Ah, Munich. In addition to magnificent buildings and a vibrant cultural scene, there’s something else you’ve got going for you: green spaces! Our favorite city is home to cool parks and gardens where you can really kick back and enjoy nature —maybe even with a cold beer in hand. Here are a few of the most beautiful parks in Munich, perfect for hanging out in the Bavarian metropolis!
English Garden
The English Garden is so large that you almost have to worry about getting lost in it. To be precise, this green space is the largest inner-city park in the world—one that even makes Central Park look small by comparison. And there’s plenty to do here: play volleyball on the lawn, watch the sunset at the Monopteros, surf the Eisbach wave, or dance under the Chinese Tower. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, head to the northern section, where it’s never very busy—even on weekends. Whether you’re looking for action or relaxation, the English Garden has it all!
Olympic Park
Even more versatile than the English Garden is the Olympic Park. From Tollwood to Superbloom to the Märchenbazar, there’s always something going on here. Add to that the extensive range of sports activities, such as mini-golf, skating, stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, or climbing on the Adventure Tower. There really is always something happening here! The Hill isn’t just the best place in the city to listen to free concerts— it also offers a first-rate view and is one of the city’s most beautiful spots to watch the sunset.
The Rose Garden on the Isar is actually just one part of the Bischweiler Nursery’s themed garden. There are a total of five areas here: the Rose Garden with more than 8,500 roses, the Touch Garden, the Poison Garden, the Scent Garden, and the Dry Valley. Even outside of rose season , gorgeous flowers bloom here, such as magnolias and daffodils in the spring. Here, you can not only enjoy nature but also learn a lot about plants. Or you can simply grab one of the metal chairs and settle in among the beautiful plantings with a good book.
Westpark has everything a nature lover could want: wide meadows to hang out in, magnificent flower beds to admire, and even two beautiful lakes. At one of them, you can catch blockbusters and indie gems under the open sky every summer at the Mond & Sterne cinema . For a touch of Asian flair, visit the Japanese Garden and the Thai temple. And for a quick bite to eat, head over to Gans am Wasser.
The Maximilianeum and the Friedensengel are among Munich’s most famous landmarks—but right around the Bavarian State Parliament, the sprawling Maximiliansanlagen also offer a peaceful green alternative. Here, under the trees, you can take a relaxing stroll along the Isar between the Kabelsteg and the Max-Joseph-Brücke. There’s a little bonus, too: the underpass beneath the Luitpold Bridge holds a small street art gallery as a surprise.
Nymphenburg Palace Park
Behind the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace lies the vast palace park. Here you can stroll along the canal and marvel at the impressive water fountains. If you venture into the woods away from the canal, winding paths will lead you past numerous structures, such as the Magdalenenklause. Couples, meanwhile, kiss under the Tree of Eternal Love and enjoy this romantic spot together. True pros don’t hop on the crowded Tram 17 after their visit; instead, they stroll to Romanplatz, treat themselves to an ice cream at Patagon Helados, and then take the comfortable Tram 16 back to the city center.
Grünwaldpark is located at the eastern end of the Nymphenburg Palace Canal and offers shady meadows and paths for relaxing and strolling. Kids love the playground, while adults enjoy the ping-pong tables and street basketball hoops. In winter, the hill transforms into a sledding hill. In the northern section stands the impressive Hubertus Fountain with its Baroque temple architecture and deer sculpture.
