Munich, a city that captivates with its proximity to the majestic Alps and its urban charm, is home to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints. But where exactly can you find the best spots to enjoy the stunning Munich skyline?
In today’s post, inspired by our own explorations, we’re sharing the 9 best views in Munich. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to catch a romantic sunset or simply want to soak in the impressive Alpine panorama, you’ll find the ideal spot here for your next visit.
One of the best views in Munich: St. Peter Church Tower
One of the increasingly popular Munich panorama spots is the St. Peter’s Tower, also known as “Alter Peter,” located right in the heart of the old town at Marienplatz.
However, aside from weekends, it remains relatively quiet here, as many day tourists don’t realize that you can actually climb the tower—they usually just visit the interior of the church. The entrance to the tower is at the back of the church, so it’s not immediately obvious that you can also go up.
At the top, the tower offers a unique view of the Town Hall square from above, and on clear days, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the Alps. It’s easily one of the best places to get the best view in Munich.
However, the tower doesn’t have an elevator, so you’ll need to climb 306 steps, which is about 13 floors. A bit of fitness is required, as some visitors I passed on the way seemed a little overwhelmed by the stairs.
You should also be comfortable with heights, as the top of the tower is quite close to the edge, and the only barrier is a metal grille that you can see through.
Thomas, who always struggles with his fear of heights, only managed to stand near the tower wall. It can also get quite windy up there, as the tower is one of the tallest buildings in Munich’s city center.
St. Peter Admission & Opening Hours (2024)
The entrance fee is a reasonable €5 for adults, €3 for reduced tickets, and €2 for students, while children under 6 can climb the tower for free.
The tower is open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM during the summer, and from 9 AM to 6:30 PM Monday to Friday in the winter, with weekend and holiday hours extending to 7:30 PM.
For the latest information and ticket prices for climbing Alter Peter, be sure to check the official website.
Frauenkirche church tower
Another excellent viewpoint in the city center is the tower of one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks – the Frauenkirche, located right in the heart of Munich. Since 2022, after a 10-year closure, you can easily take an elevator up the south tower and enjoy a panoramic view of Munich.
This viewpoint is slightly higher than the one at Alter Peter, making it the highest observation point in Munich’s old town.
Frauenkirche Admission & Opening Hours (2024)
The entrance fee is €7.50 for adults, €5.50 for reduced tickets and children aged 7-16, while children under 6 can enter for free.
The tower is open for visits on the following days:
- Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sundays and holidays from 11:30 AM to 5 PM (last elevator ride at 4:30 PM).
However, note that the top of the tower is not wheelchair accessible.
Town Hall Tower at Marienplatz
At the New Town Hall, you have yet another opportunity to visit a fantastic viewpoint in the city center. Here, too, you can take a comfortable elevator ride to the top and enjoy a wonderful view over Marienplatz and Alter Peter.
With three great viewpoints in the city center, this area offers the perfect chance to experience Munich’s panorama from above.
Town Hall Tower Admission & Opening Hours (2024)
The regular entrance fee is €6.50. Children aged 7-18 can enjoy a reduced price of €2.50, and children under 6 can enter for free. This viewpoint is particularly ideal for families due to the lower price for children and the convenient elevator access.
Insider Tip: For the best experience, combine your tower visit with an official 2-hour guided tour of the Town Hall, which you can conveniently book in advance through GetYourGuide*. This way, you’ll skip the ticket line and also get exclusive access to the famous balcony where FC Bayern celebrates their championship victories. From there, you’ll have a unique view of the Town Hall square, offering an unforgettable perspective of the city.
Olympiaturm Munich (Closed until 2026)
The Olympiaturm is, of course, a must-mention as it’s the highest viewpoint in Munich. At 190 meters, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city.
However, we recommend checking the weather in advance because the visit is only truly worth the higher entrance fee on clear days. On a sunny day, you can even spot the Alps in the distance.
Important Info: As of June 2024, the Olympiaturm is closed for approximately two years due to renovation work.
Admission & Opening Hours (until June 2024)
Admission Fees: Adults €13, Reduced tickets €10, Family ticket €29.50
Opening Hours: Typically 9 AM to 11 PM
For more details, visit the official Olympiaturm website.
Best views in Munich: OIympic mountain (Olympiaberg)
As the name suggests, Olympiaberg is located in the Olympiapark and is a fantastic spot for sunsets and a 360-degree panoramic view of Munich, especially in the evening hours all year round. However, it’s also at this time when it tends to be the busiest. Olympiaberg is situated in the southern part of Olympiapark, across the lake from the Olympia Tower.
This spot is also incredibly popular on New Year’s Eve, as it offers a unique perspective for watching the fireworks over Munich.
Another Tip: It gets even more exciting when concerts are held at Olympiapark, as you can hear the music for free from here while enjoying a stunning view of the city. This could be during events at the Olympiastadion, the annual Tollwood Summer Festival, or performances at the Olympiapark Theater. Of course, word has spread among the locals, so it tends to get quite busy on those days. Be sure to check ahead for concert dates in Olympiapark if you’re interested.
Luitpoldpark in Munich
Luitpoldpark is a relatively small park located in the northern part of Munich, and it also offers a pleasant viewpoint over the city. While it doesn’t provide a full 360-degree panoramic view, on clear days, you can enjoy a lovely glimpse of the city and the Alps between the trees.
At the top of hill (Luitpoldhügel), there’s a wall where you can sit and relax. You’ll often find couples enjoying the romantic atmosphere or young Munich locals having a Beer on the go called “Wegbier,” which is common after work in the city.
The easiest way to reach the hill is via the Scheidplatz U-Bahn and tram station (U2, U3, U8 & Tram 12 & 28). From there, it’s just a short walk up to Luitpoldhügel.
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In the South of Munich: Perlacher Mugl in Perlacher Forest
For tourists, Perlacher Mugl remains a hidden gem, as it’s located in the Perlacher Forst in the south of Munich, far from the usual tourist attractions. However, it offers a truly unique spot for a Munich panorama!
If you’re looking to escape the city for a day, we highly recommend visiting the Perlacher Forst. This vast forest features several natural highlights and is a popular destination for Munich locals.
No matter the season, Perlacher Forst has plenty to offer, and you can even enjoy nature here during the winter months. You might even spot an FC Bayern player jogging or cycling while soaking in the Alpine panorama on a clear day from Perlacher Mugl.
Spectacular view in Munich: Umadum Ferris Wheel in the Werksviertel
Did you know that Munich is home to the world’s largest mobile Ferris wheel, standing at 78 meters tall? Located a bit outside the city center in the newly developed Werksviertel, near the Ostbahnhof, the Umadum Ferris Wheel is surrounded by numerous startups and nice food spots.
A ride on the Umadum lasts about 30 minutes, making it a perfect opportunity for a romantic Ferris wheel experience in Munich. The cabins are enclosed, so even if you’re afraid of heights, you can still enjoy the ride comfortably.
Recommendation: For a special experience, we suggest taking a ride during the golden hour, just before sunset. The city of Munich is bathed in a magical light at that time, making the ride an unforgettable highlight. You can even book a private gondola in advance if you’re willing to splurge (around €115).
By the way, the name Umadum means “all around” in Bavarian and was chosen through a naming contest.
For all the details on Munich’s Umadum Ferris wheel, check the official website.
The Oldest Church in Munich
When thinking of the oldest church in Munich, most people immediately think of Alter Peter or the Frauenkirche. And indeed, St. Peter’s Church, with the aforementioned viewing tower, is the oldest parish church in Munich, dating back to the 13th century.
However, in the north of Munich near Fröttmaning, right next to the Allianz Arena, stands an even older church from the year 815. Originally, a wooden church was built here, though it no longer exists. The current structure was built around the same time as Alter Peter and stands on a small hill in a wooded area near the Allianz Arena.
Up here, you’ll also find the prominent wind turbine, which is hard to miss when driving toward Munich from the north. From this spot, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the city and can even watch planes approaching the airport.
We recommend visiting on a clear day, as it can get quite windy at the top.
Tip: If you’re into photography, we suggest visiting in the evening when the Allianz Arena* lights up in its familiar colors. It’s a great opportunity to capture a unique shot of the Allianz Arena from an elevated vantage point.
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Bonus Tip: Maximilianeum in Munich
For an often-overlooked viewpoint, head to the Maximilianeum, the stunning building that houses the Bavarian State Parliament. Situated at the end of Maximilianstrasse, this location offers a beautiful view of the city, including the Isar River and parts of the old town. It’s especially scenic at sunset, when the building’s grand architecture is bathed in golden light. Combine this visit with a stroll along the riverbanks for a relaxing end to your day in Munich!
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