Munich's Top Sights

The animated clock figures perform daily at 11am and noon, with an extra 5pm show from March to October. Free, always worth timing your visit around.

The twin-domed cathedral that defines Munich's skyline. Entry is free. The south tower observation deck is a separate ticket, 7.50 euro, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11:30am, last ascent 4:30pm — a narrow spiral staircase and lift, not wheelchair accessible.

The former royal palace, one of Europe's largest, room after room of state apartments. Adult admission 10 euro. Summer hours (late March to late October) 9am to 6pm daily, winter 10am to 5pm.

The historic open-air food market a few minutes from Marienplatz, with its own beer garden in the middle. A good first stop for lunch.

The summer residence, with formal gardens that are free to walk even without visiting the palace. Palace-only ticket 10 euro; combined ticket with the porcelain museum and park palaces 20 euro summer, 16 euro winter. Hours April to mid-October 9am to 6pm, winter 10am to 4pm.

One of the world's largest urban parks, bigger than New York's Central Park. Head to the Eisbach near Haus der Kunst to watch surfers ride a standing river wave, then find a table at the Chinesischer Turm or Seehaus beer gardens.

One of the world's great science and technology museums. Daily 9am to 5pm, adult ticket 16 euro.

BMW Welt itself is free to enter, open until midnight most days. The Museum is a separate ticket, 17 euro, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays.