Munich is a city that lives and breathes history. Its streets are filled with stories ranging from medieval churches to the dark chapters of Nazi rule. What makes Munich stand out as a destination for historical tours is its mix of well-preserved landmarks, compelling WWII sites, and unique cultural experiences like its famous beer halls. Take, for example, the Munich Craft Beer & Cultural Tour — a small-group adventure where you explore Munich’s microbreweries while learning about the city’s brewing traditions and history.
Whether you’re interested in Munich’s royal past, its role during the Third Reich, or nearby Austria, the city offers a variety of well-curated tours. From walking through the old town to visiting Dachau, each experience provides a different lens into Munich’s complex story. This guide highlights the best options, helping you find a tour that matches your curiosity and schedule.
The Types of Tours on Our List
Our selection covers a range of Munich’s historical attractions, from short and sweet city walks to full-day Nazi history explorations. For those interested in local culture, the City Walk + English Garden offers a quick overview of key landmarks and the chance to watch river surfers. History enthusiasts who want a deeper dive can choose the Munich Nazi History Day Tour, which visits Dachau and key Nazi sites.
For a more personalized experience, consider the Munich: Private History & Beer or the Munich Private & Custom Tour, which tailor the itinerary to your interests. And if you’re eager to explore beyond Munich, the Salzburg Day Trip combines Salzburg’s musical history and stunning sights in Austria.
Below, I’ll walk you through each tour, highlighting what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
1. Munich Craft Beer & Cultural Tour With Snack
At number 1, this tour combines Munich’s brewing tradition with a taste of local culture. For just over $111, you’ll spend about three hours walking through the city with a beer expert, visiting microbreweries and tasting seven different artisanal brews. The tour includes a visit to a microbrewery, along with snacks and non-alcoholic options. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local breweries that are often overlooked by travelers, providing an authentic experience.
Guests rave about the personalized attention and insider tips from the guide, Alberto, who shares both brewing knowledge and Munich stories. The tour also offers a chance to see the Isar River and iconic bridges like Wittelsbacherbrücke, blending sightseeing with beer culture. It’s perfect for beer lovers wanting an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Munich’s craft scene.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want to combine beer tasting, city sights, and local stories in a small-group setting.
2. City Walk + English Garden and Colorful History + Culture in the City Center
For a quick yet rundown of Munich, the City Walk + English Garden is a great option. At about $25, this two-hour tour covers key landmarks like Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and the Hofbräuhaus, along with stories of Munich’s past. You’ll stroll through Viktualienmarkt, soak in the lively atmosphere, and finish with a visit to the English Garden, where you can watch surfers riding the Eisbach wave.
Guests mention guides like Thomas, who make history entertaining and easy to follow. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a snappy introduction to Munich’s highlights without sacrificing depth. It’s also a good way to orient yourself before exploring independently.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers who want a quick, engaging overview of Munich’s major sights and local life.
3. Munich and Nazi History Combination Day Tour Small Group
If you’re interested in Germany’s darker past, this Munich Nazi History Day Tour offers a thorough, 8-hour exploration. It includes a visit to Dachau, the first concentration camp, and a guided walk through Munich focusing on Hitler’s rise and Nazi influence. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who shares detailed insights, making this a compelling educational experience.
Reviews highlight that guides like Alun bring history vividly to life, making it clear why Munich is so tied to this period. It’s suited for history buffs ready for an immersive, in-depth experience and those who want to understand the city’s role in WWII.
Bottom Line: An excellent, full-day tour for serious history explorers interested in WWII and Nazi Germany.
4. Munich: Guided Tour of the historic Town Hall on Marienplatz
This tour offers an inside look at Munich’s iconic Town Hall. Over two hours, a certified guide reveals the building’s fascinating history, architecture, and the secrets behind its famous Glockenspiel. You’ll even get to enjoy the view from the balcony, where celebrations like Bayern Munich’s victories often take place.
Guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the chance to see behind the scenes of one of Munich’s most photographed landmarks. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a focused, in-depth visit to a key historic building without fuss.
Bottom Line: Ideal for architecture and history enthusiasts wanting a personalized, behind-the-scenes tour.
5. Private Sound-of-Music and Historic Salzburg Tour from Munich
For those craving a full-day adventure, this Salzburg Tour combines Salzburg’s musical birthplace, filming locations from The Sound of Music, and its stunning old town. Travel in a luxurious Mercedes minivan, enjoy a walking tour, and visit Mirabell Palace and Mozart’s Birth House.
Guests often highlight the seamless organization and personalized itinerary. At around $777, it’s a splurge but offers a hassle-free way to explore Austria’s cultural treasure. It’s perfect for music lovers, Salzburg fans, or anyone wanting an all-in-one day trip.
Bottom Line: A memorable, comprehensive experience for those who want luxury, culture, and history in one package.
6. Munich: Nazi History 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour
This Nazi History Tour is a concise, impactful walk through Munich’s Nazi past. Over two hours, you’ll visit sites like Odeonsplatz and the former GESTAPO headquarters, with a guide explaining how Munich became the Nazi movement’s center.
Guests praise guides like Alun for their engagement and depth of knowledge. It’s perfect if you want a short, focused overview of Nazi history, especially if you’re limited on time but still want a meaningful experience.
Bottom Line: Great for history lovers wanting a compact, informative walk into Munich’s darker chapters.
7. Munich: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide
This private tour offers the flexibility to explore Munich’s history at your own pace. For around $124 per person, a local guide will create a tailored itinerary, covering sights like Nymphenburg Palace, the Residenz, and St. Peter’s Church. The guide shares personalized insights and recommendations, making this a flexible option.
Guests appreciate the customization and intimate experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want to focus on specific parts of Munich’s history or architecture without the constraints of group schedules.
Bottom Line: The best pick for those seeking a personal touch and flexible itinerary.
8. Salzburg History & Food Private Tour with Munich train add-on
This Salzburg Food & History Tour combines delicious local bites with historic sights in Salzburg. Including train travel from Munich, the tour takes about 7 hours and features visits to Mozart’s Birthplace and Mirabell Palace.
Guests love the ease of train travel and guided food tastings. It’s perfect for visitors who want to combine culinary delights with sightseeing, especially if they’re short on time but want a full culture.
Bottom Line: A tasty, hassle-free day trip suited for foodies and history fans alike.
How to Choose the Right Munich Historical Tour
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. For example, if you’re short on time but want a quick overview, the City Walk + English Garden is perfect. Conversely, if WWII history fascinates you, the Nazi Day Tour offers a comprehensive look at Dachau and Nazi sites.
For those seeking a personalized experience, the private options like Munich Private & Custom Tour or Historic Munich Private Tour provide flexibility and insider tips. Budget-conscious travelers will find value in shorter tours like the Munich Guided Town Hall Tour, which offers a deep dive into a single landmark.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and time, and to ensure a spot on these popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Munich’s wealth of historic tours ensures there’s something for all. From walking through medieval streets and exploring Nazi sites to sampling local beers and visiting Salzburg, each option offers a unique way to connect with the city’s past. Whether you’re a history lover, a culinary explorer, or just curious about Munich’s story, these tours will deepen your understanding of this fascinating city.
If I had to recommend a couple of standout choices, the Munich Craft Beer & Cultural Tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts craving authentic microbrewery visits, while the Nazi History Day Tour suits serious history fans wanting a comprehensive WWII experience. For those pressed for time, the quick-paced Old Town Historic Walking Tour hits all the highlights efficiently.
No matter your choice, booking early guarantees you won’t miss out on these compelling ways to uncover Munich’s past.