All About Sunday in Munich and Germany – What’s Open and What’s Closed?

Deals3 weeks ago

If you’re visiting Munich for the first time, you might be in for a surprise when Sunday rolls around. Unlike in many other countries, where Sunday is just another shopping day, Germany treats it as a day of rest. Shops, supermarkets, and many businesses close their doors, and the city slows down considerably. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck with nothing to do. In fact, Sundays in Munich offer a unique opportunity to experience the city in a different, more relaxed way

Why Is Everything Closed on Sundays?

Germany has strict laws (and the state of Bavaria gold plates these laws) that regulate business hours, and Sundays are officially designated as Ruhetage—rest days. This tradition dates back centuries and is rooted in both religious customs and workers‘ rights. Even today, labor laws protect employees’ right to have Sundays off, and while there have been discussions about loosening these restrictions, most Germans still value their quiet Sundays.

For visitors, this means that most retail stores, supermarkets, shopping malls, and even small businesses will be closed. However, there are some exceptions:

✔️ Gas stations (often with small or tiny convenience stores)
✔️ Train station and airport shops (great for last-minute snacks or souvenirs)
✔️ Bakeries (some open for a few hours in the morning, or throughout the day if they are are coffeehouse/Café)
✔️ Tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, cafés and beer gardens
✔️ Emergency Pharmacies (in German: Notfall-Apotheken), regular pharmacies are closed as well.

So while you won’t be able to go on a shopping spree, you certainly won’t go hungry or run out of things to do!

What Can You Do on a Sunday in Munich?

Even though you can’t hit the stores, Sundays in Munich are far from boring. In fact, they offer the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the city like a local.

1. Explore Munich’s Parks and Green Spaces

A Sunday stroll is a beloved tradition in Germany, and Munich’s many parks make for a perfect setting. The English Garden is especially lively on Sundays, with locals jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying a beer at the Chinese Tower beer garden. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Nymphenburg Palace Park or the Olympiapark offer beautiful landscapes and walking trails.

Special tip for avoiding tourist crowds: Luitpoldpark with its hill, the Luitpoldhügel, where you can enjoy a good view over the skyline and even the Alps when the weather conditions allow.

2. Visit Museums – Many Are Discounted on Sundays!

Munich is home to world-class museums, and Sunday is the best day to visit—many of them offer discounted admission for just €1 (approx. 1 USD)! If you’re an art lover, head to the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, or Pinakothek der Moderne. History and technical buffs will love the Deutsches Museum, while beer enthusiasts can explore the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. The list is long for discounted admission:

Alte Pinakothek (one of the oldest galleries in the world which houses a huge collection of Old Master paintings)
Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum, museum of decorative arts)
Pinakothek der Moderne (Museum of modern art)
Museum Brandhorst (modern art)
Glyptothek (collection of Greek and Roman sculptures)
Staatliche Antikensammlung (State Collections of Antiquities)
Museum Fünf Kontinente (shows objects of different cultures, ethnographich museum)
Staatliche Münzsammlung (State Collection of Coins)
Sammlung Schack aka Schackgalerie (Schack Collection aka Schack-Gallery, collection of masterpiece paintings)
Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst (State Museum of Egyptian Art)
Museum Brandhorst (museum of modern art)
Sudetendeutsches Museum (Museum of the Sudenten-Germans, Germans that lived in the border region of the Czech Republic – Bohemia and were forced to leave shortly after World War II)
Archäologische Staatssammlung (Bavarian State Archaeological Collection)

Please be aware, that special or themed exhibitions, hosted for only a short period of time may cost an extra fee.

3. Enjoy a Traditional Bavarian Sunday Meal

Sunday is a time for families to gather over a big, hearty meal. Why not join in? Head to a traditional Bavarian restaurant and order a Schweinebraten (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut) or Käsespätzle (cheesy egg noodles). Many locals also start their Sunday with a classic Weißwurst (white sausage) breakfast, complete with beer, pretzels and sweet mustard.

4. Take a Day Trip to the Bavarian Countryside or even cross the border to Austria

With fewer people commuting and less traffic, Sunday is the perfect day to escape the city. Take a scenic train ride to Neuschwanstein Castle, wander through the charming town of Augsburg, or relax by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Starnberg. The Bayern Ticket, which allows unlimited travel on regional trains for the day, makes these trips easy and affordable. With the train, you can also do a day trip down the scenic line that runs to Salzburg, Austria. There you can enjoy the city where the famous musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, lived and produced musical masterpieces.

5. Experience Munich’s Sunday Markets and Festivals

While regular shopping is off-limits, you might stumble upon a seasonal market or festival. In spring and summer, flea markets and food festivals often take place on Sundays. During December, Munich’s Christmas markets are in full swing, offering a festive atmosphere, mulled wine, and unique gifts.

6. Go Hiking

The Bavarian Alps and the so called Alpine foreland is very near. So grab your hiking boots, a rucksack full of food and go hiking on the many hiking trails just one hour south of Munich. There are many easy hikes for non-experienced hikers and families. Some even suitable for strollers. If you like to get some hiking ideas for non-experienced hikers, read my article „10 Easy Hiking Trails in the Alpine Foreland“.

Final Tips for Enjoying a Sunday in Munich

Plan ahead – If you need groceries or essentials, buy them on Saturday. Supermarkets get very busy in the Saturday evening as locals stock up!
Embrace the relaxed vibe – Instead of shopping, use Sunday as a chance to enjoy the city at a slower pace.
Check opening hours – While many attractions remain open, some may have shorter hours on Sundays.
Join the locals – Do as the Münchners do: Go for a walk, meet friends for coffee, or spend a lazy afternoon in a beer garden.
On-street Parking is free in Munich on Sundays

While Sundays in Germany might feel different at first, they offer a unique glimpse into local life. Instead of rushing through busy shopping streets, you get to experience Munich at a more relaxed, enjoyable pace. So take a deep breath, slow down, and enjoy your Sunday like a true Bavarian!