Karlsplatz, Munich: Our most recommended tours and activities

Munich: 24 or 48-Hour Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

1. Munich: 24 or 48-Hour Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Jump on the blue open-top double-decker bus and experience a hop-on hop-off tour through the beautiful city of Munich. Get on and off the bus as often as you want and explore the sights in the city on your own. Alternatively, you can stay on the bus to enjoy the view and listen to the informative commentary. On the tour, see the scenic Odeonsplatz and the interesting architecture of the Pinakotheken, home to numerous works of art. Head pass Marienplatz and discover the famous Viktualienmarkt with its delicacies as well as the famous Hofbräuhaus. Get off at Karlsplatz and stroll through the pedestrian zone and shopping arcade. Explore the fantastic castles and their gardens, and discover the history of Munich. 1. Karlsplatz/Stachus 2. Kunstareal 3. Odeonsplatz 4. Eisbach5. Deutsches Museum (stop temporarily suspended due to construction work!)6. Marienplatz/Tal7. Max-Joseph-Platz8. Nymphenburg Palace9+10. Olympic Park/BMW Welt & Museum11. Schwabing/English Garden 

Munich: 24-Hour Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off City Highlights Tour

2. Munich: 24-Hour Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off City Highlights Tour

Discover the magic of Munich aboard our open-top, double-decker buses on a thrilling 24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour! Witness the stunning architecture and fascinating history of the Bavarian capital from the comfort of your own seat. With the Discover tour, you can explore Munich's incredible attractions at your own pace. This city highlights tour is the perfect introduction to the city for visitors with short stays. Buses arrive every 30 minutes (depending on the season), until 5:00 PM. Each full loop lasts one hour, giving you plenty of time to see everything Munich has to offer. Our tour stops at the most iconic sights and attractions in the city, including the vibrant Karlsplatz/Stachus, the fascinating Kunstareal, and the breathtaking Odeonsplatz. Take a break at the picturesque Eisbach, or admire the marvels of science at the Deutsches Museum. Top sights and landmarks include: • Karlsplatz/Stachus • Kunstareal • Odeonsplatz • Eisbach • Deutsches Museum • Marienplatz/Tal • Max-Joseph-Platz • And many more!

Munich: Original Illuminati & other Secret Societies Trail

3. Munich: Original Illuminati & other Secret Societies Trail

Your tour starts at Karlsplatz, directly under the arch of Karlsdorf. From there, let your guide lead you through the mysterious history of secret societies in Munich. While some secret societies are working to improve the world, others try to manipulate it with terrible plans, using their hidden influence on political and social events. Whether Knights Templar, Freemasons or Illuminati, all have left their mark on this city. Embark on a search for clues through the center of Munich and learn all about these strange groups. Your guide will point out to you things that passersby will miss, and help you decipher the symbols of these secret societies. Learn about the multiple societies that were founded in the Bavarian metropolis, many of whom are still surrounded by an aura of the mysterious, even though they no longer exist - at least officially. From the Old Academy to the Michael's Church, then to Frauenkirche and finally to Promenade square, see the parts of Munich most relevant to these groups. Get all your questions answered: were they really only radical Enlighteners, or are they dominating our world even today? What about the Order of the Golden Fleece, whose insignia we encounter everywhere in Munich? Who are the Guglmen, and much more.

Munich: Bavarian Beer Walking Tour with Samples & Food

4. Munich: Bavarian Beer Walking Tour with Samples & Food

Immerse yourself in German beer and food culture in Munich during this guided walking tour and sample the best of traditional Bavarian food and beer. Visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, and the Hofbräuhaus, and visit the best local beer halls. You'll also learn about the brewing process and the beer barons from Oktoberfest. Before the city became so famous, there was a lot of history to be told. Beer halls, beer gardens, and cellars tell different chapters of history. Learn why the world looks to Munich for the ultimate examples of great-tasting beer. Munich offers six different beer brands; Spaten, Löwenbräu, Augustiner, Hofbräuhaus, Hacker Pschorr, and Paulaner. Sample three different beer varieties on the way to a traditional restaurant in the Munich old town. Savor a plate of traditional Bavarian food including Weisswurst (white sausage). Visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum and enjoy an exclusive tour inside one of Munich's most historic buildings. Afterward, make your way to the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, where you'll conclude the tour.

Munich: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour

5. Munich: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour

Experience an exciting city tour through Munich's old town in a very special way. Solve puzzles and follow the clues from the numbered envelopes to discover Munich's next highlight. Get a lot of background information about the sights or the city's history. Start at the main station and explore the Karlstor at the famous Stachus, the citizen's hall (Bürgersaal) and the St. Michael's Church (Kirche St. Michael) on Neuhauser Straße among other places. Continue to the famous Frauenkirche, the Marienplatz with the old (Altes Rathaus) and the new town hall (Neues Rathaus) and the Viktualienmarkt. Puzzle your family and yourself through the whole city and get extensive information about the history of Bavaria's capital in a variety of ways.

Munich: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour

6. Munich: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour

Join this exclusive walking tour to see the highlights of Munich’s Old Town, including its beautiful historical buildings, monuments and hidden gems. Visit the city's top attractions with a Private Guide who is a master storyteller. Discover historical facts, cultural anecdotes and urban legends about Munich, Bavaria and Germany. Start your 2-hour guided walking tour on the Marienplatz, the medieval-era city square featuring the magnificent New Town Hall, the golden statue Mariensäule, and Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). Step inside St. Peter’s Church, the oldest church in the city whose history dates back even before the city was officially founded. Visit also Asamkirche to admire its lavish, baroque interior swathed in gold leaf, frescoes and stucco. Admire the lavish interiors of St. Michael’s Church and learn about the triumph of Roman Catholicism in Bavaria during the Counter-Reformation. This tour is everything you need to discover essential information about Munich and its rich history and culture. The extended 3-hour tour includes a visit to Frauenkirche, also known as Munich Cathedral. Admire its magnificent architecture and sacred art, including the Assumption of Mary, altarpiece by Peter Candid, and learn about the members of Wittelsbach dynasty who are buried here. The extended walking route also includes additional sights such as the historical city gates Sendlinger Tor and Karlstor, the Wittelsbach Fountain, the Promenade and the Michael Jackson Monument. Choose the 4-hour option to also discover the highlights of Odeonsplatz, a large square developed in the early 19th-century. Hear the infamous story of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch. Step inside the Theatine Church to admire its Rococo-style interiors with a beautiful high altar, sculptured columns, statues, great and impressive stucco. See the Munich Residenz and the magnificent Bavarian State Opera. Join the 6-hour tour to also visit the city’s top attraction - the Residenz! Explore the entire royal palace and garden complex, including the Residenz Museum and Treasury. Admire lavish architecture and art in the Ancestral Gallery, Porcelain Cabinet, Court Chapel and Royal Apartments. Learn about the former kings of Bavaria and discover royal treasures, including expensive jewels, goldsmith's work, porcelain and so much more.

Munich: Bavarian Food Tour with 3-Course Meal

7. Munich: Bavarian Food Tour with 3-Course Meal

Get a taste of traditional Bavarian cuisine on this walking tour in Munich's Old Town. Learn about typical Bavarian cooking, then stop at 3 different restaurants to savor a starter, main course, and dessert with coffee. After meeting your guide, hear the stories behind the most famous taverns in Munich, as well as the famous Oktoberfest. Upon arrival at your first stop, enjoy a traditional soup. Rest assured, too, that all dietary restrictions and food intolerances can be accommodated throughout the tour. Once you've finished your first light dish, take another walk to the second restaurant. There, feast on a typical sausage dish and a side dish, or a suitable alternative for people who don't eat pork. Next, enjoy a short stroll to aid digestion while you hear more stories about Munich. Then, visit a café where typical desserts and coffee are served. At the end of your tour, your guide will provide you with a traditional gingerbread heart and an information sheet about other restaurants and taverns in town so you can continue your journey through Bavarian traditions in the kitchen.

Munich: Christmas Markets Walking Tour with Snack and Drink

8. Munich: Christmas Markets Walking Tour with Snack and Drink

Dig into local lore and culture as you wind your way through the magic of Munich's Christmas markets on this guided walking tour. Let your guide share their favorite gluhwein (mulled wine) with you and savor a German classic, a Lebkuchenherz (heart cookie).  Meet your guide at the centrally-located Karlsplatz which is easy to access by public transportation. Begin your Christmas adventure as your guide tells you about how the holiday become so popular. Decode symbols used at the markets.  Hear about Krampus as you take in the colorful lights, lively stalls, and breathe in the scents of sizzling sausage and spiced drinks. Visit the world-famous Munich Christmas Market and let your guide take you to the most photo-worthy spots. Enjoy the "Three Toasts to Christmas" book along the way. 

Munich: Old Town Hidden Streets Walking Tour

9. Munich: Old Town Hidden Streets Walking Tour

Enjoy a special walk through Munich's Old Town as you discover hidden corners, beautiful buildings, and hard-to-find places. Learn interesting anecdotes and historical information as you stroll. Start at the Karlsplatz / Stachus and go from there immediately into the winding Hackenviertel. Admire the richly decorated Lady's Collegiate Church and learn more about Altheimer Eck. Continue on winding streets to Sendlinger Road and to Angerviertel. There you will find many hidden details around the Jakobsplatz. Stroll along the Viktualienmarkt to the Isartor - the most beautiful old city gate of Munich - and see the remains of the old city walls.

Munich: 5 Top Churches and Old Town with Private Guide

10. Munich: 5 Top Churches and Old Town with Private Guide

Munich’s churches and cathedrals play an important role in protecting the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Join a Private Guide on the streets of Munich’s Old Town to discover its 5 most remarkable churches. Explore centuries of sacral architecture and art! The 3-hour option includes a visit to 4 popular churches. The walking tour will begin at Marienplatz, where you will find the New Town Hall, the golden statue Mariensäule and Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). This bustling city square is dominated by St. Peter’s Church, the oldest church in the city. Step inside to discover its treasures, such as the ornate high altar, the 14 stations of the cross, and the jeweled skeleton of St. Mundita. Follow your Private Guide along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to Asamkriche, where you will find the most expensive, baroque interior swatched in gold leaf, frescoes and stucco. Another must-see church on this tour is St. Michael, the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, which contains church crypts with tombs of Eugène de Beauharnais and notable people from Bavaria. The final stop will be at the monumental Frauenkirche, also known as the Munich Cathedral. Inside, you will find a soul-inspiring gothic interiors and learn about the 1945 bombings and its legendary Devil’s footprint. Choose the 4-hour option to discover a hidden gem among Munich’s churches - the fabulous Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche) at the historic Odeonsplatz.From the outside, the facade is plain yellow Rococo-style, but inside you will find an impressive and overwhelming interior with a high altar, sculptured columns, statues and great stucco. In this option also you will get on top of St. Peter’s Church Tower, which offers the best panoramic views of the city. On good weather days you can see as far as the Alps, making it a truly unforgettable experience!

Add dates

Things to do in
Karlsplatz, Munich

Karlsplatz, Munich
14 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Karlsplatz, Munich

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Karlsplatz, Munich

Want to discover all there is to do in Karlsplatz, Munich? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Karlsplatz, Munich

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 459 reviews

I booked the On-Off Bus for my grandson and myself. I choose this particular tour because it offered two routes, one going a bit out of town to the BMW Museum and the Olympic Park, both of which were of interest to us. We also took advantage of the intown route. The audio provided a good description of the buildings and areas we passed. I find Hop on Hop Off busses a plus in every new city I visit, and this did not disappoint. My only issue was that we missed the first bus trying to find out where we should be. Another tour we took which picked up at the same spot provided a google map location. This would be helpful.

Petra was an incredible guide. I had only part of a day to spend in Munich and wanted to make the most of it, but I could not have imagined how much she packed into four hours. Petra’s depth of knowledge regarding Munich’s history, culture, and customs was beyond impressive. Further, she included just the right amount of detail for this first-time visitor while not overwhelming me. Based on Petra’s ability to thoroughly introduce me to Munich, I know exactly where I will spend my time during my next visit.

I was the only person on the tour and when I asked Paul why he did not cancel, he said it wouldn't be professional. A great guy who truly loves his city and showed me how to appreciate the taste of Bier rather than just drink it for the sake of it. Every bar/place we went into, he was greeted like a best friend.

I had a bus all to myself sometimes. The headset information was very interesting. Sometimes I think the timing of the bus and information became disjointed.

A great way to discover the Old Town…strongly recommended