Munich On a Rainy Day: 13 Things To Do

Like most of Germany, Munich gets its share of rain. On average, the city receives more than 37 inches of rain annually, with most of that precipitation falling, perhaps surprisingly, in spring and summer. In fact, July is usually the rainiest month in the city, so if you thought visiting Munich in the summer would keep you out of the rain, you're sadly mistaken.

Luckily, Munich is a city that's prepared for bad weather. Just because the rain is falling doesn't mean you can't see some of the many sights in one of Germany's premier cities. From art galleries and museums to historic buildings and beer tours, you won't get bored in Munich when the sun refuses to cooperate. Whether you visit in the rainy summer months or in the dryer but colder winter, you'll have plenty of fun things to do indoors when you visit Munich.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Munich and make the most of a rainy day with these great ideas:

Deutsches Museum

Undoubtedly one of the best museums in Munich, the Deutsches Museum is the biggest museum of science and technology in the entire world, as befits a city at the forefront of manufacturing and design. The diverse range of exhibits here will keep you fascinated on a rainy day and drive away any disappointment you feel at not being able to spend more time in a beer garden.

Located on an island in the Isar River, the Deutsches Museum contains fascinating interactive exhibits on just about every area of human knowledge, including astronomy, computers, physics, and engineering. And while museums aren't usually a hit with children, this one bucks the trend. Take little ones to the Kinderreich or Children's Kingdom inside the museum, where they'll have so much fun they won't realize they're learning anything. Older children will have a blast here too.

This is an excellent family activity for a rainy day in Munich and a place that's worth visiting in any kind of weather.

New Town Hall

A fixture on organized Munich tours, the New Town Hall is an imposing Neo-Gothic building that dominates Marienplatz, the city's main square. While the exterior of the New Town Hall is quite grand, it's the interior that's really worth seeing.

The glockenspiel, a clock with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures that reenact two historical events, is the most famous feature of the New Town Hall. The show happens every day at 11 am and noon, so if you're in Marienplatz around those times, be sure to stay and watch. If not, you can always come back another day.

After you've marveled at the glockenspiel, take some time to explore the rest of the New Town Hall. The building is home to the city's town administration as well as several museums, so there's plenty to see and do even on a rainy day.

Begun in 1867, New Town Hall may not be quite as new as its name implies. But it is a fascinating place to explore, and sports fans will appreciate seeing the balcony where local team Bayern Munich have hoisted so many trophies in their illustrious career. Located in the city center, the town hall is an unmissable stop on any city tour and a great place to visit on a rainy day.

Old Town Hall

To complete your survey of municipal buildings in Munich, don't miss Old Town Hall. Constructed in the 14th century, this historic building was once the seat of government for the city. Today, it's home to the Munich City Museum, which tells the story of Munich from its earliest days up to the present.

While much of the museum is devoted to everyday life in Munich over the centuries, there are also exhibits on more momentous occasions, such as the 1972 Summer Olympics, which were held in Munich. If you're a history buff or simply looking for something interesting to do on a rainy day, definitely add Old Town Hall to your itinerary. And because this building occupies the ancient heart of the city, you'll also find some of the best shopping in Munich here.

English Garden

Munich's English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. Stretching for almost four miles from the city center to the outskirts of town, the English Garden is a green oasis amid a bustling metropolis.

There's plenty to do here on a rainy day, from strolling along the tree-lined paths to visiting one of the many beer gardens. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can even go for a swim in one of the two public pools. Yes, you'll get a little wet as you walk through the gardens, but with an umbrella, it certainly becomes more appealing. Plus, you won't have to fight the crowds.

The English Garden is also home to several monuments and landmarks, including the Chinese Tower and Monopteros Temple. And if you visit in early summer, you'll be treated to the sight of over 10,000 roses in bloom at the Rose Island.

Bavarian National Museum

For a dose of culture on a rainy day, head to the Bavarian National Museum. This large museum is devoted to the history and art of Bavaria, and its collections include everything from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary paintings.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of works by Albrecht Dürer, one of the most famous artists of the German Renaissance. But there's much more to see here, including sculptures, tapestries, and furniture. With over 1.5 million objects on display, the Bavarian National Museum will keep you entertained for hours, even on a rainy day.

Hofbrauhaus

This historic beer hall is a fascinating place to visit to learn more about Munich's history and culture. Once frequented by Mozart, Lenin, and Hemingway, Hofbrauhaus is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich.

If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day, Hofbrauhaus is the perfect place to go. The beer hall is huge, with room for over 3,000 people, and there's always a lively atmosphere. Even if you're not a beer drinker, you'll enjoy the food and live music. Just be sure to raise your glass and shout "Prost!" when someone offers a toast.

Munich Zoo

Located just outside the city center, Munich Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Munich, rain or shine. With over 7,000 animals from all over the world, the zoo is a great place to spend a few hours, especially if you are traveling with children. It's one of the best things to do in Munich with kids.

In addition to the animals, Munich Zoo also has a dinosaur exhibit, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. And if it's raining, you can take shelter in one of the many covered areas throughout the zoo.

If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day in Munich, definitely add Munich Zoo to your list. You're sure to have a blast, no matter what the weather is like.

Peterskirche

Peterskirche, or St. Peter's Church, is a beautiful baroque church located in the center of Munich. With its towering spire and elaborate facade, Peterskirche is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and the oldest church in Munich.

The church is open to visitors daily, and it's definitely worth a visit on a rainy day. Climb the stairs to the very top of the tower for breathtaking views of Munich, or explore the crypt, which contains the remains of some of the city's most famous citizens.

Peterskirche is also home to a large collection of art and artifacts, including works by Rubens and Canova. And if you're lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, you can enjoy a free organ concert.

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace is a beautiful baroque palace located on the outskirts of Munich. Built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Bavarian rulers, Nymphenburg Palace is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich.

The palace is huge, with over 200 rooms and a vast park that's perfect for a leisurely stroll on a rainy day (with an umbrella). Inside, you'll find an impressive art collection, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian. And if you visit in the summer, you can enjoy a horse-and-carriage ride through the grounds.

Whether you're interested in history or art, Nymphenburg Palace is definitely worth a visit. It's one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in Munich, and it's sure to make your rainy day a little brighter.

Sea Life Aquarium

Heading beneath the sea seems like an odd choice to avoid getting wet, but Munich offers an incredible aquarium that is the perfect place to explore on a rainy day. The Sea Life Aquarium is home to over 5,000 sea creatures, including sharks, turtles, and stingrays.

You can even take a glass-bottomed boat ride through the Shark Lagoon or go on a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the aquarium's residents. And if you get hungry, there's a cafe on site with views of the fish tanks.

No matter your interests, the Sea Life Aquarium is sure to make your rainy day in Munich memorable.

BMW Welt

BMW Welt is a must-visit for any car lover. Located near the Olympic Park, BMW Welt is an interactive museum and showroom that showcases the latest BMW models.

You can take a test drive, enjoy a virtual reality experience, or simply explore the exhibits at your own pace. And if you get hungry, there's a restaurant on site with views of the surrounding park.

Whether you're a car enthusiast or not, BMW Welt is definitely worth a visit. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich, and it's sure to make your rainy day more enjoyable.

Skiing in Munich

Munich may not be known for its ski resorts, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a day on the slopes. Just a short drive from the city center, you'll find several ski areas that are perfect for a rainy day and the inspiration for countless day trips.

So whether you're looking to hit the slopes or simply enjoy the mountain views, Munich is the perfect place to be.

Valentin Karlstadt Museum

The Valentin Karlstadt Museum is a small but fascinating museum located in the center of Munich. Dedicated to the life and work of Bavarian comedian Valentin Karlstadt, the museum features a variety of interactive exhibits that are sure to make you laugh.

You can also watch clips of some of Karlstadt's most famous performances or take a selfie with one of his iconic props. And if you get hungry, there's a cafe on site with views of the nearby church.

Whether you're a fan of comedy or not, the Valentin Karlstadt Museum is definitely worth a visit. It's one of the most unique museums in Munich, and it's sure to make your rainy day more fun.

Conclusion

Whenever you visit Munich, you can expect to encounter some rain. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun in this vibrant city. Bad weather may make the botanical garden or a beer garden less inviting, but Munich has enough indoor activities that you won't run out of things to do.

From exploring world-class museums to skiing in the nearby Alps, there's something for everyone in Munich. So don't let a little rain ruin your trip— embrace it and have fun!