If you thought that Munich – the capital of Bavaria in Germany – was all about beer and eisbein mit sauerkraut, think again. Deservedly famous for its annual Oktoberfest, Munich is a vibrant city with a rich history, cultural heritage, and a lively student scene.
Apart from the Oktoberfest, there are plenty of attractions and activities that cater to students’ interests. Here are some top Munich attractions for students:
1. Marienplatz: The central square of Munich is a great starting point. Only five minutes away from EU Business School’s campus by public transport, students visiting Marienplatz can admire the historical buildings, watch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel show in the New Town Hall, and explore nearby cafes and shops.
2. English Garden (Englischer Garten): One of the world’s largest urban public parks, the English Garden is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Students can have a picnic, play sports, or watch the surfers on the Eisbach River – or go sunbathing on the Schönfeldwiese (“Beautiful field meadow”).
3. Museums: Munich boasts numerous museums that cater to various interests. Some popular ones include the Deutsches Museum (science and technology), Pinakothek der Moderne (modern art), and Haus der Kunst (contemporary art).
4. Visit nearby castles and palaces: Nymphenburg Palace in Munich’s western district Neuhausen-Nymphenburg is a magnificent Baroque palace with stunning gardens. It’s a great place to learn about Bavarian history and architecture. Or fulfil your Disney fantasies by visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, a couple of hours’ drive from Munich, which served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. On the way to Neuschwanstein stop off at the picturesque alpine village of Oberammergau (host to the world-famous Passion Play) or take in some more castles: Linderhof Palace and Hohenschwangau are worth a day trip when combined with a visit to Neuschwanstein.
5. BMW Welt and Museum: Car enthusiasts will love the BMW Welt, an exhibition space, and the BMW Museum, showcasing the company’s history and innovations. The presence of multinational company headquarters is one of the great reasons to study at EU Business School in Munich. Apart from BMW, you will find the German head offices of other top companies such as Coca-Cola, MAN Trucks, Audi, and Porsche, Siemens and Allianz close by.
6. Olympic Park: Left from the 1972 Summer Olympics, this park offers recreational activities like cycling, boating, and visiting the Olympic Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
7. Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market): Just a short walk from the Marienplatz, this lively outdoor market offers a range of fresh produce, snacks, and drinks. It’s a perfect spot for students to grab a quick meal before class or enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
8. Allianz Arena: If you’re a football (soccer) fan, don’t miss the chance to visit the 70 000-seat home stadium of Germany’s best football club FC Bayern Munich, and experience the electrifying atmosphere of a match.
9. Asam Church (Asamkirche): A small but incredibly ornate Baroque church worth visiting, known for its exquisite interior.
10. Studentenstadt Freimann: literally “student town”, and often abbreviated as StuSta, this student district of some 2500 residents hosts a vibrant community of young international people. You can find affordable bars, restaurants, and clubs perfect for socializing and meeting fellow students.
11. Isar River: Spend a sunny day relaxing by the Isar River. Many locals gather here for barbecues, picnics, and sunbathing during the warmer months.
12. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: Although sombre, this historic site offers a significant learning experience about Germany’s past. It’s a place of reflection and remembrance.
13. Street Art: Munich has some fantastic street art scattered throughout the city. Wander through neighborhoods like Glockenbachviertel and Schwabing to discover impressive murals and graffiti.
14. Student Parties and Events: Keep an eye out for student parties, events, and festivals that take place throughout the academic year. Munich has a lively nightlife scene catering to its vibrant student community.
Oktoberfest
If you are in Munich from mid-September until the first week of October, the annual Oktoberfest is a must. Reckoned by some to be the most important of the fourteen main tents at the Oktoberfest, the Schottenhamel tent is very popular among young people. A substantial part of the tent is dedicated to traditional Studentenverbindungen (a particular form of student fraternities) and outfitted with their distinctive colors and coats of arms.
Did we mention that the EU Business School Munich campus is right across the street from the historic and lively Theresienwiese (Therese’s meadow)? Theresienwiese is home to the Oktoberfest, the spring Frühlingsfest, the winter Tollwood festival, and many other annual festivals and carnivals.
Final thoughts
Many of Munich’s attractions offer discounted rates for students, so make sure to bring your student ID along. Munich is a diverse city with something to offer for every student, so enjoy your time exploring and experiencing the culture!
If you want to learn more about EU Munich, or the vibrant student experience in Munich, click here.
