Today I want to share my best ideas for indoor activities in Munich when the weather turns bad. We all know that frustrating feeling when rain ruins outdoor plans. But don’t worry! Munich has plenty to keep you busy even on a grey day.
In my list of the best indoor activities in Munich in bad weather, you’ll find a good mix of suggestions that turn a rainy day into a chance to discover something new or simply enjoy a few cosy hours.
Munich really does have something for everyone when the rain shows up. And yes, a few of these are genuine hidden gems that most visitors never find.
Deutsches Museum: For anyone curious about science and technology
The technology museum “Deutsches Museum” is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, and in my opinion, it’s not just for tech enthusiasts. There’s simply so much to discover, and some of the exhibits are hands-on, which keeps things interesting throughout the day.
Given the sheer size of the museum, you can easily spend a full day here, which makes it one of the best indoor activities in Munich on a rainy day.
Note: The museum is currently being renovated and expanded until 2028. Many exhibitions are still open and some new ones have already launched. Check the official Website for the current status before your visit.
Getting there: Take the S-Bahn to Rosenheimer Platz or Isartor, or the U-Bahn to Fraunhoferstraße. From there it’s a short walk to the Museumsinsel on the Isar.
Opening hours & prices: Also available on the official Website. You can also book tickets online in advance.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible. More details here (only available in German).
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More InformationResidenz München: A piece of Bavarian royal history
The Munich Residenz sits right in the heart of the old town and was once home to the kings of Bavaria and other members of the famous House of Wittelsbach. It’s the largest city palace in Germany and houses an impressive collection of art and historical artefacts. The Antiquarium alone, with its stunning vaulted ceiling, is worth the visit. Definitely put this one on your list for indoor activities in Munich on a rainy day.
All information about the Residenz can be found on the official website: https://www.residenz-muenchen.de
You can also combine your visit with a one-hour concert, which takes place ebery Thursday and Saturday. Book in advance only is recommended*. Listening to live music inside those historic walls is a pretty special experience.
Accessibility: Only accessible with assistance.
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More InformationBavaria Upside Down Experience Museum
If you enjoy photography, the Bavaria Upside Down Experience Museum is a fun option for indoor activities in Munich on a rainy day. Everything in this quirky museum is literally turned upside down, which makes for some creative and entertaining photos. Good for all ages and a nice way to spend an hour or two when it’s pouring outside.
Book in advance: You can buy your ticket online via GetYourGuide* to skip the queue.
MVG Museum: Historic Munich public transport
This one is a bit of a hidden gem and a genuine insider tip for indoor activities in Munich in bad weather. The MVG Museum in the south of Munich displays historic trams, buses, and other vehicles from Munich’s past. If you have any interest in urban transport history, this is worth a visit. A quiet and slightly unusual way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Getting there: Take the U-Bahn to Giesing, then Tram 18 to Schwanseestraße.
Website MVG Museum: https://www.mvg.de/
Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible.
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More InformationAlte Pinakothek: One of the world’s great art galleries
More into art than technology? Then the Alte Pinakothek in the lively Maxvorstadt district is a must. The collection covers masterworks from the Middle Ages through to the 18th century, and the gallery ranks among the most important in the world. Everything is indoors, which makes it a natural fit for indoor activities in Munich in bad weather.
Note: The neighbouring Neue Pinakothek is currently closed for renovation until 2029. However, highlights from the 19th-century collection are currently on display in the east wing of the Alte Pinakothek and at the Sammlung Schack. Check the official Website for the current exhibition overview.
Getting there: Around 5 minutes on foot from U-Bahn stations Odeonsplatz, Königsplatz, Theresienstraße or Universität. Or take the tram to Pinakotheken.
Accessibility: Partially accessible. The collection Schack is not wheelchair accessible.
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More InformationBMW Welt and BMW Museum
Not far from the Olympiapark, the BMW Welt and BMW Museum are a solid option for indoor activities in Munich in bad weather, especially if you’re into cars. The BMW Welt (BMW World) exhibition is free to enter. The BMW Museum requires a paid ticket.
Website & Tickets: https://www.bmw-welt.com/
Getting there: U-Bahn U3/U8 to Olympiazentrum.
Accessibility: All areas are wheelchair accessible.
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More InformationExit Games: Puzzles and fun for rainy days
More into interactive challenges? Then one of Munich’s many escape rooms is worth a look. There are plenty of providers with different themed rooms, so you’ll find something that suits. A great pick for indoor activities in Munich when it’s raining. There are even Bavaria-themed rooms inspired by local beer culture, which is very on-brand for the city.
One thing to keep in mind: popular escape rooms in Munich tend to book up fast on rainy days since capacity is limited. If you know bad weather is coming, book online in advance.
A selection of escape room providers in Munich also available in english:
- EscapeGame München: https://escapegame-muenchen.de/
- hunt4hint: https://hunt4hint.de/
- Mystery Rooms München: https://mystery-rooms.com/muenchen/
Motorworld München: Cars, events and a historic venue
In the north of Munich, not far from U-Bahn station Freimann, you’ll find Motorworld, a free-to-visit event space dedicated to automotive culture. Around 30 of the world’s most valuable car brands are on display here. The location itself is also interesting: it’s a former Deutsche Bahn (German railway company) locomotive hall, and the industrial bones of the building have been preserved nicely.
There are regular events here, and the Zenith concert hall, which hosts well-known international acts, is also on site. A few cafés make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours here, even when it’s raining outside.
Check the Motorworld Website before your visit for upcoming events, though you’re welcome to drop in anytime just to look at the cars.
Neues Rathaus: A guided tour through Munich’s city hall
The Neues Rathaus sits right on Marienplatz and is one of Munich’s most recognisable buildings. The Glockenspiel plays daily at 11 am and noon, and at 5 pm in summer, drawing crowds of visitors every year.
FC Bayern fans will also recognise the balcony from countless championship celebrations. But there’s more to the building than its famous façade.
Even on a rainy day, you can explore the Neues Rathaus on a two-hour guided tour with a certified guide* and learn a great deal about Munich’s history. On a clear day, the tower also offers a great view over the city centre.
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More InformationScholars Lounge Irish Pub: A genuine slice of Ireland in Munich
This one is a little different and honestly one of my favourite bar hidden gems in Munich, rainy day or not. The Scholars Lounge Irish Pub has nothing to do with Bavarian culture, but that’s exactly the point. The staff is authentically Irish, and some of them don’t speak a word of German.
In the evenings, especially, the atmosphere here is something you’d expect to find in Dublin rather than Munich. If you’ve ever wondered what a real Irish pub feels like, this is the place to find out. The local Irish community is a regular crowd here.
Tip: Go from around 6 or 7pm. It’s quiet earlier in the day but gets busy later. And yes, it does get properly packed.
Accessibility: Unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. The pub is in a basement reached by stairs.
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More InformationTherme Erding: The world’s largest thermal spa
A bit outside Munich but well worth the trip, Therme Erding is the largest thermal spa in the world. It’s not the cheapest option on this list, but on a rainy day, it’s hard to beat. You can genuinely spend the whole day here between the pools and the sauna area.
I’ve been several times, and my honest recommendation is to go on a weekday if you can. Weekends get very busy. That said, it’s rarely quiet even during the week.
Getting there: S-Bahn (regional train) to Altenerding (S2/S7), then Bus 550/570/580 directly to Therme Erding.
Official Website and Tickets: https://www.therme-erding.de/
Accessibility: Partially accessible. Full details under the FAQ section “Access for the handicapped”.
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More InformationThe best cinemas in Munich including a hidden gem
Like any major city, Munich has a good range of cinemas.
If you’re looking for films in English, here’s what to look for: films listed as “OV” (Original Version) are shown in their original language, which for most current releases means English. “OmU” means the film is in the original language with German subtitles. “OmeU” means original language with English subtitles.
Mathäser am Stachus
The Mathäser is Munich’s most well-known cinema, located right at Stachus. It’s a large, modern multiplex with 14 screens. Some screens have D-Box seats that move with the film.
Programme and tickets: https://www.mathaeser.de/mm/programm#
To find English language screenings: click “Filter” in the top right corner of the programme page, select “OV” and then click “Apply filter” (shown as “Filter anwenden” in German) in the bottom right.
Accessibility: Partially accessible. Full details in the cinema’s FAQ.
Rio Filmpalast
Walking into the Rio Filmpalast feels like stepping back in time. The entrance alone has that old-school cinema charm. The technology inside is modern, and the programme includes original version screenings alongside current releases.
Original version programme: https://www.riopalast.de/.
The website is in German. Use your browser’s translation feature to navigate it.
Barrierefreiheit: Partially accessible. Staff assist wheelchair users into the screening room. The GRETA system is also available.
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More InformationASTOR Film Lounge im ARRI
The ASTOR is a premium cinema experience with unusually designed screens. One of them feels more like a reading room than a cinema and the seats are exceptional. The programme is selective but always includes current releases, with a good selection of original version screenings.
Original version programme: https://muenchen.premiumkino.de/
The website is in German. Use your browser’s translation feature to navigate it.
Accessibility: Partially accessible. Best to contact the cinema beforehand. A pick-up service from the nearest stop is also available.
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