the 490-acre park that surrounds the palace.

Read more: The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Salzburg

Munich Residenz

In the center of Munich lies the Munich Residenz. The Residenz used to be the former royal palace of the House Wittelsbach that used to rule Bavaria. It’s the largest palace in Germany and is open now as a museum! Even if you don’t go inside, make sure to admire the beauty from the outside when wondering what to do in Munich as a solo female traveler.

Frauenkirche

Wondering what to do in Munich as a solo female traveler for an amazing view? Look no further than Frauenkirche. This cathedral has two iconic towers that are considered a symbol of Munich. Visit the south tower for a view 98.45 meters above the city! Inside, you can also find an attraction called the Teufelstritt, or The Devil’s Footprint. This tile with what resembles a black footprint is at the entrance to the cathedral. There are a couple of stories as to what it means… visit and determine it for yourself!

Read more: Explore more of Europe with the top 12 solo travel destinations in Europe

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is a Roman Catholic church located just off of Marienplatz and is the oldest church in the district. It has a 91-meter spire that’s commonly referred to as Alter Peter, meaning Old Pete. Inside, you can find a gorgeous high altar where Erasmus Grasser contributed the figure of Saint Peter. You can also find five Gothic paintings and a ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Check out the tours I recommend operating out of Munich below!

Deutsches Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Munich and you love to visit museums, the Deutsches Museum will satisfy your love for information! The Deutsches Museum is officially the world’s largest museum of science and technology. There are about 28,000 items on display from 50 different fields of science and technology!

Read more: Wondering what travel essentials you’ll need for your trip to Munich? Check out these 13 amazing travel essentials that will seriously change your life!

Karlsplatz

This large square will lead you to Marienplatz via the city’s main pedestrian street. Karlsplatz not only serves as a hub for the city’s tram system but also has views of the neo-baroque “Palace of Justice” (Justizpalast). Enjoy people-watching while sitting on the edge of the fountain that operates here during the summer. Or, if you visit during the winter, enjoy the fountain that’s transformed into an open-air ice rink!

Read more: The Ultimate Berlin Weekend Itinerary

The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Munich:

Where to Eat & Drink in Munich

Hofbräuhaus München

As described in the previous section, the Hofbräuhaus is a must-see. But it’s also a great place to eat and drink! Here you can have your fill of all kinds of traditional Bavarian food. Make sure to try some sausage (würst), Wiener Schnitzel, or some apple strudel (apfelstrudel) with a traditional Hofbräu brew.

Tantris

Every solo female travel guide to Munich should include a restaurant where you can treat yo’self. So if you’re looking for a Michelin-star restaurant in Munich, Tantris won’t disappoint! In fact, it has two Michelin stars. Celebrated as one of the finest restaurants in Europe, Tantris is ranked as one of the best 50 restaurants in the world. The menu is described as “Asian-inspired seafood.” Chef Hans Haas serves up German cuisine with an exotic twist.

Fraunhofer Wirtshaus

Fraunhofer Wirtshaus is the place to go for an authentic, genuine Bavarian food experience with the touristic attractions of the Hofbräuhaus. They use organic, locally-sourced ingredients to make traditional Bavarian plates like pork knuckle, potato dumplings, and coleslaw. And even though it keeps with its Bavarian roots with lots of meat, Fraunhofer Wirtshaus even has delicious vegetarian options!

Street Food

When it comes to German cuisine, somehow nothing quite matches some good ol’ street food. Choose from a wide variety of sliced sausages – currywürst (curry sausage) is a traditional favorite of mine! – pretzels, buns, pastries, and more! You can find stands scattered throughout the city. However, you will definitely find some at the aforementioned Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market).

Related: Check out my favorite budget tours operating from Munich below!

Zephyr Bar

This amazing cocktail bar delivers a bit of a surprise from the quiet street that it’s on. The service is on-point, the ambiance is intimate, and the bartenders are known to be friendly and make great off-the-menu cocktails, too. Some visitors call Zephyr the best cocktail bar in the world – make sure not to miss it!

Pusser’s

If you need a break from the beer, Pusser’s is a great speakeasy bar in Munich with a relaxed feel. There’s extra space in the basement with a pianist in addition to the seating upstairs. Overall, Pusser’s offers an intimate atmosphere with a menu that has something for everyone! I would recommend reserving a table before you go though because it can sometimes be hard to get one.

Barroom

Officially the smallest cocktail bar in Munich, go early to Barroom to get a spot! You’ll likely be greeted personally by the owner, Emanuele. As the name implies, the place is small with only two tables and some space in front of the bar. But the atmosphere is downright romantic and the cocktails will have you staying there well into the morning!

The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Munich:

Where to Stay in Munich

Where to Stay in Munich: Best Luxury Hotel

BEYOND BY GEISEL ($493/night)

With luxurious bedrooms and suites with panoramic views of the Town Hall and Rindermarkt Square, BEYOND by Geisel is the best 5-star luxury hotel in Munich. It’s easy to get to from Munich airport, as the nearest metro station is only a few steps away. Complimentary breakfast and drinks are also included with your stay and you can enjoy a common kitchen with a dining area and living space that’s stretched across two floors. The best part, in my opinion? The bathroom comes with a rain shower!

Where to Stay in Munich: Best Mid-Range Hotels

HOTEL METROPOL ($147/night)

Also located in the heart of town, Hotel Metropol is a great choice for a mid-range hotel in the center of Munich. It’s located on a quiet side road just 8 minutes away from Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place each year. Each room has a blowdryer, flat-screen TV, tablet computer, and free Sky TV. The hotel also has a 24-hour bar with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If you want to be situated in the center of town with a nice, not-too-expensive hotel, Hotel Metropol is a great option!

ARABEST APARTHOTEL ($106/night)

ARABEST Aparthotel is another great mid-range option in the center of Munich that offers condo-style accommodations. It’s particularly a good choice if you want to cook for yourself to save money. The kitchens are fully outfitted with an oven, a toaster, fridge, stovetop, and an electric teapot. It’s also only a 10-minute walk away from Karlsplatz!

Where to Stay in Munich: Best Hostels

WOMBATS CITY HOSTEL ($25.68/night for 10-bed mixed dorm)

Wombats City Hostel might just be the best hostel in Munich! It’s definitely the best hostel on this solo female travel guide to Munich. Wombats is super centrally-located, there are bean bags and hammocks in a glass-roofed courtyard, and they have an amazing all-you-can-eat breakfast. It’s also a great place to stay if you have a car because they have parking in the basement. And last but not least, they have a fully-stocked bar – perfect for making friends! At the time of writing, it also has a 9.0 rating on Hostelworld.

EURO YOUTH HOSTEL ($26.94/night for 12-bed mixed dorm)

This homey-feeling, historic hostel is located right next to the main train station in one of the few buildings to survive after World War II bombings. It has a bar, which makes it a great place for solo travelers looking to meet people. It also has an amazing €2.50-a-drink happy hour 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm each day! I also love that the beds have privacy curtains. At the time of writing, the Euro Youth Hostel has a 9.4 rating on Hostelworld!

Read more: How to Easily Make Friends While Solo Traveling

The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Munich:

How to Get Around Munich

Walk

I find Munich incredibly walkable, especially if you’re staying in the center of the city. Enjoy strolling along the many pedestrian streets and parks this way and you’ll get to see a lot of nice parts of Munich!

U-Bahn (Metro)

Munich also has an extensive underground metro system, as well as suburban trains (S-Bahn) and trams. You can find the U-Bahn with signs marked with a white “U” on a blue background.

Get tickets at a blue vending kiosk at the entrance to the U-Bahn station. You can get single-ride tickets, but a day ticket might be the best value when you visit. If you’re staying in the city center and don’t plan to leave, then you probably don’t need a day ticket. However, if you’re traveling farther outside to places like Nymphenburg palace, it will be a good value. You can find more information about the Munich U-Bahn fares here.

Important note: Make sure to validate your ticket every time before you board a train, tram, or bus. Do this by getting it stamped at the little stamping machines at the entrances to the U- or S-Bahn tracks or on trams and buses. If you get caught riding without a valid ticket, it’s a €60 fine!

Bus

Buses are also part of the U-Bahn network. So where the trains don’t go, the bus will! Your ticket from the trains and trams will work for the bus too, so you don’t need to buy a different ticket. Get your ticket stamped on board when you get on and you’re good to go. It’s sightseeing time!

Bike

18% of all traffic in Munich is made up of cyclists! So join this local activity and ride a bike for the day as an alternative to walking when wondering what to do in Munich. You can rent a bike in Munich from one of the many rental shops in the city center.

Alternatively, you can try a 24/7 bike rental app that you can use in many European cities called Donkey Republic! I loved using them when I lived in Copenhagen because you can just find one of their bikes that’s closest to you, rent it through the app, and leave it at a drop point closest to your final destination when you’re done. You lock and unlock the bike through your phone and can get rental bikes short or long-term! I definitely recommend giving them a try if you want a super convenient bike rental in Munich.

Car

Especially if you’ll be spending more time elsewhere in Germany or Europe, renting a car will be a good option while you’re in Munich. It will allow you to more easily get outside of the city to places like the Nymphenburg Palace and the Deutsches Museum. For finding the best price across rental companies in Europe, I recommend checking out Rentalcars.com. I find they’re the best way to compare prices from different reputable companies.

For specific rental companies, I recommend Avis all-around. However, Avis is particularly a good option if you’re traveling with a spouse or business partner. This is because unlike most other rental companies, Avis doesn’t charge extra for your spouse or business partner to drive, too.