For those wondering what to do in Munich in autumn, the following list of recommendations will serve as a source of inspiration. Enjoy reading and hopefully you will find something suitable for you!
In the summer we head out for sunbathing on the banks of the river Isar, barbecue with friends or have a few drinks at Gaertnerplatz to end a lovely day. On winter days we stroll through one of the many Christmas markets, drinking mulled wine and eating hot chestnuts or slide across the frozen Nymphenburg Canal while ice-skating or curling. There are definitely many beautiful places to visit and things to do in Munich all year round. However, particularly in the golden autumn, Munich exudes a special charm and offers a lot of great things to do to experience a wonderful time.
1. An autumn walk through Schlosspark Nymphenburg
Apollo Temple Schlosspark Nymphenburg
Especially in autumn Nymphenburg Park is a great destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of hours. On long walks through the spacious park with its many canals, lakes, meadows, forests and monuments it’s not uncommon for visitors also to come across wild animals that one would not necessarily expect living in a big city. In addition to numerous bird species, colorful butterflies, dragonflies and all kinds of other insects, also deer, foxes and hares populate the park. Those who feel like having coffee and cake after an extensive stroll should pop in the Schlosscafé im Palmenhaus which is located within the perimeters of the park not far from the main entrance at the castle. The café itself is located in a converted former greenhouse, which was designed and built in its original form for King Max I in 1820 by the famous garden architect F.L. Sckell.
Opening hours (main gate): Jan. - Mar., Nov., Dec. 6 am - 6 pm, Apr. + Oct. 6 am - 8 pm, May - Sept. 6 am - 9:30 pm, the other park gates will close ½ an hour earlier | Schloß Nymphenburg 1, 80638 Munich | More info
2. Experience works by the artist group »Blauer Reiter« at museum Lenbachhaus
Museum Lenbachhaus in Munich
The municipal museum Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus is located in the former residence of the Künstlerfürst Franz von Lenbach, only a few meters away from Königsplatz in Maxvorstadt district. From the outside, the building's architecture and facade color resemble that of a Tuscan Villa. Inside the museum visitors can discover iconic works by the »Blauer Reiter« artist group, the art of the nineteenth century, the New Objectivity, as well as international contemporary art. This important collection is supplemented by a wide range of temporary exhibitions and events. Since 2013, the Italian restaurant ELLA has also been located in the new building designed by the acclaimed architect Sir Norman Foster. On a beautiful autumn day, the terrace of the restaurant is the perfect location to enjoy the last warm sun rays and a fantastic view of the magnificent classicist buildings at Königsplatz over lunch or coffee.
Opening hours: Closed Mondays, Tue. to Sun. and on all holidays 10 am - 6 pm, Thur. 10 am - 8 pm | Luisenstraße 33, 80333 Munich | More info
3. Popcorn and cocktails at Astor Film Lounge at ARRI
Astor Film Lounge at ARRI
Even though we've gotten used to streaming the latest movies from the comfort of our couch, it's still a nice treat to go to the movies on a rainy day in autumn. In Munich there are quite a few neighbourhood cinemas where a visit becomes a special and worthwhile experience. A fairly new premium cinema in Maxvorstadt is the Astor Film Lounge at ARRI. Most movie-goers from around the area should be familiar with the long established ARRI cinema situated in the television studios at Tuerkenstrasse. This cinema was extensively modernized and rebuilt by a new operator in 2018 and much has changed since its completion. Not only has the old ARRI theatre been tastefully renovated and equipped with the latest picture and sound technology, also there are now two additional theatres, which are counted among the most impressive and beautiful cinemas in Munich and also shine with the latest top range technical equipment. The new concept of the cinema is all about giving the customer a memorable experience. From the reception at the door, to the checkroom and the free welcome cocktail, to the adjustable lounger in the movie theatres and the service directly at the seat, a visit to the Astor Film Lounge is to become a premium experience for the guest. And all of the above at a very reasonabe price! In the program of the premium cinema you can find arthouse movies as well as upscale mainstream. So, what could be better than escaping the uncomfortable autumn weather with a bag of fresh Popcorn and a cocktail in your hand and watching a great movie?!
Opening hours: the box-office is open from 2 pm - 9 pm | Türkenstraße 91, 80799 Munich | More Info
4. Sauna and wellness at Cosimawellenbad
© seifert hugues architekten gmbh
In order to strengthen the immune system in autumn and to get fit for the winter months ahead, many swear by the shock-like change between heat and cooling when taking a sauna. A modern sauna and wellness landscape can be found at Cosimawellenbad. In an impressive 900 m2 sauna area, a variety of applications are offered, which will make the hearts of sauna enthusiasts beat faster. For instance, in addition to a Finnish sauna (approx. 90° C) there is also a mountain sauna (approx. 95° C), as well as an open-air terrace with plunge pool and a recreation room with heat benches. The wellness and well-being program of the Cosimawellenbad includes a wide range of relaxation services, where you can also receive medical massages and physiotherapeutic treatments.
Opening hours: daily from 9 am - 11 pm , ladie's day: Mon. 9 am - 11 pm | Cosimastrasse 5, 81925 Munich | More Info
5. Cosy Sunday brunch at »Die Waldmeister München«
Die Waldmeister München brunch spot in Maxvorstadt
Die Waldmeister München is a cafeteria fitted with great attention to detail in the heart of Maxvorstadt. It's a popular breakfast spot in the neighbourhood, especially on weekends. In the cosy living room atmosphere a small breakfast can turn into an extended brunch quickly, feasting your way through the extensive breakfast menu. From scrambled eggs and omelette variations, as well as cheese, sausage and various spreads, Birchermüsli and fruit salads, to the Munich breakfast classic with white sausage, mustard and pretzel, there is a large selection of foods that should please everyone’s palate. The perfect place to start off a weekend in autumn.
Opening hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 am - 4 pm, Sat. 9 am - 4 pm, Sun. 10 am - 4 pm | Barerstraße 74, 80799 Munich | More Info
6. Surfing even in autumnal temperatures at Jochen Schweizer Arena
Jochen Schweizer Arena indoor surfing
For all those who didn't make it to the ocean for surfing during summer, but still fancy a surf session with summery water temperatures, you can still check out the artificial indoor wave at Jochen Schweizer Arena in autumn and all through winter. From special beginner courses to a professional wave - here you can try your first attempts on the board as well as work on improving your surfing skills. Equipment such as wetsuit and surfboard are included in the price. Experienced surfers can also use their own surf board, although you should probably stay well below 6 feet when choosing your board size in order to be able to enjoy your turns on the quite steep and powerful wave. The Jochen Schweizer Arena is located in Taufkirchen, just outside the gates of Munich and can be reached quickly by car via the A8 motorway or by bus with public transport. To make sure that you actually get to surf, you should book a surf slot online in advance.
Opening hours: check website | Ludwig-Bölkow-Allee 1, 82024 Taufkirchen | More Info
7. Autumnal beer garden visit at Bahnwärter Thiel
© Bahnwärter Thiel
If you are still in the mood for a visit to the beer garden in autumn, you should stop by the cultural project Bahnwärter Thiel on the grounds of the former Südbahnhof in the Schlachthofviertel when the weather is fine. In a very untypical location for Munich, between discarded subway cars and converted overseas containers, you can enjoy a drink in the autumn sun and listen to a varied music program. The latter can be found on the website of Bahnwärter Thiel.
Opening hours: Mon. closed, Tue. + Wed. 10:30 am - 11 pm, Thu. + Fri. 10:00 am - 5 am, Sat. 2 pm - 5 am, Sun. 2 pm - 11 pm | Tumblingerstraße 29, 80337 Munich | More Info
8. Visit a concert in the garden of »Gans woanders«
Gans Woanders in Untergiesing
Gans woanders is tucked away in between a railroad bridge and the busy Pilgersheimer Strasse in the vicinity of Kolumbusplatz in Untergiesing. As a mixture of lovingly designed neighborhood café and cultural stage, the so-called "Hexenhäusl" enjoys great popularity since its opening in spring 2020 not only because of its interesting architecture and the spacious terrace in the treetops, but especially because of the good composition of its cultural program, which takes place on the small stage in the garden of »Gans woanders«. The current program can be found on the website of the venue.
Opening hours: Mon. to Thur. 10 am - 11 pm, Fri. + Sat. 10 am - 12 pm, Sun. 10 am - 9 pm | Pilgersheimerstraße 13, 81543 Munich | More Info
9. Silkscreen printing workshop at »silberfabrik«
© Sarah Braconnier - silberfabrik | silkscreen printing workshop
For all those who would like to give free rein to their creativity but have not yet found a suitable way to realize their ideas, the technique of silkscreen printing and above all its design possibilities could be just the right outlet. The »silberfabrik« in Haidhausen offers a well-founded workshop, in which the necessary knowledge is conveyed, in order to be able to live out ones own creative urge by applying silkscreen printing. The course takes place in a pleasant and creative atmosphere and each participant has the opportunity to experiment with motif, color and material to one’s heart's content. So better get off the couch and get creative yourself already!
Elsässer Straße 19, 81667 Munich | More Info
10. Bavarian Soulfood at »Xaver‘s«
© Xaver's | Bavarian soulfood
Xaver's located in the Gärtnerplatz quarter is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine in a cosy Munich Wirtshaus atmosphere. Here the love for the craft and for regional quality products meets a modern interpretation of the traditional “Wirtshaus” with excellent service. A great combination to enjoy good times and treat your belly with Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn.
Opening hours: Mon. closed, Tue. to Sun. 12 noon - 10 pm | Rumfordstraße 35, 80469 Munich | More info