Best Family Photo Locations in Munich: Photographer’s Guide to Iconic & Hidden Spots

Best Family Photo Locations in Munich

If you’re planning a family photo session in Munich, you’re in for a treat — this city has a little bit of everything: historic architecture, peaceful gardens, lakeside views, and colorful neighborhoods that look amazing in photos year-round.

As a family photographer in Munich, I’ve learned that the best sessions happen where kids can move freely, parents can relax, and the backdrop feels effortlessly beautiful.

Here are some of my favorite family photo locations in Munich, with real tips on light, timing, and what makes each one special.

Max Joseph Platz

If you want a timeless, architectural backdrop, Max Joseph Platz is a stunning choice for family portraits.
Right in the heart of Munich, this grand square offers clean lines, pale stone tones, and the iconic facade of the Nationaltheater — perfect for families who want portraits that feel elegant but natural.

Kids can explore the open space while you enjoy the grandeur of Munich’s architecture. It’s especially beautiful in soft morning light, when the square is calm and quiet.

Quick facts:

• Location: Munich city center
  
• Type: Urban architectural square
  
• Cost: Free (no permits needed)
  
• Parking: Underground parking available at the Opera House
  

Photographer tip: Check the Bayerische Staatsoper event calendar before your session — performances or markets can sometimes fill the square.

👉 Read the full Max Josef Platz Family Photo Guide →

Hofgarten

If you’re after a mix of elegance and greenery, Hofgarten delivers. The tree-lined walkways, soft arches, and central pavilion give every photo a sense of symmetry and calm — it’s ideal for relaxed portraits that still feel refined.

It’s also conveniently located next to the Residenz, so you can easily pair both locations in one session.

⏰ Best time: Morning or late afternoon, when sunlight filters through the archways.
❤️ Why I love it: It feels calm and private, even though it’s right in the middle of the city.

Nymphenburg Palace Gardens

For families who want something grand, scenic, and full of variety, Nymphenburg Palace is a dream. You’ll find endless backdrops — from formal palace architecture to open meadows and quiet lakeside paths.

In autumn, it’s especially magical with golden leaves reflecting in the water.

⏰ Best time: Late afternoon for soft light across the gardens.
❤️ Why I love it: You get a full range of looks in one place — classic architecture, open greenery, and reflective water views.

Olympiapark

If your family loves nature and wide open space, Olympiapark is perfect.
Its rolling hills, walking paths, and lakes offer a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe while still showing off the Munich skyline in the background.

Kids can climb, run, or feed ducks — and it all photographs beautifully.

⏰ Best time: Sunset — the light over the hills is warm and golden.
❤️ Why I love it: It’s one of the few places where you get both nature and modern city views in one frame. Special points for visiting while the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. There’s truly nowhere else like it in the city.

Englischer Garten

Englischer Garten is Munich’s most beloved green space — and one of the most versatile spots for family photos. Whether you prefer open meadows, riverside paths, or shaded tree-lined trails, there’s something for every mood and season.

It’s especially gorgeous in spring and early summer when everything is lush and full of color.

⏰ Best time: Morning, before the park gets crowded.
❤️ Why I love it: The mix of open and shaded areas makes it easy to adapt to any light or weather.

Friedensengel – Grand Stairways and City Views

Perched above the Isar, Friedensengel (the Angel of Peace) offers one of Munich’s most striking blends of architecture, fountains, and greenery. The elegant stairways and surrounding terraces create a sense of grandeur, while the elevated view over the city adds a touch of drama to family portraits.

It’s especially beautiful in spring and early summer, when the trees surrounding the monument are full and the light reflects softly off the golden statue. You can capture both close, detailed portraits on the steps and wide shots with sweeping city views below.

⏰ Best time: Early morning or golden hour, when the crowds are light and the city glows in the distance.
❤️ Why I love it: It’s one of those spots that feels both iconic and intimate — a little piece of Munich that gives you history, light, and open space all in one frame.

Photographer tip: Combine this location with a short walk along the Isar or nearby Maximiliansanlagen park for a mix of architectural and natural backdrops within minutes.

Gärtnerplatzviertel

For something more colorful and urban, Gärtnerplatzviertel is a vibrant neighborhood that adds a modern twist to family photos. With its pastel facades, flower-filled plaza, and nearby cafés, it feels cheerful and authentic — a real slice of everyday Munich.

⏰ Best time: Late morning or early evening.
❤️ Why I love it: It brings a lively, modern contrast to the classic side of Munich.

Planning Your Family Session in Munich

No matter which location you choose, the best family photos come from comfort and connection, not perfection.
Whether your kids are exploring the steps at Max Josef Platz, laughing under the trees in Hofgarten, or running across Olympiapark’s hills, your photos will capture real memories in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

If you’re not sure which spot fits your family best, I’m happy to help you plan — from ideal timing to outfit choices that complement the setting.

Ready to plan your family session in Munich?
Get in touch here or browse my Munich family photo portfolio →

Hidden Corners & Local Favorites

Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours walking Munich’s streets — camera in hand — finding those quiet, light-filled corners that don’t show up on any “Top 10” list. Some of my favorite family photos have been taken in these tucked-away spots, where the architecture, texture, and light come together in the simplest ways.

You’ll find little gems scattered through Schwabing’s elegant residential streets, cozy nooks in Haidhausen, and a few timeless backdrops in Munich’s Old Town that change beautifully with the seasons.

These spots are perfect for families who love the idea of something authentic and a little less expected — the kind of setting that feels like “your Munich,” not just the Munich everyone else sees.

Photographer’s note: These sessions are some of my favorites because they blend lifestyle and architecture — moments of connection against the quiet beauty of the city itself.

Make It a Day: Pair Your Session with a Favorite Family Activity

One of my favorite ways to plan a family session is to treat it like part of a day out together — not just an appointment for photos. Munich makes this so easy. After your session, you can wander into a nearby café, bakery, or park and turn the experience into a little family tradition.

If you’re at Max Josef Platz, the cobblestone streets around the Opera House have beautiful cafés where you can sit outside and enjoy a treat together — kids with cocoa, parents with cappuccinos. In Haidhausen or Schwabing, there are so many cozy local spots where laughter and crumb-covered croissants make the perfect end to your morning session.

Adding a relaxed stop like this does more than create great memories — it gives your photos a natural, storytelling flow that feels like you just being you.

Photographer tip: The best sessions happen when everyone’s having fun. Choose a location you love, plan a small activity around it, and let your family’s personality lead the way.

☕ See more: Our Favorite Family-Friendly Cafés in Munich →

Which Location is Right for Your Family?

Each of these locations has its own unique charm, and the best one for your session depends on your family’s personality and style.

• Want open spaces for kids to run freely? Englischer Garten
• Love a classic, regal backdrop? Max Joseph Platz
• Prefer something meaningful & personal? Your own neighborhood

 Still not sure? I’d love to help you choose the perfect spot!

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best time of year for a family photoshoot in Munich?
A: Every season has its magic! Spring has fresh greenery and blossoms, summer offers golden sunsets, autumn is rich with warm tones, and winter gives a cozy, intimate feel.

Q: Can we bring our dog to the session?
A: Yes! Many locations like the English Garden are pet-friendly. I love including furry family members in your photos!

Q: What should we wear for our photoshoot?
A: Neutral, earthy tones photograph beautifully outdoors. Avoid bright logos and neon colors. Check out my What to Wear to your Munich Family Session post for inspiration here.