Discover Munich

Biosystems Design Munich – Cluster of Excellence

Explore Munich beyond the conference venue

Welcome to Munich! Whether you have one free hour or a full day, this guide helps you discover great museums, parks, cafés, restaurants, bars, and local experiences – both near the conference venue and across the city.

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All photos on this page: © Daria Gordeeva

Museums

Pinakothek der Moderne

World-class modern art, design and architecture museum

Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun 10.00 – 18.00
Thu 10.00 – 20.00
Mon closed

Alte Pinakothek

One of the most important classical art museums in Europe

Thu – Sun 10.00 – 18.00
Tue, Wed 10.00 – 20.00
Mon closed

Museum Brandhorst

Contemporary art and iconic colorful façade

Tue, Wed, Fri – Son: 10.00 – 18.00
Thu: 10.00 – 20.00
Mon closed

Glyptothek

Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures in a beautiful neoclassical building 

Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun 10.00 – 17.00
Thu 10.00 – 20.00
Mon closed

Lenbachhaus

Famous for its outstanding collection of the “Blue Rider” expressionist movement, plus Café ELLA for a coffee break

Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun 10.00 – 18.00
Thu 10.00 – 20.00
Mon closed

Deutsches Museum

One of the world’s largest science and technology museums with interactive exhibits and historic inventions, BioSysteM’ collaboration partner 

Daily 9.00 – 17.00 (last entry: 16.30)

Munich Residence

Former royal palace with impressive interiors & treasury

Daily 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry: 16.00)

BMW World

Free modern exhibition of BMW’s latest cars, design and architecture

Mo – Sat 7.30 – 24.00
Sun 09.00 – 24.00

BMW Museum

Ticketed museum showcasing BMW history, iconic vehicles and innovation

Tue – Sun 10.00 – 18.00 
(last entry: 17.30)

Mon closed

City Highlights

Königsplatz

Monumental neoclassical square surrounded by major museums and historic architecture, right next to the venue

Marienplatz

Central city square with the famous Town Hall, Glockenspiel & shopping streets

Odeonsplatz

Elegant historic square marking the gateway to Munich’s old town

Hofgarten

Elegant Renaissance-style garden next to the Residence, ideal for a short walk or relaxing break

English Garden

Huge urban park with riverside paths, beer gardens and surfers (hopefully back soon)

Viktualienmarkt

Lively open-air food market with local specialties and casual lunch spots (see the map for recommendations)

Nymphenburg Palace & Park

Baroque palace complex with vast gardens, canals and lakes

Olympiapark

Iconic Olympic park with the Olympic Tower (closed until 2027), scenic hills, lakes and wide green spaces

Best City Views

Olympic Hill

Magnificent view of the Olympic Park, Munich and the Alps, especially beautiful at golden hour (free & easy to reach)

St. Peter’s Church Tower

Climb 300+ steps for a classic postcard view over Marienplatz and the old town rooftops

Mon – Fri 9.00 – 18.30 (last entry: 18.00)
Sat & Sun 9.00 – 19.30 (last entry: 19.00)

Monopteros

Small hill in the English Garden offering great views across the park and city

Local Experiences & Tours

Löwenbräu Brewery Tour

Classic brewery tour with behind-the-scenes insights and beer tasting
(can be pre-booked online)

Cafés & Quick Bites

Espero Coffee (TU)

Standing-only espresso bar near TUM, perfect for a quick caffeine stop

Mo – Fr06.00 – 18.00
Sat & Sun 07.00 – 16.00

Pavesi

Cozy neighborhood café with good coffee & relaxed brunch vibes

Mo – Sat 08.00 – 22.00
Sun 09.00 – 22.00

Mary’s Coffee Club

Trendy all-day café known for brunch, pastries and specialty coffee

daily 09.00 – 18.00

UP Coffee

Small specialty coffee spot with excellent espresso

Mo – Fr 08.00 – 17.30
Sat 09.00 – 18.00

Sun closed

Billy’s

Casual LMU student favorite for good coffee, pastries and quick bites

Mon – Fri 08.00 – 18.00
Sat & Sun closed

Man vs Machine

Award-winning Munich roastery and top destination for specialty coffee lovers

Mo – Fr 8.00 – 19.00
Sat & Sun 10.00 – 19.00

Müller Café & Bäckerei Beim Hauser

Traditional bakery café serving fresh bread, pastries and good coffee

Mon – Wed 07.00 – 19.00
Thu 07.00 – 22.00, Fri 07.00 – 23.00
Sat 08.00 – 23.00, Sun 8.00 – 22.00

Lost Weekend

Creative café and cultural space with coffee, books and occasional events

Mon – Thu 09.00 – 00.00
Fri 09.00 – 02.00, Sat 10.00 – 02.00
Sun 10.00 – 20.00

Peet and the Flat White

Popular specialty café famous for flat whites and homemade banana bread.

Mon, Thu & Fri 09.00 – 18.00
Sat & Sun 10.00 – 18.00
Tue & Wed closed

Donna Luise Café & Tagesbar

Relaxed daytime café serving fresh coffee, snacks and light bites

Mon – Thursday 09.30 – 18.00 Fr 09.30 – 20.00, Sat 12.00 – 20.00 
Sun closed

Café Jasmin

Café with retro charm, coffee, brunch and cakes
Mon – Fri 10.00 – 01.00
Sat & Sun 09.30 – 01.00

Lunch & Dinner Stops

Steinheil 16

Classic German fare including schnitzel, hearty mains, and a relaxed lunch menu just a few minutes from TUM, a must-visit for schnitzel lovers
daily 11.00 – 01.00

Wirtshaus Maxvorstadt

Traditional Bavarian restaurant with seasonal dishes and midday menus

daily 11.30 – 15.00,17.00 – 22.00

Lo Studente

Popular wood-fired pizza & pasta spot in the university area

daily 11.00 – 00.00

L’Osteria Künstlerhaus

Lively Italian restaurant in a historic setting at Lenbachplatz with huge stone-oven pizzas & fresh pastas

Mo – Sat 11.00 – 00.00
Sun 12.00 – 23.00

Drunken Cow Bar & Grill

Casual burger and grill spot with juicy burgers, steaks and cocktails

Tue – Sun 17.00 – 00.00
(kitchen ’til 22.00, Fr & Sat ’til 23.00)
Mon closed

Hans im Glück

Well-known burger chain with many vegetarian and vegan options

Mon – Thu, Sun 11.30 – 21.00
Fri & Sat 11.30 – 22.00

Yummy Bowl

Healthy bowls and fresh lunch bowls, perfect for a lighter midday meal

Mo – Fr 11.30 – 20.00
Sun 12.00 – 20.00 
Sat closed

Levi

Casual Asian fusion kitchen with summer rolls, creative bowls, and main plates at reasonable prices

Mon – Fri 10.00 – 22.00
Sat & Sun11.00 – 22.00

Mamma Bao

Popular Asian casual eatery serving bao buns, hand-pulled biang biang noodles, and flavorful comfort food

Mon – Fri11.30 – 15.00 & 17.30 – 22.00
Sat & Sun12.00 – 16.00 & 18.00 – 22.00

Uncle Chen

Casual Chinese spot serving fluffy handmade baos, spicy noodles and dumplings

Mon – Fri 11.30 – 15.00 & 17.30 – 22.00
Sat & Sun 12.00 – 22.00

Königin 43

Stylish all-day café with salads, light mains and seasonal lunch dishes

Tue – Sun 9.00 – 17.00
Mon closed

Sim Sim

Small spot known for fresh falafel wraps and hummus plates
 
daily 09.00 – 21.00

Bars

Bar Uno

Stylish bar with a relaxed vibe and well-crafted cocktails

Mon – Thu 7.30 – 00.00
Fri & Sat 17.00 – 01.00
Sun closed

Bar Sehnsucht

Popular local bar with great atmosphere and casual crowd

Tue & Wed 18.00 – 01.00
Thu – Sat 18.00 – 03.00
Sun 18.00 – 01.00
Mon closed

Cucurucu

Trendy, relaxed bar known for good music, affordable drinks and a friendly vibe

Mon – Thu 18.00 – 01.00
Fri & Sat 18.00 – 03.00

Sun closed

KOMITEE

Stylish neighborhood bar with excellent cocktails and small bites

Mon – Thu 7.30 – 00.00
Fri & Sat 17.00 – 01.00
Sun closed

James T. Hunt Bar

Creative cocktail bar with a lively atmosphere and well-mixed drinks

daily 18.00 – late

The University District around Amalienstraße, Türkenstraße and Schellingstraße is known for lively student nightlife and many local bars – explore it on foot and discovere your own favorite spots