Summer in Munich means, first and foremost, city life! People flock to the Isar, the parks, and the city’s outdoor dining areas to enjoy the sun. On top of that, there are great open-air events on every corner where you can have fun. But summer also means hot days when the temperatures are almost unbearable. To help you survive the next few hot days, we’ve put together a few tips for dealing with the heat in Munich.
Drinking fountains
The most important thing when temperatures are high is, of course, to drink plenty of fluids. There are several drinking fountains in Munich where you can refill your bottles. This way, you’ll save money on drinks while you’re out and about. There are a total of 60 fountains in Munich, many of them right in the city center, such as the ones at the Viktualienmarkt. You can find a complete overview here on the Geoportal.
Go for a swim
If just drinking water isn’t enough for you, you can also take a dip. Fortunately, Munich has plenty of places to swim where you can cool off. The outdoor pools offer everything water lovers could want, from lap pools to slides to splash zones. If you prefer something more laid-back, you can visit one of the quarry lakes or find a spot along the Isar. Either way, going for a swim is one of the best tips for beating the heat—it makes the temperatures much more bearable right away.
Indoor Shopping
Strolling through the city in the sunshine and browsing various stores —that’s how many people imagine the perfect day of shopping. On hot days, however, that desire evaporates quickly, and instead you find yourself fleeing from one air-conditioned store to the next to escape the sun. That’s where Munich’s shopping centers, with their air conditioning, come in handy. Here, you can relax as you move from one store to the next without melting in the heat.
Cool Cultural Spots
Neither sightseeing nor cultural experiences have to take a back seat on hot days. Munich’s many churches , such as the Frauenkirche or the Alte Peter, are among the city’s landmarks and are ideal for hot days. Inside these places of worship, the temperature remains pleasant even during the hottest hours of the day. If you’re in the mood for a museum visit afterward, you should head to the Kunstareal. There are several air-conditioned venues here, including the Museum Brandhorst, the Pinakotheken, and the Lenbachhaus.
Head to a beer garden for a cold, light beer
The city’s rooftop terraces and outdoor dining areas are great spots on pleasantly warm days, but they aren’t the best options when it’s hot in Munich. Many offer little shade, and what shade there is usually comes from umbrellas or awnings, under which the heat builds up. On the hottest days, you’re better off heading to the beer gardens. The tall trees spread their dense foliage overhead , providing natural protection from the sun. Plus, you can enjoy cool drinks like beer, Spritz, or non-alcoholic soft drinks.
Head Underground
If you can’t stand being outside in the sun or inside your apartment, you should head underground. Munich’s city center is home to several crypts that you can visit. In addition to the burial chambers at the Frauenkirche and the Theatinerkirche, a detour to St. Michael on Neuhauser Straße is especially worthwhile. This Wittelsbach crypt is the final resting place of none other than King Ludwig II. If you’d rather not spend your time with the dead, take a subway ride instead to the city’s most beautiful stations. Stations like Westfriedhof and Marienplatz captivate visitors with their unique lighting and architecture.
Shady Spots in Green Spaces
If you don’t want to just mope around indoors despite the heat, Munich’s parks fortunately offer plenty of shade where you can retreat. First and foremost, the English Garden and Nymphenburg Palace Park offer ample space and, above all, trees to escape the sun. But the Maximiliansanlagen are also perfect for strolling under the trees or having a picnic during the summer heat. The underpass beneath the Friedensengel also hides a street art gallery, so you can enjoy a bit of art along the way.
